After several legal and Covid-19 related delays, Shaji Kailas's Kaduva has finally made it to the theatres, marking Kailas's comeback after 8 years. Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Samyuktha Menon, and Vivek Oberoi in leading roles, Kaduva is an action film. Joining Sukumaran, Menon, and Oberoi in the cast are Baiju, Arjun Ashokan, Kalabhavan Shajon, and Seema in supporting roles.

Kaduva follows Kaduvakunnel Kurian Koruthu AKA Kaduvakunnel Kuravachan (Sukumaran), a young and successful planter from a renowned Christian family in Pala. Known in his hometown as Kaduva, Kurian is one of the town's respected and feared residents. His life goes on a downward spiral when he clashes with another resident, Joseph Chandy (Oberoi). The development of this battle of egos and the resulting impact in their lives and that of those around them forms the crux of the film's story.

Kaduva is a pure action flick. With stylishly shot fight sequences and a larger-than-life lead character, the Prithviraj starrer is a delight for mass entertainment movie lovers. Cinematographer Abinandhan Ramanujam and editor Shameer Muhammed must be given due credit for giving us some goosebumps-inducing scenes in the film. It is such scenes that make the movie a great theatre experience.

Aside from the action, which makes up 60-70% of the movie, Kaduva's screenplay from Jinu V Abraham could have been more exciting. While portions of the first and second half seem slow, much of the film's pace is fitting to the narrative. The ego clash between the two central characters are well developed, making the story's progress believable. Adding to the mass value of the film are the punch dialogues; while some seem lengthy, the overall effect is whistle-worthy.

What takes the cake in Kaduva, however, is Jakes Bejoy's music. With a catchy score for central characters, Bejoy captures the audience's attention early on. The action sequences become richer with the music in the background. The songs are noteworthy as well, especially Paalvarnna Kuthiramel, with its lyrics apt for the situation.

Kaduva is an out-and-out action film and a very formulaic one at that. The movie has several typical aspects of a Shaji Kailas mass entertainer. In fact, the Prithviraj starrer will remind viewers of Kailas's previous works, including Narasimham and Valliettan. All the basic frameworks and archetypes of these movies can be found in Kaduva, as well. However, charming performances from Sukumaran, Oberoi, and the rest of the supporting cast almost make up for the predictability, making it a good watch for action lovers.