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Paappan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJoshiy
Written byRJ Shaan
Produced by
  • Gokulam Gopalan
  • David Kachappilly
  • Raaffi Mathirra
StarringSuresh Gopi
CinematographyAjay David Kachappilly
Edited byShyam Sasidharan
Music byJakes Bejoy
Production
companies
  • Sree Gokulam Movies
  • David Kachappilly Productions
  • Iffaar Media
Distributed by
  • Dream Big Films (India)
  • Phars Films (GCC)
Release date
  • 29 July 2022 (2022-07-29)
Running time
170 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Box officeest. ₹50 crore[1]

Paappan (transl. Dad) is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by Joshiy and written by RJ Shaan. The film was jointly produced by Gokulam Gopalan, David Kachappilly and Raaffi Mathirra. It stars father and son, Suresh Gopi and Gokul Suresh, alongside Neeta Pillai, Asha Sharath, Nyla Usha, Kaniha, and Ajmal Ameer in supporting roles.

Paappan was released on 29 July 2022.[2] The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics and has emerged as a commercial success.[3] The film made its digital premiere on 7 September 2022 on ZEE5.[4][5]

Plot

[edit]

The corpse of Superstar Ravi Varman is found in Pulimala forest. The Kerala Police headed by ASP Vincy Abraham investigate. She suspects Ravi's driver Bullet Rajan, after they discover Rajan's criminal history, his case was investigated by Vincy's estranged father former CI Abraham Mathew "Mathan" alias Paappan. Inspecting the corpse, the cops discover it was Rajan, who was murdered, whilst Ravi is missing. During the postmortem, Vincy learns that Rajan was killed in a way to resemble a heart attack, she also learns there were female prints, along with Ravi's and Rajan's, in Ravi's car. Learning Ravi is shooting a film, Vincy's team interviews him, and Ravi reveals he was having an affair with actress Hiranmayi.

Rajan had dropped them at his farmhouse and left to meet someone in Pulimala. He was shocked to learn of his death from the news. Vincy's team find a riddle 26 (written on Rajan's toes) and a double-edged dagger named Bull's eye dagger, they conclude that a recently-released-from-prison criminal named Iruttan Chacko is the killer.

It is revealed that Paappan was dismissed from service several years earlier for trying to fabricate evidence to ensure that Chacko is sentenced to capital punishment. However, Paappan is held in high regard by the police officers who used to be his colleagues. SP Bhaskar Shenoy appoints Paappan unofficially to investigate the case with Vincy. The next morning, CI Soman's corpse is found in Trivandrum. Vincy learns that Soman was killed the same way as Rajan and had the number 8 written on him. It is revealed that Chacko was a serial killer whom Paappan was after during his service, and Chacko had accidentally killed Paappan's wife Nancy, when she tried to save Paappan from being killed by Chacko. The infamous dagger which was being used by Chacko to kill all his victims, gets lost in the hussle, and to overcome this technical hurdle and ensure that Chacko is hanged, Paappan fabricated a dagger. But Paappan's ploy was discovered in the trial court, and the court ordered him to be dismissed from service. Chacko was imprisoned for various other offences, but escaped conviction and capital punishment for many of his murders due to the absence of original dagger as evidence.

One night, a stranger sneaks into forensic doctor Sherly Somasundaram's house. Sherly informs Vincy, who assumes the stranger is Chacko and tries to catch him, to no avail. Vincy receives footage of Paappan meeting Chacko in prison and with the help of an analyser, she learns Paappan had planned to meet Chacko after he got released. Vincy suspects Paappan of having Chacko hired as the killer. While checking people who met Chacko, Vincy learns that a woman, Aisha Fathima, came to visit Chacko. In investigation, it is revealed that Aisha Fathima was a fake name and the woman was actually a nun who works at the orphanage which takes care of Chacko's mother Kunjamma. Vincy finds Chacko's location by tapping his phone call to Kunjamma. However, at his address, Vincy finds Chacko chained-up and concludes someone else is behind the killings.

Paappan feels the real killer is trying to communicate something to the police, and in order to make the killer say it out loud, advises Bhaskar to hold a press meet and falsely announce that Chacko is the killer. Bhaskar holds a press meeting and falsely closes the case in order to lure the real killer. Subsequently, Vincy's husband Siddharth receives a package containing an invitation to attend a meet-the-author ceremony of a book 'Rahasya-the killer has a past'. The package also contained the book titled Rahasya-the killer has a past with pages 95 and 96 torn, which leads them to suspect the numbers when read together could be a date 26-8-95/96. They spy on the book's author Dr. Priya Nalini akaDraupadi, at the ceremony. However, they learn that Priya's husband Adv. Jayashankar was the killer's target and he is killed in a car explosion while the ceremony is taking place. Meanwhile, it is shown that Paappan is in search of some evidence by using an old school photo taken at a school in Pulimala with the help of his son Michael. Paappan and Michael learn about Simon, who was accused of absconding after stealing a golden cross from the church of Pulimala. He learns that Simon and his upper-caste classmate Bennitta Issac Puthenpuraykal were in love, but her family learnt this and fixed Bennita's marriage to someone else on 26 August 1996. Paappan finds it odd that Simon and the golden cross goes missing on the eve of Bennitta's fixed marriage. He also learns from the church records that Bennitta's marriage got cancelled due to some undisclosed reason.

Bennitta's family members; her father Issac, mother Kathrina, brother Fr. Bennett had died mysteriously. Using age progression technology, Paappan scans Bennitta's photo and finds that Sherly is Bennitta, and kidnaps her with Michael's help. It was Michael who had sneaked into Sherly's house and recovered an old school photo from Pulimala school in Sherly's album. Paappan had directed Michael to spy on her because he was suspicious about her from the beginning. Paappan reveals the findings to Bhaskar and Vincy, where Vincy learns that Jayashankar, Soman and Bennitta's brother Fr. Bennet were college friends. Paappan interrogates Bennitta and learns that Simon was brutally murdered by her family, Rajan, Jayashankar, Soman and Fr. Bennet in an honour killing incident. Bennitta had to helplessly watch Simon being killed, burnt to death and later blamed for stealing the cross and running away.

Bennitta vowed vengeance and had secretly killed her family members. As Sherly was making this confession to Paappan, Vincy also received Jayashankar's confession about the honour killing. Sherly says that she plotted this whole thing for the world to discover the truth abou Simon's death. Paappan and Bhaskar find Simon's skeletal remains and the lost golden cross of the Pulimala church near the place where Rajan's body had been found in the beginning. Simon's innocence is proven before all, and Sherly comments her job is over and that she may be arrested. But Paappan reveals that there is more to the story as Simon's younger brother Solomon was also involved with Bennitta, as is evident from old airplane details showing that Solomon accompanied Bennitta to the UK years ago. Simultaneously, he receives a call from Solomon, who had kidnapped Vincy, who had gone in search of Adv.Jayashankar's body. Paappan meets Solomon at the Pulimala church and it is revealed that Paappan was also present in the vicinity on the same fateful night where Simon's death occurred. A young Solomon, aware of Paappan's identity as a police officer, had rushed to his place of stay and begged him to accompany him to save his elder brother who was going to be killed. But the 5-year old Vincy had met with an electric shock at the same time and was in a critical stage and Paappan had painfully chosen to save his daughter's life by taking her to hospital instead of going with Solomon to save his brother's life. From that day, Solomon has been holding a grudge against Paappan because he failed in his duty as police officer, he failed to protect his brother despite being informed of the matter. The punishment he has decided for Paappan is to have his same fate- look on as his own blood is burning to death. Solomon locks Vincy in a coffin and puts it in the electric crematorium in the church cemetery and sets it alight. In a fight, Paappan manages to open the machine and save Vincy but Michael who intervenes to help, is held at gunpoint by Solomon. Left with no other choice, Paappan kills Solomon with Chacko's double headed dagger and saves his children from all future dangers from Solomon. Paappan surrenders for killing Solomon. Three years later, Paappan is released from prison and reunites with Vincy and his family.

Cast

[edit]
  • Suresh Gopi as Former Ranny Police Station Ex- CI Abraham Mathew Mathan/Paappan
  • Neeta Pillai as Pathanamthitta ASP Vincy Abraham IPS, Paappan's Daughter (voiceover by Riya Saira)
    • Baby Kanmani as Younger Vincy
  • Gokul Suresh as Michael, Paappan's adopted son
  • Vijayaraghavan as Pathanamthitta SP Bhaskar Shenoy IPS
  • Asha Sharath as forensic Dr. Sherly Somasundaram / Bennitta Issac John Puthenpuraykal, The Main Antagonist - 1
  • Nyla Usha as Nancy Abraham, Paappan's wife and Vincy's mother
  • Kaniha as Sussan, Michael's mother (voiceover by Vimmy Mariam George)
  • Chandunath as Sidharth Nath /Sidharthan /Sidhan, Vincy's husband
  • Ajmal Ameer in a dual role as
    • Simon, Bennitta's love interest
    • Solomon, Simon's Younger Brother And The Serial Killer
  • Janardhanan as Dr. Pattabhiraman, Rtd. Forensic Surgeon
  • Sajitha Madathil as Kathrina Puthenpuraykal, Bennitta's mother
  • Nandhu as ASI Raghavan
  • Tini Tom as CI Soman Nair
  • Shammi Thilakan as Iruttan Chacko
  • Abhishek Raveendran as SI Sabu
  • Dayyana Hameed as Rituparna
  • Sadhika Venugopal as constable Girija
  • Baiju Jose as Forensic Officer Dr. Nandan
  • Sreejith Ravi as "Bullet" Rajan, Driver Of Actor Ravi Varman
  • Rahul Madhav as super star Ravi Varman aka Raviji
  • Meenakshi Dinesh as Actress Hiranmayi
  • Jewel Mary as Writer Dr. Priya Nalini / Draupadi (cameo)
  • Malavika Menon as Sister Anitha / Aisha Fathima
  • Rosin Jolly as Ravi's wife
  • Parvathi T. as Dr. Radhika Menon
  • Preetha Pradeep as Police officer's wife
  • Chali Pala as ASI Sathyanath
  • Nirmal Palazhi as Issac John Puthenpuraykal, Bennitta's father
  • Srikanth Murali as Police Forensic Surgeon Dr Ammer
  • Madan Mohan as Benett Issac, Bennitta's elder brother
  • Benzi Mathews as Advocate Jayashankar, Priya Nalini's husband
  • Nandhu Pothuval as Pothuval, Ravi Varman's manager
  • Kottayam Ramesh as Judge
  • Sinoj Varghese as Paulose
  • Savithri Sreedharan as Kunjamma, Chacko's mother
  • Sanuja Somanath as Forensic Assistant Dr. Anupama
  • Saniya Babu as Nithya
  • Laya Simpson as Mariyam
  • Jordi Poonjar
  • Sundarapandiyan as police officer
  • George Abraham as CI Rajashekhar

Production

[edit]

On 14 February 2021, Suresh Gopi announced that he will be teaming up with director Joshiy for his 252nd[6] venture. Writer RJ Shaan, cinematographer Ajay David Kachappilly and composer Jakes Bejoy were also reported to be part of the film.[7] The official title Paappan was announced with a poster on the following day. According to the writer, it is a family-oriented film.[8]

Nyla Usha was reported to play the female lead. Sunny Wayne, Neeta Pillai, Gokul Suresh, Kaniha and Asha Sharath were also signed to be part of the film.[9] The film marks the first time on-screen collaboration of Suresh Gopi and son Gokul Suresh.[10] The cast additions included Chandhunadh, Vijayaraghavan, Tini Tom and Shammi Thilakan.[8] Jewel Mary was reported to make a cameo appearance in the film.[11] Actress Dayyana Hameed confirmed her inclusion in the film, stating that she will play the role of a contemporary dancer.[12] Kaniha plays Gopi's Sister in the film.[13]

Principal photography began on 5 March 2021 in Kanjirappally.[14] The same day, Gopi shared an image of his character with a salt and pepper look.[10] On 10 March 2021, Gopi was hospitalized after being infected with pneumonia while shooting.[15] On his discharge, he was asked to contest as the NDA candidate in the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election from Thrissur and began campaigning.[16] He rejoined the sets of the film post elections.[17]

Release

[edit]

Paappan was released on 29 July 2022.[2]

Box office

[edit]

Paapan took a worldwide opening of ₹4 crores with ₹3.5 crores and ₹11 crores on the first weekend in Kerala and ₹14 crore worldwide.[citation needed] The film grossed over ₹35 crores from the Indian box office and collected ₹50 crore worldwide in 20 days.[1]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Paappan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Paappan is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by Joshiy and written by R. J. Shaan. The story centers on Abraham Mathew Mathan, known as Paappan, a voluntarily retired Superintendent of Police from the Crime Branch who is reluctantly reinstated to investigate a series of gruesome murders linked to a past case. Starring Suresh Gopi in the lead role, the film explores themes of familial estrangement and police investigation as Paappan teams up with his daughter, ACP Vincy Abraham, to uncover a serial killer's motives. Produced by David Kachappilly and Raaffi Mathirra under the banner of Maruthi Cinemas, Paappan features a supporting cast including , , and , with music composed by . Released on 29 July 2022, the film marked a significant comeback for in lead roles after a hiatus from mainstream cinema. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Gopi's performance and the thriller elements but criticized the excessive , predictable twists, and lengthy runtime. Commercially, Paappan emerged as a hit, grossing over ₹10 in within its first week despite challenging weather conditions and collecting approximately ₹17 in the state over ten days, contributing to its superhit status in the . The film's success underscored the enduring appeal of investigative thrillers and Joshiy's directorial style in regional cinema.

Production

Development

Paappan was conceived as a Malayalam-language crime thriller centered on a police investigation intertwined with themes of family redemption, with attached as director and as . The project originated from Shaan's script, which drew on investigative procedural elements and personal familial conflicts to drive the narrative, marking Joshiy's follow-up to his 2019 film . The film was formally announced on February 15, 2021, highlighting Suresh Gopi's return to a lead role as a cop after a period of reduced prominence in starring investigative characters, a shift he had maintained since the mid-2010s. Producers David Kachappilly, under David Kachappilly Productions, initiated , later joined by Raaffi Mathirra of Iffaar Media and Gopalan of Sree Gokulam Movies, emphasizing a high-stakes thriller with Joshiy's signature suspenseful pacing. Pre-production planning targeted to commence in March 2021, aligning with a projected theatrical release to capitalize on post-pandemic cinema recovery, with creative decisions prioritizing layered investigative twists and character-driven redemption arcs to distinguish it from conventional cop dramas. Joshiy's vision focused on blending gritty realism with emotional family stakes, informed by Shaan's screenplay structure that incorporates multiple timeline shifts for narrative depth.

Casting

Suresh Gopi was cast in the lead role of Abraham Mathew Mathan, known as Paappan, a retired Superintendent of Police reinstated to probe a high-profile murder investigation, representing a return to his signature mass-hero persona in after focusing on character-driven parts. Director , known for action thrillers, selected for his experience in portraying authoritative figures, drawing from their prior collaborations in films emphasizing elements. Neeta Pillai was chosen to portray ASP Vincy Abraham, Paappan's estranged daughter and a serving whose professional tensions with her father drive key interpersonal dynamics. , Gopi's real-life son, was cast in the supporting role of Michael, an investigative team member aiding the case, marking a notable father-son on-screen pairing that added familial authenticity to the ensemble. Tini Tom was assigned the role of CI Soman Nair, a senior colleague in setup, contributing to the film's depiction of hierarchical departmental interactions through his established comedic and dramatic range in roles. The casting prioritized seasoned performers like as Dr. Sherly Somasundaram and as Nancy Abraham to ensure credible portrayals of professional and familial figures within the context, avoiding untested talent in pivotal positions.

Filming

Principal photography for Paappan began on 5 March 2021 in , , with initial shoots focusing on key investigative sequences set in rural and semi-urban environments. The production utilized locations across , including Pala, , and , to authentically depict operations, chases, and crime scene interrogations reflective of the film's regional thriller narrative. Shooting progressed in multiple schedules, with the second phase resuming on 13 December 2021 after a brief halt due to scheduling constraints, continuing in the same locales to capture extended action and dialogue-heavy scenes. Cinematographer Ajay David Kachappilly employed techniques suited to the crime thriller genre, including dynamic tracking shots for pursuits and low-light setups for nocturnal investigations, enhancing the film's tense atmosphere without relying on extensive VFX. The principal shoot wrapped in early 2022 across four schedules, allowing time for refinements ahead of the film's release. In , editor Sasidharan refined the footage to achieve a 170-minute runtime, prioritizing tight pacing for suspenseful reveals while trimming redundant exposition to sustain through the investigation's twists. This process ensured the final cut balanced the director's vision of procedural realism with commercial thriller demands, avoiding prolonged lulls in the 169–170-minute structure.

Cast

Main cast

Suresh Gopi stars as Abraham Mathew Mathan, alias Paappan, a voluntarily retired Superintendent of Police from the Crime Branch who possesses an authoritative presence and spearheads the central investigation after being reinstated. His performance draws on his history of portraying resolute law enforcement figures in , emphasizing a commanding demeanor amid professional challenges. Neeta Pillai plays Vincy Abraham, Paappan's daughter and an of Police who leads the investigative team, embodying generational tensions and authoritative clashes with her father in their professional interactions. Her role highlights a determined navigating complex dynamics, contributing to the film's exploration of familial and hierarchical conflicts within the force. portrays Michael, a junior team member assisting in the case progression and underscoring collaborative investigative efforts alongside the leads. This marks his on-screen collaboration with his father, , in a supporting yet pivotal capacity that advances team-oriented aspects of the narrative.

Supporting cast

Tini Tom portrays CI Soman Nair, a circle inspector assisting in the early stages of the police investigation, contributing to the procedural elements of the thriller. His performance, alongside other ensemble members, supports the film's depiction of coordinated law enforcement efforts in . Shammi Thilakan plays Iruttan Chacko, a suspect whose interrogation scenes add tension and memorable interactions to the narrative. Reviewers praised Thilakan's restrained yet impactful delivery, particularly in post-interval sequences that highlight character dynamics without exaggeration, enhancing the supporting layer's realism in the investigative framework. Nandhu appears as ASI Raghavan, one of the initial responders at the , bolstering the ensemble's representation of routine police operations. Additional supporting roles, including as a senior DSP, provide procedural depth and authority figures that ground the story in authentic policing hierarchies, with actors delivering competent portrayals that avoid melodramatic excess.

Plot

Synopsis

centers on Abraham Mathew Mathan, a retired Superintendent of Police known as Paappan, who is reluctantly reinstated by the to investigate a series of gruesome murders connected to unresolved past crimes. The case draws personal involvement as Paappan's estranged daughter, ACP Vincy Abraham, leads the initial probe, forcing the estranged father-daughter duo to collaborate amid procedural challenges and links to a suspect previously released from custody. The 169-minute thriller unfolds as a methodical crime investigation, prioritizing deduction over action sequences, with Paappan methodically tracing clues that intertwine historical offenses with contemporary killings.

Themes and character arcs

The central theme of Paappan revolves around redemption through familial reconciliation, particularly the strained father-daughter dynamic between the protagonist Abraham Mathew Mathan (Paappan) and his daughter Vincy Abraham, an IPS officer, which is woven into the investigative framework to highlight personal amid professional obligations. This motif underscores the causal consequences of past paternal decisions—such as Paappan's forced exit from the force due to a prior ethical lapse—on bonds, portraying not as sentimental excess but as a pragmatic resolution enabled by shared pursuit of truth in case-solving. Another key theme is the portrayal of as instrumental agents of , emphasizing empirical investigative logic over procedural bureaucracy or emotional indulgence, with the narrative critiquing systemic vulnerabilities that allow past to resurface. Paappan's involvement critiques modern dilutions of authority by illustrating how experienced, unyielding paternal figures—rooted in traditional duty—can restore order against institutional flaws, as evidenced by his protective oversight of Vincy during the probe. This realism in police methodology prioritizes verifiable chains and confrontations mirroring the protagonist's history, reinforcing causal in crime resolution. Paappan's traces a reluctant return from voluntary retirement to active heroism, driven by the case's to his unresolved past, culminating in personal vindication through evidential triumphs rather than mere confrontation. Vincy's parallel development shifts from professional antagonism toward her father—stemming from inherited estrangement—to collaborative reliance, enabling mutual closure without undermining her autonomy, as their joint deductions expose deeper truths. These arcs collectively affirm that individual agency, informed by empirical rigor, can mend relational fractures caused by prior failures.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Paappan features two original songs composed by , prioritizing narrative momentum over extended musical sequences. These tracks integrate lyrical content in , drawing on regional linguistic nuances to evoke emotional depth without disrupting the film's investigative rhythm. "Neeyennoralil", released on , 2022, is performed by with lyrics penned by Jyothish K Kasi. The song's builds through layered , highlighting introspective verses that underscore personal resolve amid relational bonds. "Mayamanjin", released on July 28, 2022, features vocals by Libin Scaria. Its composition employs rhythmic pulses and melodic contours to convey underlying intrigue, with reflecting contemplative introspection suited to sequences of unfolding revelations. Both songs were issued ahead of the film's August 18, 2022, premiere, functioning as promotional releases to build anticipation while maintaining a sparse musical footprint in the feature.

Background score

The background score for Paappan was composed by , featuring instrumental cues designed to build tension in the film's investigation sequences and confrontations. Tracks such as "First Victim" and "Paappan's Entry" underscore key moments of , including revelations and character pursuits, utilizing rhythmic percussion and string arrangements to propel the without lyrical interruption. This approach supports the procedural's focus on methodical work, employing subtle swells to heighten urgency in dialogue-driven interrogations and uncovers, as noted in early viewer reactions highlighting its role in elevating thriller elements. Bejoy's score avoids excessive , prioritizing atmospheric restraint to align with the story's empirical progression of clues and motives, though some critiques observed occasional overemphasis that risked drowning subtler exchanges.

Release

Theatrical release

Paappan had its world premiere with a wide theatrical release in and other parts of on , 2022. The film was marketed as a comeback vehicle for in an investigative police role, emphasizing his return to the genre after a hiatus from lead action parts. Trailers promoted the narrative's twists, crime thriller elements, and police drama, targeting the core -speaking audience in . The distribution was handled by Sree Gokulam Movies, which managed the rollout across regional theaters without significant postponements from the announced schedule. This timing aligned with the gradual recovery of cinema exhibition in following restrictions, allowing for standard multiplex and single-screen screenings.

Distribution and home media

Paappan premiered on the OTT platform on September 7, 2022, following its theatrical run, making it accessible for digital streaming in and select international markets. The film later became available on ETV Win, with a Telugu-dubbed version promoted via trailers on the platform to expand appeal across Indian languages. Hindi-dubbed editions emerged on channels and video sites, broadening accessibility for non-Malayalam audiences. By late September 2025, the original Malayalam version was uploaded in full HD on YouTube by producer Iffaar Media, enabling free viewing for global users and supporting archival access for thriller genre fans. No official physical home media releases, such as DVD or Blu-ray, have been documented, limiting tangible formats to digital streams. Internationally, distribution focused on streaming via ZEE5, which caters to Indian diaspora communities in regions like the Gulf countries, though availability varies by territory; for instance, it remains unavailable in the United States as of recent checks. This approach targeted expatriate viewers in UAE and similar markets, where theatrical screenings occurred in August 2022, without dedicated physical exports noted.

Commercial performance

Box office

Paappan collected ₹2.15 net in on its , July 29, 2022. Daily collections peaked on the third day at ₹2.99 net, with the opening weekend totaling ₹7.49 net in . The film amassed ₹16.6 net and ₹19.6 gross in , predominantly from where it earned approximately ₹17.9 gross in the initial weeks. Overseas markets contributed the remainder, leading to a worldwide gross of ₹28.2 . Made on a budget of ₹10 , the production recovered costs through theatrical earnings alone.

Reception

Critical response

Critics praised Paappan for its engaging investigative thriller structure, particularly the series of twists that sustain throughout the narrative. noted that director "has maintained the of the investigation till the last frame, filling the story with several twists," highlighting the fast-paced first half and breathtaking procedural scenes. Similarly, described the film as featuring "a twist after every five minutes," with the route to the killer littered by red herrings that link to past murders, adding layers to the crime probe. OTTPlay commended the well-crafted investigation core, which integrates past and present events while exploring moral ambiguities in criminal motivations. Suresh Gopi's performance as the retired cop Abraham Mathew Mathan received widespread acclaim for its commanding yet subdued intensity, marking a return to form without relying on over-the-top heroism. emphasized Gopi's portrayal of a "wounded cop recovering from his many scars," delivered with emotional depth and a laid-back demeanor. observed that Gopi "looks stunning in many scenes," anchoring the procedural authenticity of the role. OTTPlay further praised his mature handling of redemption themes, prioritizing script fidelity over mass appeal. Neeta Pillai's depiction of the young investigator Vincy was also highlighted for injecting fresh energy and competence into the ensemble. However, the film's 170-minute runtime drew consistent criticism for leading to pacing fatigue and excessive , particularly in the second half. critiqued the latter portion for moving "at a snail's pace, with too much melodrama, relationship issues and such." described it as a "largely exhausting film" with patience-testing developments, hammy performances, and an outdated feel amid superior global thrillers, rating it 2/5 despite clever twists. suggested trimming the conventional climax to address obtrusive background music and confusing red herrings. Overall, reviews reflected a mixed consensus, with average ratings around 3 to 3.5 out of 5, appreciating the solid core of procedural intrigue and veteran performances but faulting uneven execution that dilutes tension through length and sentimentality. While the thriller elements provide value for genre fans, critics noted logical strains from overloaded subplots and a reliance on formulaic tropes.

Audience response

Audience reception to Paappan was generally positive among fans of traditional thrillers, with many praising its suspenseful narrative and 's lead performance as a redeeming factor in his acting career resurgence. The film's user rating stands at 6.7 out of 10, based on over 2,600 votes, reflecting a divided but leaning favorable response from viewers who appreciated the investigative plot twists and family redemption themes. On platforms like , netizens highlighted the movie's mass entertainer appeal, often calling it a "massive comeback" for in cop-thriller roles. Positive sentiments frequently centered on the engaging climax and emotional family arcs, with Reddit users noting the film's solid construction despite flaws, and praising underutilized supporting elements like Shammi Thilakan's role. Viewers in expressed strong regional affinity, viewing it as a satisfying throwback to classic investigation thrillers that prioritize plot momentum over arthouse experimentation, contributing to its word-of-mouth success among local audiences. Criticisms from audiences included complaints about slow pacing in the first half, which some described as dragging like a television serial with predictable sequences, and dubbing inconsistencies that disrupted immersion. Additional detractors pointed to underutilized members beyond and an overall reliance on his presence to carry weaker ensemble dynamics, leading to perceptions of average execution in non-lead roles. These issues contributed to the film's polarized reception, appealing more to genre loyalists than broader viewers seeking polished pacing.

Accolades

Paappan received limited formal recognition in major award ceremonies following its release. The film was submitted for consideration in the for , as listed among feature films eligible for evaluation by the . However, it did not win any categories in the announced in 2023, where Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam took Best Film and other honors went to films like for Second Best Film. Suresh Gopi's lead performance as the titular ex-cop was highlighted in regional media for revitalizing his action-hero persona after a period of selective roles, though this appreciation did not translate into specific acting awards. The film also lacked nominations or wins at national-level honors such as the National Film Awards, underscoring its primary success in commercial metrics rather than prestigious artistic validations. No technical aspects, including Joshiy's direction or the score, secured notable accolades in peer-reviewed or industry-standard ceremonies up to 2025.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14056670/
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/845343
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  4. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/paappan-movie-review-suresh-gopi-and-neeta-pillai-shine-in-joshiys-crime-thriller/article65702902.ece
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/paappan-box-office-collection-heres-how-much-suresh-gopis-thriller-earned-on-day-7/articleshow/93366639.cms
  6. https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2022/paappan-box-office-collection-10-days-suresh-gopi-s-investigation-drama-is-a-superhit-338804.html
  7. https://www.ibtimes.co.in/paappan-rampage-continues-mollywood-box-office-suresh-gopis-film-creates-storm-kerala-850947
  8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/suresh-gopis-paappan-helmed-by-joshiy-is-a-family-based-movie-says-rj-shaan/articleshow/80920640.cms
  9. https://www.mallurelease.com/2021/02/paappan.html
  10. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/suresh-gopi-gokul-suresh-joshiy-paappan-movie-5ca56c31
  11. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/paappan-trailer-suresh-gopis-comeback-as-a-fierce-cop-promises-an-investigation-thriller/articleshow/90890705.cms
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14056670/companycredits
  13. https://www.news18.com/news/movies/suresh-gopis-paappan-directed-by-joshiy-out-in-theatres-5648947.html
  14. https://www.ottplay.com/news/two-years-of-paappan-reasons-to-watch-suresh-gopi-starrer-zee5/64156f73e0524
  15. https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/movies/paappan/cast-crew.html
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14056670/fullcredits/
  17. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/suresh-gopi-starts-dubbing-for-joshiys-directorial-paappan/articleshow/89567068.cms
  18. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/joshiys-paappan-starring-suresh-gopi-will-start-rolling-on-this-date/articleshow/81275317.cms
  19. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/suresh-gopi-gokul-suresh-film-paappan-shoot-progressing-at-a-warp-speed-see-location-pics/articleshow/88272947.cms
  20. https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2021/Dec/13/suresh-gopi-joshiys-paappanto-resume-from-december-second-week-28407.html
  21. https://www.ottplay.com/news/suresh-gopi-and-joshiys-drama-thriller-paappan-gets-a-release-date-heres-when-the-film-will-hit-theatres/e38f7c0694507
  22. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/Jul/30/review--paappan-few-neat-touches-in-largely-exhausting-film-2482021.html
  23. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/paappan
  24. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/suresh-gopis-paappan-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/92878788.cms
  25. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/08/07/neeta-pillai-thrilled-have-young-ips-officer-pappan.html
  26. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/gokul-suresh-paappan-has-been-a-fruitful-journey-for-me/articleshow/93640581.cms
  27. https://www.ranjithsliterature.com/blog/paappan-a-class-act-of-the-veterans
  28. https://lensmenreviews.com/paappan-malayalam-movie-review-2022/
  29. https://mywritingstable.wordpress.com/2022/07/30/paappan-review-a-neat-thriller-with-slice-of-emotional-touch/
  30. https://moviesofthesoul.com/2022/09/08/paappan/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14056670/plotsummary/
  32. https://www.popcorn.app/sg/paappan/movie/16123
  33. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2022/07/29/suresh-gopi-joshiy-paappan-movie-review.html
  34. https://www.ottplay.com/review/paappan-movie-review-suresh-gopi-neeta-pillai-anchor-joshiys-pacy-crime-drama-about-redemption-and-closure/f8b869ea87201
  35. https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/review/2022/Jul/29/paappan-movie-review-few-neat-touches-in-a-largely-exhausting-film-33217.html
  36. https://en.msidb.org/m.php?9380
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzytYEkBCAE
  38. https://music.apple.com/us/song/neeyennoralil-from-paappan/1689885029
  39. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/malayalam/paappan-song-neeyennoralil-lyrical/videoshow/92961200.cms
  40. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/malayalam/paappan-song-mayamanjin-lyrical/videoshow/93182885.cms
  41. https://open.spotify.com/track/3Jj35jXzhCrONKVNYZPIUh
  42. https://www.raaga.com/malayalam/movie/paappan-songs-M0003926
  43. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/paappan-twitter-review-netizens-praise-suresh-gopis-investigation-thriller/articleshow/93205127.cms
  44. https://music.apple.com/us/album/paappan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1690057922
  45. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14056670/releaseinfo
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14056670/companycredits/
  47. https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/paappan-on-ott-platform-release-date-where-to-watch-cast-and-plot-1997444-2022-09-07
  48. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/suresh-gopis-investigation-thriller-paappan-gets-an-ott-release-date/articleshow/93921905.cms
  49. https://www.etvwin.com/original-movies/paappan
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGWyzOOfp3M
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJWKuj2oH0Y
  52. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9immue
  53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mTrNdQtWMs
  54. https://www.blu-ray.com/Paappan/1596774/
  55. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/paappan
  56. https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/paappan
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14056670/releaseinfo/
  58. https://www.sacnilk.com/news/Paappan_2022_Box_Office_Collection_Day_Wise_Worldwide
  59. https://thefilmbiopsy.com/pappan-crosses-25cr-worldwide/
  60. https://www.bollymoviereviewz.com/2022/08/paappan-budget-box-office-collection-day-3-worldwide.html
  61. https://www.reddit.com/r/MalayalamMovies/comments/wawces/paappan_july_29_2022_official_discussion_and_poll/
  62. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14056670/reviews/
  63. https://images.assettype.com/thefourthonline/2023-03/99711547-3023-48ff-88d9-c46505272f05/rti__2_.pdf
  64. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kerala-state-film-awards-2022-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-minister-saji-cherian-distribute-awards/articleshow/103682260.cms
  65. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/08/19/paapan-suresh-gopi-successful-50-theatre-run.html
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