| Sumathi Valavu | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical Release Poster | |
| Directed by | Vishnu Sasi Shankar |
| Written by | Abhilash Pillai |
| Produced by | Murali Kunnumpurath Gokulam Gopalan |
| Starring | Arjun Ashokan Gokul Suresh Saiju Kurup Balu Varghese Malavika Manoj Sshivada |
| Cinematography | P. V. Shankar[1] |
| Edited by | Shafique Mohamed Ali |
| Music by | Ranjin Raj |
Production companies | Waterman Films LLP Sree Gokulam Movies |
| Distributed by | Dream Big Films[2][3] |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Box office | est.₹25.50 crore [4] |
Sumathi Valavu is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language horror comedy film directed by Vishnu Sasi Shankar and written by Abhilash Pillai.[5][6] The film stars Arjun Ashokan, Gokul Suresh, Saiju Kurup, Balu Varghese, Malavika Manoj and Sshivada in prominent roles.[7][8]
The film is inspired by local folklore and real-life incidents associated with a place of the same name in Mylamoodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. According to legend, a woman named Sumathi, who was pregnant at the time, was murdered by her lover in the 1950s at this location. Since then, The locals have claimed that the area is haunted by her spirit. Over the years, the site has been associated with various supernatural occurrences.[9][10]
Some reports suggest that the ghost stories surrounding the location were exploited by criminal elements to keep people away from the area, enabling illegal activities to go undisturbed. The filmmakers have taken inspiration from these stories and woven them into a fictional horror-comedy narrative[11]. It is currently the 9th highest–grossing film of 2025.
The story is centered on a haunted place called Sumathi Valavu, with the ghost of a Tamil woman guarding it for years. A group of people experience supernatural incidents linked to the location.
The film is produced by Murali Kunnumpurath under Waterman Films LLP in association with Think Studios. Principal photography began in November 2024 in Palakkad, Kerala.[12] Cinematography is handled by P. V. Shankar, with editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali.[13] The film wrapped in March 2025.[14]
The film's music is composed by Ranjin Raj.[15]
The teaser of the film released on 20 April 2025.[16] Sumathi Valavu was released on 1 August 2025. The film released on ZEE5 from 26 September 2026.[17]
On 9 August 2025, following the box office success of Sumathi Valavu, the makers announced a prequel titled Sumathi Valavu 2: The Origin. The film will explore the origins of the folklore behind the haunted locale featured in the original, delving into the tragic events that shaped its legend. Director Vishnu Sasi Shankar, writer Abhilash Pillai, composer Ranjin Raj, and producers Gokulam Gopalan and Murali Kunnumpurath will return for the prequel. While it is yet to be confirmed if the original cast will reprise their roles, the producers stated that several prominent South Indian actors will be part of the project. [18][19]
