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{{short description|2022 Indian film directed by Shaji Kailas}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Kaduva
| image = Kaduva.film.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Shaji Kailas]]
| producer = [[Supriya Menon]]<br />[[Listin Stephen]]
| writer = Jinu V. Abraham
| starring = [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]]<br/>[[Vivek Oberoi]]<br />[[Samyuktha Menon]]
| music = [[Jakes Bejoy]]
| cinematography = [[Abinandhan Ramanujam]]
| editing = [[Shameer Muhammed]]
| studio = Prithviraj Productions<br />[[Magic Frames]]
| distributor = Magic Frames
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2022|07|07}}
| runtime = 154 minutes
| country = India
| language = Malayalam
| budget = 
| gross = {{INR}}50 crore<ref name="BO">{{cite web |date=2 August 2022 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/prithviraj-sukumarans-kaduva-crosses-rs-50-crores-in-the-box-office-collection/articleshow/93301604.cms|title=Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Kaduva' crosses Rs 50 crores in the box office collection |website=[[Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Kaduva' crosses Rs 50 crores in the box office collection - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/prithviraj-sukumarans-kaduva-crosses-rs-50-crores-in-the-box-office-collection/articleshow/93301604.cms |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
}}

'''''Kaduva''''' ({{Translation|Tiger}}) is a 2022 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[action film]] directed by [[Shaji Kailas]], written by Jinu V. Abraham and produced by Prithviraj Productions and [[Magic Frames]]. It stars [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]], alongside [[Vivek Oberoi]], [[Arjun Ashokan]], [[Samyuktha Menon]], [[Alencier Ley Lopez]], [[Baiju Santhosh]] and [[Kalabhavan Shajohn]]. Set in 1990s, ''Kaduva'' revolves around an ego war between Kaduvakunnel Kuriyachan, an arrogant businessman and [[Inspector-general of police|IG]] Joseph Chandy.

[[Principal photography]] took place from April 2021 to March 2022 at [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]], [[Erattupetta]], [[Vandiperiyar]], [[Mundakkayam]] and [[Ernakulam]]. [[Jakes Bejoy]] composed the soundtrack and [[film score]], while the cinematography and editing were handled by [[Abinandhan Ramanujam]] and [[Shameer Muhammed]] respectively.

''Kaduva'' was released on 7 July 2022 to mixed reviews from critics and became the [[List of Malayalam films of 2022|third highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2022]].

==Plot==
In the late 1990s, Kaduvakunnel Kurian Koruthu alias Kuriyachan "Kaduva", a wealthy and arrogant businessman in [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]], is brought to the district jail in [[Kottayam]], where a murder attempt is made on him by three goons from [[Kottarakkara]] sub-jail under the orders of [[Inspector General of Police|IG]] Joseph Chandy alias Ousepputty, but Kaduva defeats them. Before getting arrested, Kaduva was living a happy life with his family consisting of his wife Elsa and children Tessa, Eva and Chacko. However, Kaduva, due to his arrogance, had an ego-war with Joseph by speaking bad about Joseph's son, who has [[down syndrome]], resulting Joseph to dislike Kaduva. When Joseph's mother Theruthi Chedathi lied that a piano was gifted to the church's perverted priest [[Church Father|Fr.]] Robin Poovampura, instead of the church, Kaduva insults Joseph's late father Karikandhathil Chandichayan, making Joseph and Theruthi Chedathi to swear vengeance on Kaduva for the humiliation.

Joseph swore vengeance against Kaduva and transfers all the cops in Pala and appoints [[Sub-Inspector|SI]] Dominic and new officers to replace them. Dominic already had a grudge on Kaduva as his father Benjamin was thrashed by Kaduva earlier. Joseph bought land that belonged to an American family, which was sold by Kaduva, and closes down his bar. With his influence, Joseph issues a search warrant on Kaduva's house. On his way back home, Kaduva was stopped by [[Assistant sub-inspector of police|ASI]] Johny Antonio, who tried arresting Kaduva in an [[firearms licence|arms licence]] case, but Kaduva thrashed them and was subsequently surrendered. Kaduva's bar licence gets revoked due to his alleged involvement in [[Rum running|spirit smuggling]].

After narrating his past, Kaduva is released two weeks later and learns that his father's [[Hindustan Ambassador|Ambassador car]] has been seized by Benjamin and that Tessa has fractured her leg. Tessa secretly tells him that Robin had caused her injury and attempted to molest Elsa. When Tessa tried intervening, Robin pushed her down the stairs. Tessa makes Kaduva promise not to cause any problems. Kaduva meets his friend Victor and learns that Dominic had thrashed him as he was about to file a complaint against Benjamin and other officers to the [[Director General of Police|DGP]].

Meanwhile, Ananthanathan is ousted from his [[Chief Minister (India)|CM]] post due to his corrupt activities, which comes into limelight. It is revealed that Kaduva had met his sister Leena's classmate Sunny in prison, where he learns that the evidence linking the politician's illegal activities are with Francis Paul and Kunjithomman. After his release, Kaduva, with Sunny's help, makes a deal with Francis and Thomman to provide the video evidence of the party's corruption in exchange for money and leadership changes in the party, to which they agree. Due to the deal, Kaduva had sold some of his estate. After Thomman becomes the CM and Sunny's release from prison, Kaduva brutally thrashes Robin and throws him into the church's well. Kaduva also makes Thomman to issue an order to freeze the promotion of Joseph to [[Additional director general of police|ADGP]] due to multiple accusations against him.

Kaduva thrashes Dominic and retrieves his father's Ambassador car. Ananthanathan learns that there will be a raid in his house by the [[Central Vigilance Commission|CVC]] and asks Joseph to transport the goods to a safe place. Joseph attempts to transports the goods to his plantation in [[Anakkara (Palakkad)|Anakkara]], only to be thwarted by Kaduva. The goods are discovered and Joseph gets suspended. Enraged, Joseph hires a goon from a [[mental asylum]] to kill Kaduva at a church festival, but Kaduva manages to thrash him and his goons to death, where he fights Joseph and defeats him. Joseph is later arrested on charges of corruption. Kaduva also blackmails Thomman and Paul for a ''lifetime commitment'' when he shows them the video of the meeting between him and them. Whilst leaving for prison, Joseph tells Kaduva that their feud has not finished and promises to meet him soon, to which Kaduva agrees.

==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
* [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]] as Kaduvakunnel Kurian Korthu / Kuriyachan "Kaduva"
* [[Vivek Oberoi]] as [[Inspector General of Police|IG]] Joseph Chandy [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] (voice dubbed by [[Vineeth]])
* [[Arjun Ashokan]] as Victor, Kuriyachan's friend
* [[Samyuktha Menon]] as Elsa Kurian, Kuriyachan's wife
* [[Baiju Santhosh]] as [[Advocate]] Kora
* [[Alencier Ley Lopez]] as Varkey, Kuriyachan's mentor
* [[Kalabhavan Shajohn]] as [[Sub-inspector|SI]] Dominic Benjamin
* [[Rahul Madhav]] as Fr. Robin Poovampara
* [[Priyanka Nair]] as Merin, Joseph's wife
* [[Janardhanan (actor)|Janardhanan]] as Ananthanathan, former [[Chief Minister|CM]] of [[Kerala]]
* [[Seema (actress)|Seema]] as Theruthi Chedathi, Joseph's mother (voice dubbed by [[Mallika Sukumaran]])
* [[Innocent (actor)|Innocent]] as Fr. Vattasheryil
* [[Suresh Krishna (actor)|Suresh Krishna]] as [[Chief Minister|CM]] Kunji Thomman
* [[Shivaji Guruvayoor]] as Revenue Minister Thomas Poovampara
* [[Nandu (Malayalam actor)|Nandhu]] as [[Sub-inspector|SI]] Manmadhan
* [[Joy Mathew]] as Bishop of [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]]
* [[Aneesh G. Menon]] as Sunny
* [[Sudheesh]] as Mathai
* [[Sudheer Karamana]] as Basheer, Jail Superintendent
* [[Vijayakumar (Malayalam actor)|Vijayakumar]] as [[Circle Inspector|CI]] Rajeevan
* [[Abu Salim (actor)|Abu Salim]] as Benjamin, Dominic's father
* [[Chali Pala]] as Charlie
* [[V. K. Sreeraman]] as Bishop of [[Thrissur]]
* Angelina Abraham as Tessa Kurian, Kuriyachan's elder daughter
* Vriddhi Vishal as Eva Kurian, Kuriyachan's younger daughter
* Arish Anoop as Chacko Kurian, Kuriyachan's son
* [[Jolly Chirayath]] as Victor's mother
* Gouri Parvathi as Victor's sister
* [[Rajesh Hebbar]] as Dr. Paulachan
* [[Malavika Menon]] as Mary
* Ranjini George as Varkey's wife
* [[Saju Navodaya]] as Shankaran
* [[Balaji Sarma]] as Jail Warden
* Jaise Jose as [[Sub-inspector|SI]] Chandrababu
* Kottayam Ramesh as Fr. Gabriel
* [[Renji Panicker]] as Judge of District Court ([[voiceover]])
* [[N. F. Varghese]] as Karikandathil Chandychan, Joseph's late father (photo presence)
* [[Mammootty]] as Kaduvakunnel Koruthu, Kuriyachan's late father (photo presence)

{{colend}}

==Production==
===Development===
''Kaduva'' was officially announced on 16 October 2019 on [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]]'s birthday, to be directed by [[Shaji Kailas]] and written by Jinu V. Abraham, along with a poster featuring Prithviraj captioned "inspired from a true story".<ref>{{cite news |author1=FE Online |title='King' maker Shaji Kailas to direct Prithviraj's next film 'Kaduva' |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/prithviraj-kaduva-shaji-kailas-malayalam-movie-poster-release/1737170/ |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]] |date=16 October 2019}}</ref> Jointly produced by Prithviraj's Prithviraj Productions and [[Listin Stephen]]'s Magic Frames.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shrijith |first1=Sajin |title=Director Shaji Kailas back with Prithviraj-starrer 'Kaduva' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2019/oct/16/director-shaji-kailas-back-with-prithviraj-starrer-kaduva-2048603.html |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=16 October 2019}}</ref> Abraham said, although the film is inspired by a true story, it constitutes only five percent of the film and rest is fictional, which is set in 1990s. He first narrated the screenplay to Prithviraj, who suggested Shaji Kailas' name as director and brought him on board. The film was expected to begin production in March 2020 as soon as Prithviraj completes ''[[Aadujeevitham (film)|Aadujeevitham]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sidhardhan |first1=Sanjith |title=Prithviraj's Kaduva is a mass action thriller set in the 90s |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/prithvirajs-kaduva-is-a-mass-action-thriller-set-in-the-90s/articleshow/71612920.cms |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 October 2019}}</ref>

Prithviraj plays the character of Kaduvakunnel Kuryachan, a young [[Plantation|planter]] from a Christian family in [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]]. Prithviraj said, though he received the screenplay only in early 2019 he had heard about the character even before that. Prithviraj was filming for ''[[Driving Licence (film)|Driving Licence]]'' when he called Shaji Kailas for directing the film. It was after Shaji Kailas agreed to do the film Prithviraj and Listin decided to produce it.<ref name="MM">{{cite news |last=കുര്യാക്കോസ് |first=റെഞ്ചി |title=കടുവയിൽ പൃഥ്വിക്കൊപ്പം മോഹന്‍ലാലിനെ കൊണ്ടുവരാൻ ആഗ്രഹിച്ചു, പക്ഷേ: ഷാജി കൈലാസ് അഭിമുഖം |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/interview/2022/06/26/interview-with-shaji-kailas.html |access-date=26 June 2022 |work=[[Manorama Online]] |date=26 June 2022 |language=ml}}</ref> Shooting which was scheduled to begin somewhere in mid-2020 was postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=K. |first1=Janani |title=Prithviraj Sukumaran shares update about new film Kaduva: Rolling soon |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/prithviraj-sukumaran-shares-update-about-new-film-kaduva-rolling-soon-1699182-2020-07-10 |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[India Today]] |date=10 July 2020}}</ref> In June that year, an untitled film to be directed by Mathews Thomas, produced by [[Tomichan Mulakuppadam]], and starring [[Suresh Gopi]] was announced, which bears the same character name Kaduvakunnel Kuruvachan.<ref>{{cite news |author1=CE Features |title=Pulimurugan producer to back Suresh Gopi's next |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/jun/17/pulimurugan-producer-to-back-suresh-gopis-next-18959.html |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[Cinema Express]] |date=17 June 2020}}</ref> This prompted Abraham to file a case against them at District Court, [[Ernakulam]] alleging plagiarism. The court [[Stay of proceedings|stayed]] its production and promotional activities as Abraham's screenplay was registered under copyright law.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/court-stays-250th-movie-of-suresh-gopi-for-copyright-violation-1.4880452 | title=Court stays 250th movie of Suresh Gopi for copyright violation | date=4 July 2020 }}</ref> Beside character name, promotional materials of ''SG250'' (working title) also bears similarity to what is depicted in ''Kaduva''{{'s}} poster, said Abraham. The initial title he found for ''Kaduva'' was ''Kaduvakunnel Kuruvachan'' and the screenplay was also registered under that title, it was changed after producer Stephen asked him to choose a shorter title. Abraham said Mathews had worked under him as an [[assistant director]] and had known him since 2011, with whom he had discussed stories, including ''Kaduva''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sidhardhan |first1=Sanjith |title=Kaduva scriptwriter Jinu Abraham: They can go ahead with Suresh Gopi film if they prove there is no copyright violation |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaduva-scriptwriter-jinu-abraham-they-can-go-ahead-with-suresh-gopi-film-if-they-prove-there-is-no-copyright-violation/articleshow/76782758.cms |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=4 July 2020}}</ref>

In October 2020, upholding the order of District Court, the [[High Court of Kerala]] gave clearance to ''Kaduva'' to proceed with production while restricting ''SG250'' from making a film unless they create a new character and make major changes in the screenplay.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Express News Service |title=Kaduva issue: Prithviraj film gets clearance |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2020/oct/22/kaduva-issue-prithviraj-film-gets-clearance-2213384.html |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=22 October 2020}}</ref> A plea challenging the stay order of District Court was filed by the makers of ''SG250'' (officially titled ''Ottakkomban''), but it was dismissed by the [[Supreme Court of India]] in April 2022.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Onmanorama staff |title=Prithviraj's 'Kaduva' topples Suresh Gopi's 'Ottakomban' in legal tussle |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/04/12/prithviraj-kaduva-suresh-gopi-ottakomban-legal-tussle.html |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[Onmanorama]] |date=12 April 2022}}</ref>

A petitioner, Kuruvinakunnel expressed doubt as whether ''Kaduva'' and ''SG250'' are based on his life. Clarifying that, Shaji Kailas said it was Abraham who came to him with the screenplay which he originally wrote for another director, and ''Kaduva'' is not based on Kuruvinakunnel's life and Abraham's Kuruvachan is an imaginary character who also happens to be a planter.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|author=Onmanorama staff|title=People are creating unnecessary controversies: Shaji Kailas on Kaduvakunnel Kuruvachan row|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2020/07/15/shaji-kailas-on-kaduvakunnel-kuruvachan-row-prithviraj-movie.html|access-date=16 June 2022|work=[[Onmanorama]]|date=15 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sreedharan|first=K. B.|title='എന്റെ കഥയിൽ ത്രില്ലറുണ്ട്, ഒപ്പം ഒന്നൊന്നര സർപ്രൈസും; ഇറങ്ങിയാൽ ബംബർ ഹിറ്റാകും'|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/features/kuruvinakunnel-kuruvachan-story-interview-movie-controversy-prithviraj-suresh-gopi-shaji-kailas-1.4932407|access-date=16 June 2022|work=[[Mathrubhumi]]|date=26 July 2020|language=ml}}</ref> The District Court s quashed the petition and questioned the intentions of the petitioner in filing a case just before the release of the movie.

===Casting===
Prithviraj said that they shortlisted several names for the character of Joseph Chandy, and at one time considered [[Biju Menon]] for the role, but since both Prithviraj and Menon has done similar roles in ''[[Ayyappanum Koshiyum]]'' they ruled out Menon and ultimately zeroed in [[Vivek Oberoi]] as per majority opinion. There were rumours that [[Mohanlal]] was part of the cast, appearing in a cameo role. Addressing it, Shaji Kailas clarified that they indeed had planned to cast Mohanlal in a cameo role, but it did not work out.<ref name="MM"/>

===Filming===
[[Principal photography]] began on 17 April 2021.<ref>{{cite news|author=TimesofIndia.com|title=Confirmed! Vivek Oberoi and Samyuktha Menon are part of 'Kaduva' cast|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/confirmed-vivek-oberoi-and-samyuktha-menon-are-part-of-kaduva-cast/articleshow/82178162.cms|access-date=16 June 2022|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=21 April 2021}}</ref> However, by the end of that month, filming was suspended after a surge in [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 cases in Kerala]].<ref>{{cite news |author1=Entertainment Desk |title=Prithviraj's Kaduva shooting stopped amid surging Covid-19 cases |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/prithviraj-kaduva-shooting-stopped-amid-surging-covid-19-cases-7292280/ |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=28 April 2021}}</ref> After completing ''[[Alone (2022 film)|Alone]]'', Shaji Kailas began the second schedule of ''Kaduva'' on 24 October, which was expected to last for 70 days. Prithviraj joined in the second schedule.<ref>{{Cite news|author=TimesofIndia.com|title=Prithviraj Sukumaran begins shooting for the second schedule of Shaji Kailas' 'Kaduva' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/prithviraj-sukumaran-begins-shooting-for-the-second-schedule-of-shaji-kailas-kaduva/articleshow/87256014.cms|date=25 October 2021|access-date=2021-11-18|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Oberoi joined the set in November.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Vivek Oberoi joins set of Prithviraj's Kaduva|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2021/nov/11/vivek-oberoi-joins-set-of-prithvirajs-kaduva-2381996.html|access-date=2021-11-18|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> [[Abinandhan Ramanujam]] was the cinematographer. Filming was completed in March 2022.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Express News Service |title=Filming of Prithviraj's Kaduva wrapped up |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2022/mar/02/filming-of-prithvirajs-kaduva-wrapped-up-2425200.html |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=2 March 2022}}</ref>

The film was mainly shot at locations in [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]] and [[Erattupetta]] in [[Kottayam district]] and [[Vandiperiyar]] in [[Idukki district]]. Since the film is set in 1990s, they wanted to recreate old District Court, [[Kottayam]], it was created as set in a 4-5 acre land at [[Ernakulam]].<ref>{{cite news |last=പ്രജിത്ത് |first=പി. |title='മോനേ ഇതെനിക്ക് ചെയ്യണം' എന്നാണ് കടുവയുടെ തിരക്കഥ വായിച്ച് ഷാജിയേട്ടൻ പറഞ്ഞത് -പൃഥ്വി |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/features/interview-with-actor-prithviraj-sukumaran-kaduva-movie-by-shaji-kailas-1.7638647 |access-date=26 June 2022 |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |date=26 June 2022 |language=ml}}</ref> While filming in [[Mundakkayam]], there was a 50-person limit pertaining to COVID-19 restrictions set by the government. At Mundakkayam, the crew suffered flood and [[landslide]], the set constructed was damaged. Filming went past three waves of COVID-19 in India. Prithviraj and Shaji Kailas was tested COVID-19 positive. Five fight sequences and three songs were filmed for the film. [[Kalabhavan Shajohn]] was tested COVID-19 positive while filming in [[Kochi]]. The film took two years to complete, overcoming COVID-19 pandemic, flood, and landslide.<ref name="MM"/>

==Music==
The film was announced with [[Thaman|Thaman. S]] as the music director, making his Malayalam debut. But after the project was delayed, Thaman was replaced by [[Jakes Bejoy]]. The first single was released on 19 June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2022 |title=Prithviraj Sukumaran Starrer Kaduva's First Lyrical Video Released |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/prithviraj-sukumaran-starrer-kaduvas-first-lyrical-video-released-5412907.html |website=[[News18 India]]}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| total_length = 11:57
| headline = Track listing
| title1 = Paalvarnna Kuthiramel
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| lyrics1 = [[Santhosh Varma]]
| extra1 = [[Jakes Bejoy]], Libin Scaria, Midhun Suresh, [[Swetha Ashok]]
| length1 = 4:19
| title2 = Pala Palli
| lyrics2 = Santhosh Varma, Sreehari Tharayil
| extra2 = Athul Narukara
| length2 = 4:35
| title3 = Kudamattam Palli
| lyrics3 = Santhosh Varma
| extra3 = [[Vijay Yesudas]], [[Swetha Ashok]], Sachin Raj
| length3 = 3:03
}}

==Release==
===Theatrical===
''Kaduva'' was released on 7 July 2022. In addition, the film will be released in dubbed versions of Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and Telugu languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/prithvirajs-kaduva-to-release-on-june-30-5413465.html|title=Prithviraj Sukumaran's Kaduva To Hit Theatres in 5 Languages|date=21 June 2022 }}</ref> It was initially scheduled for a theatrical release on 30 June 2022. The team promoted the film at an event in [[Bangalore]] and [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite news |author1=TNN |title=Would love to do Kannada cinema: Prithviraj says at Kaduva promotional event in Bengaluru |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/would-love-to-do-kannada-cinema-prithviraj-says-at-kaduva-promotional-event-in-bengaluru/articleshow/92438784.cms |access-date=26 June 2022 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=24 June 2022}}</ref>

===Home media===
The digital streaming and satellite rights of the film are acquired by [[Amazon Prime Video]] and [[Surya TV]], while the Hindi version was sold to [[Disney+ Hotstar]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} The film was digitally streamed on 4 August 2022<ref>{{cite web |date=29 July 2022 |title=Prithviraj Sukumaran's Kaduva to release on Prime Video on August 4 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/prithviraj-sukumarans-kaduva-to-release-on-prime-video-on-aug-8058408/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=29 July 2022}}</ref>

===Controversies===
The protagonist, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran, was seen making inappropriate comments against disabled persons and their parents. The dialogue was eventually removed from the film.<ref name=":0"/>

==Reception==
=== Box office ===
On its opening day, ''Kaduva'' grossed around {{INR}}7 crore.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaduva-box-office-collection-day-1-prithviraj-sukumaran-starrer-earns-more-than-rs-8-crores-on-its-opening-day/articleshow/92743799.cms|title='Kaduva' Box Office Collection Day 1: Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer earns more than Rs 4 crore on its opening day|website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref> On its third day, the film has earned around {{INR}}15 crore at the [[Kerala]] box office.{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} On the seventh day of its release, the film has grossed around {{INR}}30.20 crore and became one of successful ventures in [[Malayalam cinema]] after ''[[Bheeshma Parvam]]'', ''[[Hridayam (film)|Hridayam]]'' and ''[[Jana Gana Mana (2022 film)|Jana Gana Mana]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaduva-box-office-collection-day-4-prithviraj-starrer-rakes-in-rs-15-crores/articleshow/92805594.cms|title='Kaduva' Box Office Collection Day 4: Prithviraj starrer rakes in Rs 15 crore|website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref> The film grossed over {{INRConvert|50|c|year=2022}} and became one of the [[List of Malayalam films of 2022#Box office collection|highest grossing Malayalam films of 2022]].<ref name="BO"/>

=== Critical response ===
''Kaduva'' received mixed reviews from critics. {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=40|count=5|average=3.5|ref=yes}}

Sajin Shrijith of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars and stated "We need to see the bad guys do something that would provoke our ire so that when, finally, the hero returns for payback, we take delight in every punch that lands. Thankfully, Kaduva follows this philosophy to a T, and I had quite a blast."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/jul/08/kaduva-movie-review-director-shaji-kailasreturns-to-form-with-prithviraj-starrer-2474074.html|title='Kaduva' movie review: Director Shaji Kailas returns to form with Prithviraj-starrer|date=9 July 2022 }}</ref> Arjun Menon of ''[[Pinkvilla]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars stating that "However, the film is a made-for-theatre watch, aided by a splendidly enjoyable background score from Jakes Bejoy and the thunderous frames that elevate the commonplace plot to new heights of first-rate commercial filmmaking that is meant to be experienced with a bunch of strangers in a dark room. Yes, Kaduva might have just saved Malayalam cinema for all we know or set off a new focus on narrating larger-than-life tales with the grounded, economy of new-age storytelling.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kaduva-review-well-designed-commercial-entertainer-prithviraj-sukumaran-delivers-another-paisa-vasool-film|title=Kaduva Review: A well-designed commercial entertainer; Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers another paisa vasool film|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707135400/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kaduva-review-well-designed-commercial-entertainer-prithviraj-sukumaran-delivers-another-paisa-vasool-film|archive-date=7 July 2022|access-date=30 June 2022 |website=[[Pinkvilla]]}}</ref>

Cris of ''[[The News Minute]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "The film starts and ends in the middle of nowhere, extracting a slice of Kuriachan's life. You do get to taste a bit of nostalgia in seeing land phones, Doordarshan's intro theme and a single television reporter in front of the CM. But the rest of the film is just a nicely edited long and unexciting script."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kaduva-review-shaji-kailas-prithviraj-mass-film-too-formulaic-165640|title=Kaduva review: Shaji Kailas-Prithviraj mass film is too formulaic|date=7 July 2022 }}</ref> Anna Mathews of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 3/5 stars and wrote "If you are in the mood for a Prithviraj mass thriller, you might enjoy the movie, but don't expect to be wow-ed."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/kaduva/movie-review/92722230.cms|title=Kaduva Movie Review: A thriller without spark|website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref> ''[[India Today]]'' gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Kaduva is entertaining despite its predictability. But, a little bit of inventiveness could have elevated Kaduva more."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kaduva-movie-review-prithviraj-s-film-is-a-battle-between-men-with-fragile-egos-1973020-2022-07-07|title=Kaduva Movie Review: Prithviraj's film is a battle between men with fragile egos|date=7 July 2022 }}</ref> Jayadeep Jayesh of ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "'Kaduva' can be appreciated for representing a style of filmmaking that Malayalam cinema has long forgotten. There are many nostalgia-inducing moments and Prithviraj's charisma is captivating. Apart from these aspects, the film is just average.<ref name= "average" >{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/kaduva-review-this-90s-masala-lacks-fun-1124888.html|title='Kaduva' review: This 90s masala lacks fun|date=8 July 2022 }}</ref>

[[Anna M. M. Vetticad]] of ''[[Firstpost]]'' gave 1.75/5 stars and wrote "There is a lot of physical movement in Kaduva – fists and legs swing across the screen, vehicles speed and overturn, bodies spin in mid-air. Shaji Kailas' storytelling though remains frozen in time, back in the 1990s when he first shot into the limelight, as unmoving as the mundu tucked around Kuriyaachan's waist."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kaduva-movie-review-caution-underpants-on-display-10892291.html|title=Kaduva movie review – Caution: underpants on display|date=10 July 2022 }}</ref> Manoj Kumar R of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote "And this entire movie, which is a celebration of vanity, is so excruciatingly dull. One can't help but wonder, who still finds slow-motion walks and frequent twirls of moustache a product of big-screen entertainment?"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kaduva-movie-review-prithviraj-plays-a-corrupt-man-pretending-to-be-a-hero-8017267/|title=Kaduva movie review: Prithviraj plays a corrupt man pretending to be a hero|date=8 July 2022 }}</ref>

S. R. Praveen of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated that "Shaji does manage to deliver that, dipped in more than an ounce of predictability, but for those looking for some novelty, Kaduva might not be it. This is despite it being a notch better than all of the work that Shaji has done post-2000."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kaduva-film-review-shaji-kailas-prithviraj-team-delivers-a-predictable-old-school-mass-action-film/article65611605.ece|title='Kaduva' film review: Shaji Kailas-Prithviraj deliver a predictable, old-school actioner|website=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 July 2022 |last1=Praveen |first1=S. R. }}</ref> Vishal Menon of ''[[Film Companion]]'' wrote "Yet you have to give it to [[Jakes Bejoy]]'s background score and Abhinandan Ramanujam's camera for working overtime to re-interpret what could have been a 30-year-old film. Not only do they get exactly what the director's trying to make, but they also give it their own individual tributes to make something old feel new. The result is a balls-out unpretentious action movie that owns every second of its pitch as an ultimate male revenge fantasy."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/malayalam-review/kaduva-movie-review-prithviraj-sukumaran-old-school-mass-movie-that-pulls-no-punches/|title=Kaduva Movie Review: An Unabashedly Old-School Mass Movie That Pulls No Punches|website=[[Film Companion]]|date=7 July 2022 }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|tt11127404}}
{{Shaji Kailas}}

[[Category:2022 action films]]
[[Category:Indian action drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kottayam]]
[[Category:Films shot in Idukki]]
[[Category:Films shot in Peermade]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kattappana]]
[[Category:Films scored by Jakes Bejoy]]
[[Category:Films directed by Shaji Kailas]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Kerala Police]]
[[Category:2022 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:2022 Indian films]]
[[Category:Malayalam-language action drama films]]

Kaduva - Revision history

AbrandaStudio at 04:09, 8 April 2026