Kappela
Kappela (transl. Chapel) is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language romantic thriller film written and directed by Muhammad Musthafa in his feature directorial debut.[1] The story centers on Jessy, a young woman from a remote village in Wayanad, who accidentally dials the phone number of Vishnu, an auto-rickshaw driver in Kozhikode, leading to an unexpected romance developed through conversations.[2] Upon deciding to meet in the city, Jessy's journey intersects with a mysterious stranger named Roy, unraveling a series of twists that blend romance, deception, and suspense.[3] Starring Anna Ben as Jessy, Roshan Mathew as Vishnu, and Sreenath Bhasi as Roy, the film also features supporting performances by Sudhi Koppa, Tanvi Ram, and others.[4] Produced by Vishnu Venu under the banner Kadhaas Untold with a runtime of 113 minutes, Kappela was theatrically released on 6 March 2020 and later streamed on Netflix starting 22 June 2020.[1] Critically acclaimed for its taut screenplay, strong ensemble cast, and Musthafa's assured direction, the film explores themes of innocence, vulnerability, and urban perils faced by women, earning praise despite some critiques on its patriarchal undertones.[5] It garnered a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb from over 4,000 users as of 2025 and positive notices in Malayalam cinema circles for revitalizing the thriller genre with rural-urban contrasts.[1]Overview
Plot
Jessy, a young and innocent woman living in the rural village of Poovaranmala in Wayanad with her family, often visits a local abandoned chapel dedicated to Mother Mary as a sanctuary to find solace amid her everyday struggles.[6] Her life takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally dials the wrong number on her phone, connecting her with Vishnu, an auto-rickshaw driver in Kozhikode who is charming yet opportunistic in his pursuits.[2] Through a series of phone conversations, Jessy and Vishnu develop a budding romance, sharing personal stories and building emotional intimacy despite never having met face-to-face; Jessy's motivation stems from her desire for connection and escape from her constrained village life, while Vishnu sees opportunity in the budding relationship.[7] Encouraged by this bond, Jessy decides to travel to the city of Kozhikode to meet Vishnu in person, seeking independence from her village life.[1] Upon arriving in Kozhikode, Jessy's plans are disrupted when she encounters Roy, a seemingly reliable stranger whose involvement introduces elements of mistaken identity and escalating tensions, shifting the narrative from lighthearted romance to suspenseful thriller dynamics.[2] The chapel motif recurs symbolically as a place of refuge, contrasting with the deceptions and uncertainties that arise in the urban setting, highlighting Jessy's arc from naive villager seeking love to someone navigating complex interpersonal conflicts.[6]Cast
The principal cast of Kappela includes Anna Ben as Jessy, the film's central protagonist portrayed as an ordinary, innocent young woman from a rural background. Sreenath Bhasi plays Roy, a desperate unemployed BBA graduate struggling to find stable work. Roshan Mathew portrays Vishnu, an auto-rickshaw driver and one of the key male leads involved in Jessy's personal entanglements. Sudhi Koppa appears as Benny, a supporting character who interacts closely with the main trio. Supporting roles are filled by Tanvi Ram as Annie, Roy's cousin who provides familial context to his storyline; James Eliya as Varghese, Jessy's father who represents traditional authority in her life; and RJ Nilja as Lakshmi, a friend offering counsel to the protagonist. Other notable supporting actors include Vijilesh Karayad as Riyas, a local figure in the narrative's village setting, and Muhammad Musthafa, the director, in a minor role as the tea shop owner. No major cameo appearances are featured in the film.| Actor | Role | Notes on Character Function |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Ben | Jessy | Protagonist; naive young woman navigating urban challenges. |
| Sreenath Bhasi | Roy | Romantic interest; unemployed graduate facing hardships. |
| Roshan Mathew | Vishnu | Romantic interest; auto-rickshaw driver in Kozhikode. |
| Sudhi Koppa | Benny | Friend/rival to the male leads; adds comic and supportive elements. |
| Tanvi Ram | Annie | Roy's cousin; highlights family dynamics in his subplot. |
| James Eliya | Varghese | Jessy's father; embodies paternal oversight. |
| RJ Nilja | Lakshmi | Jessy's confidante; offers emotional support. |