The Dark Web by Girish Vaikom: A Malayalam Action-Horror Set to Redefine Genre Cinema

Malayalam cinema has always been known for its bold experimentation, thought-provoking themes, and rich narratives. From socially relevant dramas to spine-chilling thrillers, the industry constantly reinvents itself. Now, director Girish Vaikom is set to unleash a genre-defying cinematic experience with his latest venture — The Dark Web, an intense action-horror film that promises to push the boundaries of Malayalam cinema into uncharted territory.

A Groundbreaking Production Across Multiple Locations

The filming of The Dark Web has officially wrapped, and it’s not just the story that’s drawing attention — it’s the scale, the ambition, and the locations that make this film truly unique. Shot extensively across Kochi, Vagamon, Ottapalam, Athirappilly, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad, the movie offers a visual journey that captures the essence of diverse landscapes — from urban chaos to eerie forests and quiet towns. The final leg of filming concluded with a powerful song sequence at the iconic Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad — marking a dramatic and grand finish to a meticulously planned production.

In an age where location diversity is often reserved for high-budget pan-Indian films, The Dark Web stands out as one of the few recent Malayalam projects to make such an expansive geographical canvas part of its storytelling fabric.

True Palette Films Brings a Daring Vision to Life

Produced under the banner of True Palette Films, The Dark Web is a film that aims to shake the core of its audience — not just with scares, but with adrenaline-pumping action, chase sequences, and emotional survival drama. It’s set in a highly stylized horror-action universe — one that is grounded in modern digital anxieties and the terrifying potential of the dark side of the internet.

The storyline explores a sinister Bitcoin-based system that allegedly exists in the darker corners of the digital world — one that generates cryptocurrency revenue by showcasing real-time tortures and murders on the web. This darkly imaginative, yet eerily believable premise becomes the backdrop for the film’s central plot: the harrowing escape attempt of two young women trapped inside this terrifying network.

Women at the Center of the Storm

In a welcome deviation from traditional action thrillers, The Dark Web is driven by female protagonists — not just as survivors, but as powerful agents of resistance. The film features seven major action set pieces, all performed by the women in the lead roles. These sequences — involving hand-to-hand combat, stunts, and intense emotional confrontations — were specially choreographed and rehearsed extensively during pre-production.

Director Girish Vaikom emphasizes that the film isn’t built around stars but around the story and presentation. “Rather than stardom, what this story needed was sincerity and strength. That’s why we cast new faces who could truly embody the struggle and spirit of these characters,” he says.

Among the fresh talent are Himabindu Priyanka Yadav, Nimisha Elizabeth Dean, Bhadra, and Rafeeq Rasheed, alongside Prachi Tehlan, who many will remember as Mammootty’s heroine in Mamangam. Prachi plays a strong, pivotal role in this film — a performance that promises to showcase her range and action capabilities.

Technology, Graphics, and Sound — A High-Quality Finish

The technical backbone of The Dark Web is just as ambitious as its narrative. The film heavily utilizes CGI, VFX, and detailed post-production techniques to create a believable yet nightmarish world. The dark internet scenes, intense action choreography, and the twisted psychological ambiance are being carefully polished with high-end graphics and editing suites.

The background score, composed in Mumbai by Mehul Vyas, a noted name in Bollywood, is expected to heighten the immersive horror experience. Mehul has not only scored the atmospheric background but has also composed an English song that adds a cosmopolitan, haunting flavor to the soundtrack.

Complementing the audio-visual excellence is the work of cinematographer Mani Perumal, who captures the varied moods and terrains with finesse — from misty hills to crumbling urban environments. The editing by Alex Varghese promises to maintain a tight narrative rhythm, while art direction by Arun Kodungallur and makeup by Pattanam Rasheed ensure that the film’s aesthetic remains gritty, realistic, and immersive.

The film also features songs composed by Ebin Pallichal and Tej Merwin, with lyrics by Dr. Arun Kaimal — promising a blend of eerie musicality and lyrical storytelling.

The Crew Behind the Vision

The film’s strength lies not just in its story and performances, but also in the solid team backing it:

Script: James Bright

Associate Director: Adarsh

Co-Director: Jayadeva

Production Executives: Ram Manohar, Rajendran Peroorkada

Production Controller: Rajan Philip

Costume Design: Indran Sjayan

Photography: Mohan Surabhi


With such a team, The Dark Web ensures every frame and sequence is built with precision and passion.

Realistic Action Meets Western Aesthetics

One of the film’s most unique claims is its Western-style storytelling within a Malayalam framework. From its fast-paced chase sequences to gunfights, confrontations, and twisted moral dilemmas, the film borrows narrative tones from Western thrillers while anchoring its emotional arc in local culture and contemporary fears.

“Think Saw meets Taken — but in Malayalam,” one crew member was quoted as saying during production. The film isn’t just horror for horror’s sake; it’s a social allegory — hinting at how dehumanization can flourish in the shadows of digital platforms and how courage can emerge even from the most nightmarish circumstances.

Why This Film Matters

With cybercrime becoming an everyday reality and discussions around the dark web entering mainstream consciousness, this film couldn’t have come at a better time. It dares to visualize the invisible — the horrors behind data encryption, cryptocurrency abuse, and dark market voyeurism.

But beyond the concept, The Dark Web is a story of resistance. It’s about women refusing to be victims, about strength that comes from within, and about pushing back against systems built to dehumanize. It is a blend of entertainment and warning — adrenaline and insight.

Final Touches and Release Plans

With filming wrapped and post-production nearing completion, the team is working meticulously to ensure a crisp, tight release. If reports are to be believed, the film will hit theaters later this year, possibly during a festive window to capitalize on audiences looking for something bold and thrilling.

Director Girish Vaikom and his team are betting big — not just on box office returns, but on redefining what Malayalam cinema can achieve when it blends genre with imagination and courage.


Final Thoughts

In an industry that thrives on strong narratives and meaningful content, The Dark Web comes across as a bold and timely film — one that explores new visual territories, introduces fresh talent, and doesn’t shy away from telling a terrifying yet empowering story. Whether you’re a fan of horror, action, or psychological thrillers, this film is shaping up to be a must-watch for 2025.

Stay tuned for trailers, music releases, and more updates as the team prepares to bring The Dark Web to the big screen.