Su from So: A Coastal Crack-Up of Laughter and Lore

It’s always a joy to witness rooted cinema—stories that are genuine at heart and crafted with such clarity and authenticity. In recent years, if there’s one industry that has consistently delivered on this front, it’s the Kannada film industry. And with Su from So, they gift us yet another gem.

Set in the coastal village of Marlur, this delightful horror-comedy unravels in the most entertaining way. The film effortlessly pulls you into its world—a world that feels intimately familiar. Every village has its own set of staple characters: a respected head who stands tall for everyone, a jealous rival who thinks he should be in that position, a group of carefree boys crushing on the same pretty girl, a drunk uncle who appears out of nowhere, a guy who pretends he’s fearless but is actually the most scared, a notorious rumour-monger, a tea shop buzzing with gossip, and finally, a bar where the men discuss everything under the sun. The film makes brilliant use of these familiar archetypes, and the humor flows naturally.

Now, does it bring something radically new to the horror genre? Not exactly. It follows a familiar trope—a horror film without a ghost—which turns out to be the perfect format for a rural comedy. This choice makes the narrative feel more grounded and hilariously believable. The rituals, beliefs, and customs of the region are woven in seamlessly, enhancing the story rather than overwhelming it. All of this is captured beautifully by cinematographer S. Chandrashekhar.

Raj B. Shetty makes a memorable extended cameo as an exorcist who is just as frightened as the villagers he’s supposed to help. Director and lead actor JP Tuminad does a solid job as Ashoka (aka Sulochana). In an attempt to escape the consequences of a mistake, Ashoka claims to be possessed—only to regret it later when the villagers and his own friends begin to shun him. His arc leads to a moment of redemption, especially when he steps up for Bhanu, portrayed wonderfully by Sandhya Arkere. Shaneel Gautam, as Ravi Anna, carries the film on his shoulders with ease and charm.

While the first half is all fun and games, the second half continues in the same vein but attempts to build a more structured storyline. It works well enough—maybe not fully, but it’s more than sufficient for a film of this nature. Even though the climax veers into the typical “saving the damsel in distress” territory, the subtle and sweet love track makes you overlook the clichés.

Also Read: Saiyaara: A Melody That Misses the Beat

Su from So is a thoroughly entertaining film that will make you laugh your heart out. The Kannada film industry once again proves that the most local stories can feel the most universal. Like most viewers, I too wondered what Su from So meant, but trust me, it’s a title that makes perfect sense once you watch the film. And you should, in a theater near you!

Verdict

A laugh-out-loud rural horror-comedy that charms with its rooted storytelling, lovable characters, and clever twists. Su from So proves once again that Kannada cinema knows how to turn the familiar into something refreshingly fun. Don’t miss this delightful trip to Marlur!