Romancham Review: A Hilarious Malayalam Horror-Comedy Recap

Welcome to The Movie Time, your ultimate hub for spoiler-filled recaps and reviews of cinematic gems! Today, we’re revisiting Romancham, a Malayalam horror-comedy that spooked and tickled audiences on February 3, 2023. Directed by Jithu Madhavan and starring Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, and an ensemble of newcomers, this Bengaluru-set tale of Ouija board chaos is a Mollywood classic. Does it still deliver chills and chuckles? Stream it on Disney+ Hotstar, catch the Hindi remake Kapkapiii (2025) in theaters, and join the buzz on X with #MovieTimePicks!

The Rise of Malayalam Horror-Comedy

Malayalam cinema, or Mollywood, has carved a global niche with its bold storytelling, from intense dramas like Drishyam to quirky hits like Premam. Romancham (transl. Goosebumps) taps into the horror-comedy genre, blending scares with laughs in the vein of In Ghost House Inn (2010). Directed by debutant Jithu Madhavan, it’s based on real events from his college days in Bengaluru, per Filmibeat. Released in 2023, it grossed ₹70 crore worldwide, becoming the fifth highest-grossing Malayalam film that year, per Wikipedia. Its Hindi remake, Kapkapiii (May 23, 2025), and a teased sequel keep the hype alive. For global readers, Bengaluru—India’s tech hub—sets the stage with its vibrant hostel culture, where students live in shared rentals, often sparking chaos like in the film. Let’s dive into this spooky, funny ride

A Haunted Hostel Hijinks: Plot Recap

Romancham follows seven bachelors living in a rundown Bengaluru hostel in 2007: Jibi (Soubin Shahir), Niroop (Arjun Ashokan), Shijappan (Sajin Gopu), Mukesh (Siju Sunny), and others, including Abin Bino and Anantharaman Ajay. Broke and bored, they’re a motley crew of engineering students and jobless dreamers. The story kicks off when Jibi, the group’s prankster, suggests playing an Ouija board to kill time. A hilarious setup—using a water glass and scribbled alphabet—turns spooky when they summon a spirit named Anamika, who refuses to leave.

The first act is a laugh riot. The guys bicker over who invited Anamika, with Shijappan’s nervous rants and Mukesh’s superstitious freak-outs stealing scenes. Strange events unfold: lights flicker, doors slam, and Jibi’s radio blares old Malayalam songs at midnight. Flashbacks show the group’s carefree hostel life—late-night biryani runs, cricket bets—contrasting the growing dread. A local priest (Chemban Vinod Jose, in a cameo) warns of a vengeful spirit, but the guys, skeptical, try to “befriend” Anamika, leading to comedic chaos like a botched exorcism with curry powder.

The second act ramps up the scares. Anamika’s pranks turn sinister—Niroop’s books fly off shelves, and Mukesh finds creepy drawings in his notebook. A subplot reveals Jibi’s guilt over a past prank that hospitalized a friend, tying to his reckless Ouija idea. The group’s attempts to banish Anamika, including a hilarious temple visit where Shijappan faints, keep the laughs flowing. Tensions peak when Jibi lands in the ICU with meningitis, possibly Anamika’s doing, per IMDb. The others rally, using a second Ouija session to confront the spirit.

The climax, set in the hostel’s creepy attic, blends chills and chuckles. Niroop, now the unlikely hero, tricks Anamika into leaving by promising a “better house,” outsmarting her with a decoy Ouija board. The 132-minute film ends with the guys celebrating their victory with a rooftop dance, but a post-credits scene teases Anamika’s return, hinting at Romancham 2. The Bengaluru setting—dingy hostels, bustling streets—grounds the spooky fun, per BookMyShow.

The Good: Spooky Laughs and Relatable Vibes

Jithu Madhavan’s debut direction shines, weaving horror and humor with a natural, lived-in feel, rooted in his real-life Ouija mishap, per Wikipedia. Soubin Shahir’s Jibi is a chaotic delight, his prankster energy driving the comedy. Arjun Ashokan’s Niroop anchors the heart, his arc from skeptic to hero resonating, per IMDb. The ensemble’s chemistry—think late-night hostel banter—feels authentic, capturing Bengaluru’s student life, where shared rentals foster camaraderie and chaos, explained for global fans as India’s Silicon Valley vibe. Sushin Shyam’s soundtrack, with eerie synths and catchy Chirichu Konchava, sets a spooky-fun tone, trending on X.

The 132-minute runtime zips by, balancing jump scares (flickering lights) with laugh-out-loud moments (curry exorcism). The horror avoids clichés, using subtle chills like Anamika’s whispers, earning a 4/5 from The Times of India for its “wonderful formula”. The film’s low-budget charm, shot in real Bengaluru locations, adds grit, per The News Minute. Its global appeal, boosted by Disney+ Hotstar’s April 7, 2023 release, makes it a Mollywood gem, per Filmibeat.

The Not-So-Good: Unanswered Questions and Uneven Scares

Romancham stumbles with loose ends—Anamika’s backstory and Jibi’s meningitis link remain vague, frustrating some X fans. The horror, while effective, leans lighter than expected, with jump scares losing steam in the second half, per The News Minute. Some characters, like Abin Bino’s, feel underdeveloped, diluting the ensemble’s impact. The climax, though fun, resolves too neatly, missing a darker edge. A tighter script or deeper spirit lore could’ve elevated the stakes. Minor technical flaws, like inconsistent ECG visuals in the ICU scene, draw nitpicks, per IMDb.

Performances: A Lively Ensemble

Soubin Shahir’s Jibi is the soul, his mischievous charm and guilt-ridden depth shining, especially in the ICU scene. Arjun Ashokan’s Niroop delivers a career-best, per IMDb, his nervous wit turning heroic. Sajin Gopu’s Shijappan is a comedic gem, his rants earning theater roars, per BookMyShow. Siju Sunny’s Mukesh adds superstitious panic, while Chemban Vinod Jose’s priest cameo brings gravitas. Newcomers Abin Bino and Anantharaman Ajay hold their own, though their roles feel thin. The ensemble’s banter feels like a real friend group, grounding the spooky chaos.

Technical Aspects: Gritty and Groovy

Sanu Tahir’s cinematography captures Bengaluru’s gritty charm—dingy hostel corridors, neon-lit streets—with a claustrophobic edge for horror scenes. Sushin Shyam’s score, blending eerie synths and peppy tracks like Chirichu Konchava, sets the mood, trending on Spotify. Editing by Kiran Das is crisp in comedy sequences but lags in slower horror moments. Sound design—creaking doors, ghostly whispers—amps up chills, perfect for Disney+ Hotstar streaming. Production design, from cluttered hostel rooms to temple pandals, feels lived-in. Minor flaws, like uneven lighting in night scenes, draw slight X critiques.

Audience Reaction: A Mollywood Sensation

X exploded with Romancham love in 2023, with fans memeing Shijappan’s rants and the curry exorcism, per BookMyShow. The attic climax and post-credits tease trended in India, spawning Romancham 2 buzz. Some noted the “light horror,” but theaters roared with laughter, per Times of India. Its ₹70 crore global haul, with ₹41 crore from Kerala, marks it a 2023 blockbuster, per Wikipedia. Disney+ Hotstar streams and the Kapkapiii remake (2025) keep it relevant, per Filmibeat. Rotten Tomatoes’ 85% score reflects critical love, with The Week praising its pace.

What’s your favorite Romancham moment? Vote below!

• Curry exorcism fiasco

• Attic showdown with Anamika

• Shijappan’s nervous rants

• Post-credits sequel tease

Top 5 Moments in Romancham

For Mollywood fans, here are the film’s most unforgettable scenes:

1. Curry Exorcism: The guys’ spice-fueled attempt to banish Anamika is laugh-out-loud chaos, trending on X.

2. Attic Showdown: Niroop’s clever Ouija trick against Anamika blends chills and wit.

3. Shijappan’s Rants: Sajin Gopu’s panic-fueled outbursts steal the show, per BookMyShow.

4. Jibi’s ICU Scare: Soubin’s hospital scene adds emotional weight, gripping viewers.

5. Post-Credits Tease: Anamika’s return hint sparks sequel hype, buzzing online.

Final Verdict: A Spooky Comedy Gem

Romancham is a riotous Malayalam horror-comedy with Soubin Shahir’s chaos, Arjun Ashokan’s heart, and Jithu Madhavan’s fresh direction. Its Bengaluru hostel vibes and Sushin Shyam’s score deliver laughs and chills, though vague plot points and lighter scares temper its edge. A must-watch for fans of Mollywood’s quirky charm, it’s a timeless binge.

Rating: 3.8/5 Stars

A spooky, hilarious ride that’s big on laughs but light on deep scares, perfect for a Disney+ Hotstar night or Kapkapiii warm-up.

Why Watch (or Skip) Romancham

Watch if: You love horror-comedies, Mollywood ensemble casts, or Bengaluru’s chaotic vibe. Ideal for fans of In Ghost House Inn or Stree.
Skip if: You prefer intense horror or dislike loose-ended plots.

Stream Romancham on Disney+ Hotstar, catch Kapkapiii in theaters, and share your take on X with #MovieTimePicks! Explore more Mollywood reviews at The Movie Time.

Tags: Romancham, Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, Malayalam movie, 2023 movies, Jithu Madhavan, Disney+ Hotstar, movie review, movie recap, horror comedy, Bengaluru, Kapkapiii

 

Padakkalam Movie Recap and Review: A Gritty Malayalam Action-Drama with Soul

Welcome to The Movie Time, your premier destination for immersive, spoiler-filled recaps and reviews of the latest cinematic and streaming releases! Today, we’re diving into Padakkalam, a Malayalam action-drama that charged into theaters on June 6, 2025, and premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on June 10, 2025. Directed by Sreejith Sreenivasan and starring Soubin Shahir, Grace Antony, and Vinayakan, this intense tale of survival and justice unfolds in Kerala’s underbelly. Let’s explore whether this fiery saga ignites hearts or fizzles out!

A Battle for Survival: The Plot

Padakkalam is set in the gritty outskirts of Ernakulam, where Joekuttan (Soubin Shahir), a scrappy cab driver, ekes out a living for his sister, Lakshmi (Merin Philip), and their ailing mother. The story kicks off with Joekuttan witnessing a brutal murder of a police officer, Inspector Varghese (Sudheer Karamana), by a gang led by the ruthless smuggler Perumal (Vinayakan). Fearing for his life, Joekuttan goes into hiding, but Perumal’s men, including the volatile Shaji (Shine Tom Chacko), track him to his slum.

Joekuttan’s only ally is Annie (Grace Antony), a fearless toddy shop worker with a murky past, who helps him evade the gang. A parallel arc follows SI Priya (Anaswara Rajan), a rookie cop investigating Varghese’s murder, whose probe uncovers Perumal’s gold smuggling racket tied to a corrupt politician, Nair (Jaffer Idukki). Flashbacks reveal Joekuttan’s bond with Varghese, who once saved him from a juvenile detention scam, fueling his resolve to expose Perumal.

The plot escalates when Lakshmi is kidnapped, forcing Joekuttan to confront Perumal’s gang. Annie’s street-smarts and Priya’s dogged pursuit converge as they unravel Nair’s role in the racket. A subplot involving Annie’s estranged brother, a reformed goon (Dileesh Pothan), adds emotional depth. The climax, set in a chaotic Kochi port during a monsoon downpour, sees Joekuttan and Annie outwit Perumal in a tense cat-and-mouse game, with Priya’s timely raid sealing the gang’s fate. Joekuttan’s courage earns him peace, though a bittersweet twist reshapes his future.

The Good: Soubin’s Grit and Kerala’s Pulse

Padakkalam is a raw, pulsating Malayalam thriller that showcases Soubin Shahir’s dramatic heft. Director Sreejith Sreenivasan crafts a lean, mean narrative that blends action with social commentary on Kerala’s urban underclass. Soubin is electrifying as Joekuttan, his everyman vulnerability and fierce resolve—especially in a dockyard fistfight—making him a compelling hero. Grace Antony’s Annie is a revelation, her tough exterior and tender loyalty stealing scenes. Vinayakan’s Perumal is chilling, his quiet menace amplifying the stakes.

The Ernakulam setting, from sweaty slums to rain-soaked ports, is captured with gritty realism by cinematographer Sudeep Elamon, making Kerala a vivid co-star. The action, choreographed by Run Ravi, is brutal yet grounded—think knife fights and rickshaw chases. Gopi Sundar’s soundtrack, with the haunting Kadalolam and pulsating Poru Kochi, mirrors the film’s intensity. The writing nails the Mollywood balance of mass appeal and nuance, tackling themes of systemic corruption and survival without preaching.

The Not-So-Good: Familiar Tropes and Rushed Arcs

While Padakkalam grips, it leans on familiar Mollywood tropes—underdog hero, corrupt politico, sacrificial sibling—making some plot beats predictable. The 135-minute runtime feels tight, but Priya’s investigation and Annie’s backstory are rushed, robbing them of depth. Shine Tom Chacko’s Shaji, though energetic, veers into caricature, diluting the villainous threat. The political corruption angle, while relevant, feels underdeveloped, with Nair’s role resolved too neatly.

Technically, the film is solid, but some nighttime action scenes suffer from murky lighting, obscuring choreography. The background score, though rousing, occasionally drowns out dialogue. Supporting characters like Lakshmi and Dileesh Pothan’s brother get limited screentime, serving as emotional props rather than fully realized figures. The climax, while thrilling, relies on convenient heroics, with Joekuttan’s survival stretching believability. A deeper exploration of its themes could’ve elevated the film.

Performances: A Powerhouse Ensemble

Soubin Shahir carries Padakkalam with a career-best turn as Joekuttan, his raw emotion and physicality shining in both action and drama. Grace Antony’s Annie is a fierce co-lead, her chemistry with Soubin grounding the chaos. Vinayakan’s Perumal is a masterclass in understated villainy, his cold stare haunting. Anaswara Rajan’s Priya brings quiet intensity, though her role feels curtailed. Shine Tom Chacko and Dileesh Pothan add spark, but their characters lack nuance. Supporting players like Sudheer Karamana and Jaffer Idukki deliver, though minor roles feel functional.

Music and Technical Aspects: A Gritty Triumph

Gopi Sundar’s music is a standout, with Kadalolam evoking Joekuttan’s struggle and Poru Kochi fueling action beats. The background score, blending percussion with strings, amplifies tension. Sudeep Elamon’s cinematography paints Ernakulam in stark, moody hues, with dynamic shots of ports and slums. Production design, from grimy shanties to smuggling dens, feels lived-in. Editing by Kiran Das is sharp in action but uneven in pacing quieter arcs. Sound design, with roaring rains and clinking blades, immerses viewers, though some CGI in the port climax looks rough.

Audience Reaction

Fans on social media have called Padakkalam a “Soubin mass hit,” praising his “fiery performance” and the “Kochi grit.” Viewers love “Grace Antony’s badass vibe” and “Gopi Sundar’s BGM,” with the port showdown trending online. Some noted the “routine story” and “rushed cop track,” suggesting more polish. The film earned ₹12.48 crore at the Kerala box office, per IMDb, with strong urban buzz. Compared to 2025 Malayalam releases like Retro, it’s lauded for intensity but critiqued for narrative familiarity.

Final Verdict: A Thrilling but Formulaic Mollywood Gem

Padakkalam is a gritty Malayalam action-drama that soars on Soubin Shahir’s raw lead, Grace Antony’s fire, and Kerala’s pulsating backdrop. Sreejith Sreenivasan’s direction and Gopi Sundar’s music craft a tense, crowd-pleasing thriller with heart. While familiar tropes and rushed subplots temper its impact, its action, performances, and desi soul make it a must-watch. It’s a fiery Mollywood ride for fans craving a blend of mass and emotion.

Rating: 3.8/5 Stars
A raw, scenic thriller that’s big on grit but light on originality, perfect for a high-octane movie night.

Why You Should Watch (or Skip) Padakkalam

Watch it if: You love Malayalam action-dramas, Soubin Shahir’s intensity, or gritty Kerala tales.
Skip it if: You prefer innovative plots or dislike formulaic Mollywood beats.

Visit The Movie Time for more recaps and reviews of the latest Bollywood, Hollywood, and South Indian releases. Have you watched Padakkalam? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the cinematic fire blazing!

Tags: Padakkalam, Soubin Shahir, Grace Antony, Vinayakan, Malayalam movie, action-drama, 2025 movies, Sreejith Sreenivasan, Gopi Sundar, Mollywood, movie review, movie recap