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Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Anthu Raj 470 days ago

watched the movie with Tamil audio Track . It was hilarious, real and could connect with all the characters. The scenes especially the bachelors room setup is so real . Malayalam movies are mostly based on real life drama and the actors do justice to their roles. This movie is another feather in the cap for Malayalam cinema lovers.

User Seelan 488 days ago

Bgm ��

Shwetha KS 513 days ago

Awesome movie

Murali Krishna 520 days ago

Actually Malayalees are good in making comedy film, but I am sorry to say this is not....I having seen many comedy films in Malayalam very much disappointed....It appears that the intention is to make a comedy film, but they failed to present the film in that manner....the comedy sequence, and the acting...very poor, not appears as natural.

Jimmy 528 days ago

worst movie i have ever seen

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Romancham (2023) Movie Review: A Delightful and Comic Ride Sprinkled With Elements of Horror

Debutant director Jithu Madhavan has packed quite a punch with his maiden film, “Romancham” ( Goosebumps ). Being true to its name, the film does give you the excitement it promises. The best part is that it doesn’t offer the typical excitement you might expect from a film of the horror genre. The comedy here surpasses the horror elements, but things fall beautifully into place.

The usage of typical horror props like an Ouija board sets the mood of the narrative quite right. However, what works best is how meticulously each character has been developed and how impeccable their comic timings are. Everyone in “Romancham” gives almost pitch-perfect performances, from the veteran actors to the complete newcomers. When we see them together on the screen, it does not feel like they are a bunch of actors working together for the first time as a group.

Instead, they appear as people who have really known each other for a while and have been sharing space. They seem to be aware of each other quirks, bad habits, triggers, and everything that you know about people who have been with you for long. This chemistry between the actors works hugely in favor of the film, and right from the beginning, you realize no matter what, there will never be a dull moment in this film, and there never is.

Another exciting thing about the film is that true events have inspired it, and because of its careful and crafty making, it does not seem unbelievable either. At the very beginning, we get to know that this is about seven people living together in a house in Bangalore in 2007. This is a group of bachelors, and we get a solid mixture of extremely different types of people.

There are the unemployed ones, the ones with proper jobs, some with bizarre business ideas, and the ones awaiting their appointment letters. These are all bachelor guys living their lives to the fullest, partying all night, and waking up to one messy house the next day. While the responsible ones try to keep the others in line, things keep getting out of hand in their own comical way. The simple charm of the lives these bachelors live makes the sequences really enjoyable and vibrant.

Now comes the point when one group member, unable to participate in a game that requires physical movement and agility, suggests that they play something more engaging yet does not require movement. Teammates initially oppose, but gradually, the Ouija board draws everyone in. It all starts with fun and games, and they even become popular in the neighborhood, with people coming to them with unresolved issues of their families in the hope of getting answers.

From here, “Romancham” starts dabbing with elements of horror, but that too in a rather comic and animated way. After a point, the two members who operated the Ouija board on their whims realize that they aren’t in control anymore. If this realization isn’t enough, the group soon discovers that the spirit summoned via Ouija is quite determined to live with them. At first, some of the more logical ones in the group refuse to believe it, but the ghost, with its staunch determination, ultimately makes everyone feel its presence. What follows is a comical chaos and a desperate attempt to make the house get rid of the ghost.

Coming to the characters, though, every one of them has been developed with equal care and craft; the character of Sinu, played by Arjun Ashokan, stands out. With his weird quirks and his absolutely great comic timing, Arjun has nailed the character. From his introduction to the group till the time he leaves, only to come back again, he fills the screen with a kind of energy that’s very muted and yet very weird, something that goes with the vibe of a comedy horror film really well.

“Romancham,” with its simple yet effective and intriguing plot, hits all the right chords. The background score by Sushin Shyam adds the perfect icing to the cake. The lives of the bachelors, with their everyday struggles, fights, and bouts of excitement and happiness, make them the ideal target of a ghost who despite having a sad past probably does not mean harm. The film ends on a kind of cliffhanger, making us, the audience, look forward to the sequel. After all, who would not want a ride that’s this funny yet scary at the right places?

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Romancham review: Great debuts make this Soubin horror comedy a fun watch

If for some reason, you have wondered about the lives of young people living in cramped houses away from home with standard bachelor negligence to matters of hygiene, Romancham gives a lifelike replica of seven such men, drawn from corners of Kerala to ‘one end of Bengaluru’. The writer and director of the film Jithu Madhavan had warned us that the film is about real-life events, much before its release. The chilling one-liner of the film says how a game of Ouija board affected the lives of seven friends in a house in 2007. How Jithu manages to bring it out with a curious mix of horror and humour is what makes it a great debut by him, helped by brilliant performances from a relatively new cast, and the music of Sushin Syam.

Romancham opens with the most familiar face among the seven: Soubin Shahir waking up with blurry eyes in a hospital. He tells his tale involving the six other men of the house and a few more (women are far and few between but forgivably so, given the circumstances) to a sympathetic nurse. All seven in the house have very distinct personalities and if you are the skeptical sort, you’d wonder how much of one man’s narration of the past you can trust. For even when he talks about each of them, he skips his own tale – what does he even do? To be fair, he doesn’t make himself sound like a saint. All the men are endearingly flawed.

Sajin Gopu plays the indisputable leader of the gang, his deep voice and “natural” fitness satirising the macho man when he breaks into a shrill scream as terror strikes. Siju Sunny looks like he fell from the 1970s with his sideburns and curly head of hair, but the marked disdain of an addict crumbles in the face of horror. Afzal PH and Abin Bino are remarkable as men of small stature with unique traits, their quickly fading expressions a treat to watch. Jagadeesh Kumar plays the “businessman” in the group, unmindful of his several failures remaining as boxes of commodes across the house. Anantharaman, a film critic, plays perhaps the most ‘decent’ of the lot, with a job, a girlfriend, and a load of faith.

Watch: Trailer of the film

The Ouija board comes into the midst of this gang, shaking their daily lives, which mostly involved slacking off, drinking, and playing games (Soubin’s character for some reason hates outdoor games). The horror part of it makes a slow entry, as the games yield nothing at first and become a joke between the men until the board seems to act on its own. The bored expressions, the quick exchange of words, and the sudden switch to wonder, shock, and fear are too good. It makes you laugh and it makes you scared. You can either laugh at your fears or hide your fear behind your laughs. You can also try to find logic among all that chaos to calm your inquistive mind down.

Soubin, after a few poor outings, is back in form. It is difficult to believe most of the other actors are new, or only a few films old. Even the others visiting the house, like the Ouija expert DJ, are fun to watch. If you are the nostalgic kind, you can also revel in the pleasures of an old world (2007 is 16 years away), when mobile phones were not “smart” enough to take all your time.

Jithu also makes the script tight. He doesn’t linger over the Ouija board for too long. He lets it have its run and then brings new characters to the screen. Arjun Ashokan appears as a surprise package, a man who can bring the creeps even as he smiles too often and acts too friendly. Chemban Vinod too has an endearingly witty cameo. Behind the screen, Sanu Thahir works the camera to bring you warm shots, like the one in which Soubin and Sajin walk on either side of a goofy Arjun in the night, as another of Sushin’s gripping songs flows into the screen.

With such a package, the horror and the comedy come off really well. But if you are not quite a fan of horror, chances are that you might have trouble with the viewing, despite the comedy accompanying it.

Disclaimer: This review was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the series/film. TNM Editorial is independent of any business relationship the organisation may have with producers or any other members of its cast or crew.

Romancham review: Soubin Shahir’s horror-comedy about troubles springing from a Ouija board has plenty of laughs

The writing of Romancham is pacy and there’s one hilarious instance after another, stemming from the fact that people from different walks of life and have their own quirks

Sanjith Sidhardhan

Last Updated: 05.28 PM, Feb 03, 2023

Story: Six roommates in Bengaluru decide to play a game of Ouija. What starts out as fun, however, starts getting out of hand, with the spirit harbouring anger and resentment towards the residents of the house. Things turn upside down for everyone in the house, especially with the arrival of another uninvited guest. How will they face what’s happening?

Review: Who knew a movie featuring a Ouija board would be so much fun? Debutant director Jithu Madhavan has achieved what a select few has done with his latest horror comedy that doesn’t use laughs as a safety net to push the horror elements, but rather inverses it for hilarious results.

The movie would be relatable for a lot of millennials, who would have spent the early 2000s in Bengaluru, in houses with probably two or three rooms and thrice the roommates. Romancham revolves around a series of incidents that happen to six roommates, who decide to indulge in a game of Ouija to kill boredom. Things start out fun, but quickly take a turn when they find out that the spirit is real and ‘angry’. An uninvited guest, Arjun Ashokan, further spices things up till it reaches boiling point where the roommates are all on the edge.

Also read: Romancham’s horror elements are toned down as it’s based on true incidents, says Jithu Madhavan | Exclusive

From the outset, the filmmaker establishes the key characters and their quirks, and the film benefits immensely from this. Be it Soubin Shahir as Jibi, Siju Sunny as the Hans-loving, leather jacket-wearing Mukesh, Afzal PH as always-by-your-side Karikuttan and Anantharaman Ajay as the God-fearing and responsible Rivin to Abin Bino as the sportive Shijappan, Sajin Gopu as the big brother Niroop and Jagadeesh Kumar as the entrepreneurial Soman, the cast have brilliant chemistry and that’s 70% of why the film works through and through. Siju and Afzal stand out, because their expressions – mostly contempt or fear – leave the audience in splits.

The writing is pacy and there’s one hilarious instance after another, stemming from the fact that people from different walks of life, belief systems and districts in Kerala are living together in this house. Jithu makes brilliant use of that aspect, so that by the time the Ouija board and guests, uninvited and invited like Chemban Vinod Jose’s character, arrive, the audience is already a sniggering fly on the wall – watching and laughing at how the situation evolves for the motley crew.

The supernatural elements too aren’t to frighten the audience but to set an eerie ambience to evoke more laughter through the characters’ reactions. Sushin Shyam’s music elevates this already finely acted and written movie, which has cinematographer Sanu Thahir beautifully capturing the frames inside the house without ever making it feel claustrophobic. The team also ably pull off an atmospheric climax.

Verdict: If you are in the mood for an entertainer that has plenty of laughs and could also maybe evoke a memory or two of living with roommates in Bengaluru in your 20s, look no further than Romancham. Don’t let the supernatural elements fool you, this one’s all heart-y laughs.

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Romancham Movie Review: Rewarding horror-comedy that's high on the laughs

Rating: ( 4 / 5).

Vividity is a strong suit of director Jithu Madhavan's debut feature, Romancham . It's a mark of the detailing that went into the home of the film's central characters. It's also a mark of the character sketches. After I came out of the movie, it's not the horror aspects that I remember the most, but the faces of these characters and their perfectly timed interactions. They don't give the impression of 'actors' who met for the first time; they convey the camaraderie of guys who have known each other for the longest time and have been sharing a home for years. The level of detailing is such that you could almost smell their home. Maybe one of these men isn't into taking baths that often. When another character looks at the condition of their home after a night of partying and wonders aloud if it's a pigsty, you nod your head in agreement. It does look like one until the same man, Nirup, cleans it up.

Director: Jithu Madhavan

Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sajin Gopu, Siju Sunny, Arjun Ashokan

The film begins with Soubin Shahir's character recollecting a story. Although it starts with him and proceeds through his point-of-view, he isn't really what you call the 'main character'. That label fits all the seven men who live under the same roof, starting with Nirup (Sajin Gopu, from Churuli and Jan-e-Man ), the bossman of the pack. He has the poise and stature of a man commanding an army. But he also reveals a vulnerable side, at the expense of which we occasionally get some laughs. It's the little things -- like someone mistakenly calling him 'Nirodh' or how, in another instance, his softer side gets exposed when he is talking to his parents, something which he doesn't want his housemates to know. I describe this sketch of Nirup because the makers have given all the other characters the same degree of attention. Everyone has their share of distinct quirks and mannerisms that make them different from others. For example, there is a whole gag involving a 'Hans' consumer and how Nirup is trying to 'reform' him. It's almost like an implicit tobacco warning from the film.

Romancham is at its funniest when it explores the idiosyncrasies of these characters, particularly after Soubin's character introduces them to the idea of summoning ghosts through an OUIJA board, and you get to see how they react to this newfound supernatural phenomenon. The admirable quality of all these actors -- some of whom are fresh faces -- is that they don't always have to say anything to make you laugh. There were multiple instances in the film where audience members, including yours truly, were cracking up at how these characters looked at each other or how they behaved when they were by themselves or sharing the same frame. One can't help but recall classics like In Harihar Nagar , Godfather , or Ramji Rao Speaking . The last time a Malayalam film came this close to creating that kind of 'classic' male-male bonding on screen was Jan-e-Man .

For obvious reasons, I'm not going to write about every little detail, but suffice it to say that the film gets to have a lot of fun with the material. It gives a fresh twist to the horror-comedy genre. The presence of a spirit is naturally supposed to elicit some fear, but Romancham is not interested in making us supremely uncomfortable. Its interest lies in extracting comedy from scenarios that terrify those living in the house but are comical to distant observers like us. At one point, Chemban Vinod Jose makes a hilarious cameo.

That said, it doesn't entirely leave out the scare factor, but it does it in a way that doesn't make you want to hide like Mr Bean in that horror movie episode. And having a composer like Sushin Shyam, who is coming up with some really cool stuff these days, helps contribute to the overall hip vibe the film is going for, even when the characters are not.

If you suspect the entire film revolves around the OUIJA board, fret not; you'll be surprised at the direction the film takes after the interval. When Arjun Ashokan's character enters the picture, Romancham becomes a different kind of movie -- sort of like a second chapter whose connection to the pre-interval portions only becomes more evident by the time we get to the third act, the conclusion of which is followed by the promise of a sequel. And this character's eccentricity makes an admirably significant contribution to the laughs department.

Since the first part shows signs of a big success judging by the footfalls in theatres during the weekend, I expect the sequel to be a sure thing. Let's hope the makers spring more surprises in that one.

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Romancham Review: A Perfect Blend of Horror and Hilarity

Jithu Madhavan

Soubin shahir, arjun ashokan, sajin gopu, johnpaul george, girish gangadharan, joby george, 129 minutes, release date, february 3, 2023.

User Review

Romancham Review:

Romancham, a horror-comedy directed by Jithu Madhavan , is a delightful surprise that keeps the audience engaged and entertained throughout. The film’s unique formula of blending horror and laughter without resorting to exaggerated humor or clichéd ghostly elements makes it a standout in its genre. Inspired by real-life incidents, Romancham cleverly weaves a tale that could have easily gone wrong if not handled with finesse.

Brilliant Writing and Direction

Jithu Madhavan’s brilliance as a writer-director shines through in Romancham. The story revolves around a group of youngsters living in Bengaluru who decide to play with a Ouija board, summoning a ghost. What follows is a hilarious twist as the ghost decides to stick around, causing chaos and comedic situations for the characters.

Laughter-Filled Theatre Experience

The film’s comedic brilliance is evident from the uproarious laughter that fills the theatre. The characters’ antics and interactions with the ghost keep the audience engaged and cheering along. The well-timed and appropriate use of music by Sushin Shyam enhances the overall experience, and the catchy line “Adaranjali Neratte (Rest in Peace)” lingers in the minds of the viewers long after the movie ends.

Horror without the Usual Tropes

Remarkably, Romancham manages to create a genuinely scary situation without relying on the typical ghostly elements. The tension and fear experienced by the characters, though humorous to the audience, lend an authentic touch to the horror aspect of the film.

Impressive Performances

Arjun Asokan’s portrayal of Sinu, whose antics push the group of youngsters to the edge, is commendable. Soubin Shahir as Jibi delivers a solid performance, particularly in a beautifully executed scene where he and Abin Bino’s Shijappan seem to conspire. Afzal PH as Karikuttan and Sajin Gopu and Niroop leave a lasting impression with their unforgettable characters that add to the film’s hilarity. The supporting cast, including Siju Sunny, Anantharaman Ajay, Jagadheesh Kumar, and Joemon Jyothir, all play their parts effectively.

Memorable Cameo

Chemban Vinod’s cameo appearance gifts the audience with a memorable scene that leads to an unexpected burst of laughter. His presence adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the film.

A Well-Balanced Blend

What sets Romancham apart is the balance it maintains between horror and comedy. It avoids excessive exaggerations and stays grounded, allowing the humor to flow naturally. The seamless merging of these contrasting elements is a testament to Jithu Madhavan’s directorial prowess.

Romancham is a must-watch for horror and comedy enthusiasts alike. With its engaging plot, stellar performances, and skillful direction, the film offers a refreshing and enjoyable cinematic experience. Jithu Madhavan’s ability to craft a hilarious yet spooky tale sets Romancham apart from the usual horror-comedy fare. If you are looking for a movie that will make you laugh out loud while still keeping you on the edge of your seat, Romancham is the perfect choice.

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'Romancham' review | Smartly-woven humour makes Soubin Shahir-Arjun Ashokan's film a fun watch

'Romancham' is a simple story set in the backdrop of an organic milieu. What really makes the film worth your time is the laugh-out-loud humour that’s smartly woven into the narrative. 'Romancham' is that kind of film that gives you plenty of laughs, while also adding necessary goosebumps, every now and then.

Apparently, a lot of people were drawn towards the film after listening to Sushin Shyam’s trending song, ‘Ningalkk Aadharanjali Neratte.’ After all, the song was a hit among reels. Thankfully director Jithu Madhavan and producers John Paul George and Gireesh Gangadharan have managed to put together a film that absolutely lives up to our expectations.

While watching 'Romancham', you get the feeling that Jithu put Soubin Shahir and Arjun Ashokan at opposing ends and told them to have a blast. The story is very simple. The film which is placed in 2017 is about a bunch of friends who live in a rented flat in Bangalore. They are struggling to make ends meet and into their lives enter two people. It is Soubin who invites both of them into the house. What follows soon after are scenes laced with laugh-out-loud situational humour.

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'Romancham' isn’t your typical Bangalore-based bachelor comedy tale that revolves around friendship and struggles. The film’s backbone has to be the unexpected bouts of horror that are cleverly done. During scenes that had no background score, the audience was rolling with laughter. Perhaps this is the first time that a horror comedy has worked this well in Malayalam.

Along with Soubin Shahir and Arjun Ashokan, 'Othalanga Thuruthile Nathu' actor Abin Bino and Jagadish Kumar are having great fun on screen. Their fantastic performance is what leaves everyone in splits. There is a heroine in the film who never makes a physical appearance but you can feel her invisible presence throughout the film.

Maybe it is only towards the end portions that the audience might feel a bit unbelievable. But then the tail-end climax hints towards a second part. 'Romancham' ends with the hope of a stunning sequel like 'Adi Kapyare Koota Mani' and 'Aadu Oru Beekara Jeeviyalla'.

Sushin Shyam is the backbone of this film written by director Jithu Madhavan. Sanu Tahir’s camera has helped in setting the tone of the narrative. And Kiran Das’s razor-sharp cuts make ‘Romancham’ a fantastic experience. Hopefully, the second part will be there. Till then let’s give it up for ‘Ningalkk Aadharanjali Neratte'.

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'Romancham' Malayalam film review: Rewarding horror-comedy high on laughs

Vividity is a strong suit of director Jithu Madhavan’s debut feature, Romancham. It’s a mark of the detailing that went into the home of the film’s central characters. It’s also a mark of the character sketches. After I came out of the movie, it’s not the horror aspects that I remember the most, but the faces of these characters and their perfectly timed interactions.

They don’t give the impression of ‘actors’ who met for the first time; they convey the camaraderie of guys who have known each other for the longest time and have been sharing a home for years. The level of detailing is such that you could almost smell their home. Maybe one of these men isn’t into taking baths that often. When another character looks at the condition of their home after a night of partying and wonders aloud if it’s a pigsty, you nod your head in agreement. It does look like one until the same man, Nirup, cleans it up.

The film begins with Soubin Shahir’s character recollecting a story. Although it starts with him and proceeds through his point-of-view, he isn’t really what you call the ‘main character’. That label fits all the seven men who live under the same roof, starting with Nirup (Sajin Gopu, from Churuli and Jan-e-Man), the bossman of the pack. He has the poise and stature of a man commanding an army. But he also reveals a vulnerable side, at the expense of which we occasionally get some laughs.

It’s the little things—like someone mistakenly calling him ‘Nirodh’ or how, in another instance, his softer side gets exposed when he is talking to his parents, something which he doesn’t want his housemates to know. I describe this sketch of Nirup because the makers have given all the other characters the same degree of attention. Everyone has their share of distinct quirks and mannerisms that make them different from others. For example, there is a whole gag involving a Hans consumer and how Nirup is trying to ‘reform’ him. It’s almost like an implicit tobacco warning from the film.

Romancham is at its funniest when it explores the idiosyncrasies of these characters, particularly after Soubin’s character introduces them to the idea of summoning ghosts through an OUIJA board, and you get to see how they react to this newfound supernatural phenomenon. The admirable quality of all these actors—some of whom are fresh faces—is that they don’t always have to say anything to make you laugh. There were multiple instances in the film where audience members, including yours truly, were cracking up at how these characters looked at each other or how they behaved when they were by themselves or sharing the same frame. One can’t help but recall classics like In Harihar Nagar, Godfather, or Ramji Rao Speaking. The last time a Malayalam film came this close to creating that kind of ‘classic’ male-male bonding on screen was Jan-e-Man.

For obvious reasons, I’m not going to write about every little detail, but suffice it to say that the film gets to have a lot of fun with the material. It gives a fresh twist to the horror-comedy genre. The presence of a spirit is naturally supposed to elicit some fear, but Romancham is not interested in making us supremely uncomfortable. Its interest lies in extracting comedy from scenarios that terrify those living in the house but are comical to distant observers like us. At one point, Chemban Vinod Jose makes a hilarious cameo.

That said, it doesn’t entirely leave out the scare factor, but it does it in a way that doesn’t make you want to hide like Mr Bean in that horror movie episode. And having a composer like Sushin Shyam, who is coming up with some really cool stuff these days, helps contribute to the overall hip vibe the film is going for, even when the characters are not.

If you suspect the entire film revolves around the OUIJA board, fret not; you’ll be surprised at the direction the film takes after the interval. When Arjun Ashokan’s character enters the picture, Romancham becomes a different kind of movie—sort of like a second chapter whose connection to the pre-interval portions only becomes more evident by the time we get to the third act, the conclusion of which is followed by the promise of a sequel. And this character’s eccentricity makes an admirably significant contribution to the laughs department.

Since the first part shows signs of a big success judging by the footfalls in theatres during the weekend, I expect the sequel to be a sure thing. Let’s hope the makers spring more surprises in that one.

Film: Romancham Director: Jithu Madhavan Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sajin Gopu, Siju Sunny, Arjun Ashokan Rating: 4/5

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'Romancham' review: A refreshingly funny story about a game gone wrong

The humour is not over-dramatic or forced

The plot of Romancham is set in 2007 in Bengaluru and follows the lives of seven bachelors who share a house. The first moments of the film give us a glimpse into their lives and the dynamic of friendship they share. Things change when one of them, Jibi (Soubin Shahir), decides to use the Ouija board, and the events that follow determine the rest of the narrative.

Though the storyline is primarily focused on the series of events that follow, the story is delightfully seasoned with laid-back comedy that appears casual, owing to the dynamic the friends have. The movie brings in some refreshing and relatable fun that helps the audience instantly connect with all the characters.

The tension that certain scenarios create is easily matched with one-liners or comments that are certain to make you chuckle. The film's humour is refreshing since it is never over-dramatic or forced. It was truly simple situations that had the entire audience in stitches.

A noteworthy feature was that the movie was not just humorous at the beginning or finish, but the team managed to have evenly distributed amusing parts throughout the film.

There was no struggle in having so many characters to keep up with, thanks to the well-written characters. Sajin Gopu, Anatharaman Ajay, Siju Sunny, Jagadeesh Kumar, Afzal PH along with the others displayed realistic performances.

Their one-liner jokes and facial expressions that were engaging ensured that the audience feel connected to them. A special mention has to be Arjun Ashokan who played his ‘interesting’ character in the best way possible.

The characters of all the seven were so well-rounded that each of their personalities stood out in their own unique way. This ensures that none of them is left behind and gives them all the space to freely move around in the dynamic. The actors who played supporting roles delivered well even in their limited screen time.

The movie has a set of catchy songs brilliantly made by the Sushin Shyam, that are bound to get stuck in your head. The promo song 'Aadharanjali' is a real banger with over 7 million views on YouTube.

Jithu Madhavan, the director-writer of the movie, ensures that the pace of the plot does not lag at any point and has succeeded in leaving the audience wanting for more.

Film: Romancham

Language: Malayalam

Director: Jithu Madhavan

Cast: Soubin Shahir, Anantharaman Ajay, Sajin Gopu, Arjun Ashokan and others

Rating: 4/5

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‘Romancham’ movie review: Jithu Madhavan’s horror-comedy is a laugh riot

Along with some top-notch comic performances from the entire cast, everything works like a charm and evokes uproarious laughter in director jithu madhavan’s debut film.

February 04, 2023 01:46 pm | Updated 02:07 pm IST

A still from ‘Romancham’

An Ouija board in a horror film is no mark of novelty. After all, there is no better excuse than the board to open a portal to the other world and summon wandering spirits. But this eternal source of the supernatural becomes quite something else in Romancham , Jithu Madhavan’s debut film. What happens around it often evokes uproarious laughter, rather than fear. One reason for this is how the director, who also scripted the film, has conceived the scenarios. The other being some top-notch comic performances from the entire cast, with impeccable timing.

It all happens inside a rented house in Bengaluru in 2007, with seven bachelors having the time of their lives despite struggling to stay afloat. The mix involves two men who have a job, a failed businessman, two who have been waiting eternally for a job offer after an interview, and two who have no jobs. It is easy for a viewer to fit into this small world of diverse characters, who all stand out in their own way, with their unique brand of craziness. For anyone who has been in that city around this period, the world that the film creates is quite relatable.

As in any such bachelor household, there is the responsible man trying hard to bring a semblance of discipline amidst the wayward bunch, as well as the man who refuses to mend his ways and struggles for his right to consume paan masala . Curiosity gives way to horror when the seven of them summon a spirit using an ouija board. The arrival of a new person with peculiar behavioural issues further complicates matters.

With its organic flow and uncomplicated scenarios, it might look like an easy script to write, but to pull something off so seamlessly, the writer has to have a clear understanding of what would work on the screen and what to leave out. To Jithu’s credit, almost everything works like a charm here. The mise-en-scène of the bachelor room itself has enough elements to evoke laughter. The unsold western commodes of the failed businessman fill up a good part of the room, becoming makeshift chairs, a rice container, and even a gift for a friend’s wedding.

When the supernatural elements kick in, the script also leaves some space for us to doubt the happenings. Sushin Shyam has created songs and background score that gel with the quirky mood of the whole film. After a long time, Soubin Shahir gets a role that fits his kind of acting, while Arjun Ashokan expertly handles a character that is difficult to pull off. But it is the crop of new actors who carry the film all through, complementing each other well.

Romancham leaves us with a promise of a sequel, which is something to look forward to, considering the fact that much can be done with this set of characters. Horror-comedy is a genre that requires a lot of delicate balancing, and Jithu Madhavan gets it just right, making it one of the best of its kind in Malayalam cinema.

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Romancham Malayalam Movie

First-time director Jithu Madhavan's "Romancham" (goosebumps) is a film so funny that it will have you rolling on the floor, laughing. The film is about the paranormal experiences of a group of friends living in a Bangalore house. The gang summons a spirit with the Ouija board game. Initially, they have some fun with the game, but it soon becomes a bit serious.

Now, the Ouija board is usually a filmmaking trope that evokes a sense of fear in the audience. Most filmmakers use it to scare the living daylights out of the viewers. However, the makers of Romancham use the Ouija board game mostly to bring out some laughter in the theater.

There is not a lot in the way of plot in the film, but it works mainly on moments of sheer improvisation. It helps that writer-director Jithu Madhavan conceives clever and hilarious scenarios, such as the one where an Ouija spirit reveals a piece of information that casts doubt on who one's father is. The sudden arrival of a new guest complicates matters while leaving room for more hilarity.

There are also other elements that make Romancham such a fun ride. Jithu gives us enough details about his characters to help us better relate to the situational gags involving each of them. One of them has a job, some of them are awaiting the results of interviews, and another has a failed water closet business. It is funny how they use unsold units of the closet. At a philosophical level, the closet symbolizes the low state of their lives to some extent.

Now, I wonder how much Romancham works as a horror comedy. There are hardly any scary scenes in the film, although it has elements of the horror genre. Sushin Shyam's music lacks a foreboding soundtrack. "Aadharanjali" and "Athmave Poo" veer more towards the funny side.

Acting-wise, everyone is in fine form here. Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, and Sajin Gopu nail one of the funniest sequences in the film. Siju Sunny makes wonderful use of such a thin line of a character idea, and Abin Bino has a killer expression or two. "Appuppan and the Boys" YouTuber Anantharaman Ajay plays arguably the least funny character here. It is such a joy to see the cast at work.

From a plot perspective, however, the movie is not complete. It is unclear how the ghost ends up at their house. One wonders whether there is even a ghost. The film ends with a promise of a sequel. Maybe Romancham Part II will give us the goosebumps that the title promises.

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Romancham Crew Info

Director
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Production	Goodwill Entertainments, Guppy Cinemas, Johnpaul George Productions
Budget	TBA
Box Office	TBA
OTT Platform	Disney Plus Hotstar
OTT Release Date	2023-04-07
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Aadharanjali Singers: Sushin Shyam , Madhuvanti Narayan Lyricist: Vinayak Sasikumar 4.3
Athmave Poo Singers: Sushin Shyam Lyricist: Vinayak Sasikumar 4.9
Manuja Singers: Rex Vijayan Lyricist: Vinayak Sasikumar 3.7
Thalatherichavar Singers: Zia ul Haq Lyricist: Vinayak Sasikumar 3

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Romancham

In this Romancham film, Soubin Shahir , Arjun Ashokan played the primary leads.

The Romancham was released in theaters on 03 Feb 2023.

The Romancham was directed by Jithu Madhavan

Movies like Hunt , Thaanara , Secret and others in a similar vein had the same genre but quite different stories.

The Romancham had a runtime of 132 minutes.

The soundtracks and background music were composed by Sushin Shyam for the movie Romancham.

The cinematography for Romancham was shot by Sanu Tahir .

You can watch the Romancham movie on Disney Plus Hotstar,.

On 07 Apr 2023 Romancham was released on the Disney Plus Hotstar, platform.

The movie Romancham belonged to the Comedy,Horror, genre.

Romancham User Review

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Romancham: Brilliant writing with hilarious dark comedy.

I was surprised to see a Malayalam movie in Coimbatore with a full house theatre.

The best parts of this movie are the humorous conversation and acting. The Chemban Vinod scene, as well as two other situations, caused viewers to laugh uncontrollably.

It is a well-made film with an easy-to-follow plot, and audiences thoroughly enjoyed it. After the intermission, I observed people hurrying to their seats with popcorn so they wouldn't miss a single scene.

The film doesn't have any flaws, right? Indeed, there are. But these downsides are not severe. Nonetheless, the director may see them as improvements for the sequel. 1) The story doesn't begin for 30 minutes. 2) The same settings give off a faint serial-like vibe.3) Unsatisfactory conclusion.

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Romancham (2023)

Parents Guide

Certification

Violence & Gore (1)
Profanity (1)
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking (3)
Frightening & Intense Scenes (1)

Certification

(Alberta) (British Columbia) (CBFC)

Sex & Nudity

None 2 of 2 found this to have none Severity? None 2 Mild 0 Moderate 0 Severe 0 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.

Violence & Gore

None 3 of 5 found this to have none Severity? None 3 Mild 2 Moderate 0 Severe 0 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
There is no violence and gore in this film Edit
Mild 3 of 4 found this mild Severity? None 1 Mild 3 Moderate 0 Severe 0 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
Bad language is mild ('bloody', 'ass'), accompanied by other even milder terms ('God', 'damn', 'hell', 'jerk' and 'moron'). Edit

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

Moderate 4 of 5 found this moderate Severity? None 0 Mild 1 Moderate 4 Severe 0 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
A man known to binge drink is found to have consumed an entire bottle of cough syrup in order to become inebriated. Edit
A character in this film is a drug addict and is shown taking alcohol and drugs such as pan parag (Hans) in multiple scenes. Edit
Random scenes of smoking and drinking alcohol Edit

Frightening & Intense Scenes

Mild 2 of 4 found this mild Severity? None 1 Mild 2 Moderate 0 Severe 1 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
There is moderate horror involving supernatural elements, such as objects moving on their own, ominous sounds, as well as characters appearing to act as if haunted by an unseen force. Edit

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