Karam is a 2025 Malayalam action-thriller with a touch of emotional drama. Directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan and written by Noble Babu Thomas (who also plays the lead), this film is about an ex-army officer who just can’t escape his past. The story mixes family bonding with dangerous missions, leading to a journey full of suspense and personal battles.
It features a solid cast including Shweta Menon, Reshma Sebastian, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Ivan Vukomanovic, and Manoj K. Jayan. The runtime is around 2 hours and 8 minutes – tight enough for a thriller, if done right.
🧩 Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story follows Dev, a former army man, who is trying to live a peaceful life with his family. But his peace doesn’t last long. During a vacation abroad, he gets pulled into a mess that brings back the trauma and violence he thought he left behind.
Set partly in a foreign city called Lenarco, the film explores themes like PTSD, family duty, and unfinished business. As Dev tries to protect his loved ones, he also confronts the emotional wounds of his childhood.
🎥 Direction & Screenplay
Vineeth Sreenivasan is known for his storytelling skills, and with Karam, he tries something darker and more intense than his usual work. The movie’s tone switches between emotional scenes, action sequences, and light comedy — but not always smoothly. At times, it feels like the film is trying to do too much at once.
The screenplay by Noble Babu Thomas builds suspense in the first half but becomes predictable later on. You start to guess what’s coming, and that takes away from the thrill. Still, the pacing keeps you engaged, and some scenes pack a strong emotional punch.
🎭 Performances
Noble Babu Thomas as Dev carries the film on his shoulders. He plays the role of a man torn between his past and present very convincingly. His expressions during emotional scenes and intensity during action moments feel real.
Reshma Sebastian gives a mature performance, balancing vulnerability with strength. Kalabhavan Shajohn, Baburaj, and Manoj K. Jayan deliver solid support, adding depth to the story.
The villain, played by Ivan Vukomanovic, is believable, though his character could have been written with more depth. Still, he adds a cold presence that works well in the high-tension moments.
🎬 Technical Aspects
This is where Karam truly shines.
- 🎞️ Cinematography by Jomon T. John captures the mood of each scene beautifully. Whether it’s a quiet emotional moment or a tense chase, the visuals pull you in.
- ✂️ Editing by Ranjan Abraham keeps the film tight. The 2-hour runtime doesn’t drag, which is important for a thriller.
- 🎶 Background score by Shaan Rahman adds life to the story. The music never overpowers, but it always supports the emotions.
- 🎨 Color grading by Srikanth Varier gives the film a polished look. It feels modern and sharp without being too flashy.
✅ What Works Well
- Strong performances: Especially by Noble Babu Thomas.
- Emotional storytelling: The themes of pain, family, and redemption feel personal.
- Great technical quality: Visuals, sound, and editing are top-notch.
- Realistic action: No over-the-top heroism – it feels grounded.
❌ What Could Be Better
- Predictable second half: The suspense starts strong but loses steam.
- Genre mixing feels forced: Humor and emotions clash at times.
- Thin antagonist arc: The villain doesn’t feel layered enough.
- Unnecessary subplots: Some scenes distract from the main story.
🎯 Audience Reactions & IMDb Rating
As of now, Karam holds a 6.4/10 rating on IMDb based on early reviews. That score matches the mixed reactions.
- Some viewers loved the film’s emotional depth and called it “gripping” and “edge of the seat.”
- Others found it “below average,” saying the story tried to do too much and didn’t stick the landing.
It’s one of those movies where your personal taste will really matter.
📽️ How It Compares to Similar Films
If you’ve seen Malayalam thrillers like:
- Ranam
- Thira
- Helen
…then Karam will feel familiar. It has that mix of emotion, crime, and personal trauma. However, it lacks the tight storytelling that made those movies stand out. It’s more polished, but less original in its plot.
📝 Final Verdict: Is Karam Worth Watching?
Yes – but with a few warnings.
Karam is a well-made film with some strong acting and solid technical work. It delivers emotional moments and realistic action, even if the story itself doesn’t break new ground. If you enjoy Malayalam thrillers with heart and intensity, you’ll likely appreciate it.
Just don’t expect a masterpiece, and you’ll come out satisfied.
🙋♂️ FAQs About Karam (2025)
❓ Is Karam based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional thriller, though the emotions and trauma feel very real.
❓ Who directed Karam?
The film is directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, known for his earlier emotional dramas.
❓ Where was Karam filmed?
Some scenes were shot in Lenarco, a fictional or foreign setting used to create international tension.
❓ Is Karam related to Thira or other Vineeth films?
It’s not a direct sequel, but it shares a similar mood and storytelling style.
❓ Where can I watch Karam online?
The film will likely be available on popular OTT platforms after its theatrical run. Keep an eye on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix India.
Karam (2025) might not change the game for Malayalam cinema, but it surely adds value to the genre. It’s a gritty, emotional, and well-crafted film that shows how much more the industry can offer beyond just commercial entertainment.
