21. ROMANCHAM (2023)

 

Language: Malayalam

Genre : Horror-Comedy

Romancham, written and directed by Jithu Madhavan, depicts the lives of seven bachelors who live in a rented house in Bangalore during 2007 and how their lousy lives change drastically after they start playing Ouija board.Despite being in the horror-comedy genre, romancham avoids using cheap jump scares to try to frighten the audience in favour of subtly incorporating situational comedies into the main plot. Romancham does not claim to be a movie that provokes thought or one that surprises you with unexpected turns. But it delivers on what it promised in the trailer—a film that is high in entertainment quotient.

Romancham's main advantage is that it deals with a subject that anyone who has ever stayed in a boys hostel can relate to. The film devotes enough time to the main characters' reckless but enjoyable daily lives. Everywhere humour is possible, it is used; however, not a single instance of humour feels forced; additionally, these relatively unimportant scenes are cleverly woven into the film's main plot.

The film does not revolve entirely around the Ouija board incident. Because the post-interval scenes introduce a new character, played by Arjun Asokan, who takes the film in a new direction, we have the impression that we are watching a different film. However, it is in the third act of the film that the connection with the first half of the film is made and we get a more coherent picture. And with almost fresh faces (on the big screen) and Soubin Shahir in his comfort zone, we have a safe space in which we can laugh as much as we want, and we have the impression that we are watching the lives of people we know well. Sushin Shyam's songs and background score are also noteworthy, as they elevate the overall mood of the film.

Overall, Romancham is a situational comedy that also has a pint of horror, much like a horror plot submerged in a comedy series. Although it may appear to be simple to write, it takes a lot of work to organise all the elements in a way that is both entertaining and easy to understand. Kudos to the team!

My Opinion: Go Grab Your Tickets Fast!!!