Chathuram
| Chathuram | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Siddharth Bharathan |
| Written by | Siddharth Bharathan Vinay Thomas |
| Produced by | Sidharth Bharathan Vinitha Ajith George Sandiagio Jamneesh Thayyil |
| Starring | Swasika Roshan Mathew Alencier Ley Lopez Jaffar Idukki |
| Cinematography | Pradeesh M. Varma |
| Edited by | Deepu S. Joseph |
| Music by | Prashant Pillai |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Chathuram (transl. The Square) is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language thriller drama film.[1] The movie is directed by Sidharth Bharathan and featured Swasika, Roshan Mathew, Alencier Ley Lopez and Leona Lishoy as lead characters.[2] The film was released in theaters on 4 November 2022.[3]
On February 17, 2023, regional OTT platform Saina Play announced that they had acquired the digital rights to Chathuram and started streaming it from March 9, 2023.[4]
Cast
- Swasika as Selena second wife of Eldhos achayan
- Roshan Mathew as Home Nurse Bellthazar
- Alencier Ley Lopez as Eldhos Achayan
- Jaffar Idukki as John, Eldhos' brother
- Ambika Mohan as the first wife of Eldos
- Ritu Ajith as Eldos' daughter
- Nishanth Sagar as Adv. Roni Zacheria
- Santhy Balachandran as Jijimol
- Leona Lishoy as CI Meritta Philip
- Gilu Joseph as Joseph
- Geethi Sangeetha as Rathi
- Amalsha as Jobish
- Vinoy Thomas as Baby
- Vinod Krishnan as Bell's brother
- Kichu Tellus as SI
- Smitha Mohan as Civil Police Officer
- Rajiv Mohan as Civil Police Officer
- Anuroop as Civil Police Officer
- Jeril Varghese as Priest
Reception
Chathuram received a mixed to positive response, with consistent praise for the lead performances and atmosphere, though its pacing and use of thriller clichés drew criticism.
Critical response
- Times of India rated it 3/5, describing it as “a rarely seen emotional drama” and commending the lead performances, while also pointing out the occasionally sluggish pace.[5]
- OTTPlay gave it 3/5, praising Swasika Vijay and Roshan Mathew (“bring their A‑game”), but felt the film “takes far too much time to get over the predictable portions to better bits”.[6]
- Film Companion wrote it was “a femme‑fatale drama that trolls for attention”, relying on “the oldest tricks in the erotic thriller manual”, though the film’s mood and atmosphere were praised.[7]
- The New Indian Express called it “a fairly enjoyable noir-tinged dark comedy”, praising Swasika Vijay as “a revelation as the vamp who oscillates between confident and vulnerable” and Roshan Mathew as “a natural” in his role.[8]
- Indian Express (Malayalam) noted the film didn’t stray far from familiar erotic thriller tropes, but acknowledged its discussion of body, desire, and power dynamics in a style rarely seen in Malayalam cinema.[9]
Audience response
- The Times of India noted early viewer reactions on social media described it as a "decent erotic thriller," though many felt the second half lacked thrills and progressed slowly.[10]
Box office
Chathuram had a modest international opening with US $9,445 grossed in the UAE on 17 November 2022, which remains its only reported revenue to date.[11]
| Date | Territory | Gross (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 17 November 2022 | United Arab Emirates | 9,445[11] |
| Total | — | 9,445[11] |
References
- ^ Praveen, S. R. (9 November 2022). "'Chathuram' movie reivew: An unimaginative thriller with the vibe of an outdated racy novel". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- ^ "ChathuramA". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- ^ "Chathuram Movie (Nov 2022) - Trailer, Star Cast, Release Date | Paytm.com". Paytm. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- ^ "Watch Chathuram on Saina Play". Saina Play. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
- ^ "Chathuram Movie Review: A rarely seen emotional drama". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Chathuram movie review: Swasika, Roshan Mathew shine in this uneven but intriguing drama-thriller". OTTPlay. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Chathuram Review: An Unapologetic Femme Fatale Drama". Film Companion. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "'Chathuram' movie review: Fairly enjoyable noir-tinged dark comedy". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Chathuram Movie Review & Rating: കേട്ട പഴകിയ ഇക്കിളികഥകളിൽ നിന്നും വലിയ ദൂരമില്ല". The Indian Express (Malayalam). Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "'Chathuram' Twitter review: Netizens call the Roshan Mathew‑Swasika starrer a decent erotic thriller". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "Chathuram (2022)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved 25 June 2025.