Introduction:
Karam is an Indian Malayalam-language action thriller, directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan and written by Noble Babu Thomas, who also stars as the protagonist.
The film dives into the tense and dark world of human trafficking through the journey of a former army officer compelled to rescue a loved one.
Despite its ambitious themes and top-notch technical finesse, Karam struggles with a patchy script and uneven tone, delivering a blend of intense action and ill-timed humor.
Cast and Release:
Noble Babu Thomas as Dev Mahendran
Ivan Vukomanovic as André Nicola
Audrey Miriam Henest as Sana
Reshma Sebastian as Thara
Manoj K. Jayan as Mahendran
Baburaj as Rosario
Kalabhavan Shajohn as Kamal Muhammed
Sudev Nair as Sinto
Vishnu G. Varrier as Bato
Shweta Menon as Nandita Bose
Release Date: September 25, 2025
Theatrical Release: Across India except Kerala, available in theatres.
What is in the Movie?
Karam opens with Dev Mahendran, a former Indian army officer, facing disgrace after a failed military operation.
His subsequent personal life is marked by strained relationships and heartbreak, most notably with Sana, who is rendered paraplegic after a tragic accident.
Years later, now married to Thara, Dev accompanies his family to Lenarco, a fictional European city, for a work-related conference.
By chance, Dev encounters his ex, Sana, who has become a victim of human trafficking and forced sex work.
The antagonist, crime boss André Nicola, controls the club where Sana is held captive, setting the film into chaotic action mode as Dev attempts a dangerous rescue.
The story follows Dev’s relentless efforts to save Sana, involving his quirky tour guide Kamal and support from his father’s ex-girlfriend, now the Indian External Affairs Minister.
Rescue missions, tense hideouts, and bloody chases drive the plot, which leans heavily on coincidences for dramatic progression.
The film explores the criminal underbelly of trafficking, but its tone frequently strays, switching abruptly between high-stakes drama and misplaced comic relief.
Flashbacks are used for emotional build-up, while the action set pieces, shot mainly in Georgia, give the movie its immersive look.
Shaan Rahman’s soundtrack and Jomon T John’s cinematography stand out, but these elements struggle against the repetitive plot devices and weak script.
What Works
Standout technical aspects: high-quality cinematography, realistic action choreography, and impressive production values.
Noble Babu Thomas delivers a committed and physical performance as Dev. Ivan Vukomanovic’s antagonist adds tension.
The subject of human trafficking offers gravitas and attempts at social relevance.
Audiences and critics praise the fast-paced, engaging first half and the rich, immersive visual palette.
What Doesn’t Work?
The writing is derivative and filled with improbable coincidences, making major twists unconvincing.
Lack of emotional depth in character arcs; supporting roles are thinly written, and comic subplots break the dramatic tension.
Ill-timed humor and repetitive scenes dilute the seriousness of the trafficking theme.
Mixed audience reaction: while some enjoy the spectacle, many find the plot and emotional connection “flat”.
Box office performance is weak, reflecting the lack of strong word-of-mouth and middling public reception.
Final Thoughts
Karam (2025) is ambitious, with a distinct visual style and strong action, but it falls short of becoming a memorable thriller due to a lack of narrative depth and emotional coherence.
Its technical brilliance cannot compensate for shoddy writing, reliance on far-fetched plot devices, and uneven pacing.
For fans of action thrillers, the movie is worth a watch for its first-half thrills and production craft, but it doesn’t achieve the impactful storytelling required for a film with its themes.
The box office verdict is still waiting, yet early signs point towards an underwhelming performance.
Director Vineeth Sreenivasan’s return to the thriller genre is admirable, but the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to blend commercial action with social substance.
