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'Chathuram' movie review: Fairly enjoyable noir-tinged dark comedy

Imagine asking a male home nurse, whose primary duty is to be a caretaker, to do something that goes against all his principles—be an accomplice to murder. I don’t want to give anything away by saying whether or not he would do it. However, it’s safe to say it’s this dilemma that Sidharth Bharathan’s new film Chathuram capitalises on. It’s a dilemma that becomes a fertile ground for producing comedy, the dark variety, that is, as the film inches towards its third act.

The core idea of Chathuram is the staple of many classic noir films, beginning in the 1940s to 2022: the femme fatale ensnaring an initially reluctant young man to accompany her on a perilous journey from which there is no return. It belongs to the same league of films as Double Indemnity and Body Heat, although the quality of filmmaking is not on par with Billy Wilder’s or Lawrence Kasdan’s.

Roshan Mathew is Balthazar, who signs a deal with the devil when caring for Eldho, a wealthy paraplegic (an effective Alencier Ley, bedridden for the second time after Appan). But first, we get a backstory of how this once-healthy achayan managed to get a much younger wife, Selena (Swasika), and how he ended up in his current situation. Once again, the veteran actor shows he is a natural in these roles. (And when you think about the hot soup in which he sometimes lands himself with his offscreen antics, you can see why.)

Considering Eldho’s abusive relationship with Selena, there is no surprise when you see her doing what she does after he becomes inactive. She uses her body to taunt him in a way she hadn’t before. And that includes enticing Balthazar implicitly, much to the chagrin of Eldho. I wonder why this had to be an ‘A-rated’ film, though, because everything in it seems tame compared to today’s standards. At a time when teenagers have easy access to all the international series and films with far more potently salacious stuff, shouldn’t Malayalam filmmakers and actors attempt to push the boundaries when they are making a film marketed as an ‘erotic’ thriller?

In Chathuram, the conversations between Selena and Balthazar drip with sex more than the act itself. A sufficiently steamy lunch table interaction made me smile because at least they dared to do something like this in a Malayalam film. But, as I said before, one is still nagged by the thought that they could’ve gone in much bolder directions. After all, we made Avalude Ravukal in 1978; in 2022, surely we can be more daring?

While this is not a film you go to for the performances, it’s always a bonus when the actors demonstrate a range they have not before. The expectation is not something Meryl Streep-level extraordinary, but just enough to service the story. After Durga Krishna, who recently aced it as another femme fatale in Udal, it’s Swasika’s turn. She is a revelation as the vamp who oscillates between confident and vulnerable. What took me by surprise is that despite being an unlikeable character, there are moments where you start rooting for her, like when she has to deal with Nishant Sagar’s sleazy lawyer. We also get another applause-worthy scene from her when Jaffer Idukki (he is always good!) makes an entry as a shady NRI who happens to be a relative of Eldho.

And it’s nice to see Roshan playing a submissive character for a change. One can’t help but laugh whenever he is sporting a scared expression while reflecting on his predicament. It reminds me of how the ending of David Fincher’s Gone Girl made me feel. From Balthazar’s perspective, what’s happening to him is not funny, but we walk away thinking it is.

Santhy Balachandran shows up briefly as Balthazar’s coy and well-meaning girlfriend, who is basically to him what Parvathy was to Mohanlal in Thoovanathumbikal. I don’t know how others would react to a film like this. One’s enjoyment of Chathuram depends on one’s understanding of pulp fiction. It’s the sort of material you often find in James Hadley Chase novels. If you, like me, once devoured the acclaimed British writer’s thrillers, you might appreciate Chathuram more than the regular Malayali viewer. I don’t see it as something I would revisit, but at the same time, it’s not a complete time-waster either.

Film: Chathuram Director: Sidharth Bharathan Cast: Swasika, Roshan Mathew, Alencier Ley, Nishant Sagar, Jaffer Idukki, Geethi Sangeetha

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Chathuram Movie Review: Fairly enjoyable pulpy dark comedy with a noir flavour

Rating: ( 3.5 / 5)

Imagine asking a male home nurse, whose primary duty is to be a caretaker, to do something that goes against all his principles -- be an accomplice to murder. I don't want to give anything away by saying whether or not he would do it. However, it's safe to say it's this dilemma that Sidharth Bharathan's new film Chathuram capitalises on. It's a dilemma that becomes a fertile ground for producing comedy, the dark variety, that is, as the film inches towards its third act.

Director: Sidharth Bharathan

Cast: Swasika, Roshan Mathew, Alencier Ley, Nishant Sagar, Jaffer Idukki, Geethi Sangeetha 

The core idea of Chathuram is the staple of many classic noir films, beginning in the 1940s to 2022: the femme fatale ensnaring an initially reluctant young man to accompany her on a perilous journey from which there is no return. It belongs to the same league of films as Double Indemnity and Body Heat , although the quality of filmmaking is not on par with Billy Wilder's or Lawrence Kasdan's.

Roshan Mathew is Balthazar, who signs a deal with the devil when caring for Eldho, a wealthy paraplegic (an effective Alencier Ley, bedridden for the second time after Appan ). But first, we get a backstory of how this once-healthy achayan managed to get a much younger wife, Selena (Swasika), and how he ended up in his current situation. Once again, the veteran actor shows he is a natural in these roles. (And when you think about the hot soup in which he sometimes lands himself with his offscreen antics, you can see why.)

Considering Eldho's abusive relationship with Selena, there is no surprise when you see her doing what she does after he becomes inactive. She uses her body to taunt him in a way she hadn't before. And that includes enticing Balthazar implicitly, much to the chagrin of Eldho. I wonder why this had to be an 'A-rated' film, though, because everything in it seems tame compared to today's standards. At a time when teenagers have easy access to all the international series and films with far more potently salacious stuff, shouldn't Malayalam filmmakers and actors attempt to push the boundaries when they are making a film marketed as an 'erotic' thriller? 

In Chathuram , the conversations between Selena and Balthazar drip with sex more than the act itself. A sufficiently steamy lunch table interaction made me smile because at least they dared to do something like this in a Malayalam film. But, as I said before, one is still nagged by the thought that they could've gone in much bolder directions. After all, we made Avalude Ravukal in 1978; in 2022, surely we can be more daring? 

While this is not a film you go to for the performances, it's always a bonus when the actors demonstrate a range they have not before. The expectation is not something Meryl Streep-level extraordinary, but just enough to service the story. After Durga Krishna, who recently aced it as another femme fatale in Udal , it's Swasika's turn. She is a revelation as the vamp who oscillates between confident and vulnerable. What took me by surprise is that despite being an unlikeable character, there are moments where you start rooting for her, like when she has to deal with Nishant Sagar's sleazy lawyer. We also get another applause-worthy scene from her when Jaffer Idukki (he is always good!) makes an entry as a shady NRI who happens to be a relative of Eldho. 

And it's nice to see Roshan playing a submissive character for a change. One can't help but laugh whenever he is sporting a scared expression while reflecting on his predicament. It reminds me of how the ending of David Fincher's Gone Girl made me feel. From Balthazar's perspective, what's happening to him is not funny, but we walk away thinking it is. 

Santhy Balachandran shows up briefly as Balthazar's coy and well-meaning girlfriend, who is basically to him what Parvathy was to Mohanlal in Thoovanathumbikal.

I don't know how others would react to a film like this. One's enjoyment of Chathuram depends on one's understanding of pulp fiction. It's the sort of material you often find in James Hadley Chase novels. If you, like me, once devoured the acclaimed British writer's thrillers, you might appreciate Chathuram more than the regular Malayali viewer. I don't see it as something I would revisit, but at the same time, it's not a complete time-waster either.

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Life of a woman Selena interacts and responds to the people and circumstances she meets. Either good or evil all are fighting what they think is right. There is a way a woman needs to be res... Read all Life of a woman Selena interacts and responds to the people and circumstances she meets. Either good or evil all are fighting what they think is right. There is a way a woman needs to be respected and treated be it mentally or physically Life of a woman Selena interacts and responds to the people and circumstances she meets. Either good or evil all are fighting what they think is right. There is a way a woman needs to be respected and treated be it mentally or physically

• Sidharth Bharathan
• Vinoy Thomas
• Swasika Vijay
• Roshan Mathew
• Alencier Ley Lopez
• 4 User reviews

• Eldose Achayan

• Rony Skaria

• Eldose's Ex-Wife

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• mickyblessy
• Nov 4, 2022
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• November 4, 2022 (India)
• Chathuram (2022) Streaming on Saina Play
• Greenwich Entertainments
• Yellove Bird Productions
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 2 hours

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webExclusive Report --> ഇറോട്ടിക് ചതുരം !; റിവ്യു Chathuram Movie Review

Published: November 04 , 2022 04:36 PM IST

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പണത്തിന്റെ ഹുങ്കുള്ള, ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടതെല്ലാം വെട്ടിപിടിക്കാൻ മടിക്കാത്ത, എതിർക്കുന്നവരെ അടിച്ചു പരത്തുന്ന, വിട്ടുവീഴ്ച എന്ന വാക്ക് നിഘണ്ടുവിൽ ഇല്ലാത്ത അച്ചായന്റെ രണ്ടാം ഭാര്യയായി സെൽന എത്തുന്നിടത്താണ് സിദ്ധാർഥ് ഭരതൻ സംവിധാനം ചെയ്ത ചതുരം ആരംഭിക്കുന്നത്. വാർധക്യത്തിലേക്ക് കടന്ന അച്ചായന്റെ വാക്കുകളിൽ പറഞ്ഞാൽ സുന്ദരിയായി സെൽനയെ അയാൾക്ക് ഇഷ്ടമുള്ളതെല്ലാം ചെയ്യാനായി പണം കൊടുത്തു വാങ്ങിയതാണ്. സ്നേഹവും അതിനെക്കാളേറെ വെറുപ്പമുള്ള ഒരു ചതുരത്തിലേക്കാണ് സെൽനയുടെ ജീവിതം പറിച്ചു നടുന്നത്. 

എല്ലാ സൗകര്യങ്ങളുമുള്ള വീട്, അളവില്ലാത്ത ഭൂമി, പണം. പക്ഷേ സെൽന എന്തു ചെയ്യണമെന്ന് അച്ചായൻ പറയും. ചതുരംഗകളിയിൽ തോൽപ്പിച്ചാലോ, അനുവാദമില്ലാതെ വീടിനു പുറത്തേക്ക് ഇറങ്ങിയാലോ പോലും അവളെ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നത് അസഭ്യവും മർദനവുമാകും. അത്രയേറെ ടോക്സിക് ആയ, എന്നാൽ കടമ പോലെ സ്നേഹം നൽകുന്ന ആ ദാമ്പത്യം ആഴ്ചകൾ പിന്നിടുമ്പോഴേക്കും ഒരു അപകടം സംഭവിക്കുന്നു. അതോടെ തറവാട്ടു പേരും അപ്പനപ്പൂപ്പന്മാരുടെ വീരകഥളും പറഞ്ഞ്, ലോകം മുഴുവൻ തന്റെ കാൽക്കീഴിലാണെന്ന് കരുതി ജീവിച്ച അച്ചായൻ കിടപ്പിലാകുന്നു. ഇയാളെ പരിചരിക്കാനായി ഹോം നഴ്സായി ബെൽതാസർ എത്തുന്നു. തുടർന്നുണ്ടാകുന്ന വൈകാരികവും സങ്കീർണവുമായി സംഭവങ്ങളാണ് ചതുരത്തിന്റെ കഥാതന്തു.

ചിത്രത്തിനു ലഭിച്ച ‘എ’ സർട്ടിഫിക്കേറ്റ് ചർച്ചയായപ്പോഴെല്ലാം സിനിമയ്ക്ക് ആവശ്യമുള്ളതുകൊണ്ടാണ് ലൈംഗികത ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തിയതെന്ന് സിദ്ധാർഥ് ഭരതൻ പറഞ്ഞിരുന്നു. ഇതിനോട് നീതി പുലർത്തുന്നതാണ് സിനിമയിലെ ബോൾഡ് രംഗങ്ങളിൽ ഏറെയും. സിനിമയിലെ കഥാപാത്രങ്ങളുടെ സ്വഭാവവും തീവ്രമായ ആഗ്രഹങ്ങളും വൈകാരികാവസ്ഥയും പ്രേക്ഷകരിലേക്ക് എത്തിക്കാൻ ഈ രംഗങ്ങൾ സഹായിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. 

ജയിക്കാൻ വേണ്ടി മൂന്നു പേർ നടത്തുന്ന ശ്രമമാണ് ഈ സിനിമ. നല്ലതും മോശവും നിസഹായവുമായി ഷെയ്ഡുകൾ എല്ലാ കഥാപാത്രങ്ങൾക്കുമുണ്ട്. ഈ സാഹചര്യത്തിൽ താരങ്ങളുടെ പ്രകടനം സിനിമയുടെ ഹൈലൈറ്റ് ആകുന്നു. സെൽനയെ അവതരിപ്പിച്ച സ്വാസിക പ്രത്യേക അഭിനന്ദനം അർഹിക്കുന്നു. ഒരു ടോക്സിക് വ്യക്തിയുടെ നിസഹായായ ഭാര്യയായും അടങ്ങാത്ത ആഗ്രഹങ്ങൾ പൂർത്തീകരിക്കുന്ന കാമുകിയായും ഇഷ്ടമുള്ളതു നേടാൻ എന്തും ചെയ്യാൻ മടിക്കാത്ത ക്രൂരയായും മാറുന്ന കഥാപാത്രത്തെയാണ് സ്വാസിക അവതരിപ്പിച്ചത്. 

ഒരു യുവാവിന്റെ എല്ലാ ചാപല്യങ്ങളുമുള്ള, എന്നാൽ ക്രൂരനാവാൻ സാധിക്കാത്ത വിധം ലോലഹൃദയമുള്ളയാളാണ് ബെൽത്താസർ. അയാൾക്ക് ഒരുപാട് സ്വപ്നങ്ങളുണ്ട്. സ്വാർഥതകളുണ്ട്. പക്ഷേ അതിനുവേണ്ടി ഏതറ്റം വരെയും പോകാൻ അയാള്‍ക്കാവില്ല. ബെൽത്താസറിനെ തന്മയത്വത്തോടെ റോഷൻ അവതരിപ്പിച്ചു. തുടക്കത്തിൽ പ്രേക്ഷകരെ വെറുപ്പിക്കുന്ന അച്ചായൻ പിന്നീട് സഹതാപം നേടുമ്പോൾ അലൻസിയർ കയ്യടി അർഹിക്കുന്നു. അതിസൂക്ഷ്മമായി കഥാപാത്രത്തെ അവതരിപ്പിക്കുന്ന അലൻസിയർ രീതിയുടെ ഫലമാണതെന്ന് നിസംശയം പറയാം. സ്വാസിക, റോഷൻ, അലൻസിയർ എന്നിവരെ കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ച് മുന്നോട്ടു പോകുന്ന സിനിമയിൽ മറ്റുള്ളവർക്ക് ഒരുപാട് ഒന്നും ചെയ്യാനില്ല. എങ്കിലും ഏതാനും സീനുകൾ മാത്രം വന്നുപോയ ജാഫർ ഇടുക്കിയുടെ കഥാപാത്രം പ്രേക്ഷകരുടെ മനസ്സിൽ സ്ഥാനം നേടും. സങ്കീർണമായി സിനിമ മുന്നോട്ടു പോകുന്നതിനിടെ തിയറ്ററിൽ ചിരിപടർത്താൻ ജാഫറിനായി. ശാന്തി ബാലകൃഷ്ണൻ, പെങ്ങള്‍ തങ്കം, നിഷാദ് സാഗർ എന്നിവരും ഭേദപ്പെട്ട പ്രകടനം കാഴ്ചവച്ചു. 

പ്രവചിക്കാനാവുന്ന ട്രാക്കിലൂടെ മുന്നോട്ടു പോകുമ്പോഴും ആദ്യ പകുതി ത്രില്ലടിപ്പിക്കുന്നു. എന്തോ വലുത് വരുന്നുമെന്ന തോന്നൽ എപ്പോഴും നിലനിർത്തുന്നു. കഥാപാത്രങ്ങളെ വികസിപ്പിക്കാനും അവരിലൂടെ പ്രേക്ഷകർക്ക് ചിന്തിക്കാനും പാകത്തിലാണ് മേക്കിങ്. എന്നാൽ രണ്ടാം പകുതിയിലേക്ക് കടക്കുമ്പോൾ വലിച്ചു നീട്ടൽ അനുഭവപ്പെട്ടേക്കാം. അമിത പ്രതീക്ഷയ്ക്കും ചില ആശയക്കുഴപ്പങ്ങൾക്കു കാരണമാകുന്ന ഘടകങ്ങളും കല്ലുകടിയാകുന്നു. ചില സ്ഥലങ്ങളിൽ വളരെ മികച്ചു നിന്ന പശ്ചാത്തല സംഗീതം, ഭേദപ്പെട്ട ഛായാഗ്രഹണം, അനുയോജ്യമായ കോസ്റ്റ്യൂം ഡിസൈനിങ് എന്നിവയ്ക്കൊപ്പം കയ്യടക്കമുള്ള സംവിധാനവും ചേരുന്നതാണ് ‘ചതുരം’. എങ്കിലും മെച്ചപ്പെടുത്താനുള്ള സാധ്യത തിരക്കഥയിൽ ബാക്കിയാണ്. പുതുമ തേടിപ്പോകുന്ന പ്രേക്ഷകർക്ക് ചതുരം നല്ലൊരു അനുഭവം തന്നെയാകും. 

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Home » Review » Chathuram movie review: Swasika, Roshan Mathew shine in this uneven but intriguing drama-thriller »

Chathuram movie review: Swasika, Roshan Mathew shine in this uneven but intriguing drama-thriller

If the makers of Chathuram had also made the movie pacy, it would have been much more rewarding. Right now, it takes far too much time to get over the predictable portions to better bits of the film.

• Sanjith Sidhardhan

Last Updated: 09.29 PM, Nov 04, 2022

Story: Selena is in for a rude shock the very first day she steps into her husband Eldho's home. A chauvinist and abuser, he beats her to the pulp at the drop of a dime. Her chance for revenge comes when Eldho after an accident is bedridden, leaving her to take care of his ancestral properties. This also leads to the hiring home nurse Balathazar, who is smitten by Selena. Over time, the two form a relationship - one driven by lust and the other by a darker motive.

Review: Director Siddharth Bharathan's latest venture Chathuram once again has him zooming in on the dynamics of relationships. Like its title that translates to chess, the film, scripted by Sidharth and Vinoy Thomas, is a game of strategy. The pivotal chess pieces here are Selena, a young and beautiful woman, Eldho, her chauvinist husband who is much older than her, and Balathazar, a home nurse who is smitten by Selena. Each has their own motive in the story with Eldho being the most passive due to him being bedridden, but then the games get played around him by the other two - one of them driven by lust and the other by a much darker intention. How it all comes together and who emerges victorious at the end is the plot of Chathuram in a nutshell.

Sidharth, however, is in no hurry to tell this tale. He lets the story unfold piece by pieces, as a slow-burner. While it does hamper the viewing experience, the pace helps the actors really dig into their characters - with both Roshan as Balathazar and Swasika as Selena, bringing their A-game. The duo's performances are also the highlights of the movie, where you can guess what the ultimate motive is but not how it plays out. However, if the makers had also made the movie pacy, it would have been much more rewarding. Right now, it takes far too much time to get over the predictable portions to better bits of the film. Some crisp editing could have aided the viewing experience.

Also read: Kooman movie review: Asif Ali's thriller is a fine addition to Jeethu Joseph's 'criminal vs cop' universe  

Swasika plays Selena convincingly, showing the character's seductive side while also ensuring there is a mysterious aura about her. The makers must also be lauded for letting its female protagonist weave the web of strategy. In fact, Swasika's character utters a line in the end that defines relationships between men and women in a way, "You would be happier if you would just accept I am smarter."

Rosshan as Balathazar is absolute fun to watch - with him bursting with warmth and energy and then descending into guilt and regret once he gets trapped in a game that he refuses to play but is forced to - almost like a prey caught in the black widow's web. Alencier, who had played a chauvinist, bed-ridden husband in Appan recently, plays his role well, evoking hatred at ease. The arc of Santhy Balachandran's character was also a nice touch - as it accentuates the kind of life Balathazar could have led.

Also read: Swasika’s Chathuram is not just about that erotic scene, it’s a relationship drama: Sidharth Bharathan  

The intimate scenes in the film are aesthetically shot by Pradeesh Varma and Prashanth Pillai's music feels non-intrusive to the proceedings.

Verdict: Chathuram boasts strong performances from Roshan Mathew and Swasika, but the drama-thriller end up being too long and uneven at 2 hours and 27 minutes.

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Chathuram Reviews

A tacky, poorly-written parade of cliches...

Full Review | Nov 10, 2022

• ENGLISH HINDI MALAYALAM TAMIL TELUGU KANNADA BENGALI  

Chathuram Malayalam Movie

Chathuram is a 2022 Indian movie directed by Sidharth Bharathan starring Swasika, Roshan Mathew, Alencier Ley Lopez and Santhy Balachandran. The feature film is produced by Vinitha Ajith, George Santiago, Jamnish Thayyil and Sidharth Bharathan and the music composed by Prashanth Pillai.

Life of a woman Selena interacts and responds to the people and circumstances she meets. Either good or evil all are fighting what they think is right. There is a way a woman needs to be respected and treated be it mentally or physically.

Director: Sidharth Bharathan Producers: Vinitha Ajith, George Santiago, Jamnish Thayyil, Sidharth Bharathan Production Companies: Greenwich Entertainments, Yellove Bird Productions Music Director: Prashanth Pillai Song Lyrics Writer: Vinayak Sasikumar Sound Designer: Vicky Cinematographer: Pratheesh Varma Editor: Deepu Joseph Art Designer: Akhilraj Chirayil Action Choregrapher: Mafia Sasi

Doctor Loans 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Professionals

The emergence of cricket-based podcasts in india, free photo editing apps to make your photos instagram-worthy.

Chathuram Movie Review: The movie is the perfect balance of thrill and bold scenes

The well awaited movie belonging to the adult genre released in theatres today. Chathuram cast has Roshan Mathew , Swasika Vijay etc. It has released in more than 600+ screens worldwide.

Positive Points

• Swasika Vijay impresses everyone with her bold and evil role. Her acting in helpless moments also deserves an applause.
• Sidharth Bharathan has done a great job in delivering such a bold subject.
• Screenplay and storytelling have been the biggest pillar in the movie.
• Roshan Mathew and Alencier Ley Lopez did a commendable role in the movie.
• The editing by Deepu Joseph also keeps the viewing experience in tandem.
• Pradeesh Varma has shot the movie with lovely frames and nice color grading.

Negative Points

• Some scenes seemed stretched out which affected the pace of the film.

Final Rating

The movie delivers the different levels of emotions of a suffering wife. Thrilling moments and small twists boosts the visual experience. indiantalents.in Chathuram movie rating is 2.75 / 5 .

• Swasika Vijay
• Roshan Mathew
• Leona Lishoy
• Alencier Ley Lopez
• Santhy Balachandran

Director: Sidharth Bharathan

Release Date: 4 November 2022

Language: Malayalam

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Chathuram (2022)

Movie: Chathuram

User Rating: 4/5 From 2 User(s)

Language: Malayalam

Cast: Roshan Mathew, Swasika Vijay, Alencier Ley Lopez... View full

Director: Sidharth Bharathan

Chathuram Movie Cast & Crew