Verdict: Chiram is a gentle, culture-rich romantic drama that prioritises emotion and atmosphere over high drama. It works best for viewers who enjoy slow-paced love stories set against authentic landscapes.
Pros:
Soulful music that elevates key moments
Strong lead performances and scenic visuals
Authentic exploration of Baul culture and self-discovery
Chiram arrived in theatres on 9 October 2026 as a Malayalam romantic drama centred on an “old-world love story.” Anoop Menon and Aiswarya Mithun Koroth lead the film, supported by familiar faces from the industry. Early interest on booking platforms showed solid curiosity, with thousands marking it as something they wanted to watch. The story follows Seetha, a young Malayali research student who travels to Visva-Bharati University in Kolkata to study traditional Baul music and culture.
There she forms a deep connection with a free-spirited local man. Their bond draws her into a journey that moves across cultural landscapes, including time spent with a tribal community in Kerala. The narrative focuses on love, separation, duty and the quiet search for self without rushing into big twists. On social media and early discussions, the music by M Jayachandran and Girish Narayan has drawn the most consistent praise.
Songs released ahead of the film, including tracks featuring soulful vocals, have been shared widely for their emotional pull and cultural texture. Anoop Menon’s measured presence and Aiswarya Mithun Koroth’s grounded performance are frequently mentioned as strengths. Viewers who have seen the film or the promotional material often highlight the beautiful locations Kolkata, the university campus and Kerala’s natural settings and the way the camera captures them.
Common notes from early reactions point to the deliberate, unhurried pace. Some find the quiet storytelling refreshing and immersive. Others feel the film stays in a gentle register longer than expected and may not deliver the dramatic peaks many associate with commercial romance. Overall sentiment so far leans appreciative of the cultural sincerity and music rather than pure entertainment value.
Chiram will likely appeal most to audiences who enjoy thoughtful, atmosphere driven love stories and are interested in Baul traditions or reflective character journeys. Its strengths lie in the music, the lead pairing’s chemistry and the sense of place. The slower rhythm and limited high-energy moments are the main drawbacks for those seeking faster-paced drama.
For theatre viewing, it offers a pleasant big screen experience if you value visuals and sound. Those who prefer waiting for a quieter home watch will not miss much in terms of scale. Early responses suggest a film that respects its material more than it chases broad commercial appeal.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.
