The movie Chaaver is not an action movie but a political crime thriller. Director Tinu Pappachan again proved that he is promising director in industry. The movie deals with different themes. Even thought explicitly it speaks about the political crimes but implicitly it tells about caste issue. When we compare Kerala state with other south Indian states we don't have such caste problems in our society but when this issues comes to our family and personal life then there comes real problems. If you have communist ideology ,highly educated, a public figure like villan in movie your caste concept will be over every ideology that is what movies speaks. Along with that movie portray how local party members are used for crimes and party get away from the issues began by themselves. "The end justifies the means" implicitly criticised by the writer. The Marxist party members will not love this movie but movie never critice party explicitly.
18 Reviews
Slow and steady won't always win the race
ravikrishhnan25 November 2023
Another movie that reiterates the fact that Story is everything. This movie has such a weak storyline and screenplay that a decent making couldn't salvage it. The slow pace, dragged out scenes, random characters that isn't required, all makes this movie a snooze feat. BGM is nothing unique, I guess they've used folk songs (how original). Overall just another movie to forget about.
The plot is nothing new and cannot be justified as a political thriller. Leaving aside the fact that central characters belong to a political party and they do deeds that they believe are for the party is like treading on think ice. It barely makes the cut to qualify as a political thriller.
Only plus side is it's we'll cinematographed. That's it.
And the argument that its a theatric experience movie is juvenile as a good cinema has to be good anywhere, be it in theatres or on TVs.
The plot is nothing new and cannot be justified as a political thriller. Leaving aside the fact that central characters belong to a political party and they do deeds that they believe are for the party is like treading on think ice. It barely makes the cut to qualify as a political thriller.
Only plus side is it's we'll cinematographed. That's it.
And the argument that its a theatric experience movie is juvenile as a good cinema has to be good anywhere, be it in theatres or on TVs.
"Promising Start Fizzles Out: A Mixed Bag of Suspense and Lag
linto-732146 October 2023
"The movie started off with great promise, building up the hype and excitement within the first 15 minutes. However, the momentum dipped as the plot slowed down, leaving the audience waiting for the suspense to pick up. This lag continued into the second half, sapping the initial energy. Disappointingly, the film didn't deliver on the expectations set by its trailer. Kunchacko Boban showcased his acting prowess with a commendable role, but Arjun Ashokan's character felt somewhat out of place. Despite the flaws, the movie is worth a single watch for fans of the actors and the genre.".............................
Visually incredible...!!!
PANDIAN1206216 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"CHAAVER" is one such film thats misunderstood with its political propaganda which lands into the personal vengeance...Despite being technically brilliant the screenplay is written in a slow pace and goes clueless in the battle of blood bath...
Cinematographer Jinto george with his heroic efforts saves the movie with his skillfull night sequences keeping it raw & rustic while the lighting speaks a lot with its darker tone...
Music composer justin vargheese does a clever job of inducing the "THEYYAM" art form into the plot elevates the movie to a new level...
Tinu pappachan directorial promises brilliancy in ruthless murder scenes but loses its way in narratives...
Also the failure of bomb merely spoils the plot,while the medical student though getting chance to escape doesnt try out for survival instinct at times...
Overall a masterpiece indeed in making falls flat due to poor execution of plot...
for the stoners, lonely people and those minds that love to get lost in simple things
jeenyj8 October 2023
It's a film that makes you realise, how you have a different taste in films. Chaver is a " Slow burner " by Tinu Pappachan which has not been explored in Malayalam cinema much often.. rather than the story movies highlight is it's masterfully done cinematography and background scoring.. that just gifts us with these heart breaking moments. The film request it's audience to ease in to the fate awaiting it's characters.. Arjun Ashokans character felt like a representative of the audience who are also innocent to the world of "Chavers " and as he is dragged into it so are we into a reality we have been unaware of or ignored. Oppose to public opinion Pepe's Character was perfection and it was awesome to see the actor in a new light.. the climax reminds us of " Varathan " movie but different. Over all its a film for the stoners, lonely people and those minds that love to get lost in simple things...
great intentions but tedious execution
ngandacinema27 November 2023
Chaaver had good intentions and a great message to pass along, but the tedious storytelling sadly punctured the beauty of this film
DELICIOUS
-One thing that Chaaver is extremely rich in is symbols!
From the opening scene that zoomed in on a mouse getting ready to eat a roach to Pablo Neruda's poem
-It was encouraging to see the theme of loyalty present across characters
-The photography added a plus to the storytelling with engaging camera movements and placements that were as curious as we were.
-It was quite interesting that the four goons all came from different faiths. Without being a spoiler, when you understand the intent of their murder, it kinda makes sense why they were selected
BLAND
-The storytelling was regrettably slooow and unengaging😭 The movie only got a boost toward the last 20 minutes, this was obviously too late.
The scene sequences seemed detached: one moment we were introduced to Ashokan and his partners and another one we were taken to Arun and his mom who appeared cold toward each other.
The lack of a parallel plot made the scenario redundant and the long scenes impaired the beauty of this film
-The everpresent ominous score made it look as if something gripping was going to happen but nope, we only saw Ashokan and his partners driving and driving in their car😔
-As Chaaver carried an important message, inspirational and thought-provoking dialogues could have been crafted to make it memorable
Joy Mathew has a tendency to make his scenarios tedious as he did with 'Uncle', so sad that we witnessed the same pattern with Chaaver...
DELICIOUS
-One thing that Chaaver is extremely rich in is symbols!
From the opening scene that zoomed in on a mouse getting ready to eat a roach to Pablo Neruda's poem
-It was encouraging to see the theme of loyalty present across characters
-The photography added a plus to the storytelling with engaging camera movements and placements that were as curious as we were.
-It was quite interesting that the four goons all came from different faiths. Without being a spoiler, when you understand the intent of their murder, it kinda makes sense why they were selected
BLAND
-The storytelling was regrettably slooow and unengaging😭 The movie only got a boost toward the last 20 minutes, this was obviously too late.
The scene sequences seemed detached: one moment we were introduced to Ashokan and his partners and another one we were taken to Arun and his mom who appeared cold toward each other.
The lack of a parallel plot made the scenario redundant and the long scenes impaired the beauty of this film
-The everpresent ominous score made it look as if something gripping was going to happen but nope, we only saw Ashokan and his partners driving and driving in their car😔
-As Chaaver carried an important message, inspirational and thought-provoking dialogues could have been crafted to make it memorable
Joy Mathew has a tendency to make his scenarios tedious as he did with 'Uncle', so sad that we witnessed the same pattern with Chaaver...
Wow what's making Goosebumps
beemedia-7934315 October 2023
WOW
CAMERA EDITING BGM MUSIC
WHAT A THEATRE EXPERIENCE
MINDBLOWING SEENS & EMOTIONS SIMPLY WOW ACTING VICE CHAKOCHAN ARJUN ASHOKAN NICE PERFORMANCE STORY TINU PAPPACHAN DIRECTION VICE VERY INTERESTING. MOOD YOUR A FILM INTERESTING PERSON YOU LOVED FILM VERY MUCH BUT NOT INTERESTED PERSON WE NOT LIKED THE FILM 👀 FILM ALLOVER BEST FILM EVER WOW THEATRE EXPERIENCEED FLIM MONEY &TIME NOT WASTING
INTERESTING FLIM MAKING STYLE
ALLOVER GOOD MAKING & VERY NICE MOOD FLIM ALL OVER THE TIME SONGS VERY GOOD & NICE VOICE LYRICS IS AWESOME BGM IS. GOOSEBUMPS BEST GRADING FLIM BEST DRAFTING MAKING STYLE.
CAMERA EDITING BGM MUSIC
WHAT A THEATRE EXPERIENCE
MINDBLOWING SEENS & EMOTIONS SIMPLY WOW ACTING VICE CHAKOCHAN ARJUN ASHOKAN NICE PERFORMANCE STORY TINU PAPPACHAN DIRECTION VICE VERY INTERESTING. MOOD YOUR A FILM INTERESTING PERSON YOU LOVED FILM VERY MUCH BUT NOT INTERESTED PERSON WE NOT LIKED THE FILM 👀 FILM ALLOVER BEST FILM EVER WOW THEATRE EXPERIENCEED FLIM MONEY &TIME NOT WASTING
INTERESTING FLIM MAKING STYLE
ALLOVER GOOD MAKING & VERY NICE MOOD FLIM ALL OVER THE TIME SONGS VERY GOOD & NICE VOICE LYRICS IS AWESOME BGM IS. GOOSEBUMPS BEST GRADING FLIM BEST DRAFTING MAKING STYLE.
The writing is a huge letdown here! [+42%]
arungeorge1325 November 2023
I could sense the enthusiasm with which Tinu Pappachan wanted to deliver this film - it was evident throughout, maybe a tad too much. As a one-liner, I feel Chaaver is a film with potential. But whatever I saw in the film scene-by-scene, the excitement fizzled out early on. The route the screenplay chooses to take is treading the beaten path, with negligible attempts at character development and building emotional depth.
There are feeble efforts to make a character's death feel sad and remorseful, and the thematic use of Theyyam (as an art form) to amplify these feelings unfortunately doesn't hit the mark. On the other hand, there are commendable efforts made on the visual front and the cinematographer (Jinto George) seems to have worked overtime to capture those incredible night shots. However, the excessive use of slo-mo proves to be a dampener. None of the characters stick, and even when Kunchacko Boban manages to look the part (of a no-nonsense ruffian ready to spill blood for his political party), the writing renders him just as inconsequential as the rest.
Arjun Ashokan's character is one that involuntarily gets embroiled in this mess, though I couldn't find one solid reason for him to be tagged along with this motley crew. He could've just been dropped at the next junction for all I care (after the ruckus we see), and nothing in the film would've changed. The political backstabbing and casteist angles are predictably weak, and they don't add much to a film that already appears worn-out while getting to its finish line. Justin Varghese's score is fantastic though, and without it, I'm guessing this would've been an absolute snoozer.
P. S. I'm pretty sure Tinu Pappachan will bounce back from this. This wasn't his comfort zone, and unfortunately, Joy Mathew's writing failed to back him up.
There are feeble efforts to make a character's death feel sad and remorseful, and the thematic use of Theyyam (as an art form) to amplify these feelings unfortunately doesn't hit the mark. On the other hand, there are commendable efforts made on the visual front and the cinematographer (Jinto George) seems to have worked overtime to capture those incredible night shots. However, the excessive use of slo-mo proves to be a dampener. None of the characters stick, and even when Kunchacko Boban manages to look the part (of a no-nonsense ruffian ready to spill blood for his political party), the writing renders him just as inconsequential as the rest.
Arjun Ashokan's character is one that involuntarily gets embroiled in this mess, though I couldn't find one solid reason for him to be tagged along with this motley crew. He could've just been dropped at the next junction for all I care (after the ruckus we see), and nothing in the film would've changed. The political backstabbing and casteist angles are predictably weak, and they don't add much to a film that already appears worn-out while getting to its finish line. Justin Varghese's score is fantastic though, and without it, I'm guessing this would've been an absolute snoozer.
P. S. I'm pretty sure Tinu Pappachan will bounce back from this. This wasn't his comfort zone, and unfortunately, Joy Mathew's writing failed to back him up.
100% theatre experience #chaaver
dkddony10 October 2023
Half politics half hunting. This time the hunters were the hunted. It is clear that the script is meant for the Communist Party. The lives of many who were killed and destroyed are shown a little more vividly in the film. The film discusses contemporary Kerala politics where personal interests are placed above party interests. This movie is not for those expecting love and songs. It belongs to Politics and Thriller category. 100% theater experience movie. Tinu Pappachan has brought the issue on screen in a very good way, which is a problem for the Left politicians who are clamoring that there is no caste politics in India, where caste segregation is still relevant today. The young man, who had to performe the form of a god, runs after the hunters in the form of a god. The audience starts the journey with Arjun Ashokan from the moment he gets into vehicle. Thanks Tinu Pappachan and Joy Mathew.
Audience became the Suicide Squad
skmenon19935 October 2023
***Chaaver ( Suicide Squad) Malayalam Movie Review***
Directed by Tinu Pappachan starring Kunchacko Boban , Arjun Ashokan , Manoj KU
***Audience became the suicide squad post watching*** - One line Review.
Postive Factors of the Movie.
1) Technical side had done well.
2) BGM was good.
3) Kunchacko put efforts to deliver something different
Negative Factors of the Movie
1) Storyline weak. No ounce of excitement during the course of watching.
2) BGM slotting at wrong place thereby misguiding the audience of something fishy in the upcoming sequence.
3) Antony Pepe casting is a total mis cast.
4) Climax utter flop.
5) Disconnect of the movie from the audience.
A total disaster 😞
Directed by Tinu Pappachan starring Kunchacko Boban , Arjun Ashokan , Manoj KU
***Audience became the suicide squad post watching*** - One line Review.
Postive Factors of the Movie.
1) Technical side had done well.
2) BGM was good.
3) Kunchacko put efforts to deliver something different
Negative Factors of the Movie
1) Storyline weak. No ounce of excitement during the course of watching.
2) BGM slotting at wrong place thereby misguiding the audience of something fishy in the upcoming sequence.
3) Antony Pepe casting is a total mis cast.
4) Climax utter flop.
5) Disconnect of the movie from the audience.
A total disaster 😞
Multisensory Experience that proves- art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed
geomariageorge12 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
While hardcore commies might be hurt after watching it and never get to see the beauty of this, this is a movie that speaks volumes about the mundane + ideology + caste waves + the endless party workers who blindly follow orders like many used to centuries ago under the caste system.
What really overwhelmed me was how the director copulated abhinaya, emotions via Theyyam (and no other dance form could do this but Theyyam because of the aching brutality of the subject), poesy, the way each frame had subtle and obvious relations to the verbs, nouns, and adjectives used before + music + Govind Vasantha's sound trancing up the vibe.
The way the director gave only glimpses of Pepe as Theyyam during the movie and saved his performance for the credit roll was genius. To me, Tinu Pappachan has risen above LJP because the logic and radical rationality he dueled kind of overshadows the mystic and magic realm LJP used in Churuli (sorry, but had to say).
This movie made me smell many frames, feel the touch of the blades on my legs and back, and caroon over the oxymorons. Beautiful. I feel like this is like a dark and gory Sandesham movie and a deeper look at the facts.
Also, the way character descriptions kept rolling in, from the beginning till the last, was very suspenseful. I was literally at the edge of my seat throughout. Lord, it was a quick burner for movie and anything but.
What a movie, TP! Smitten, smitten, and head over heels!
Also, Kiran was every bit amazing. Perfection incarnate. I am so glad it was Pepe and not someone else who was cast. Beautifully done.
PS: I remember this circular broken glass that looked like the eye of an elephant during the last half of the movie that simply made the reference of the elephant more poignant without ever showing the mad elephant, and even painting a vivider picture of the elephant-like madness of humans.
What really overwhelmed me was how the director copulated abhinaya, emotions via Theyyam (and no other dance form could do this but Theyyam because of the aching brutality of the subject), poesy, the way each frame had subtle and obvious relations to the verbs, nouns, and adjectives used before + music + Govind Vasantha's sound trancing up the vibe.
The way the director gave only glimpses of Pepe as Theyyam during the movie and saved his performance for the credit roll was genius. To me, Tinu Pappachan has risen above LJP because the logic and radical rationality he dueled kind of overshadows the mystic and magic realm LJP used in Churuli (sorry, but had to say).
This movie made me smell many frames, feel the touch of the blades on my legs and back, and caroon over the oxymorons. Beautiful. I feel like this is like a dark and gory Sandesham movie and a deeper look at the facts.
Also, the way character descriptions kept rolling in, from the beginning till the last, was very suspenseful. I was literally at the edge of my seat throughout. Lord, it was a quick burner for movie and anything but.
What a movie, TP! Smitten, smitten, and head over heels!
Also, Kiran was every bit amazing. Perfection incarnate. I am so glad it was Pepe and not someone else who was cast. Beautifully done.
PS: I remember this circular broken glass that looked like the eye of an elephant during the last half of the movie that simply made the reference of the elephant more poignant without ever showing the mad elephant, and even painting a vivider picture of the elephant-like madness of humans.
Waste of time
akhtarkalim-6292324 November 2023
This is a very stupid movie. There is nothing new in the plot, everything has been written off. It is better to make the film better. It has ruined my time. The director of the film should understand that times are changing. Make something new but what will you do if you make the same old file. South should make a Hollywood type movie. Or then they should learn from Mammootty or Dulquer Salmaan that how to make a movie and not throw it in front of the audience. It is a request to the director sir not to waste his time by making such garbage and stupid movies. Don't do it. You are requested to please ignore this movie.
What a lag movie
Varun_Chengal8 October 2023
The theme of the movie is violence stemming from political rivalry has long plagued Kerala's conscience and this persists even today. With numerous people from various outfits losing their lives in organised attacks and retaliations, the state has an extensive history of such incidents
This movie had no main story. A 10 minute story makes 2 hours story with lagging. Total tragedy movie. Visuals are incredible. A veriety of movie musically visually theyyam based, but the main fault is story line. They might keep atleast good story line while making this movie. Tinu Papachan can direct a mega serial like this story line.
One who relates this is the one who experiences
anumohancp6 December 2023
A wow cinematography , which enthralls to peak in the climax. A must watch & experience in theatre. Story line cannot be weak, where one crime is utilized to perform another one's own legal escape. Chaver - yes a political thriller because the story follows what could somewhat be happening in the real world where these incidents are centered around and used in story. Use of the famous Theyyam folklore to back the story narration is brilliance from a screenplay. I will say the folklore thottam paatu can now be heard in real by the one who has not ever experienced before. What you experience is just a tip of the ocean of this folklore in theyyaatam. I will say briilant filming like one experienced in Churuli, jallikaatu before.
Uninspired screenplay and lackluster direction make for a forgettable cinematic experience
mailkarthy23 November 2023
Postive is D O Photography, BG score and editing.
The film's promising premise fizzles into a disjointed narrative with shallow character development and a predictable, unsatisfying making.
Full of logical mistakes.
Found the film to be a disappointing experience, lacking depth in its storytelling and failing to engage me emotionally or intellectually.
The film suffered from direction that felt aimless, resulting in a disjointed and dull storyline, ultimately failing to captivate the audience. The director squandered a promising premise, failing to harness its potential and delivering a lackluster and underwhelming cinematic experience.
The film's promising premise fizzles into a disjointed narrative with shallow character development and a predictable, unsatisfying making.
Full of logical mistakes.
Found the film to be a disappointing experience, lacking depth in its storytelling and failing to engage me emotionally or intellectually.
The film suffered from direction that felt aimless, resulting in a disjointed and dull storyline, ultimately failing to captivate the audience. The director squandered a promising premise, failing to harness its potential and delivering a lackluster and underwhelming cinematic experience.
Exceptional movie
navneethnarayan25 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Tinu papapachan what an awesome movie you have made mr the acting is exceptional and even the house of the victim the choreography and acting are amazing. Even the camera angles and the location of which the movie were taken is apt to the overall theme of the Movies exept the mis cast of Antony pepe he had only 3-5 mins but he have done wonders but the Antony pepe is man who can make wonders political crome overall a great experience thank you all for making this movie a binge worthy experience in my Weeknd tinupapachan direction 10/10 casting 9/10 script 8/10 choreography 10/10 overall a great movie.
Whatever you do, If there is no script, then its chaos
aji4u4ever6 October 2023
Having heard more negative reviews about the movie, we went in for the movie with much negative expectations, since it was booked in advance. Chaaver is a brutal story revolving around the party thugs who were betrayed after a planned murder by their higher political cadet.
Had much expectations about Tinu Pappachen because of his earlier outings were a feast in theaters. He didn't disappoint in terms of the shots, camera works, excitement, background score but was clueless to deliver a complete package because of the wafer thin plot.
The beauty of the Kannur was nicely captured with amazing visuals and more of an innovative cameraworks. The camera movement and placement needs an applause. Justin Varghese music and the performances of Kunchacko Boban, Arjun Ashokan, Manoj KU, Sajin Gopu and the extended cameo role of Antony Varghese were the saviour of the movie. Tinu should have cut down the runtime of 128 minutes to 90 or 90+ movie which would have been made this wafer thin plot more crispier. The last gun combat was absolute nonsence with more slow motion shots which was actually a waste of time and tiring.
Positives
Negatives
My verdict is 04 on 10 and is avoidable in theaters.
If it comes to OTT, try x1.5 times which may entertain you.
Had much expectations about Tinu Pappachen because of his earlier outings were a feast in theaters. He didn't disappoint in terms of the shots, camera works, excitement, background score but was clueless to deliver a complete package because of the wafer thin plot.
The beauty of the Kannur was nicely captured with amazing visuals and more of an innovative cameraworks. The camera movement and placement needs an applause. Justin Varghese music and the performances of Kunchacko Boban, Arjun Ashokan, Manoj KU, Sajin Gopu and the extended cameo role of Antony Varghese were the saviour of the movie. Tinu should have cut down the runtime of 128 minutes to 90 or 90+ movie which would have been made this wafer thin plot more crispier. The last gun combat was absolute nonsence with more slow motion shots which was actually a waste of time and tiring.
Positives
- Cast and their performances
- Camera
- Music
- Visuals
Negatives
- Script
- Lengthy
- Slowmotion (during the climax gunfight)
- Tiring
My verdict is 04 on 10 and is avoidable in theaters.
If it comes to OTT, try x1.5 times which may entertain you.
One-time watchable
appusnikhil23 November 2023
This movie had a strong story but sadly the screenplay was not up to the mark. The creators forgot to execute the movie properly. The director attempted to convey more through the imagery shown throughout the film, but even that couldn't save the sinking ship.
The technical side was brilliant in this movie and that combined with the cinematography was top-notch. Locations were carefully selected and that's another positive in the movie.
Rather than going into taking sides and going into politics, people should try to constructively criticize a piece of art. Sadly that's not happening in our contemporary times.
Kunchacko Boban has been involved in some weak script films recently, and this one will also be remembered as one of his poor choices. Arjun Ashokan and Manoj K. U were superb in their respective roles.
The technical side was brilliant in this movie and that combined with the cinematography was top-notch. Locations were carefully selected and that's another positive in the movie.
Rather than going into taking sides and going into politics, people should try to constructively criticize a piece of art. Sadly that's not happening in our contemporary times.
Kunchacko Boban has been involved in some weak script films recently, and this one will also be remembered as one of his poor choices. Arjun Ashokan and Manoj K. U were superb in their respective roles.
See also
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