If you’re looking for a film that perfectly balances genuine scares with laugh-out-loud moments, look no further than Romancham. I recently dived into this Malayalam gem, and I have to say, it is a total “vibe.” Unlike many horror-comedies that try too hard, this one feels incredibly natural. Set in 2007 Bangalore, it captures the chaotic life of seven bachelors in a way that feels nostalgic and hilarious. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just want a good laugh with friends, this movie is a must-watch.
Series Details
Title: Romancham (Goosebumps)
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Genre: Horror Comedy
Running Time: 129 Minutes
Language: Malayalam (Also available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu)
Crew
Director: Jithu Madhavan (Directorial Debut)
Writer: Jithu Madhavan
Cinematography: Sanu Thahir
Music: Sushin Shyam
Star Cast
Soubin Shahir as Jibin
Arjun Ashokan as Sinu Solomon
Sajin Gopu as Niroop
Siju Sunny as Mukesh
Afzal PH as Karikuttan
Anantharaman Ajay as Rivin
“Wait, have you read this yet?“
A Carrom Board Ouija Gone Wrong
The story is set in the late 2000’s in a crowded, messy house in Bangalore. Seven bachelor friends live there, and their lives are the definition of a “struggle.” Most of them are looking for jobs, while the few who have them are barely making ends meet. Their days are spent killing time, pulling pranks on each other, and trying to find some excitement in their dull, broke lives.
One afternoon, Jibin (played by Soubin Shahir) decides to introduce a new game to kill the boredom. He suggests they try to summon a spirit using a Ouija board. Since they don’t have one, they get creative. They flip over a carrom board and draw the letters on the back. At first, it is just a big joke. Jibin and another friend secretly move the glass to trick the others into believing a ghost is actually there. They even come up with a name for this “spirit”—Anamika.
However, the fun turns into a nightmare when the “prank” starts feeling a bit too real. The glass begins to move without anyone pushing it. More importantly, it starts giving correct answers to questions that Jibin couldn’t possibly know. The atmosphere in the house shifts from loud laughter to heavy, uncomfortable silence. Suddenly, the seven friends realize that their carrom board game might have actually opened a door to the unknown.
Strange and unexplainable things begin to haunt their daily lives. One roommate loses his way home on a familiar road, while others feel a constant, creepy presence in their rooms. The situation gets even more intense when a new friend, Sinu (Arjun Ashokan), moves in. His weird behavior adds a whole new level of fear to the group. The story follows these seven guys as they desperately try to undo the “goosebumps” inducing mess they created, all while trying to keep their sanity intact.
The Powerhouse of Casting
The casting is perhaps the strongest point of the film. Soubin Shahir is brilliant as the leader of the group, balancing fear and humor perfectly. However, the supporting cast—many of whom were famous on Instagram Reels before this film—are the real stars. Sajin Gopu as Niroop and Siju Sunny as Mukesh bring a level of raw, relatable comedy that is rarely seen. Their chemistry feels like they have actually lived together for years.
Sushin Shyam’s Musical Magic
You cannot talk about Romancham without mentioning the music by Sushin Shyam. The soundtrack, especially the viral hit “Aadharanjali,” sets the tone perfectly. The background score is quirky and eerie at the same time. It doesn’t rely on loud jump-scares to frighten the audience. Instead, it uses subtle, haunting melodies that build tension slowly.
Why It Works for Everyone
Even if you aren’t an expert in Malayalam cinema, the simple vocabulary and situational humor make it very easy to follow. The film avoids complicated jargon or over-the-top melodrama. It stays focused on the characters and their reactions to the “spirit” in their house. This simplicity is its greatest strength. It’s a movie for the layman—someone who just wants to enjoy a well-told story.
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The Best Performance That Defines the Series
The standout performance has to be the collective energy of the seven roommates during the séance scenes. The way they transition from skepticism to absolute terror is a masterclass in ensemble acting. Soubin Shahir’s expressions when he realizes the glass is moving on its own (and not because he’s pushing it) are priceless. These moments define the film’s unique identity as a “horror” that you can actually laugh at.
Final Thoughts: A Sequel in the Making?
Romancham was a massive box-office hit for a reason. It’s fresh, funny, and genuinely spooky. The ending leaves a huge hint that the story of Anamika isn’t over yet, making us all wait eagerly for a sequel. If you want a movie that will give you “goosebumps” from both fear and laughter, put this on your watchlist immediately.