Avihitham (2025)
Fun Facts of Movie
Avihitham is a 2025 Malayalam black comedy-drama directed by Senna Hegde. Known for his indie-style approach, Hegde co-wrote the script with Ambareesh Kalathera. The film pokes fun at small-town voyeurism, gossip, and patriarchy in a quiet Kerala village, where whispers about an alleged affair trigger a curious and chaotic probe by nosy locals. Humor, tension, and social satire sit side by side, and many viewers have compared its grounded characters to those in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum.
Plot Summary
The story unfolds in Kanhangad, a laid-back village in northern Kerala. One night, a drunk villager claims he spotted a secret kiss at midnight between Mill Vinod and a woman he could not identify. His story lights a spark. Seven busybodies in the village take it upon themselves to track down the truth, and the rumor quickly grows into a full-blown village event.
As their amateur investigation spreads, the film peels back how the community polices women, how gossip ruins lives, and how moral grandstanding hides private double standards. The tone shifts with care, moving from light, rustic comedy to gripping suspense, while still offering a sharp look at social judgment without sounding preachy or heavy.
Avihitham Cast and Crew
The film relies on an ensemble of mostly lesser-known actors who bring a natural, lived-in feel to their roles, keeping the focus on character instead of star appeal.
- Vineeth Chakyar is one of the main men driving the gossip trail
- Unni Raj in a key central role
- Renji Kankol is a respected elder in the village
- Dhanesh Koliyat, Rakesh Ushar, and Vrinda Menon in important supporting parts
- Also featuring: Ammini Chandralayam and Aneesh Chemmarathi
Key Crew:
- Director / Screenplay: Senna Hegde
- Co-writer: Ambareesh Kalathera
- Music: Sreerag Saji, whose playful score underlines the satire
- Cinematography / Editing: Sanath Sivaraj, with tight pacing and clean visuals
- Sound Design: Rahul/Seth and Jithin
- Producers: Mukesh R. Mehta, Harris Desom, P. B. Anish, C. V. Sarathi
Release and Availability
- Theatrical release: October 9, 2025, in GCC countries, and October 10, 202,5, in Kerala and the rest of India. A paid premiere was held on the evening of October 9.
- Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Rating: UA (suitable for all ages, but better with parental guidance)
- Streaming: Available to stream on JioCinema (through JioHotstar) from November 14, 2025. The film is also streaming in HD on services like Airtel Xstream Play.
Critical Reception
Reviewers have highlighted the film’s sharp writing, earthy humor, and gentle but clear social critique. On IMDb, Avihitham holds a rating of 7.4/10, and many critics feel it marks a return to Hegde’s indie roots.
| Source | Rating | Key Quote |
|---|---|---|
| The Hindu (S. R. Praveen) | Positive | “Hegde returns to his roots… propelled by the strength of its narrative.” |
| The Indian Express (Anandu Suresh) | 4/5 | “A quirky, rustic comedy… shifts into suspense without losing its soul.The “ |
| The Times of India | 3/5 | “A delightful peek into small-town voyeurism and moral theatre.” |
| Reddit (r/MalayalamMovies) | Generally Positive | Viewers describe it as “pure emotion” and a “light, easy watch” that “hits deep.” |
As of today (November 27, 2025), the film has been streaming for around two weeks, so it works well for a relaxed movie night at home. Trailers and teasers have been online on YouTube since September 2025. For more updates, check official social media pages or local theater listings.
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