Movie Review: Bromance (2025) - OTT From May 1

Movie Review: Bromance (2025) – A Fun-Filled Malayalam Adventure Comedy

Director: Arun D Jose
Starring: Mathew Thomas, Mahima Nambiar, Arjun Ashokan, Sangeeth Prathap, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Shyam Mohan, Bharath Bopanna
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Rating: Not specified (Family-friendly, likely U/A in India)
Runtime: Approx. 2h 15m (estimated based on typical Malayalam cinema runtimes)
Streaming Platform: SonyLIV (as of May 1, 2025)
Languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi

Released on February 14, 2025, Bromance is a Malayalam-language adventure comedy that has captured the hearts of audiences with its youthful energy, vibrant visuals, and a stellar ensemble cast. Directed by Arun D Jose and co-written by Raveesh Nath and Thomas P Sebastian, this film delivers a lively and entertaining ride that celebrates friendship, brotherhood, and the chaos of young love. With its theatrical success earlier this year and its recent streaming debut on SonyLIV as of May 1, 2025, Bromance continues to resonate with viewers, particularly the Gen Z crowd, who are clearly its target audience.

Plot and Themes

The story of Bromance revolves around the bond between two brothers, Shinto and Binto, and their circle of friends as they navigate a series of misadventures filled with humor, romance, and unexpected twists. The title is fitting, as the film delves deeply into the theme of brotherhood—both literal and metaphorical. Binto, played with infectious energy by Mathew Thomas, is determined to find his brother Shinto, and his journey is marked by moments of hilarity, heartfelt emotion, and even a touch of action. The narrative also weaves in elements of love and camaraderie, with multiple layers that explore the dynamics of friendship and loyalty.

The first half of the film focuses on establishing the personalities of Shinto and Binto, highlighting their quirks and the bond they share. Binto’s fiery temper and impulsive nature are portrayed in a way that feels relatable to younger audiences, often leading to laugh-out-loud moments. As the story progresses, the stakes rise with car chases in Kochi, a wedding sequence, and a climactic fight that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. While the plot isn’t groundbreaking—bromance as a theme has been explored in Malayalam cinema before—the script’s strength lies in its ability to keep the tone light and engaging, making it a perfect watch for a fun night in.

Performances

The young cast of Bromance is the heart and soul of the film. Mathew Thomas delivers a standout performance as Binto, showcasing significant growth as an actor since his earlier roles. His ability to balance comedy, emotion, and action makes him the perfect fit for the character, and his comic timing had me chuckling throughout. Mahima Nambiar, as the female lead, shines in her comedic scenes, bringing a refreshing charm to the film. Her chemistry with the ensemble adds a layer of warmth to the story, and she proves once again why she’s a talent to watch in Malayalam cinema.

Arjun Ashokan and Sangeeth Prathap, both playing key supporting roles, are equally impressive. Ashokan’s natural charisma and Prathap’s knack for delivering punchy one-liners elevate the film’s humor quotient. Kalabhavan Shajohn, as Courier Babu, steals the show in several scenes with his impeccable timing and screen presence. His character, though not central to the plot, leaves a lasting impression, adding value to the overall narrative. Shyam Mohan and Bharath Bopanna round out the ensemble, contributing to the film’s chaotic yet endearing group dynamic.

Technical Brilliance

One of the biggest highlights of Bromance is its technical execution. Cinematographer Akhil George deserves applause for capturing the vibrancy of the story through stunning visuals. The car chase scenes in Kochi are thrilling, with dynamic camera work that keeps the adrenaline pumping. The wedding song sequence and the “Gen Z song” are visual treats, perfectly capturing the exuberance of youth with their colorful choreography and energetic vibe. These moments are clearly designed to resonate with the younger audience, and they hit the mark effortlessly.

The soundtrack, composed by Govind Vasantha, is another standout feature. It’s been a while since a Malayalam film’s music has felt this integral to the storytelling. Vasantha’s background score seamlessly enhances the film’s emotional beats, lifting the energy whenever the narrative dips. The songs, particularly the Gen Z anthem, are catchy and well-integrated, resonating with the film’s target demographic. As noted by critics, the music doesn’t just complement the story—it elevates it, making even the slower moments feel engaging.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Bromance excels as a youthful entertainer, with its fast-paced humor and heartfelt moments of camaraderie. The performances of the young actors are a major strength, as is the film’s ability to connect with its audience through relatable themes of friendship and love. The technical aspects—cinematography, music, and editing—are top-notch, making it a visually and aurally satisfying experience.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The script, while entertaining, occasionally feels formulaic, relying on familiar tropes of the comedy-adventure genre. Some of the subplots, particularly those involving secondary characters, feel underdeveloped, leaving you wanting more depth. The pacing falters in the second half, with a few scenes dragging before the climactic fight sequence picks up the momentum. Additionally, while the film’s focus on youth culture is a strength, it might not appeal as much to older audiences looking for a more nuanced story.

Final Verdict

Bromance is a delightful addition to the Malayalam cinema landscape, a film that knows its audience and delivers exactly what they’re looking for: a fun, energetic, and heartwarming ride. Arun D Jose has crafted a movie that’s both a celebration of friendship and a showcase for some of the industry’s most promising young talents. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it executes its vision with enough flair to leave you smiling by the end.

For fans of lighthearted comedies with a touch of adventure, Bromance is a must-watch. It’s the kind of film that’s perfect for a weekend binge with friends or family, especially now that it’s streaming on SonyLIV in multiple languages. With its infectious energy and memorable performances, Bromance proves that sometimes, all you need is a good laugh and a reminder of the bonds that matter most.

Rating: 7.5/10. A vibrant, youth-centric comedy that delivers on its promise of fun, even if it doesn’t break new ground.