Tharunam Movie Review: A Tamil Thriller That Streams on Tentkotta – Worth the Watch?
The Tamil film Tharunam, directed by Arvindh Srinivasan, has finally made its way to the digital space after a theatrical run earlier this year. Streaming exclusively on Tentkotta starting April 25, 2025, this romantic thriller promises a blend of emotions, suspense, and drama. Starring Kishen Das, Smruthi Venkat, and a supporting cast including Bala Saravanan, the movie has garnered attention for its unconventional plot. But does it live up to the hype, especially for viewers catching it on OTT? Let’s dive into this 800-word blog review to explore its highs, lows, and whether it’s worth your time.
A Gripping Premise with a Dark Twist
Tharunam centers on Arjun, a suspended CRPF officer, and Meera, the woman he’s fallen for, played by Kishen Das and Smruthi Venkat, respectively. The story takes a dark turn when Meera accidentally kills her obsessive neighbor, Rohit, during a heated confrontation. What follows is a tense cover-up as the couple scrambles to hide the body and secure their future without drawing suspicion. This premise, as highlighted in a News18 article, sets the stage for a narrative that blends romance, drama, and thriller elements—a combination that sounds thrilling on paper.
The film’s synopsis, as noted in a Times of India review, aptly captures its core challenge: keeping the audience engaged while the characters deal with the logistics of disposing of a corpse. It’s a trope that’s been explored in cinema before, but Tharunam attempts to bring a fresh perspective by rooting the story in the emotional stakes of its lead characters. Arjun and Meera’s relationship is tested as they navigate guilt, fear, and the moral dilemmas that come with their actions. This emotional anchor is what sets the film apart from being just another crime cover-up story.
Strengths: Tight Storytelling and Performances
One of Tharunam’s biggest strengths is its tight storytelling. Clocking in at 2 hours and 16 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome. Director Arvindh Srinivasan keeps the narrative focused, ensuring that the plot moves at a steady pace. The Times of India review praises this aspect, noting that the film “knows exactly what it wants” and keeps its ambitions modest. For a thriller, this restraint works in its favor, as it avoids unnecessary subplots that could dilute the tension.
The performances are another highlight. Kishen Das delivers a nuanced portrayal of Arjun, balancing the character’s stoic exterior with the vulnerability of a man caught in an impossible situation. Smruthi Venkat, as Meera, brings depth to her role, capturing the turmoil of a woman grappling with the consequences of her actions. Their chemistry is believable, which is crucial for a story that hinges on their relationship. Supporting actor Bala Saravanan provides some much-needed comic relief, though the Times of India review points out that his character sometimes feels like a plot device, appearing conveniently when the story needs a lighter moment.
Weaknesses: Missed Opportunities in Tension and Music
Despite its strengths, Tharunam doesn’t fully deliver on the thriller front. As the Times of India review mentions, there’s a “curious lack of tension” in scenes that should have audiences on the edge of their seats. The stakes feel high for the characters, but the film’s measured approach sometimes renders the suspense toothless. For instance, the sequences involving the cover-up are more procedural than nail-biting, which might leave viewers wanting more intensity. A thriller thrives on creating a sense of dread or urgency, and Tharunam falls short in this department.
Another drawback is the film’s music. The songs, including the lyrical track Enai Neengathe Nee, feel out of place in a story that’s otherwise focused on suspense and drama. The Times of India review echoes this sentiment, calling the songs “unnecessary.” While the background score does a decent job of setting the mood, the inclusion of full-fledged songs disrupts the film’s rhythm, especially in moments where the tension should be building.
Reception: Mixed Reviews but a Second Chance on OTT
Tharunam had a theatrical release on January 14, 2025, and received mixed reviews from critics. The Times of India gave it a 3.0/5, appreciating its tight narrative but pointing out its lack of tension. On IMDb, however, the film has a more impressive 8.3/10 rating, suggesting that audiences have been more forgiving.
Box office-wise, the film didn’t make a significant impact, as noted by News18. However, its digital release on Tentkotta offers a second chance for Tharunam to find its audience. OTT platforms often allow films to gain recognition that they might have missed in theaters, especially for niche genres like romantic thrillers. The buzz around its streaming debut, fueled by Tentkotta’s announcement of “thrills, romance, and unexpected twists,” could draw in viewers who are curious to see if the film lives up to its promise.
Visuals and Direction: A Modest Yet Effective Approach
Visually, Tharunam adopts a gritty, muted aesthetic that complements its dark themes. The cinematography, while not groundbreaking, effectively captures the claustrophobia of the characters’ situation. Arvindh Srinivasan’s direction is competent, though one can’t help but wish he had pushed the boundaries a bit more to heighten the suspense.
Final Verdict: Should You Stream Tharunam?
So, is Tharunam worth streaming on Tentkotta? If you’re a fan of Tamil cinema and enjoy character-driven thrillers with a romantic twist, this film is worth a watch. Its tight storytelling, solid performances, and emotional depth make it a compelling drama, even if it doesn’t fully succeed as a thriller. However, if you’re expecting a high-octane, edge-of-your-seat experience, you might find it lacking in intensity.
For viewers who missed its theatrical run, the OTT release on April 25, 2025, provides a perfect opportunity to experience Tharunam from the comfort of your home. With a runtime that doesn’t overstay its welcome and a plot that keeps you engaged, it’s a decent pick for a weekend watch. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the genre—it’s a modest film that delivers what it promises, with a few hiccups along the way.
Rating: 3.2/5
A well-acted, tightly woven story that could have used more tension to truly shine as a thriller. Stream it for the performances and the emotional stakes, but temper your expectations for high-stakes suspense.
A well-acted, tightly woven story that could have used more tension to truly shine as a thriller. Stream it for the performances and the emotional stakes, but temper your expectations for high-stakes suspense.
