Karuvanam

There is one happy and sad thing about 'KARUVANAM' web series. The sadness is that such a brilliant work gets stuck to just YouTube, and it would have been a world famous hit, if it was streamed on giant platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hotstar. The happiest thing lies beneath the reason I cited above. Yes, it's a scintillating web series that makes you feel worthy of watching the entire show without skipping any episodes. The writing is good and I felt that a slight tweaking would have made it much more impactful. But end of the show, the way, writers justify their reason behind taking time to establish the premise and giving importance to all characters, is a sheer brilliance. One of the best web series of 2024, and it's surprising that it comes from other part of the world, and not Tamil Nadu. Such web series should be extolled and made sure that the producers take a note of the ambitious drive of this team, and try to bring on more instalments from this franchise.

Horror narratives that emphasize the emotions of female characters tend to capture our attention effectively. Whether it's Eeram or acclaimed films like Mama from Hollywood, this theme is consistently present. In Karuvanam, the story focuses on twin sisters. The opening episode presents a stage play where one sister must shoot the other character, but she hesitates to do so. This moment hints at a potentially similar climax, which indeed shares that connection, albeit with an unexpected twist. While it may seem like a spoiler, there's much more to discover.

The cinematographer has done an exceptional job with the visual composition. Many scenes showcase a deliberate use of shadow and limited lighting in the interiors, yet the visuals remain striking. The pinnacle of the technical team's achievements unfolds in the final episode.

I find common ground with many viewers regarding the standout moment: the revelation of the true ghost.

IMO, Karuvanam is a best horror watch many years after 'Eeram'.

Karuvanam strives to compete with the International 'Horror' genre, and manages to keep it standards on par with those acclaimed works on global platform. The characterisations are neatly written, and the way, the actors have inhaled the qualities, thereby delivering promising performances is appreciable. The first four episodes keeps us glued to the screens, and yes, the middle episodes go back in time to establish what's the actual mystery existing inside the house. But it's 'BOOM' moment from the Episode 9, especially, where an unexpected character turns out to be the 'Ghost' hunting down the victims. That's a spoiler, you would never like to reveal. Special mention to Sound Mixing and Background score. I loved the character of 'exorcist' who comes after 7th episode. His appearance is limited, but he just eclipses other actors with his realistic performance.

You don't walk into Karuvanam like you do other shows. You're lured - like Meera and Shalini, drawn to a house that should've stayed locked. A house where silence weighs more than bricks. Where the dead don't haunt... they remember.

Two orphaned twins. One mother they never met. And a home that isn't welcoming - it's waiting. That's the hook. But Karuvanam is not just a haunted-house story. It's a slow, breathless excavation of shame, abandonment, and the mess families make when no one's watching.

And it's terrifying - not because of what jumps out - but because of what never leaves. The air is thick. The framing is surgical. Doors creak not because something's coming... but because something never left. The horror is so still, so still, you don't realize it's on you until you're carrying it around all day.

The performances are taut wires. The twins don't just act - they unravel. One seeks truth. The other clings to denial. Together, they walk the fault line between closure and collapse. Every conversation crackles with tension, every silence feels earned.

And that final reveal? No spoilers - but it doesn't explode. It exhales. And that's scarier.

Final Word: Karuvanam is trauma told in whispers. Horror told in restraint. It's not content - it's confrontation. And once you watch it, you'll never look at family the same way again.

I must admit, I wasn't initially familiar with the actors, but they delivered performances that were nothing short of exceptional. Their acting was so convincing that I found myself pondering whether these talented individuals hail from Singapore. After watching the series, it sparked a thought in my mind: it would be wonderful to see collaborations between these actors and the mainstream Tamil film and web series industries. It fills me with joy to see a diverse group of gifted writers, directors, and actors from different corners of the world working tirelessly to enrich the Tamil cinema landscape with their incredible talents.

Now, what is "Karuvanam" truly about? Interestingly, I thought it might have been more intriguing if it had been titled "BLACK FOREST," which could have captured even more attention (just a light-hearted suggestion!). However, the screenwriting deserves major accolades and recognition for its brilliance. The directorial skills displayed throughout the series are impressively refined, showcasing a level of maturity that enhances the overall viewing experience. The actors serve as the perfect embodiment of the characters, bringing depth and emotion to the narrative.

Among my favorite moments are those nuanced scenes that are sprinkled throughout the series, each leaving a lasting impression. However, I believe that what will ultimately resonate with most viewers is the second half, particularly the gripping episodes from Episode 6 to the finale. This part of the series is where the story truly captivates, weaving suspense and excitement that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.