The Malayalam comedy-drama Sahasam, starring Narain and Ramzan, has officially landed on streaming platforms after its theatrical release in early August. Directed and written by Bibin Krishna, the film blends eccentric characters, comedy of errors, romance, and a tangle of misunderstandings that keep viewers entertained from start to finish. Following a moderate run in theatres during the Onam season, the movie is now available to audiences worldwide on Sun NXT and OTTplay Premium, both in Malayalam and Tamil.
A New Digital Chapter for Sahasam
The film, released on August 8, 2025, is a classic case of theatre-to-digital transition for regional cinema. With its OTT release, Sahasam seeks to expand its reach far beyond Kerala’s borders. Sun NXT, known for curating South Indian content, provides a natural home for the movie, while OTTplay Premium extends its accessibility to a broader set of digital users who want aggregated subscription services.
For the Malayalam film industry, which has witnessed a significant spike in OTT consumption since the pandemic, Sahasam’s digital availability signals how mid-budget comedies can sustain life after theatrical runs, especially when festival timing and marketing do not guarantee strong box office numbers.
The Plot: Comedy, Chaos, and Relatable Characters
At its heart, Sahasam is a comedy of errors wrapped in family drama and romance. The story follows Jeevan (played by Narain) and Sera (played by Ramzan), two lovers determined to marry against her family’s wishes. Her parents want her to marry someone else, and the young couple’s repeated attempts to elope form the foundation of the narrative.
Just as things seem to move forward, chaos intensifies. A feared villain with business ties to Jeevan crashes into their lives and takes shelter in their home. As if that weren’t enough, police officer Rajiv Nambiar, played with comic brilliance by Paresh Rawal, adds fuel to the fire. He believes his wife is cheating on him, and in trying to catch her, he becomes entangled in the already messy lives of the central characters.
What emerges is a spiral of comic misunderstandings—from mistaken identities to exaggerated suspicions—that culminates in a sequence of unpredictable, laugh-out-loud events.
Cast and Ensemble Strength
One of the strongest points of Sahasam is its cast. Alongside Narain and Ramzan, the film features a well-rounded supporting ensemble:
- Babu Antony – adding gravitas with his screen presence
- Baiju Santhosh and Yog Japee – providing comic relief with impeccable timing
- Shabareesh Varma and Gouri G. Kishan – anchoring emotional layers
- Tessa Joseph, Varsha Ramesh, Sajin Cherukayil, Jeeva Joseph, and Ann Salim – completing the ensemble with quirky character portrayals
Directed and scripted by Bibin Krishna, the casting choices bring together veterans and younger talents, which ensures that humor connects across age groups. The result is a lively atmosphere that keeps energy levels high.
Reception: A Moderate Theatrical Run, But OTT Could Be the Breakthrough
Released strategically during the Onam festival, Sahasam faced stiff competition from bigger-budget films and festival favorites. With limited marketing and screen count, its theatrical footprint was modest. On IMDb, the film currently holds a rating of 5.7, reflecting a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike.
Where the movie shines, however, is in its screenplay and comic timing, which has been praised for weaving together romance and slapstick chaos without losing its pace. Audience reviews often highlight the witty dialogues and unexpected twists that elevate the otherwise familiar “lovers-versus-family” trope.
With its OTT release, Sahasam now has a chance to find new audiences who are actively searching for light-hearted regional comedies rather than the heavy thrillers and intense dramas that often dominate streaming platforms.
Why Sahasam Stands Out
- Blend of Genres – It doesn’t stick to pure comedy. Instead, it layers romance, family opposition, and light suspense.
- Strong Character Arcs – Each character, whether primary or secondary, plays a role in escalating the narrative, making the ensemble dynamic.
- Timing of OTT Release – Coming two months after Onam, when audiences crave fresh content, the timing could boost viewership.
- Accessibility in Multiple Languages – By releasing in both Malayalam and Tamil, the film widens its demographic appeal.
The Larger OTT Landscape in Regional Cinema
Sahasam’s move to Sun NXT and OTTplay Premium also reflects the growing role of regional films in India’s OTT ecosystem. A 2025 report by Deloitte and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) noted that over 60% of OTT viewership in India comes from regional content, with Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films showing the fastest growth rates.
Streaming platforms have realized that regional comedies and family dramas perform consistently well because they appeal to multi-generational households. For a film like Sahasam, this trend means a better chance at long-term visibility compared to its theatrical window.
Audience Value: Who Should Watch Sahasam?
- Comedy Lovers – If you enjoy situational comedy with exaggerated conflicts and slapstick humor, this film delivers.
- Fans of Ensemble Casts – The film thrives on its quirky characters, so viewers who like ensemble-driven storytelling will find it rewarding.
- Family Viewers – With minimal adult content and a focus on familial clashes, it is suitable for family viewing, especially during festive gatherings.
- Regional Cinema Enthusiasts – For audiences outside Kerala, the film offers a chance to explore the evolving Malayalam comedy genre.
Final Word
While Sahasam may not be a critical darling, its OTT debut provides a second life, allowing it to entertain a broader audience that appreciates humor, chaos, and quirky storytelling. With Narain, Ramzan, and a well-picked cast leading the charge, the film adds to the growing roster of Malayalam comedies that are finding digital traction.
Streaming now on Sun NXT and OTTplay Premium, Sahasam offers an entertaining ride for those looking for laughter, light-hearted romance, and an ensemble of characters who refuse to let life—or family feuds—get in the way of fun.
