Karuvanam

Outstanding horror series that I have seen in the past years. Ever since I started watching more shows on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, this is the first time I feel a local show is more than the standard for Netflix. From the screenplay and story to making, camerawork, art direction, acting, everything is super top notch. This series deserves to go much further and get much more recognition worldwide to show that Singaporeans are capable of amazing stuff. Congratulations to Director and the whole team. I hope there is a season 2 in the making that they can do for a much bigger global platform.

The pacing and cinematography of show is incredible. But the story and direction of the show is what roped me in. Incredible story, had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episodes. The world building in the show is absolutely superb and how each character had a part in it.

The casting really did an amazing job. Their performance really did the story justice and had me biting my nails.

For a local made show, this really pulled all the stops. Incredibly well made show and really push forward the status quo of all local shows. Personally I felt this show really pushed boundaries for local shows. I'm really excited for their next work from the director and the studio.

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.

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.