Aavesham is a 2024 Malayalam action-comedy directed by Jithu Madhavan, starring Fahadh Faasil in a performance that has quickly become iconic. Set in the bustling city of Bengaluru, the film is a wild ride through college life, gangster politics, and the unpredictable consequences of seeking revenge. With a sharp script, memorable characters, and a blend of humor and violence, Aavesham has emerged as one of the most talked-about Malayalam films of the year, resonating with both young audiences and fans of inventive storytelling.

Plot Summary

From Kerala to Bengaluru: A New Beginning

The story follows three friends- Aju (Hipzster), Bibi (Mithun Jai Shankar), and Shanthan (Roshan Shanavas)-who leave Kerala for Bengaluru to pursue aeronautical engineering. Hoping for freedom and fun, they choose to stay at the BK Hostel, run by the quirky college clerk BK, rather than the stricter college hostel.

The Bullying and the Quest for Revenge

Their college dreams are quickly dashed when they cross paths with Kutty, a notorious senior, and his gang. After a humiliating and violent encounter, Aju is consumed by the desire for revenge. The trio embarks on a search for local gangsters who can help them, leading to a series of comic misadventures in Bengaluru’s underbelly.

Enter Ranga: The Unconventional Gangster

Their search brings them to Ranjith “Ranga” Gangadharan (Fahadh Faasil), a Malayali-Kannadiga gangster known for his eccentric style and larger-than-life persona. Ranga, dressed in all-white and surrounded by his loyal but bumbling henchman Amban (Sajin Gopu), is both feared and loved in the local community. Despite his reputation, Ranga is revealed to be good-hearted and protective, though he has sworn off violence due to a promise to his late mother.

Friendship, Fights, and Fallout

The boys become part of Ranga’s world, joining his gang’s wild parties and chaotic lifestyle. When Bibi confronts Ranga about their unresolved issue with Kutty, Ranga finally unleashes his fury during the college Holi celebration, publicly humiliating Kutty and his gang. This act of vengeance brings the trio notoriety but also gets them into trouble with the college administration, risking expulsion.

As their association with Ranga deepens, the boys’ academics suffer. Ranga’s influence becomes overwhelming, dragging them into a world of endless parties, fights, and unpredictable chaos. Their turning point comes when they discover a corpse buried in the house Ranga gave them-a grim reminder of his violent past. Fearful and desperate to escape, the trio decides to cut ties with Ranga.

The Double Cross and Final Showdown

Their troubles escalate when Reddy (Mansoor Ali Khan), Ranga’s former boss and a feared Telugu gangster, enters the picture. Reddy accuses Ranga of stealing his identity and tries to recruit the boys to betray Ranga. Torn between fear and loyalty, the trio flees to a new hostel in Tumkur, hoping to finally focus on their studies.

Meanwhile, Ranga, genuinely worried for the boys’ safety, frantically searches for them. Eventually, Bibi confronts Ranga and confesses that their friendship was only a means to keep Kutty at bay, and that Ranga’s presence has negatively impacted their lives. Heartbroken, Ranga calls his gang to the house, but the boys, now terrified, call Reddy for help.

Reddy and his goons arrive before Ranga’s gang, leading to a violent showdown. Betrayed and devastated, Ranga breaks his vow of non-violence, unleashing his full fury and killing Reddy and his men. He then locks himself and the boys in the house, expressing his pain at their betrayal and his loneliness one has ever gotten close to him without wanting something in return. The boys, realizing their mistake, apologize. Ranga forgives them, telling them to focus on their studies.

Epilogue: Lessons Learned

In the end, only Shanthan manages to pass his exams, while Aju and Bibi fail. Ranga, now donning a new all-black look, humorously chases Aju and Bibi with sticks outside the college, bringing the story full circle with a mix of comedy and warmth.

Characters and Performances

• Fahadh Faasil as Ranga: Fahadh delivers a career-defining performance, blending menace, eccentricity, and vulnerability. His Ranga is unpredictable yet endearing, shifting effortlessly between comic relief and genuine pathos. The character’s emotional arc-from feared gangster to lonely, misunderstood friend-anchors the film.

• Hipster as Aju, Mithun Jai Shankar as Bibi, Roshan Shanavas as Shanthan: The trio brings youthful energy and authenticity to their roles. Their chemistry is natural, making their journey from naive students to accidental gangsters both believable and entertaining.

• Sajin Gopu as Amban: As Ranga’s loyal sidekick, Amban provides comic relief and heart, often stealing scenes with his timing and expressions.

• Mansoor Ali Khan as Reddy: The antagonist is menacing and memorable, adding a layer of danger to the film’s otherwise comedic tone.

• Supporting Cast: The ensemble, including Midhutty as Kutty, Neeraja Rajendran as Bibi’s mother, and Ashish Vidyarthi in a cameo as the college director, all contribute to the film’s vibrant world.

Direction and Screenplay

Jithu Madhavan’s direction is sharp and inventive. He balances slapstick comedy, emotional drama, and bursts of violence, creating a tone that is both unpredictable and engaging. The screenplay is tightly written, with clever dialogue and memorable set pieces. The pacing is brisk, rarely losing momentum, and the narrative structure allows for both character development and surprise twists.

Madhavan’s ability to blend genres- college comedy, gangster drama, and coming-of-age story- sets Aavesham apart from typical campus films. He crafts a world that is both grounded in reality and heightened by absurdity, making the film accessible and entertaining for a wide audience.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography: Sameer Thahir’s visuals capture the vibrancy of Bengaluru and the chaos of college life. The use of color, especially in party and fight sequences, adds energy and style.

• Editing: Vivek Harshan’s editing keeps the film moving at a lively pace, ensuring that the tonal shifts never feel jarring.

• Music: Sushin Shyam’s soundtrack is a highlight, with songs and background score that enhance the film’s mood-whether it’s the adrenaline of a fight or the melancholy of Ranga’s loneliness.

• Production Design: The sets, from the rundown hostel to Ranga’s lair, are detailed and immersive, grounding the film in a believable yet slightly exaggerated world.

Themes and Analysis

• Friendship and Betrayal: At its core, Aavesham is about the complexities of friendship it can be forged out of necessity, tested by fear, and ultimately redeemed by honesty and forgiveness.

• Coming of Age: The film is a coming-of-age story for both the boys and Ranga. The students learn hard lessons about loyalty, consequences, and the cost of shortcuts, while Ranga confronts his own need for connection and acceptance.

• Violence and Redemption: Ranga’s journey from a non-violent protector to a vengeful avenger is both tragic and cathartic, raising questions about the cycle of violence and the possibility of change.

• Humor in Darkness: The film uses humor to offset its darker moments, making even the most intense scenes accessible and entertaining.

Box Office Performance

Aavesham has been a massive box office success, quickly becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2024. Its blend of comedy, action, and heart resonated with audiences across Kerala and in other Indian states, as well as overseas.

Box Office Highlights:

• Budget: Estimated ₹25 crore

• Opening Weekend (India): ₹15 crore

• First Week (India): ₹38 crore

• Worldwide Gross (as of May 2025): Over ₹110 crore

• Kerala Gross: ₹60 crore

• Rest of India and Overseas: ₹50 crore

The film’s strong word-of-mouth, Fahadh Faasil’s star power, and its appeal to both young and family audiences contributed to its blockbuster status.

What Works

• Fahadh Faasil’s Performance: His portrayal of Ranga is unforgettable, anchoring the film with charisma and depth.

• Sharp Writing and Direction: The film’s script is witty, and the direction keeps the tone balanced and engaging.

• Memorable Supporting Characters: The trio of students and the supporting cast bring humor and heart.

• Visual and Musical Style: Vibrant cinematography and a catchy soundtrack enhance the viewing experience.

• Blend of Comedy and Action: The film’s ability to shift between laughs and thrills keeps audiences hooked.

What Could Be Better

• Pacing in the Second Half: The narrative slows slightly as the story shifts focus to Ranga’s emotional arc.

• Some Repetitive Gags: A few comedic sequences feel stretched, though they rarely detract from the overall enjoyment.

• Limited Female Roles: The film’s focus is primarily on male characters, with female roles underdeveloped.

Audience and Critical Reception

Critics have praised Aavesham for its inventive blend of genres, strong performances, and emotional resonance. Fahadh Faasil’s performance, in particular, has been widely lauded. Audiences have embraced the film’s humor, action, and heart, making it a favorite among both youth and family viewers. Social media buzz and positive word-of-mouth have helped sustain its box office run.

Final Verdict

Aavesham is a wild, entertaining ride that combines the best elements of college comedy, gangster drama, and emotional storytelling. Fahadh Faasil’s Ranga is a character for the ages-eccentric, dangerous, and deeply human. With sharp writing, memorable characters, and a vibrant visual style, the film stands out as one of the year’s most enjoyable and impactful Malayalam movies.

Rating: 4/5

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a film that delivers laughs, thrills, and genuine emotion, Aavesham is a must-watch. It’s a testament to the power of inventive storytelling and the enduring appeal of characters who are as flawed as they are unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan of Fahadh Faasil, campus comedies, or just great cinema, Aavesham is a film that will leave you entertained and moved in equal measure.