Samshayam Movie Review : Suspicion, Laughter, and a Stirring Dilemma

Samshayam is a film that starts with chuckles and ends with a lump in the throat. Director Rajesh Ravi delicately balances comedy and drama in this heartfelt tale of doubt, identity, and parental love. What begins as an absurd suspicion turns into a soul-searching journey for a young couple caught between love and biology.


Manoj (played with impeccable comic timing by Vinay Fort) and Vimala (the ever-authentic Lijomol) are a regular, loving couple whose world revolves around their toddler. But one fine day, Vimala is struck by a gut feeling—what if their child was switched at birth? What if the baby they’ve been raising isn’t really theirs?


What follows is a delightfully quirky first half, driven by Vinay Fort’s Chaplinesque antics, full of small-town charm and situational comedy. The ever-present Indian Coffee House and Bhaskarettan (played by a warm and witty Kunjikrishnan), brings in nostalgia.


Cinematographer Maneesh Madhavan captures the earthy textures of Kerala’s interiors with a light, unobtrusive lens, making the locations feel lived-in. Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music blends seamlessly, with soft melodies that reflect the emotional undertones of the story.


The tone shifts in the second half with the entry of Haris (Sharafudheen, in a grounded performance) and Faisa (Priyamvadha), introducing the moral complexities of the situation. The laughter takes a backseat as the film dives into the emotional weight of the couple’s dilemma—should they hold on to the child they’ve raised or pursue the one who shares their blood?


Lijo Paul's crisp editing ensures the pace never slackens, even when the film meanders into emotionally murky territory. Director Rajesh Ravi never lets the film become melodramatic, keeping it grounded and human.


Samshayam isn’t flawless. Some scenes feel slightly stretched, and the resolution could have packed a bigger emotional punch. But it’s a sincere film that uses humour to explore a heart-wrenching “what if.” It asks a powerful question: is parenthood defined by biology or love?


Samshayam is a tender, well-crafted tale that sneaks up on you. Come for the laughs, stay for the feels. A thoughtful dramedy with a quirky heart.

-Anjana George