Bouma (2026), the newly released Malayalam gothic horror-mystery thriller directed by Rejin S. Babu, arrives with a promising premise and a moody Peermade setting that immediately draws viewers into its eerie world. The film has received mixed-to-average reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric tension, engaging twists, and seasoned supporting cast while noting that it struggles to weave its occult and crime elements into a satisfying climax.
The story follows struggling resto-bar singer Celine (Revathy Sharma) and her live-in partner Jacob (Sagar Surya), a food delivery worker, who seemingly hit the jackpot when Celine inherits a high-value ancestral property called Rose Villa in Peermade. When they visit the misty estate before selling it to a hospitality group, they uncover dark secrets tied to a past tragedy where Celine was the sole survivor. The 115-minute film blends gothic horror, crime, and mystery, using the haunted bungalow as a backdrop for exploring trauma, memory, and the supernatural.
The Hindu described Bouma as an engaging gothic horror that maintains curiosity through its unhurried pace outside the haunted bungalow, only to stumble with an underwhelming, open-ended third act. The Times of India rated it 2.5/5, noting that while the atmospheric setup and early mystery work well, the screenplay tries to juggle occult practices, crime, and psychological horror without tying them together convincingly. Lensmen Reviews pointed out stiff dialogue and familiar horror tropes but credited the film for throwing in unanticipated twists that keep viewers hooked. Early theatregoers noted that fans of slow-burn mystery thrillers will appreciate Christo Xavier’s background score and the eerie mood, though many found the ending abrupt.
Among the cast, Dileesh Pothan stands out as Eesho Mathew, bringing natural freshness and grounded authority to a familiar cop archetype. Vineeth delivers a compelling performance as Samuel, the former caretaker, utilizing his expressive voice and calm presence to elevate key dramatic and mysterious scenes. Revathy Sharma is convincing and earnest in the lead role, anchoring the emotional confusion between her past trauma and present reality, while Sagar Surya provides relatable energy as Jacob during the early Kochi portions before the thriller elements take over. Madhupal leaves a solid impression among the supporting cast, though several notable actors including Aditi Balan, Lenaa, and Vijay Babu appear in brief roles with limited screen time.
Ultimately, Bouma is a film that succeeds in building atmosphere and sustaining intrigue but falters when it comes time to deliver a payoff. For viewers who appreciate slow-burn gothic horror with strong performances and a genuinely eerie setting, it offers enough to warrant a watch—just don’t expect the climax to match the promise of its haunting first half.
