‘Varavu’ Twitter review: Joju George’s film opens to mixed response; many call revenge drama outdated
Joju George-starrer ‘Varavu’ has finally arrived in theatres. Directed by veteran filmmaker Shaji Kailas, the action drama was released on July 16, 2026. Soon after the first shows concluded, viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their opinions.The early response has been divided. While a section of viewers appreciated the film’s action sequences, visuals and lead performances, many others felt the revenge drama followed an outdated formula.
Some viewers call the film outdated
One X user was highly critical of the film and questioned both its writing and execution. The post read, “#Varavu is a revenge drama that might have worked 25 years ago, but feels painfully outdated in every sense today. The screenplay is predictable from start to finish, the emotional beats never land, and the film struggles to stay engaging.”
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The review further reads, “#ShajiKailas delivers one of his most outdated works, relying on old-school filmmaking tropes that feel completely disconnected from contemporary audiences. The action is noisy, the storytelling is stale, and there’s hardly a single fresh idea in sight. Even committed performances from #JojuGeorge and Murali Gopy can’t rescue this misfire. A thoroughly disappointing watch.”
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Action, visuals and performances receive appreciation
Not every reaction was negative. Some viewers praised the film’s presentation and action while expressing hope for a stronger second half.One user shared, “#Varavu First Half Review. Signature Shaji Kailas style and making. Nice action choreography. Visuals are refreshing. Mass Avatar of JoJu George. Murali Gopi is Nice and menancing. 90s Style Simple Revenge story. Need a Strong Second Half. Decent.”
Several reviews criticise the screenplay
Another detailed review on X stated, “#Varavu Review- A loud action thriller stuck in the past. #ShajiKailas returns with an action thriller starring Joju George in the lead. Clearly drawing inspiration from the success of Pani, Shaji Kailas and writer A K Sajan attempt to recreate a similar style of gritty action drama. However, the film feels like a throwback to the forgotten high range action entertainers once set around Kottayam, without capturing the intensity or quality that made them work.”The review added, “#JojuGeorge delivers with his trademark screen presence and action sequences, but beyond that, the film offers very little to keep the audience engaged. A weak plot, an underwhelming screenplay, and a predictable narrative prevent Varavu from finding its footing. The twist surrounding Arjun Ashokan’s character, which is meant to be a major turning point, falls flat and ends up being one of the film’s biggest misfires. With little emotional impact and no real narrative payoff, Varavu turns out to be a forgettable action film that is easy to skip.”Another viewer posted, “#Varavu ~ An outdated revenge drama with a completely predictable script and almost no emotional impact. Joju George and Murali Gopy deliver committed performances, but they can’t save a film that feels stuck in a filmmaking style from decades ago. The action is loud rather than purposeful, and the story offers nothing fresh. A complete misfire!”
About the film
‘Varavu’ is directed by Shaji Kailas and features Joju George in the lead role. The supporting cast includes Murali Gopy, Arjun Ashokan, Sukanya, Baiju Santhosh, Deepak Parambol, Baburaj, Vani Viswanath, and Saniya Iyappan. Go to Source
