'Varavu', What To Expect From Joju George's Dated Revenge As The Film Makes It's OTT Debut

Joju George's Varavu was released on the OTT platform ZEE5 on September 11, 2026, right ahead of the weekend, with most people planning their weekend. So, your ideal way to unwind is a cosy day in with something to watch, and Varavu is on your list. Here's what you need to know about the film. 

What is Joju George's Varavu about?

Joju George's Varavu is a 143-minute film about a man who returns home on parole after spending several years in jail. However, he only has one objective in his mind, and that is to take revenge on those who wronged him. The film features a strong cast with Joju George in the lead, alongside Sukanya, Arjun Ashokan, Deepak Parambol, Murali Gopy, Baburaj, Saniya Iyyappan, Baiju Santhosh, and Vani Viswanath.

If you've found the plot intriguing, here's what you need to know before you commit to the film for 2 hours and 23 minutes. According to IMDb, the film follows a man whose family has fallen victim to the powerful elites in a small town. And now, with the return of Joju George as 'Polachan', things are about to take a wild turn.

What can fans expect from Joju George's Varavu?

Varavu is the kind of film that gives action lovers something to enjoy. The sequences are well-planned and often feel like the film's highlights. So much so that by the time we even familiarise ourselves with 'Polachan'/'Paulson', the film has already given us two long fight sequences. While the focus on the action scenes is evident, they overshadow the story that actually fuels these altercations. 

Which brings the question: can there be a better reason than a good old revenge story of 1990s vintage set in the high ranges? Shaji Kailas, who was once known for his storylines and prolific direction, seems to have fallen short as he heavily depends on a variant of the run-of-the-mill revenge story for Varavu. 'Paulson's' return from jail on parole for "personal reasons" is not a mystery, as in the very beginning it becomes clear that he has a few scores to settle.

At the same time, there are quite a few waiting to take him out, as evidenced by the attack by two separate gangs before he even reaches home. The amount of violence and fights after a point can look a little unnecessary, as the audience doesn't even get a chance to connect with 'Paulson' before they are pushed into the bloodshed. 

The lack of emotional depth comes as a shock, as both screenwriter AK Sajan and director Shaji Kailas have individually and together tasted blockbuster success in the 1990s. However, their collaboration in Varavu seemed a little dated. Varavu kind of fails to establish its space as it heavily focuses on trying to resuscitate a cinematic style that has long lost favour with audiences.

Nonetheless, despite its flaws, Joju George fits wonderfully with his world-weary swagger. The audience is left feeling unsatisfied as even by the end of the film there's no element of mystery, which could have been very well used to create some interesting narratives. The missing character's arc also feels unweighted; even when another character repeatedly uses his name to carry out a series of violent acts, no one actually buys his story.

Everything is so clearly laid out that nothing is left to the audience's imagination, and while that might work in certain scenarios, it becomes a little too transparent. So much so that even a backstabber feels like he has a name board hanging around him, pointing to who he is. So, if you're looking for typical Shaji Kailas' action sequences, Varavu might actually leave you entertained. However, if you want the film to have a cathartic effect, it might not be the right pick.

Are you excited to watch Varavu this weekend?

Next Read: Neena Gupta Recalled Being Body-Shamed At 60, Asked Her Team To Tell People She Was Pregnant

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)