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{{Short description|2023 Indian film directed by Tinu Pappachan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Chaaver film.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Tinu Pappachan]]
| writer = [[Joy Mathew]]
| producer = Arun Narayan<br>Venu Kunnapilly
| starring = {{plainlist|
*[[Kunchacko Boban]]
*[[Arjun Ashokan]]
*[[Antony Varghese]]
}}
| cinematography = Jinto George
| editing = [[Nishadh Yusuf]]
| music = [[Justin Varghese]]
| studio = {{plainlist|
*Arun Narayan Productions
*Kavya Film Company
}}
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2023|10|05|ref1=<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 September 2023 |title=Kunchacko Boban's 'Chaaver' censored with a U/A certificate; release date confirmed! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-bobans-chaaver-censored-with-a-u/a-certificate-release-date-confirmed/articleshow/104039860.cms?from=mdr |access-date=30 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005124419/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-bobans-chaaver-censored-with-a-u/a-certificate-release-date-confirmed/articleshow/104039860.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| runtime = 128 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Chaver |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/chaver-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde2ndk3 |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018075615/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/chaver-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde2ndk3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| country = India
| language = Malayalam
}}

'''''Chaaver''''' ({{Translation|Suicide Squad}}) is a 2023 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[Political cinema|political]] [[action thriller film]] directed by Tinu Pappachan and written by [[Joy Mathew]]. It is produced by Arun Narayan and Venu Kunnapilly under the banners Arun Narayan Productions and Kavya Film Company. The film stars [[Kunchacko Boban]], [[Arjun Ashokan]] and [[Antony Varghese]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=പിന്നിൽ തെയ്യം, മുന്നിൽ കത്തിയെടുത്ത് ചാക്കോച്ചൻ,'ചാവേർ' ഒഫീഷ്യൽ ടൈറ്റിൽ ലുക്ക്‌ |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/chaaver-movie-poster-tinu-pappachan-kunchacko-boban-antony-varghese-and-arjun-ashokan-1.8011196 |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Mathrubhumi |date=2 November 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128183249/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/chaaver-movie-poster-tinu-pappachan-kunchacko-boban-antony-varghese-and-arjun-ashokan-1.8011196 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Chaaver Movie : Tinu Pappachan's death arrives; Chacochan and Pepe as stars; Motion Teaser |url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/chaaver-movie-starring-kunchacko-boban-and-antony-varghese-directed-by-tinu-papachen-film-motion-teaser-released-124477 |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Zee News Malayalam |language=ml |archive-date=2023-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128155933/https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/chaaver-movie-starring-kunchacko-boban-and-antony-varghese-directed-by-tinu-papachen-film-motion-teaser-released-124477 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kunchacko Boban in Tinu Pappachan's 'Chaaver', here's the first look - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-boban-in-tinu-pappachans-chaaver-heres-the-first-look/articleshow/95248204.cms |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128183248/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-boban-in-tinu-pappachans-chaaver-heres-the-first-look/articleshow/95248204.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> The music was composed by [[Justin Varghese]], the cinematography handled by Jinto George and editing by Nishadh Yusuf.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-07-30 |title='Chaaver' second look motion poster out! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/chaaver-second-look-motion-poster-out/articleshow/102251345.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-04 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2023-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018075614/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/chaaver-second-look-motion-poster-out/articleshow/102251345.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Chaaver'' was released on 5 October 2023 to mixed reviews from critics and [[Box-office bomb|bombed at the box office]].<ref name=":1" />

== Plot ==
Ashokan, Musthafa, Asif and Thomas are political goons who are on the run after being involved in a problem. Musthafa calls and requests Arun, a medical student and the son of a late veteran [[communist party]] leader, to provide [[first aid]] to Ashokan as he was apparently injured while trying to fix their jeep. Arun takes his friend Sooraj's bike and reaches the location with some first-aid provisions. Before helping Ashokan, Arun asks Musthafa and Ashokan about the nature of his injuries as he does not believe they were caused while trying to fix any vehicle, but he does not get a proper answer from either of them. They promise to leave Arun after he is done applying the first-aid. During all these events it is also shown that Ashokan is getting instructions from GK, a party leader.

They stop the jeep at a secret location to avoid being seen by anyone while the first-aid is being applied, but they spot a group of [[Theyyam]] performers coming towards them and immediately leave the location. They reach a house and rest there for the time being as they have lunch. Arun refuses to eat with them as he is scared and doesn't know about the happenings. As they are having lunch, Arun overhears Ashokan's conversation between others and understands that they are on the run after killing a Theyyam performer named Kiran. Arun later asks Musthafa about killing Kiran, where Musthafa replies that it was all for the party.

The murder of Kiran leads to [[protest]]s all over the town and the police are actively on the hunt for the murder suspects.

Later, GK calls Ashokan and tells him that the police are tracing their whereabouts and they need to leave their current location immediately. Before leaving, Thomas tries to dispose the remaining bomb by throwing it into a well, but the bomb blasts inside the well, creating further problems. The police capture Sooraj and start questioning him as his [[Motorcycle|bike]] was present near the location where Kiran was killed, but Sooraj tells that he is unaware of what happened and refuses to reveal Arun's name to the police. Arun manages to escape the place when the bomb blasts and reaches a house, where he asks a person living there for some water.

Meanwhile, Ashokan and the others get worried that Arun might reveal their details to the police and set out to find him. They find him after sometime and take him with them. Musthafa reveals to Arun that he is now at risk of being a suspect. Later that night, Ashokan calls another party leader Mukundan and tells him to make some other people surrender to the police or he will be forced to reveal all the other [[Extrajudicial killing|political killings]] he has done for the party. Asif and Thomas then split from the group and leave home. Ashokan, Musthafa and Arun drive to a hideout situated in a hilly region and decides to stay there until GK sends his henchmen over to the police station. In the background Mukundan calls GK and tells him that he will take of everything. It is then shown that Asif while returning home is killed in a [[hit and run]] accident .

Musthafa takes Arun and goes outside to make a call and learns that he and Ashokan were used by GK to kill Kiran as his daughter was in relationship with Kiran, who is from a lower caste. Thinking Ashokan is also in on this, Musthafa instructs Arun to run away and confronts Ashokan but they are shot at by an unknown assailant. At the same time, Ashokan also gets to know from another party sympathiser about the treachery committed by GK and decides to leave the place. As he is about to leave, GK's henchmen surround the house and shoot at him. Musthafa who got separated from Arun reaches the house and somehow gets inside as the [[Henchman|henchemen]] shoot at it. Picking up a hunting rifle from one of the rooms, Musthafa meets up with Ashokan who reveals that he was also cheated by GK. Suddenly one of the stray bullets hits Musthafa in his shoulder. Ashokan then picks up the rifle and starts shooting back at the henchmen. He manages to shoot them down but he and Musthafa get critically injured in the process. At that time, Arun who was being chased by another henchman, manages to lose him and gets back to the house. Seeing him, Ashokan gives the keys of the jeep to Arun and tells him to leave them be and escape from there. Ashokan and Musthafa succumb to their own injuries, while Arun successfully escapes from the hilly region after the henchman who was chasing him gets blown up after hitting an electrified fence.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Kunchacko Boban]] as Ashokan
* [[Arjun Ashokan]] as Arun
* [[Antony Varghese]] as Kiran Kumar<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Tinu Pappachan's third film's title announced by Mammootty |url=https://theprimetime.in/tinu-pappachans-third-films-title-announced-by-mammootty/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=The Prime Time |language= |archive-date=2023-04-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424160445/https://theprimetime.in/tinu-pappachans-third-films-title-announced-by-mammootty/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Manoj K. U. as Musthafa
* [[Sajin Gopu]] as Asif
* Anuroop P. as Thomas
* [[Deepak Parambol]] as Sooraj
* [[Joy Mathew]] as Mukundan
* [[Sangita Madhavan Nair]] as Devi teacher
* Arun Narayanan as Gireesh
* [[Rajesh Sharma (Malayalam actor)|Rajesh Sharma]] as [[Sub-inspector#India|SI]] Renjith Babu
* Anand Balan as [[Commissioner of Police (India)|Commissioner]]
* Murukan Martin as [[Deputy superintendent of police|DYSP]] Biju Ayyappan
* Jayaraj Calicut as Chamunni
* Krishna Priya as Kiran Kumar's Lover and GK Nambiar's Daughter
* [[Renji Panicker]] as G. K. Nambiar (voice appearance)
}}

== Production ==
=== Development ===
''Chaaver'' marks the third directorial of Tinu Pappachan after ''[[Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil]]'' (2018) and ''[[Ajagajantharam]]'' (2021).<ref name=":0" /> The film is produced by Arun Narayanan and Venu Kunnapilly under the banners of Arun Narayanan Productions and Kavya Films.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Chaaver Movie : ടിനു പാപ്പച്ചന്റെ ചാവേർ എത്തുന്നു; താരങ്ങളായി ചാക്കോച്ചനും പെപ്പെയും; മോഷൻ ടീസർ |url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/chaaver-movie-starring-kunchacko-boban-and-antony-varghese-directed-by-tinu-papachen-film-motion-teaser-released-124477 |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Zee News Malayalam |language=ml |archive-date=2023-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128155933/https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/chaaver-movie-starring-kunchacko-boban-and-antony-varghese-directed-by-tinu-papachen-film-motion-teaser-released-124477 |url-status=live }}</ref> It also marks Tinu Pappachan's third collaboration with Antony Varghese and the first collaboration with Kunchacko Boban.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anticipation soars as Kunchacko Boban starrer Chaver's first look revealed |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/07/03/kunchacko-boban-malayalam-movie-chaver-first-look-revealed.html |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=2023-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706210223/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/07/03/kunchacko-boban-malayalam-movie-chaver-first-look-revealed.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Chaaver
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Justin Varghese]]
| cover =
| alt =
| caption =
| released = 2023
| recorded = 2023
| venue =
| studio = {{ubl|Bodhi Silent Scape, [[Ernakulam]]|NHQ Studio, Ernakulam|People’s Studio, [[Payyannur]]}}
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = {{Duration|19:30}}
| language = [[Malayalam]]
| label = [[Think Music]]
| producer = Justin Varghese
| prev_title = [[Christopher (film)|Christopher]]
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title = [[Ponman]]
| next_year = 2025
}}

The film's songs and score are composed by [[Justin Varghese]]. The lyrics for the songs were written by Hareesh Mohanan.

{{Track listing
| headline =
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 19:30
| title1 = Polika Polika
| extra1 = [[Govind Vasantha]], Baby Jean, [[Santhosh Varma]]
| length1 = 04:44
| title2 = Poomale Pothiyamme
| extra2 = Pranav C. P., Niranjana Rema
| length2 = 05:06
| title3 = Chenthamara
| extra3 = Pranav C. P., Santhosh Varma
| length3 = 03:57
| title4 = Chenthamara End Credit Version
| extra4 = Pranav C. P., Santhosh Varma
| length4 = 05:43
}}

== Release ==

=== Theatrical ===
The release date of ''Chaaver'' was postponed several times.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sidhardhan |first=Sanjith |date=27 September 2023 |title=Chaaver: Tinu Pappachan explains why the Kunchacko Boban-starrer's release date is delayed |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/chaaver-tinu-pappachan-explains-why-the-kunchacko-boban-starrers-release-date-is-delayed/0aae46d987798 |access-date=30 September 2023 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005042150/https://www.ottplay.com/news/chaaver-tinu-pappachan-explains-why-the-kunchacko-boban-starrers-release-date-is-delayed/0aae46d987798 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was initially planned to release on 20 July 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 June 2023 |title=Kunchacko Boban's action thriller 'Chaaver' release postponed! Read more |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-bobans-action-thriller-chaaver-release-postponed-read-more/articleshow/101385464.cms?from=mdr |access-date=30 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630174408/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-bobans-action-thriller-chaaver-release-postponed-read-more/articleshow/101385464.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=23 June 2023 |title=Kunchacko Boban and Tinu Pappachan's action flick 'Chaaver' will hit the big screens in July |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-boban-and-tinu-pappachans-action-flick-chaaver-will-hit-the-big-screens-in-july/articleshow/101211004.cms?from=mdr |access-date=30 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624192025/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-boban-and-tinu-pappachans-action-flick-chaaver-will-hit-the-big-screens-in-july/articleshow/101211004.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> The release date was later pushed to 21 September 2023 and then to 28 September.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2023 |title=Tinu Pappachan's Chaaver locks a release date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/sep/28/tinu-pappachanschaaverlocks-a-release-date-48096.html |access-date=30 September 2023 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002181857/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/sep/28/tinu-pappachanschaaverlocks-a-release-date-48096.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 September 2023 |title=Is Kunchacko Boban's 'Chaaver' releasing on September 28? Check out the latest poster |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/is-kunchacko-bobans-chaaver-releasing-on-september-28-check-out-the-latest-poster/articleshow/103635909.cms |access-date=30 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005164252/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/is-kunchacko-bobans-chaaver-releasing-on-september-28-check-out-the-latest-poster/articleshow/103635909.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to its release, the film was given a U/A certificate by the [[Central Board of Film Certification|Censor Board]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=27 September 2023 |title=ഒറ്റ കട്ട് മാത്രം, സെൻസറിംഗ് കഴിഞ്ഞു, ചാവേര്‍ റിലീസ് പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ച് നിര്‍മാതാവ് |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/kunchacko-boban-tinu-pappachans-chaver-censored-gets-ua-certificate-action-thriller-to-release-on-october-5-hrk-s1n586 |access-date=30 September 2023 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005042151/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/kunchacko-boban-tinu-pappachans-chaver-censored-gets-ua-certificate-action-thriller-to-release-on-october-5-hrk-s1n586 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was released on 5 October 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 September 2023 |title=Kunchacko Boban's action-packed thriller 'Chaaver' to release on October 5 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-bobans-action-packed-thriller-chaaver-to-release-on-october-5/articleshow/103984656.cms?from=mdr |access-date=30 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005164246/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-bobans-action-packed-thriller-chaaver-to-release-on-october-5/articleshow/103984656.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Home media ===
[[SonyLIV]] acquired the digital rights of the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2023 |title=Chaaver on OTT: Where to watch Kunchacko Boban's action drama after its theatrical release |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/chaaver-on-ott-where-to-watch-kunchacko-bobans-action-drama-after-its-theatrical-release/d1f9deee0a415 |access-date=30 September 2023 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004222811/https://www.ottplay.com/news/chaaver-on-ott-where-to-watch-kunchacko-bobans-action-drama-after-its-theatrical-release/d1f9deee0a415 |url-status=live }}</ref> It premiered on 24 November 2023. The satellite rights of the film is acquired by [[Amrita TV]] and will premiere on the occasion of [[Onam]] 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asianet Onam Premiers Are Thudarum, Empuraan, Prince and Family, Bromance and Padakkalam|url=https://www.keralatv.in/asianet-onam-premier-films-list/ |website=Kerala TV|date=25 August 2025|access-date=26 August 2025}}</ref>

== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
The film earned $58,913 in the United Arab Emirates, $1,815 in New Zealand and $1,390 in Australia.<ref name=":1">{{Cite Box Office Mojo|id=23183388|title=Chaver|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite The Numbers|id=Chaaver-(2023-India)|title=Chaaver|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>

=== Critical response ===
S. R. Praveen of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote "''Chaaver'' shows why mere technical excellence cannot make a film work. All of Tinu Pappachan's craft could not save a poorly-written film."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=S. R. |date=5 October 2023 |title='Chaaver' movie review: Tinu Pappachan's craft fails to save a poorly-written film |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/chaaver-movie-review-tinu-pappachans-craft-fails-to-save-a-poorly-written-film/article67383862.ece |access-date=5 October 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=6 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006015332/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/chaaver-movie-review-tinu-pappachans-craft-fails-to-save-a-poorly-written-film/article67383862.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Anandu Suresh of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Tinu Pappachan's ''Chaaver'', starring Kunchacko Boban in the lead role, explores violence stemming from political rivalry. However, the film's aestheticisation of violence does not align with its central theme."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suresh |first=Anandu |date=5 October 2023 |title=Chaaver movie review: Tinu Pappachan, Kunchacko Boban film uses bloodbath to convey the message that bloodshed is wrong |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/chaaver-movie-review-rating-tinu-pappachan-kunchacko-boban-film-uses-bloodbath-to-convey-bloodhsed-is-wrong-8968504/ |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005162010/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/chaaver-movie-review-rating-tinu-pappachan-kunchacko-boban-film-uses-bloodbath-to-convey-bloodhsed-is-wrong-8968504/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Cris of ''[[The News Minute]]'' gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "What helps '<nowiki/>''Chaver''' stand apart though is Tinu Pappachan's treatment of it, which is as raw as it is aesthetic."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cris |date=5 October 2023 |title=Chaver review: Kunchacko-Tinu Pappachan film is a visual treat let down by the script |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/chaver-review-kunchacko-tinu-pappachan-film-is-a-visual-treat-let-down-by-the-script |access-date= |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018075616/https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/chaver-review-kunchacko-tinu-pappachan-film-is-a-visual-treat-let-down-by-the-script |url-status=live }}</ref>

Gopika ls of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "''Chaaver'' is a movie that stands out because of its making. Even with a weak script, the film works because of how the scenes are planned and the refreshing frames. It's not really a new story, but the presentation and the fantasy elements make it a watchable film."<ref>{{Cite news |last=ls |first=Gopika |date=6 October 2023 |title=Chaaver Movie Review : A watchable film with a weak script but fabulous making |language=en |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/chaaver/movie-review/104195740.cms?from=mdr&from=mdr |access-date=6 October 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018075617/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/chaaver/movie-review/104195740.cms?from=mdr&from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> Nirmal Jovial of ''[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]'' gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "A tightly woven and more engaging third act would have taken ''Chaaver'' to the next level. It's highly probable that the film may face criticism, especially upon its release on OTT platforms."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jovial |first=Nirmal |date=5 October 2023 |title=Chaaver review: This hard-hitting political drama is a story of two halves |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/10/05/chaaver-review-this-hard-hitting-political-drama-is-a-story-of-two-halves.html |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=The Week |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018075614/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/10/05/chaaver-review-this-hard-hitting-political-drama-is-a-story-of-two-halves.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Princy Alexander of ''[[Onmanorama]]'' wrote "Despite the finesse in filmmaking, the script, which boldly explores how party leaders use their workers as pawns, at times is a letdown."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Princy |date=5 October 2023 |title='Chaaver' movie review: Script is a handicap for Tinu Pappachan's directorial |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/10/05/chaaver-movie-tinu-pappachan-arjun-ashokan-kunchacko-boban.html |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=Onmanorama |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018075615/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/10/05/chaaver-movie-tinu-pappachan-arjun-ashokan-kunchacko-boban.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Vishal Menon of ''[[Film Companion]]'' wrote "It's as though the film only works in an abstract form with the characters not amounting to any real feeling."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vishal |date=5 October 2023 |title=Chaaver Review: Tinu Pappachan's Spectacular Imagery In An Uneven Drama About Martyrs And Their Lost Cause |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/malayalam-review/chaaver-review-tinu-pappachan-spectacular-imagery-in-an-uneven-drama-about-martyrs-and-their-lost-cause-kunchacko-boban-arjun-ashokan |website=Film Companion |language=en |access-date=5 October 2023 |archive-date=6 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006020509/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/malayalam-review/chaaver-review-tinu-pappachan-spectacular-imagery-in-an-uneven-drama-about-martyrs-and-their-lost-cause-kunchacko-boban-arjun-ashokan |url-status=live }}</ref> Sajin Shrijith of ''[[Cinema Express]]'' gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Tinu Pappachan's obsession with good-looking frames often reaches self-indulgent, near-fetishistic heights."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shrijith |first=Sajin |date=5 October 2023 |title=Chaaver Movie Review: Stylish imagery masks frustratingly deficient writing |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/review/2023/oct/05/chaaver-movie-review-stylish-imagery-masks-frustratingly-deficient-writing-48323.html |access-date=6 October 2023 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018075615/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/review/2023/oct/05/chaaver-movie-review-stylish-imagery-masks-frustratingly-deficient-writing-48323.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Neelima Menon of ''[[OTTPlay]]'' gave 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "''Chaaver's'' promising premise is let down by its tiresome, weakly written narrative, executed by a woefully self-indulgent filmmaker."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Neelima |date=5 October 2023 |title=Chaaver Review: Style Trumps Substance In Kunchacko Boban-Starrer |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/chaaver-review-style-trumps-substance-in-kunchacko-boban-starrer/afcec33e56163 |access-date=6 October 2023 |website=OTTPlay |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018075617/https://www.ottplay.com/amp/review/chaaver-review-style-trumps-substance-in-kunchacko-boban-starrer/afcec33e56163 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

[[Category:2023 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Justin Varghese]]
[[Category:Indian political thriller films]]

Chaaver - Revision history

Scrapuncle at 12:41, 25 March 2026