A husband, wife and daughter are living a settled, happy life when actions from the past begin to catch up with them. As long-buried deeds resurface, the family's sense of security unravels. Working to the idea that karma never loses an address, the film tracks the reckoning that follows.
Karma sets out to prove that Gujarati cinema can hold a genuine psychological thriller, and for the most part it delivers. Directed by Subbu Iyer and released in February 2023, the film opens on a settled family, husband, wife and daughter, whose comfortable life begins to crack as deeds buried in the past find their way back to the present. The tagline, that karma never loses an address, doubles as the film's thesis, and Iyer builds the tension patiently rather than chasing cheap shocks.
Chetan Dhanani is the reason to watch. He plays the central role with a coiled control that keeps you guessing about how much he knows and how much he is hiding, and Brinda Trivedi matches him as the wife whose sense of safety slowly comes apart. Anshul Trivedi, cast against his usual register, adds another layer of unease. The camerawork is sharper than the budget suggests, and the detail-heavy staging pulls the audience into the household rather than leaving them at arm's length.
The film is not flawless. Some of the twists land harder than others, the middle section could be tighter, and viewers who watch a lot of thrillers may see a few turns coming. What holds it together is intent. This is a film that respects its own genre and trusts the audience to think a step ahead. A 7.8 on IMDb, from a modest but real pool of votes, reflects the goodwill it earned among viewers who did not expect a Gujarati thriller this composed. Watch it for Chetan Dhanani and a story that keeps its grip until the reckoning arrives.
Verdict
A composed, well-acted thriller that proves Gujarati cinema can hold suspense, carried by Chetan Dhanani's coiled lead.
What works
- Chetan Dhanani's controlled lead turn
- Patient, genuine suspense
- Camerawork above its budget
- A real thriller, rare in Dhollywood
What holds it back
- Some twists land harder than others
- Middle section could be tighter
- A few turns are predictable
- Modest production scale
Cast & crew
Writers: Subbu Iyer, Chinmay Purohit
Cast: Chetan Dhanani, Brinda Trivedi, Anshul Trivedi, Anushka Pandya, Morli Patel
Watch the trailer
Play the official trailer on YouTubeMore Drama Gujarati films
Frequently asked
Is Karma worth watching?
A composed, well-acted thriller that proves Gujarati cinema can hold suspense, carried by Chetan Dhanani's coiled lead. Kevu Che rates it 4 out of 5.
What is Karma about?
A husband, wife and daughter are living a settled, happy life when actions from the past begin to catch up with them. As long-buried deeds resurface, the family's sense of security unravels. Working to the idea that karma never loses an address, the film tracks the reckoning that follows.
What is the IMDb rating of Karma?
Karma (2023) holds an IMDb rating of 7.8 out of 10 from 90 votes.