Verdict: An earnest attempt at a youth-centric psychological thriller with a relevant message on social media, but uneven storytelling and limited early buzz keep it from standing out.
Pros:
Relevant theme about social media obsession and its darker side
Fresh faces and TV actors bring energy to the friend group
Varanasi locations add some visual appeal
Cons:
Pacing and screenplay feel inconsistent in stretches
Limited early audience feedback makes overall impact hard to gauge
Oye Chill Maar hit theatres on 25 September 2026 as a Hindi social psychological thriller. Directed and edited by Nitin M. Rokade and produced by Tulshiram Deorukhkar, the film brings together a mix of television actors and debutants. Tejas Devrukhkar plays the central role of Prem, supported by Sshrey Pareek, Prachi Bansal, Shikha Pandey and Sufia Tanweer.
The story follows four close friends whose bond comes under pressure when secrets and unexpected events surface. At the centre is Prem, a young man carrying childhood trauma and questions about his own identity. The narrative weaves in friendship, romance, humour and suspense while examining how the chase for likes, fame and online validation can push people past moral lines.
Much of the film was shot in Varanasi, using the city’s streets and ghats as a backdrop. Early audience discussions on platforms like X, BookMyShow and social media remain limited on release day. BookMyShow shows interest from over 10,000 people but notes that ratings will appear only after more reviews come in.
Conversations so far have focused more on the cast’s television backgrounds and the social-media theme rather than detailed reactions from viewers who have seen it. The plot stays accessible without major spoilers. It centres on the group’s everyday chemistry that slowly gives way to tension as hidden truths and troubling incidents emerge.
Prem’s personal struggles with his past sit at the heart of the drama, while the friends navigate love, loyalty and the darker pull of social media. The film mixes lighter moments with thriller elements and tries to deliver a message about emotional well-being and responsible parenting. With so few public reactions available at this early stage, it is difficult to pin down a clear consensus.
Promotional talk has highlighted the rawness of the story and the layered characters, particularly Sshrey Pareek’s role as a mysterious friend dealing with his own baggage. Some early online chatter appreciates the attempt to tackle a timely subject with a youthful cast. At the same time, the absence of strong word-of-mouth or standout performance praise so far suggests the film has not yet generated widespread excitement.
Those who enjoy friendship dramas with a social message and a mild thriller edge may find something to connect with, especially if they like stories set against a real Indian city backdrop. The strengths lie in the relevant theme and the earnest performances from the ensemble. Weaknesses appear in the overall polish and pacing, which early indicators suggest may not fully hold attention for the full runtime.
For most viewers, this feels like a film better suited to streaming once it becomes available rather than a must-watch theatrical experience. The limited early feedback and modest pre-release buzz point to a passable one-time watch rather than a standout release.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.
Kadir is a box office reporter and film analyst from Hojai, Assam, and the founder of Tenvow.com. Since 2015, he has been into box office reporting. With a focus on box office collections, OTT trends, and movie analysis, Kadir delivers accurate, data driven insights into the business of films.
