Malayalam movie Karnika is now on OTT. Where to stream this thriller

In a cinematic landscape packed with action spectacles and rom-coms, Malayalam cinema has carved a unique space with its gripping thrillers, and Karnika is a prime example. Released in theatres on August 23, 2024, this suspenseful drama may not have set the box office ablaze, but it quietly intrigued a section of viewers with its layered narrative and haunting atmosphere. Now, almost a year later, Karnika has finally made its OTT debut, giving audiences another shot at unravelling its secrets—this time from the comfort of their homes.

The film began streaming on Simply South from June 6, 2025, available worldwide. The platform shared the update on social media with a poster announcement:

Where to watch in India?

For viewers in India, Karnika is now available on ManoramaMAX. The official confirmation was posted by the platform on Instagram:

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Plot and cast

Directed by Arun Venpala, who also composed the music, the film is produced by Abhini Sohan. It features Priyanka Nair, Viaan Mangalashery, TG Ravi, Kriss Venugopal, and Aadhav Ramachandran in pivotal roles. The story is set in the eerie village of Peyavoor, where a writer is attacked under mysterious circumstances. As the police dig deeper, the investigation leads them to Poovarasi Mana, an ancestral house cloaked in silence and secrets.

Though it opened to mixed reactions from both critics and audiences during its theatrical run, Karnika’s digital release is a second wind—an opportunity for the slow-burn mystery to find its audience among thriller lovers who may have missed it the first time around. With its atmospheric setting, suspenseful pacing, and haunting score, the film promises a brooding watch for those who enjoy unravelling psychological puzzles set against culturally rich backdrops.