Payanigal Gavanikkavum (transl. “Passengers, kindly note”) is a poignant Tamil-language comedy-drama released theatrically on April 29, 2022, directed and written by S. P. Shakthivel. It’s an official remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film Vikruthi (2019), which itself addresses themes of social media virality and human empathy. Produced under the banner of All In Pictures, the film features music by Shanmanth Nag, cinematography by S. Pandikumar, and editing by R. S. Sathishkumar.
Payanigal Gavanikkavum OTT Release Date
Payanigal Gavanikkavum is all set to be premiered on 11 July 2025 on Simply South.
Critics appreciated the film’s premise and performances, but differed on its execution. The Vidharth‑starrer manages to fill the audience with a sense of warmth,” adding that Vidharth beautifully inhabits Ezhilan… Karunakaran impresses us with a restrained performance.
The Times of India gave it 2.5/5, calling it a cautionary tale about social media but remarking that its comedic shifts felt uneven. Behindwoods awarded it 2.5/5, highlighting its “strong message” and heartfelt performances, even as some dramatic pacing felt stretched.
Overall, while some critics felt the narrative could have benefited from tighter structuring, they commended the film’s relatable characters, quiet treatment, and the cast’s genuine portrayals.
When and Where to Watch Payanigal Gavanikkavum
You can watch this comedy drama on Simply South from 11 July 2025.
The upcoming release of Payanigal Gavanikkavum on Simply South offers the film a second life and a chance at rediscovery in 2025, where its themes of social media responsibility, misjudgment, and empathy resonate more deeply than ever in a world grappling with digital accountability.
For many Simply South users who may have missed its initial release on Aha Tamil, this is an opportunity to experience a critically appreciated, feel-good drama rooted in authentic Tamil culture.
The film is elevated by stellar performances from Vidharth, Karunakaran, and Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli, whose nuanced portrayals bring emotional depth and sincerity. At its heart, the story delivers a timeless message how a careless social media post can devastate lives, and how empathy and understanding remain essential to healing and connection.
Payanigal Gavanikkavum Movie Story
The storyline centers on Ezhilan, a devoted husband and father who is both hearing- and speech-impaired. After tireless nights at the hospital tending to his sick daughter, he falls asleep aboard the Chennai Metro.
Antony, an overly enthusiastic social media user, photographs the sleeping Ezhilan and fraudulently posts it online as “Metro drunkard”. What follows is a powerful emotional journey: Ezhilan’s life spirals as the photo goes viral.
His son faces ridicule, his family is scrutinized, and Ezhilan grapples silently with shame and confusion all without traditional modes of recourse like spreading awareness, cybercrime, or takedown notices .
The film sets up a compelling contrast: the silent world of Ezhilan and his wife, who communicate through expressions and sign language, versus Antony’s loud, share-first-think-later digital life. As their worlds collide, the story explores empathy, the ripple effects of online actions, and the real cost of fleeting digital fame.
Cast and Crew of Payanigal Gavanikkavum Movie
In Payanigal Gavanikkavum, Vidharth delivers a heartfelt performance as Ezhilan, a kind and dignified school assistant who is both hearing- and speech-impaired. Opposite him, Karunakaran plays Antony, a brash and impulsive passenger whose obsession with social media leads to a devastating misunderstanding when he wrongly labels Ezhilan as a drunken man.
Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli portrays Tamizh Selvi, Ezhilan’s loving and supportive wife, bringing emotional strength to the narrative. The cast also includes Masoom Shankar as Jessy and Prem Kumar as Inspector K. Raja Narayanan, alongside notable appearances by RJ Sarithiran, Kavithalayaa Krishnan, R. S. Shivaji, Munnar Ramesh, Ramachandran Durairaj, and Rekha Sivan.
Directed and written by S. P. Shakthivel, with the story adapted from Ajeesh P. Thomas’s Vikruthi, the film is enriched by Shanmanth Nag’s music, S. Pandikumar’s cinematography, and R. S. Sathishkumar’s crisp editing, creating a well-rounded cinematic experience.
Payanigal Gavanikkavum is a Tamil comedy-drama with a strong undercurrent of social commentary, originally released in theatres and on Aha Tamil on April 29, 2022. Directed by S. P. Shakthivel and based on Ajeesh P. Thomas’s story from the Malayalam film Vikruthi, the movie stars Vidharth, Karunakaran, and Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli, with supporting roles played by Masoom Shankar, Prem Kumar, and others.
Now making its way to a wider audience, the film is set for a new OTT release on Simply South on July 11, 2025. Known for its heartfelt message about the impact of social media and bolstered by sincere performances, Payanigal Gavanikkavum is an engaging watch for both first-time viewers and those who missed its initial run.
Payanigal Gavanikkavum is a quietly impactful drama that blends humor, emotion, and a timely social message. The excellent portrayal by Vidharth and Karunakaran elevates what could have been a simple moral tale into a genuinely moving experience.
Its release on Simply South on 11 July 2025 is a welcome chance for both new viewers and fans to revisit this understated gem. Whether you’ve seen it before or are discovering it for the first time, this film is worth your time and reminds us all to pause, think, and empathize before hitting “post.”
