Avihitham on OTT: Amid positive reviews, some netizens ask if this Malayalam film justifies cheating

Avihitham, with the tagline ‘Not a Man’s Right’, is noted filmmaker Senna Hegde’s latest film, which was released on JioHotstar (also OTTplay Premium) on November 15. The Malayalam film takes a close look at an illicit affair happening in a small town in Kerala, condemning the male gaze on women. Ever since its digital release, the film has been enjoying positive feedback, but some of the netizens have raised questions on whether Avihitham is justifying cheating and glorifying extra-marital affairs. (spoilers ahead)

Avihitham climax riles up some netizens

The 2025 Malayalam film Avihitham (meaning illicit affair) is helmed by Senna Hegde, who has also co-written the film with Ambareesh Kalathera. An unemployed youth stumbles upon an illicit affair, and he along with the rest of the men in the neighbourhood, are determined to catch the 'offender' woman red-handed. The film chose to side with the woman, mocking men for their prejudiced and patriarchal outlook, as she picks her caring partner over her hard-hearted husband. But this doesn’t seem to have gone well with some netizens online, who claim the climax is justifying or even glorifying illicit affairs.

“Avihitham was pretty enjoyable for me but I felt like they somewhat glorified cheating in the climax portion,” reads one comment on Twitter.

Reddit forums too debated whether the film justified cheating. “It was a fun watch.but felt like they are justifying cheating.reason for cheating as pointed out in the movie is lack of affection from partner,” read one comment on Reddit.

Also Read: Avihitham Review: Senna Hegde's film amusingly looks into prying eyes that are not limited to Kanhangad

Yet another person remarked that it was a fun watch, but “the movie just glorifies cheating.” “Don't try to normalise extra marital affairs,” reads another.

“I agree with people saying it's wrong to justify infidelity in this way. The makers could've ended it differently,” reads another comment. However, there were those who outrightly dismissed such claims, by saying “But I don't think it glorified cheating.”

Also read: Avihitham ending explained: Will Nirmala's illicit romance with Vinod get caught by her husband and others? 

Avihitham wins more positive feedback

Even amid discussions over the film’s climax, there were many who found the film enjoyable and the perfect satire. The powerful writing, the witty dialogues and quirky characters and situations were appreciated by netizens who also lauded Senna Hegde for coming with yet another remarkable film.

Unni Raj, Renji Kankol, Dhanesh Koliyat and Rakesh Ushar play the hyper-vigilant men in the film, with Vrinda Menon seen as the docile Nirmala who is under their radar. Vineeth Chakyar plays the other key role in the film.

FAQs

Q. When is Avihitham OTT release?

A. Avihitham released on JioHotstar and OTTplay Premium on November 14.

Q. Who is the director of Avihitham?

A. The director of Avihitham is noted filmmaker Senna Hegde.