‘Kapkapiii’: A Horror-Comedy Remake of Malayalam Film ‘Romancham’ Released on May 23

Released on May 23, Kapkapiii brings a unique blend of horror and comedy to the Hindi-speaking audience. A remake of the popular Malayalam film Romancham, this version attempts to retain the original’s charm while appealing to a broader Indian demographic. With its mix of supernatural elements and humorous undertones, the film has sparked curiosity, especially among youth and Tier 2 city viewers.

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A Fresh Attempt in the Horror-Comedy Space

Kapkapiii revolves around a group of friends whose casual experiment with a Ouija board takes an eerie turn. The film balances fear and fun, offering a relatable narrative set in a modest urban backdrop—a format that worked well in the Malayalam version.

In the Hindi adaptation, the characters and setting are reworked to suit North Indian sensibilities, yet the core storyline remains intact. The shift makes the film more accessible for audiences in cities like Bhopal, Jaipur, and Kanpur, where regional content is gaining steady popularity.

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Cast Performance and Direction

The film features a relatively fresh ensemble cast, many of whom have experience in digital content and theatre. Their natural performances bring a grounded feel to the story, helping the audience connect with the characters’ everyday lives and quirks.

The direction retains a low-budget, slice-of-life aesthetic, similar to the original. While some critics feel the tension doesn’t match that of mainstream horror films, the director’s attempt to balance situational comedy with spooky elements has been appreciated.

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Reception in Tier 2 and Smaller Cities

Initial response suggests that Kapkapiii is performing better in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities compared to metros. Its colloquial humour, relatable youth setting, and minimalist approach have resonated with smaller-town audiences who are increasingly open to offbeat storytelling.

The film has also benefited from word-of-mouth, especially among college-goers and young adults seeking light-hearted entertainment with a twist. Though multiplex shows are limited, single screens and local theatres have reported steady footfalls in towns across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

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Comparison with the Original

Romancham, on which Kapkapiii is based, was a sleeper hit in Kerala known for its authentic storytelling and strong regional flavour. While remakes often face criticism for losing cultural context, Kapkapiii makes a fair effort to localise the narrative for a Hindi-speaking audience without overly diluting the original’s spirit.

That said, some viewers familiar with the Malayalam film feel that the Hindi version lacks the same depth of character development and natural humour.

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Conclusion

Kapkapiii may not be a blockbuster in the traditional sense, but it represents a growing trend in Indian cinema—regional remakes tailored for wider reach. By tapping into the horror-comedy niche and making it relatable for Tier 2 city viewers, the film finds its own space in an otherwise star-driven market. Whether you’re watching for the laughs or the chills, Kapkapiii delivers a modest, enjoyable ride.