Aashaan First Review: The Malayalam dramedy Aashaan, written and directed by Johnpaul George, is set to release in theatres on February 5, 2026. Ahead of its theatrical debut, the film had a preview screening in Kochi on February 3, where select members of the industry were invited to watch the film. Following this preview show, an early reaction has surfaced online.
One such response came from film industry tracker What The Fuss, which shared its first impressions of Aashaan after attending the screening. The reaction, posted on social media, offered an overview of the film’s narrative approach, tonal shifts, and performances, without delving into detailed spoilers.
According to the tracker’s post, Aashaan starts on a lighter note, with humour playing a significant role, particularly in the first half. The reaction notes that the comedy elements land effectively before the film gradually transitions into a more serious space. As the narrative progresses, the focus reportedly shifts towards character-driven conflicts and emotional exploration, marking a change in tone from the earlier portions.
The post also draws attention to the performances of the lead cast, especially the dynamic between Indrans and Joemon Jyothir. The tracker describes their shared sequences as emotionally engaging. In addition, the background music is mentioned as working well in these moments.
#Aashaan Review:
Another emotionally moving film from #JohnpaulGeorge that sees some quality performances from the main cast. The humour works well, especially in the first hour before shifting to a serious tone, focussing on character exploration and conflicts. The episodes… pic.twitter.com/29vhj8jdFL
— What The Fuss (@WhatTheFuss_) February 3, 2026 “>
Story overview, cast and crew details
Produced under the Guppy Cinemas banner, Aashaan presents a narrative centred on cinema itself. The story follows a man named Aashaan, whose long-held dream of working in films suddenly feels within reach when a large film crew arrives in his life. As he pursues an opportunity to break into the industry, he is confronted with the less glamorous realities that exist behind the scenes. Framed as a “film within a film,” the narrative blends humour, music, and relatable emotions to depict the aspirations and pressures tied to creative ambition.
The ensemble cast includes Shobi Thilakan, Bibin Perumbilli, Abin Bino, Madan Gowri, and others. The technical crew features cinematography by Vimal Jose Thachil, editing by Kiran Das, audiography by M R Rajakrishnan, and background score by Ajeesh Anto. Johnpaul George also serves as the film’s music director, in addition to handling writing and direction.
With its theatrical release scheduled for February 5, Aashaan will reach audiences a day after these early reactions emerged. As more viewers watch the film following its release, a clearer picture is expected to form around how it resonates beyond preview screenings.