A Cautionary Tale Lost in the Noise of Virality”
Director Sivaraj’s debut film Trending attempts to explore the dark underbelly of social media fame. It comes with an intriguing concept, but falters in execution, leaving behind a story that feels more confused than compelling.
Arjun (Kalaiyarasan) and Meera (Priyalaya) are a successful YouTube couple living a luxurious life funded by their viral content. But when their channel is mysteriously deactivated, their world begins to collapse. Desperate for a way out, they are invited to take part in a dangerous online reality show run by a masked figure known only as “Mask.” The show forces them into ethically and emotionally brutal situations, where their relationship, values, and very lives are tested.
Kalaiyarasan’s performance is solid and grounded.
The central concept — the cost of online fame — is fresh and timely.
Some visuals and eerie moments work well in building atmosphere.
Final Verdict
Trending sets out to be a psychological thriller with a message — but ends up being a stylized cautionary tale that barely scratches the surface. It wants to comment on obsession with likes and followers, but its own narrative doesn’t follow through meaningfully.
For those expecting a sharp, edge-of-the-seat thriller, this one may disappoint. However, if you’re curious about experimental Tamil cinema that talks about digital culture, this could be worth a one-time watch.
