Trending Review – Raciness & Thrills Peak, but End up Vaguely

Director Sivaraj’s Trending is a genre-bending attempt that brings together the digital age’s obsession with fame and the claustrophobia of survival thrillers. With Kalaiyarasan and Priyalaya headlining this confined yet intense drama, the film taps into the viral culture of YouTube couples and questions what lies beneath the curated smiles.

Arjun and Meera (played by Kalaiyarasan and Priyalaya) are a beloved YouTube celebrity couple with millions of followers and a seemingly perfect life. But their world comes crashing down when their channel is abruptly deleted, and debts begin to suffocate their dream lifestyle. Then comes a mysterious call with an irresistible offer: play a series of bizarre challenges inside their own house — and win ₹2 crore.

What starts as a tempting escape turns into a twisted psychological game, testing their morals, love, and limits.

Sivaraj’s writing is mostly tight in the first half. The film kicks off with solid momentum, aided by a tense setup and some smart directorial choices. The YouTube culture commentary — especially the on-and-off camera dynamics — is refreshingly handled. Kalaiyarasan delivers yet another grounded performance, but it’s Priyalaya who brings surprising emotional depth, especially during high-stakes moments. A standout scene where Meera is asked to cook sambhar rice for her mother while Arjun is ordered to throw her out within 10 minutes reflects the film’s thematic strength: content meets conscience.

Despite its gripping premise and performances, Trending is weighed down by a few issues — primarily its 147-minute runtime. The second half drags, and the climax feels underwhelming compared to the tension that builds prior. Supporting characters are underwritten, which narrows the emotional stakes further.

On the technical front, Sam C.S.’s background score is a major plus — building urgency and suspense without overwhelming. The cinematography, with moody blue and black tones, enhances the single-location thriller mood effectively.

Trending is a taut, high-concept thriller that shines in its performances and smart premise but loses some momentum due to an overstretched runtime and a climax that could’ve packed a sharper punch. Backed by Sam C.S.’s gripping score and immersive camerawork, the film effectively captures the psychological pressure of survival within a confined space. While the pacing falters in the latter half and the secondary characters lack depth, Trending still manages to keep viewers engaged, thanks to its intriguing setup, real-world YouTuber references, and strong lead performances. A tighter edit and a more impactful ending could’ve elevated this modern masala thriller to greater heights.