Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 19 hrs ago
Reviews say Nayyi Navelli struggles to balance mythology and comedy
Nayyi Navelli is a fantasy-comedy starring Yami Gautam and set in Meerut, India.
The story follows a woman whose brother-in-law accuses her of being a witch, though her husband and in-laws care for her.
Her husband turns into a monster, and the film links this change to a mysterious stone said to date back to the Treta Yuga, a period in Hindu tradition.
The reviews say the film’s story is confusing and that its mix of mythology and comedy does not come together well.
One review also says the humour falls flat, while the other criticizes the film’s sound and visual presentation.
Gautam’s performance is a strength, with one review praising her presence and emotional range despite the weak writing.
Three reviews published on October 16, 2026, criticize Nayyi Navelli for failing to balance mythology, comedy and supernatural drama.
Hindustan Times says the film’s overstuffed screenplay is confusing and gives it 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Pinkvilla rates it 2 out of 5, praising parts of the first half but finding the second half predictable.
NDTV says the film is neither funny nor effective as a supernatural story.
The film stars Yami Gautam Dhar and is directed by Balaji Mohan.
- Who
- Nayyi Navelli stars Yami Gautam Dhar, with Addinath Kothare, Sunita Rajwar and Mita Vashisht.
- What
- Three reviews say the film struggles to make its mix of mythology, comedy and supernatural drama work.
- When
- The reviews were published on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- The story is set in Meerut, India.
- Why
- Reviewers point to problems including confusing or weak writing, uneven humor and an inconsistent shift into supernatural drama.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pinkvilla published its review and gave the film 2 out of 5 stars.
NDTV published its review.
Hindustan Times published its review and gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars.
- Director
- Balaji Mohan
- Setting
- Meerut
- Hindustan Times rating
- 2.5/5
- Pinkvilla rating
- 2/5
- Release of reviews
- October 16, 2026
3 sources
Nayyi Navelli review: Yami Gautam tries to hold together a fantasy film that thinks big, but barely makes sense
Nayyi Navelli Review: Yami Gautam Film Is Neither Funny Nor On Point With The Supernatural
Nayyi Navelli Review: Yami Gautam Dhar's humor, horror and triumph of good over evil fail to save the film
What people are saying
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