Karthik Calling Karthik

An anxious, underappreciated employee at ACL Construction who endures abuse from a domineering boss and mounting debt. He carries childhood trauma, including his brother's death, which fuels a persistent low self-esteem. The arrival of a mysterious phone caller offers a path to change, a path that ultimately reveals itself to be a product of his own mind. His journey traces a climb from dependency and desperation to a tentative recovery through therapy and personal resolve.

A talented architect and Karthik's love interest who becomes involved with his life. She initially reacts to Karthik's strange calls with concern and curiosity, then becomes a stabilizing force. Her faith in him is tested as the truth about his condition emerges, but she ultimately supports his journey toward coping with his illness.

Karthik's boss at ACL Construction who belittles him and assigns credit to others. He exemplifies the harsh, high-pressure corporate environment that exacerbates Karthik's stress. His decisions and reactions become part of the pressure that drives Karthik toward drastic actions.

Shonali's co-worker and initial romantic competitor for her affection. His presence intensifies the workplace tension, and Karthik's attempts to undermine him contribute to the unraveling of both his relationship and his mental state. Ashish's role heightens the stakes of professional and personal drama.

A psychiatrist who evaluates Karthik and hopes to help him through therapy. She plays a crucial role in uncovering the film's twist, diagnosing the root cause of his alter ego, and guiding him toward treatment. Her perspective frames the medical interpretation of Karthik's experiences.

The imagined brother Kumar embodies Karthik's childhood trauma and is never believed by his parents. This alter ego underpins the mental struggle he experiences throughout adulthood. Young Kumar's presence explains the dissociated memories that fuel the narrative.

A clerk at the telephone exchange who appears minimal but becomes central to the central mystery. He initially claims Karthik never received a call, which plants the seeds of doubt about the nature of the voice guiding him. His role is a catalyst in the reveal of the true source of the calls.

A domineering landlord who pressures Karthik with unreasonably high deposits and repairs bills. He embodies the financial and housing stress that compounds Karthik's anxiety. The landlord's interactions highlight the persistent external pressures that push Karthik toward dramatic decisions.

The manager who oversees Karthik's new role in Cochin, representing a fresh phase of his career. This boss symbolizes the shifting tides of professional life as Karthik attempts to rebuild in a different city. The dynamic adds to the themes of relocation and renewed responsibility.