Rekhachithram

Hey all, I just watched Rekhachithram (2025), and I must say, it's a nice movie. To be honest, I'm a bit confused about the genre of the film. It doesn't feel like a complete thriller, nor does it fit entirely into the drama category. Instead, it's more of a mixture of genres-an investigation drama thriller.

The film carries elements of mystery, but it's not overloaded with twists or the kind of suspense typically found in a traditional mystery. Yet, it holds enough intrigue to keep you engaged. What impressed me the most is how the film blends multiple genres seamlessly. I've seen this kind of genre-blending in Hollywood, but I'm doubtful if Malayalam cinema has explored it to this extent before.

The casting is spot-on, with each actor delivering a commendable performance. The cinematography is well-executed, capturing the essence of the narrative beautifully. While the film uses limited music, the background score is impactful and elevates the thriller aspects, adding a gripping pace to the story.

What stands out most is the fiction itself. The movie revisits themes from the classic Malayalam film Kathodu Kathoram (1985), and it does so in a way that makes the fictional elements feel real. The narrative blurs the line between fiction and reality, leaving you questioning whether the events and circumstances portrayed could have actually happened. To me, that's the hallmark of a well-crafted fiction.

I also appreciated how the film transitions between past and present, portraying both time periods effectively. It's a thoughtful way to structure the story and adds depth to the overall experience.

In conclusion, Rekhachithram is a film you can enjoy in theaters without the burden of overhyped expectations. It's unique in its storytelling approach, and for that alone, it's worth watching.

• Antony Padikkala.

A new year has begun, and Malayalam cinema is off to a strong start, delivering captivating stories and immersive cinematic experiences.

The story follows Vivek, a cop who, after being suspended, is assigned a 40-year-old cold case involving an unidentifiable skeleton. This discovery opens a Pandora's box of suspects & lot of dead ends. With a faceless victim and some powerful individuals implicated, can Vivek uncover the truth and bring the culprits to justice?

This suspenseful investigative drama keeps you on the edge of your seat. While it doesn't introduce a premise you haven't seen before, the way the screenplay is executed breathes new life into a tried-and-tested genre. The brilliance of the writing lies in its connection to real film stories and footage, as well as its portrayal of actual artists from the industry. The writer deserves credit for thinking outside the box and offering something fresh to the audience.

Asif Ali shines in the lead role, delivering an outstanding performance as a cop. With his recent choice of films, he's proving to be not just a bankable star but also an actor you can trust to pick compelling projects. Manoj K. Jayan delivers an earnest performance, while Anwara Rajan, in a limited role, makes a lasting impression. Additionally, several cameos of industry figures playing themselves add depth and gravitas to the movie.

Although the suspense reveal may not completely blow your mind, it still manages to defy expectations. The pace of the narrative is tight, ensuring there are no dull moments. However, there are a few cinematic loopholes that are hard to overlook. The de-aging of Mammootty has been executed with technical brilliance which with tons of money Vijay's GOAT couldn't achieve.

Director Jofin T. Chacko offers something unique for fans of the genre. If you're a sucker for suspense or investigative thrillers, this one deserves a spot on your watchlist.

#PranuReviews #Rekhachithram #RekhachithramReview.

Rekhachithram (2025) is a compelling Malayalam mystery thriller directed by Jofin T. Chacko. The narrative centers on CI Vivek Gopinath, portrayed by Asif Ali, a police officer reinstated after a suspension due to gambling issues. Assigned to the tranquil Malakkappara station, Vivek's routine is disrupted when Rajendran (Siddique) publicly confesses to a decades-old crime before committing suicide. This revelation leads Vivek to investigate the 1985 disappearance of Rekha Pathrose (Anaswara Rajan) from the film set of Kathodu Kathoram. The film intricately weaves past and present, blending real and fictional elements to craft a gripping narrative. Asif Ali delivers a standout performance, capturing Vivek's complexity and determination. Anaswara Rajan's portrayal of Rekha adds depth to the story, while the supporting cast, including Manoj K. Jayan and Indrans, enrich the film's texture. The cinematography by Appu Prabhakar beautifully captures the serene yet mysterious ambiance of Malakkappara. Rekhachithram is a must-watch for fans of intricate storytelling and stellar performances.

Set in 2025, Rekhachitram is an investigative alternate history centered on a case from 1985. In films like Talvar, which is rooted in real events, investigations of decades-old crimes are portrayed as extremely challenging. Given that Rekhachitram's case is 40 years old, one would expect a complex, arduous investigation. However, the film surprisingly presents a case that unravels too easily.

Nearly every character connected to the original incident effectively solving it, rather than leaving the breakthrough to officer Vivek. Additionally, the visual presentation feels lacking; instead of introducing fresh character dynamics, most characters appear unchanged from their 1985 depictions.

I would say, Kishkindha Kaandam has better representation. Go watch it. Then compare with rekhachitram 😀.