Rekhachithram

This is the first time I am seeing such a movie in Indian Cinema . To tell the flashbacks, AI was used perfectly well. But the screenplay is a let down at multiple places .. Performance of Siddique, Anaswara Rajan and lot many new comers are superb. The flashbacks scenes and the artwork for those scenes are also , aptly made. Overall, I would say , a brilliant story, an outstanding direction, and an average screen play. Songs also could have been better , but background score is good. The editing is also a good one . To point out the downside of screenplay, I would have to put down spoilers, so I am not doing so.

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 is an investigation thriller that thrives on a sharp, no-nonsense screenplay but falls victim to its own excesses. The film sets up an intriguing premise, backed by a solid plot and a gripping background score that enhances the tension. However, as the story unfolds, it bombards the audience with too many details and an overload of characters, which ultimately dilutes the impact of the investigation. Instead of keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, it leads them down an overly complex path, making the final revelation feel more expected than shocking.

While the film is undoubtedly crafted with precision, its obsession with intricacy works against it. The saying "less is more" perfectly applies here, had the narrative been more streamlined, the thrill factor could have been significantly higher. Despite its shortcomings, Rekhachithram remains a stylish, one-time watch that keeps you engaged, even if it doesn't leave a lasting impression. It may be a bit overrated, but it's not entirely forgettable.

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.