Diés Iraé

Just watched Dies Irae starring Pranav Mohanlal. I was really happy with the movie - it's technically well made with great color grading, visuals, and amazing background score and sound design. The jump scares were effective and nicely done for a Malayalam film. However, the story felt a bit lacking in depth and could have been more fulfilling. Overall, a solid watch.

It's very rare to get pure horror movie from India without mixing it with comedy and ruining both in most of them. So this one was must go for me and I was very shocked with how much they pushed with some body gore and other creepy things. The prosthetic body in the end was also very good. If you have watched director's 1st work then there is a surprise connection for you before the end and even if not then it is a must watch if you are a horror fan in India.

Diés Iraé starts off riveting but somewhere along the line falters in maintaining it's grip. The film albeit successful in maintaining an eerie atmosphere throughout; fails to deliver anything special in either the horror context nor the mystery context. The first half is gripping and boasts a tight screenplay not divulging much, thereby keeping the viewer at bay. The pre interval revelation (an 'epiphany' of sorts) is a shocker, but the plot which unfolded subsequently is lackluster and fails to drive the film into a satisfactory closure from a storytelling perspective.

Where the film excels is in it's technical filmcraft and strong performances from the leads. Pranav Mohanlal and Gibin Gopinath lead the pack and complement each other perfectly. They are well supported by the rest of the cast. The background score and the frames, especially with the very indulging lighting in the interior shots all cohere to induce a very ominous vibe which amps up the sinister viewing experience. The director and his team's superior craftsmanship is at full display throughout the first and second act but alas the plot does not thicken whilst leading into the third act and thus it does not supplement the technical brilliance of the film thus leading to a subpar culmination.

My Rating 6.6/10.

Right from the opening scene, Dies Irae sets a tone that's dark, quiet, and deeply unsettling. The movie begins with the haunting image of a girl being pulled out of a well - a chilling start that later connects to a much deeper story. Soon, we meet Rohan (Pranav Mohanlal), a man living an affluent lifestyle, but one that feels strangely hollow. It does not take long for the film to draw a mysterious link between Rohan and the girl who took her own life.

As Rohan's world slowly starts to unravel, we begin to experience the haunting through his eyes - eerie silences, subtle movements, and that feeling of something watching you even in stillness. This is where the film truly shines. Christo Xavier's background score is phenomenal - it does not just accompany the scenes; it wraps around them, pulling you into a trance of curiosity, tension, and the occasional heart-jolt when you least expect it.

Rahul Sadasivan, once again, proves his mastery in crafting horror that isn't about loud scares or obvious shocks. Instead, he uses silence and atmosphere to explore something far more human - the emotions we never express, the attachments we can't let go of, and how the echoes of those feelings haunt the living.

Performance wise;

Pranav Mohanlal gives a mature and layered performance. He is subtle in the first half but really comes alive in the second, especially when the story turns emotional. You can feel his unease and guilt without him ever overacting.

Gibin Gopinath, as Madhusudhanan Potti, is a revelation. His character carries a quiet conflict, and Gibin portrays that inner turmoil beautifully. He adds depth to the film's emotional and spiritual themes.

Technical wise;

Visually, Dies Irae is stunning. The cinematography by Shafique Mohammed Ali and Shehnad Jalal captures both the eeriness and the beauty of its dark world. The lighting, framing, and muted tones create a mood that stays with you long after the credits roll. And of course, Christo Xavier's score deserves a special mention - it is haunting, immersive, and at times, almost feels like a character of its own.

Final Thoughts; Dies Irae is not your usual horror flick. It is not about ghosts jumping out at you - it's about the emotions and obsessions that linger even after death. It is slow, deliberate, and beautifully crafted.

Rahul Sadasivan once again proves his command over the horror genre with Dies Irae, a masterfully crafted film that blends atmospheric tension with quality thrills.

The first half is gripping, setting up a sustained sense of unease complemented by excellent performances from Pranav and Gibin Gopinath. There's another standout act best left unnamed to avoid spoilers.

The horror unfolds across haunting home interiors that serve as perfect canvases for fear, while Shahanad Jalal's framing and camera angles add remarkable visual depth. Christo Xavier's eerie score, coupled with immersive sound design and a rich Dolby mix, enhances every unsettling detail. Shafique's crisp editing adds rhythm to the terror, keeping the suspense taut till the very end.

By the time the final reveal unfolds, it fully justifies the slow-burn buildup and leaves the audience genuinely shaken. Dies Irae isn't just another horror film; it's a technically rich, immersive, and truly spine-chilling experience-quality horror in every sense.