Rekhachithram

They do not have the ostentations of Bollywood. They do not have the so called 'Pan India' tag attached to them. Yet Malayalam film directors have fascinated movie connoisseurs like us for ages. They seriously do not need CGI laden theatrics like the Telugu or Kannada movies. They do not need superstars with humongous fan base to ensure instant blockbusters even though they have gifted this country some of the most legendary superstars and actors. But what they possess is something the entire Indian film industry is in dire need now. Originality of contents, willingness to experiment and take the path less trodden. 'Rekhachithram' a gripping thriller on a murder mystery unsolved for decades is once again a testament to this fact. Unfortunately, there is no uproar over such creative content on the social media where fans are busy hailing or lambasting cringe contents like Sikander or Chhaava.

'Rekhachithram' , directed by Jofin T. Chacko is a complex, chilling, mind bending and no-nonsense thriller digging deep into human psyche, greed and the fulfillment of redemption. The story is centered around a disgraced cop recently reinstated from suspension for the offence of gambling, trying to find out the truth behind a murder that took place four decades back. As the plot unravels, CI Vivek Gopinath discovers the intricacies of human relationships, the pangs of tender dreams being shattered and the unholy nexus of power and politics to bury the crimes committed by those in power. With a runtime of nearly 147 minutes, the film is loosely based on real-life events, particularly the Sister Abhaya case and the filming of Bharathan's 1985 movie "Kathodu Kathoram," where a junior artist died under suspicious circumstances.

The narrative is sleek and tension is palpable throughout the length of the movie. Cinematography by Appu Prabhakar is top-notch and the long shots of Kerala or Kanyakumarika are treats to the eyes. Screenplay is tight barring the last haf an hour which could have been edited better. Asif Ali as the protagonist shines and you keep on rooting for him throughout. Manoj K Jayan as the crooked Vincent does a commendable job. Anaswara Rajan as enigmatic Rekha is brilliant and she surely has a glorious career ahead. Her eyes, smiles, composure, effervescence - everything is ethereal. It was hard to find any significant flaws in the acting of the rest of the cast. Did I forget to mention that superstar Mammootty plays a very crucial role in the plot even without being directly involved in the cast? Another beauty of Malayalam cinema !

From Manjummel Boys to Drishyam, from Bhramayugam to Aattam, from Aavesham to Guppi, Malayalam industry never fails to create one gem after another. 'Rekhachithram' by Jofin T. Chacko is yet another addition to this treasure trove. Any negatives? Yes, there are some loose ends which do not come to a full circle in the climax and there are some unanswered questions about some characters. The editing could have been crispier as well. But the flaws are so minuscule to the mammothness of achievement, the fun will not be dampened.

My rating- 8.5 out of 10 Streaming on - Sony Liv.

Very highly rated and highly anticipated. It's finally out and.......was unfortunately a let down for me.

The film has done something spectacular and new which, I have a feeling, connects differently with the Mollywood audience, especially the regular movie watchers. Without spoilers, there are references to...some big names in the industry, present and past, that may go over your head - which takes away from the experience that the film wants all its watchers to have. I wish I'd lowkey spoiled the film for myself so that I watched it with context but...ah well.

That said, the one thing that I did catch had me like "Wait, no way they did that. How did they....? Oh. Interesting." That's sadly my only highlight from the film because the plot overall is very predictable. How the weave the plot with real life Mollywood, I think, was the USP. As long as you know enough to catch the novelty in this film, (Y) If you can't, because you didn't have any context, which I didn't, this might be a let down, even though the film is a blockbuster hit in Kerala. All that said, what a few months has Asif Ali had. Thalavan, Kishkindha Kaandam, and now this. Good for him!

I'd encourage you to watch the film anyway, to support the effort, but just tame your expectations if you haven't watched a lot of Malayalam movies, especially the old ones.

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.

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.

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