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.

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.

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.