Diés Iraé

We often link fear with complete darkness; the absence of light stirs our imagination and the unknown grips our minds, which is why darkness is a staple in nearly every horror film out there.

However, director Rahul Sadasivan defies this norm with a fresh perspective.

While there are night scenes, much of the film is bathed in bright light, whether from the sun streaming in or the stylish artificial lighting used indoors and to my surprise, this choice didn't hinder the horror at all; instead, the ambiance and atmosphere were spot-on, perfectly aligning with the film's overall tonality and vibe.

I feel a significant portion of the credit goes to the exceptional sound design by Jayadevan Chakkadath, which is among the best I've encountered in recent times. The attention to detail, its richness, and overall fidelity are simply remarkable.

If only the story and performances, especially from our protagonist, Pranav, had been more convincing, I would have been more inclined to provide a higher rating for this.

It's not another "Brahmayugam" but still impressive in its own right!

The movie turned out to be an absolute dud.

Apart from the background music, there wasn't anything that deserved appreciation. Actor Gibin Gopinathan delivered a natural and convincing performance as Madhusoodhanan Potti. The movie could've been much better, the only thing saving this lazily written script and uninspired execution is the music by Christo Xavier.

I'd say it's an average overall movie experience, especially when compared to his earlier works. But there's still a lot to appreciate here.

Technically, this film is super impressive. The cinematography, the sound design, the lighting everything feels detailed and polished. You can tell Rahul and his team put a lot of thought into every frame.

The casting is spot on too. Every actor fits their role perfectly. And Pranav, I have to say, has really improved here. He still has room to grow when it comes to expressing emotions more naturally, but compared to his earlier performances, this is definitely his best so far.

Now, the first half of the movie moves at a slower pace, it takes its time setting up the tone and atmosphere. But from the second half onwards, things get a lot more interesting. The tension builds up nicely, the narrative gets tighter, and that's where you start feeling truly invested in the story.

One of the coolest things is how Rahul is clearly building his own cinematic universe. You can find the connection between Diés Iraé, Bhoothakaalam, and Bramayugam.

That said, I don't think Diés Iraé is exactly a "theatre experience" movie. It's more of a slow-burn film that might work better when you watch it quietly at home, where you can really soak in the atmosphere.

There are some clichés in the writing and the pacing could've been smoother, but overall, it's a good film, technically brilliant, well-acted, and an exciting step forward in Rahul's expanding universe.

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.

I don't understand the psychology behind calling every good film a masterpiece. Dies Irae is a well-crafted film, but far from the cinematic miracle people are hyping it to be. It's a modern-day ghost story rooted in unfulfilled desires, tied to the Latin concept of "Dies Irae" (Day of Wrath). Ironically, that "wrath" never really arrives.

The biggest issue lies in its weak climax. It leaves you wanting more - not because of intrigue, but because it never fully delivers on its own promise. There are perhaps three truly memorable scenes that stand out. The pre-interval block is engaging but ends abruptly, breaking the rhythm. And honestly, horror movies shouldn't have intervals - it dilutes the tension.

Technically, the film is outstanding. The cinematography, BGM, and sound design are superb. Pranav Mohanlal shines in what could easily be his breakthrough performance, while the supporting cast handles their parts effectively.

The problem arises in the second half, where the narrative shifts from horror to investigative thriller - losing the atmospheric dread it builds so well in the first half.

Dies Irae is a good film, but not the masterpiece it's being sold as. For me, Andhaghaaram, Brahmayugam, and Tumbbad still represent the gold standard for Indian psychological horror-thrillers.