Malayalam cinema has never been without the thrills of its engaging stories, and Rekhachithram, written and directed by Jofin T. Chacko, is not an exception either. The movie, featuring Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan, Manoj K. Jayan, and more, combines crime, suspense, and nostalgia to offer an engrossing experience. Now available to stream on Sony LIV in all South Indian languages, this film has made quite a splash. Let us embark on this well-made crime thriller in our extensive review.
Story: A Cold Case Resurfaces
The story of Rekhachithram begins with an elderly man, Rajendran, who uploads a confession on Facebook for a crime he had committed 40 years earlier before committing suicide. The case is given to Vivek (Asif Ali), a suspended police officer, who goes on an investigation.
As Vivek goes deeper, he discovers skeletal remains that are connected to a missing woman named Rekha. The case is immediately related to the shooting of the 1985 Malayalam movie, Kathodu Kathoram, which featured Mammootty. The mystery surrounding Rekha’s disappearance unravels, and Vivek unearths startling facts and reveals the long-lost justice.
Performances: Strong Acting Elevates the Narrative
Asif Ali again excels as a committed but less-than-perfect police officer. Having impressed us with Thalavan, he is back with a layered intensity in Vivek.
Anaswara Rajan has a central role to play and gives a strong and emotional performance that gives depth to the film.
Manoj K. Jayan, the villain, delivers a powerful and believable performance, maintaining the tension.
Other supporting cast members such as Indrans, Siddique, Zarin Shihab, and Harisree Ashokan add a good touch to the film’s suspenseful climate.
Analysis: A Well-Crafted Thriller with an Intoxicating Plot
Rekhachithram is a crime thriller that excellently weaves past and present together, and the experience is thoroughly engaging. The reference to the 1980s film era, quotes from veteran directors such as Sibi Malayil, Bharathan, and John Paul, and the retro touch to vintage Malayalam cinema make it fresh and interesting.
The movie gets off to an interesting start with the suicide and confession scene, directly engaging the viewer in the mystery. But the first half has a lethargic story with some overextended moments.
The second half improves the tempo, smoothly interlinking what happens in 1985 to the current day investigation. The climax is efficient, tying the loose ends nicely together while leaving a strong emotional punch.
The cinematography in the film, which involves moody and dark shades, suits the thriller genre well. The background music enhances the suspense, making key moments more effective.
Positives:
- The exceptional performances of Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan
- Well-executed second half
- Emotionally charged climax
- Interesting reference to 80s Malayalam cinema
Negatives:
- Few slow places in the first half
- Unbalanced tone in some scenes
Verdict: A Crime Thriller Worth Watching
Rekhachithram is a well-crafted crime thriller that combines mystery, nostalgia, and powerful performances to make for an interesting experience. Although the first half has pacing problems, the second half compensates with engrossing storytelling.
If you like crime dramas with complex stories, Rekhachithram is a must-see. With Asif Ali giving another powerful performance, this movie is a deserving addition to the Malayalam thriller genre.
Read Also :- Kudumbasthan Movie Review: A Fun-Filled Ride with Laughter and Emotions
⭐ Rating: 3/5 ⭐
Currently streaming on Sony LIV, Rekhachithram is an ideal choice for mystery and investigative thriller fans.
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