RekhaChithram Malayalam Movie Review
RekhaChithram: A slow-burning thriller
While 'Rekhachithram' succeeds in crafting a unique blend of nostalgia and mystery, its predictable plot, lack of sustained tension, and sluggish pacing prevent it from achieving the gripping impact it aims for.Directed by Jofin T. Chacko, Rekhachithram walks the familiar path of investigative thrillers while venturing into the realm of alternate history. Its most striking element is the creative integration of Bharathan's 1985 film, Kathodu Kathoram, which serves as a pivotal backdrop. By merging a murder mystery with emotional depth, Chacko, along with co-writers John Manthrickal and Ramu Sunil, opts for a slower-paced narrative-a deliberate departure from the fast tempo typical of the genre.
The story follows police officer Vivek Gopinath (Asif Ali), who is investigating the murder of a young girl. The plot is set in motion when Rajendran (Siddique) takes his own life in a dense forest, after revealing shocking details about an old murder on social media. Recently reinstated after a suspension, Vivek discovers a skeleton in the forest, sparking an investigation assisted by his senior officer, Mohandas (Nishanth Sagar). However, bureaucratic hurdles lead to the case being handed over to the Crime Branch. Determined to redeem himself, Vivek defies orders and continues digging.
His pursuit takes him to Rekha (Anaswara Rajan), a young actress from Kathodu Kathoram who mysteriously vanished after shooting for a song. Revelations from movie production controller Chandrappan (Indrans) and evidence implicating powerful businessman Vincent (Manoj K. Jayan) complicate the case. As Vivek unravels the mystery, he discovers the sinister ties between Rekha's disappearance and the skeleton. The narrative skillfully intertwines the nostalgia of Kathodu Kathoram with the present-day investigation, leveraging real-life references to lend authenticity to the fictional plot.
The film's standout feature is its recreation of the 1980s, achieved through artificial intelligence-enhanced visuals that bring past actors and settings to life. These flashback sequences are visually captivating and steeped in nostalgia. Asif Ali delivers a measured performance, portraying Vivek's struggles and determination with subtlety. Anaswara Rajan brings a mysterious charm to Rekha, though her character's emotional depth remains underexplored. Supporting roles, particularly by Unni Lalu and Zarin Shihab, enrich the flashback sequences, enhancing the film's nostalgic pull.
Rekhachithram distances itself from conventional crime thriller tropes, focusing instead on character-driven storytelling and the interplay between past and present. However, the film falters in maintaining suspense. By revealing too many clues early on, it diminishes the impact of the eventual resolution. The pacing is inconsistent, with certain sections feeling overly drawn out. Rekha's backstory, especially her familial relationships, lacks depth, weakening the emotional resonance of the climax.
Technically, the film excels. Mujeeb Majeed's music complements the narrative, while Appu Prabhakar's cinematography captures the mood and texture of the story with finesse. Despite its strong nostalgic elements, the film occasionally leans too heavily on them, overshadowing its ability to stand independently as a compelling thriller.
While Rekhachithram succeeds in crafting a unique blend of nostalgia and mystery, its predictable plot, lack of sustained tension, and sluggish pacing prevent it from achieving the gripping impact it aims for.
