Dose (2026) Movie Review: A Gripping Medical Thriller With a Powerful Core Concept

Dose arrives as one of the more intriguing Malayalam medical crime thrillers of 2026, anchored by a compelling central premise and a cast that brings genuine energy to every scene. Directed by Abhilash R Nair, this hospital-set whodunit weaves suspense, emotion, and a fascinating exploration of mental health into a narrative that keeps you invested from start to finish.

Dose is a Malayalam medical crime thriller about mysterious patient deaths in a hospital and the pulmonologist who unravels the truth. With a strong central concept built around a mental health condition, solid performances, and an atmospheric score by Gopi Sundar, the film offers a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. A few conventional screenplay choices hold it back from being exceptional, but the core idea shines through.

Cast & Crew

Role	Name
Director	Abhilash R Nair
Writer	Abhilash R Nair
Music	Gopi Sundar
Siju Wilson	Dr. Prakash
Drishya Ragunath	Dr. Arundathi
Krisha Kurup	Ragitha Prakash
Ashwin Kkumar	Key Supporting Role
Jagadish	Supporting Role

Plot Summary

Dr. Prakash is a dedicated pulmonologist whose personal life is already fraught — his wife Ragitha is battling a serious lung disease, and his former colleague Dr. Arundathi, with whom he once shared a relationship, still works alongside him. When a series of patients begin dying under eerily similar circumstances at their hospital, Prakash’s instincts tell him something sinister is at play. What follows is a taut investigative journey as the authorities, led by a determined Prakash, race to uncover the truth behind the suspicious deaths. At the heart of the mystery lies a mental health condition — one that redefines everything the audience thought they knew about the case.

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Performances

Siju Wilson delivers a measured, restrained performance as Dr. Prakash, carrying the film’s emotional weight with quiet authority. His portrayal of a man torn between personal grief and professional duty is deeply relatable, and his more vulnerable moments — particularly the emotionally raw breakdown sequences — showcase his range as an actor.

Drishya Ragunath brings warmth and depth to Dr. Arundathi, navigating a complex character with ease and grace. Her screen presence adds a layer of emotional texture to the hospital drama that elevates every scene she’s in.

Krisha Kurup is thoroughly convincing as Ragitha Prakash, breathing life into a character who is dealing with immense physical and emotional suffering. She handles the film’s more emotionally demanding dialogue with sincerity and sensitivity.

Ashwin Kkumar stands out in a pivotal supporting role, making a strong impression and proving why he continues to be a sought-after name in Malayalam cinema. He brings authenticity and commitment to every frame.

Jagadish, a veteran whose mere presence elevates any project, lends the film a steady, experienced anchor in his supporting role, adding credibility to the hospital drama’s world-building.

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Technical Craft

Gopi Sundar’s score gives Dose a moody, atmospheric quality that suits the film’s medical thriller setting well. The background music effectively builds tension during the investigation sequences and adds emotional resonance to the drama. The hospital setting is rendered with decent production design, giving the film a believable clinical authenticity. The cinematography maintains a suitably clinical yet tense visual grammar that supports the storytelling.

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Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

• A genuinely fascinating central concept rooted in a mental health condition that recontextualises the entire narrative
• Solid, committed performances from the entire cast
• Atmospheric background score by Gopi Sundar
• A unique, memorable placement of the title card that adds a distinctive stylistic flourish
• Engaging hospital setting with a believable investigative framework

Weaknesses

• Some subplots feel stretched and could have been trimmed for a tighter runtime
• A handful of scenes, in hindsight, feel like detours once the full picture is revealed
• Certain dialogue exchanges lean overly melodramatic in places

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 / 5

Dose is a medical thriller with a beating heart at its core — a genuinely compelling concept that gives the film its identity. Abhilash R Nair has crafted an engaging genre piece powered by strong performances, a moody atmosphere, and a mystery that holds your attention. While the film could have leaned even further into its most original ideas, what’s here is a solidly entertaining and thought-provoking watch. For fans of Malayalam thrillers, Dose is a prescription worth filling.

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