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Orijinal

Orijinal is an entertaining Malayalam time-travel fable where Sreenath Bhasi shines in a dual role as a filmmaker tempted to steal future hit stories. Ramees’s confident debut blends fun, a fresh premise and a thoughtful message on originality. Verdict: 4/5.

• Released: 24 October 2026
• Runtime: 2h 15m
• Language: Malayalam
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Director: Ramees
• Cast: Sreenath Bhasi, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Rajesh Madhavan
• Where to watch: In Cinema
• Our rating: 7/10

Our review

What if you could meet your future self and learn exactly how your story turns out? Ramees’s debut Orijinal builds a Malayalam time-travel thriller on that thought and sets it in the film industry. Sreenath Bhasi plays two versions of an aspiring filmmaker who is tempted to borrow other people’s hit stories. Released in theatres on 23 October 2026, Orijinal is a fun, thoughtful look at success, shortcuts and the value of having a story of your own. Here is our full review, with cast, crew, technical analysis, strengths and final verdict.

Orijinal is an entertaining Malayalam time-travel thriller that swaps world-ending stakes for something more personal: what does it cost to succeed, and is success worth having if it isn’t yours? Sreenath Bhasi carries the film with a sharp dual performance, giving the older and younger Rijin clearly different personalities. The first hour is the highlight, full of clever ideas and lively moments as the two Rijins plan to use their knowledge of the future. The film keeps its time-travel rules simple, so the story never gets bogged down. In the second half, as the moral questions take over, a few developments could have landed with more conviction. Even so, Orijinal is an enjoyable, idea-driven watch and a promising debut for Ramees.

Cast and Crew

Plot Summary

Rijin Yusuf (Sreenath Bhasi) is an aspiring filmmaker who has spent years trying to launch his career without luck. His life changes when he meets an older version of himself, who arrives from the future wearing a time-travelling watch. The older Rijin warns him about the unhappy life ahead, and the two decide to use their knowledge of the future to change it. Their tool is the scripts of films that will become hits.

Their plan hits an early snag. When the younger Rijin tries to pitch the story of Drishyam to Mohanlal in 2012, he finds that Jeethu Joseph is already working on it. The duo rethink their approach and target stories that haven’t been conceived yet. They settle on Anand Gopi (Abhiram Radhakrishnan), a doctor in 2012 who has not yet thought of entering cinema but is destined to become a director of blockbusters.

As success arrives, the film turns to harder questions. The older Rijin is reluctant to let go of the comfort he finally has. The younger Rijin starts doubting the choices that got them here. The consequences of changing the past become the heart of the story.

Performances

Sreenath Bhasi as Rijin Yusuf

Sreenath Bhasi is the heart of the film and gives one of his most engaging performances. Playing two versions of the same man is a tough ask, but he makes each Rijin distinct. The older Rijin is shaped by years of failure and haunted by the fear of losing the success and comfort he has finally earned. The younger Rijin is more innocent, more willing to question himself, and still has his flaws. Bhasi captures how a person changes over a decade, which makes the dual role completely convincing.

Abhiram Radhakrishnan as Anand Gopi

Abhiram Radhakrishnan is well cast as Anand Gopi, the future director whose story becomes the target of the Rijins’ plan. His presence is central to the film’s argument about originality, and he plays the part with a natural ease that makes the character believable and likeable.

Femina George as Trisha

Femina George is dependable as Trisha, Anand’s wife. She brings warmth and sincerity to the role and gives the film’s human side a grounded feel.

Rajesh Madhavan as Mikhayel

Rajesh Madhavan makes Mikhayel an intriguing presence. His brief appearance is memorable and sparks curiosity about the man behind the time-travelling watch.

Binu Pappu

Binu Pappu is a welcome presence in the ensemble. He adds texture to the world of the film and supports the lead performances well.

Technical Aspects

Direction

Ramees makes a confident debut. He takes a familiar time-travel idea and places it in the film industry, where it feels fresh. He keeps the explanation of the watch short, gives the audience just enough to follow the rules, and moves on with the story. He also deserves credit for writing a film that reflects on originality while trying to be original itself.

Cinematography

Faizal Fatli’s cinematography keeps the film visually clear. It separates the different timelines so well that the story is easy to follow at every stage.

Music and Background Score

Electronic Kili’s music and background score are easy on the ears. They add a fresh energy to the film and support its light and serious moments equally well.

Editing

Shafique Mohamed Ali’s editing works in step with the cinematography. It keeps the pace brisk and stops the timelines from becoming confusing.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Sreenath Bhasi’s dual performance, with two clearly different versions of Rijin
• A fresh take on the time-travel genre, set in the world of cinema
• An entertaining first hour with clever and fun moments
• Simple time-travel logic that never overwhelms the story
• Cinematography and editing that keep the multiple timelines clear
• A pleasant score and background music by Electronic Kili
• A thoughtful theme about originality, shortcuts and earning success
• A promising directorial debut by Ramees

Weaknesses

• Some developments in the moral-dilemma portion feel a little convenient
• A few moments could have been executed with more conviction
• The female characters have limited scope
• Mikhayel’s character remains largely unexplored beyond the watch

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5

Orijinal is an enjoyable time-travel fable that works as both entertainment and a reflection on originality. Sreenath Bhasi’s dual performance is the highlight, supported by a capable cast and sharp technical work. A few moral conflicts could have been handled with more conviction, but the film remains an engaging watch and a promising debut for Ramees. It leaves you with a simple, satisfying idea: borrowing a story may be a shortcut to success, but there is a deeper fulfilment in having one of your own to tell.

FAQs

Is Orijinal suitable for children and families?
Orijinal is a time-travel thriller with a light, idea-driven tone and a clear moral message about originality. Check the certificate for viewer suitability.

Is Orijinal based on a true story?
No. Orijinal is a fictional time-travel story written and directed by Ramees. It references real Malayalam films such as Drishyam only as part of its story.