Rekhachithram Movie Review: A Nostalgic Thriller Blending Cinema Lore and Speculative Fiction

Jofin T Chacko’s Rekhachithram brings a fresh perspective to Malayalam cinema, combining nostalgia, a compelling murder mystery, and speculative fiction. This inventive thriller explores the intersection of past and present, offering an ode to cinema lovers.

Age Rating: UA

Language: Malayalam

Director: Jofin T Chacko
Cast: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan, Manoj K Jayan, Saikumar, Zarin Shihab
Runtime: 139 minutes
Genre: Thriller, Speculative Fiction

Plot Overview

The movie begins with the discovery of a skeleton, setting the stage for a gripping investigation. SHO Vivek Gopinath (Asif Ali), recently reinstated after a suspension, is tasked with solving the 40-year-old murder. With only a grainy video as evidence, Vivek embarks on a journey that intertwines the past and the present.

The narrative takes a nostalgic turn as it delves into the 1985 Malayalam film industry. Rekha (Anaswara Rajan), a young, ambitious Mammootty fan, dreams of acting in films. Her dreams, however, are cut short when a murder occurs during the shooting of Bharathan’s iconic movie Kathodu Kaathoram. Using AI-generated visuals of Bharathan and a young Mammootty, the film cleverly recreates the golden era of Malayalam cinema, making it a cinephile’s delight.

Character Development

Asif Ali as Vivek Gopinath: Asif effortlessly portrays a flawed yet determined cop seeking redemption. His character’s persistence drives the investigation, making him a relatable protagonist.
Anaswara Rajan as Rekha: Anaswara shines as the effervescent Rekha, embodying the spirit of a dreamer. Her role adds emotional depth and nostalgia to the narrative.
Supporting Cast: Indrans’s portrayal of Chandrappan, the production controller, is pivotal despite limited screen time. Saikumar and Manoj K Jayan contribute significantly, though Manoj’s character feels underutilized. Zarin Shihab impresses in a layered role, continuing her streak of strong performances.

Themes and Direction

Rekhachithram explores the themes of ambition, nostalgia, and justice. Director Jofin T Chacko’s love for cinema shines through the intelligent screenplay, which seamlessly blends 80s nostalgia with a modern-day investigation. The speculative fiction angle—with AI recreations—is innovative, albeit sparingly used, keeping it impactful.

Music and Cinematography

The background score enhances the film’s tension, while nostalgic tracks like “Devaduthar Paadi…” evoke strong emotional resonance. Cinematography captures the dichotomy of the bustling 80s film sets and the somber present-day investigation beautifully.

Pacing and Narrative

While the investigation is slow-paced—befitting a 40-year-old cold case—it’s punctuated by unexpected twists. The middle portion feels like a slow burn, but the climax’s revelation compensates for the lag, leaving viewers satisfied.

What Worked:

Nostalgic homage to 80s Malayalam cinema.
Strong performances by Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan.
Clever use of AI to recreate iconic figures.
A unique blend of thriller and speculative fiction.

What Didn’t Work:

Pacing issues in the middle.
Underutilized supporting characters.

Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars

Rekhachithram is a cleverly made thriller that pays tribute to Malayalam cinema’s golden era. Its inventive storytelling, compelling performances, and nostalgic undertones make it a must-watch. Despite minor pacing flaws, it stands out as a unique cinematic experience.

Should You Watch It?

If you’re a fan of Malayalam cinema or enjoy well-crafted thrillers, Rekhachithram deserves your time. Its seamless blend of nostalgia, mystery, and speculative fiction ensures a captivating experience. Currently running in theatres, it’s a cinematic journey worth embarking on.