Malayalam director Rahul Sadasivan, returns with a new horror film “Dies Irae,” starring Pranav Mohanlal in the lead. Let’s see how it impressed audiences!
Dies irae Movie Story: Rohan (Pranav Mohanlal), a rich youngster from Kochi, learns that his ex-girlfriend Kani (Sushmitha Bhat) has died by suicide. After visiting her house, he starts experiencing strange, haunting events. Believing it’s Kani’s spirit, he later discovers it’s someone else. The film unfolds how Rohan uncovers the truth and escapes from the terrifying presence.
Performances: Pranav Mohanlal’s screen presence and expressions are the biggest strengths of the film. He performs brilliantly in scenes filled with fear, making the audience feel his tension too. Though Sushmitha Bhatt, the heroine, appears only in photos, her character remains central throughout. Gibin Gopinath adds fun with his comic touch, while Jaya Kurup’s surprising role, though predictable, becomes one of the most entertaining parts of the movie.
Technical Aspects: Dies irae stands out technically with excellent sound design, SFX, and cinematography. Shehnad Jalal and Christo Xavier deliver impressive work, while the sound design, especially the hair clip effect and curtain movement scenes, enhances the horror mood. The makeup team deserves praise for realistic prosthetics, particularly in intense scenes.
Director Rahul Sadasivan tells a simple story with strong technical brilliance and emotion. Though the twist is predictable, the presentation and emotion make it engaging like his earlier films.
Analysis: Dies irae is a rare, well-made Indian horror film that stays focused without unwanted scenes. With a strong climax twist, superb background score by Christo Xavier, and Rahul Sadasivan’s gripping direction, it delivers a true horror experience best enjoyed in theatres with a great sound system.
Verdict: Dies irae is a genuine, well-made horror film with gripping direction and haunting music. A must-watch for horror lovers, especially in theatres with great sound.
Bottom Line: A hauntingly crafted horror.
Rating: 3.5/5
