Rekhachithram

Set in 2025, Rekhachitram is an investigative alternate history centered on a case from 1985. In films like Talvar, which is rooted in real events, investigations of decades-old crimes are portrayed as extremely challenging. Given that Rekhachitram's case is 40 years old, one would expect a complex, arduous investigation. However, the film surprisingly presents a case that unravels too easily.

Nearly every character connected to the original incident effectively solving it, rather than leaving the breakthrough to officer Vivek. Additionally, the visual presentation feels lacking; instead of introducing fresh character dynamics, most characters appear unchanged from their 1985 depictions.

I would say, Kishkindha Kaandam has better representation. Go watch it. Then compare with rekhachitram 😀.

Rekhachithram is an investigation thriller that thrives on a sharp, no-nonsense screenplay but falls victim to its own excesses. The film sets up an intriguing premise, backed by a solid plot and a gripping background score that enhances the tension. However, as the story unfolds, it bombards the audience with too many details and an overload of characters, which ultimately dilutes the impact of the investigation. Instead of keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, it leads them down an overly complex path, making the final revelation feel more expected than shocking.

While the film is undoubtedly crafted with precision, its obsession with intricacy works against it. The saying "less is more" perfectly applies here, had the narrative been more streamlined, the thrill factor could have been significantly higher. Despite its shortcomings, Rekhachithram remains a stylish, one-time watch that keeps you engaged, even if it doesn't leave a lasting impression. It may be a bit overrated, but it's not entirely forgettable.

Rekhachithram (2025) is a compelling Malayalam mystery thriller directed by Jofin T. Chacko. The narrative centers on CI Vivek Gopinath, portrayed by Asif Ali, a police officer reinstated after a suspension due to gambling issues. Assigned to the tranquil Malakkappara station, Vivek's routine is disrupted when Rajendran (Siddique) publicly confesses to a decades-old crime before committing suicide. This revelation leads Vivek to investigate the 1985 disappearance of Rekha Pathrose (Anaswara Rajan) from the film set of Kathodu Kathoram. The film intricately weaves past and present, blending real and fictional elements to craft a gripping narrative. Asif Ali delivers a standout performance, capturing Vivek's complexity and determination. Anaswara Rajan's portrayal of Rekha adds depth to the story, while the supporting cast, including Manoj K. Jayan and Indrans, enrich the film's texture. The cinematography by Appu Prabhakar beautifully captures the serene yet mysterious ambiance of Malakkappara. Rekhachithram is a must-watch for fans of intricate storytelling and stellar performances.

I went into this movie after hearing some positive reviews. I had no idea what the movie was about or who all were in it. I was told this was a crime thriller. But I didn't find any thrill in this.

The dialogues and script are all so artificial. If this movie came out 10 years ago it would be fine. But considering the quality of today's malayalam cinema. This is not acceptable.

The story doesn't make sense. Characters' actions are totally weird and all characters are so one dimensional. There's some good aspects in the movie. But the story has so many problems, it's really dumb actually.

Really disappointed with this. I totally don't understand all the positive reviews and hype around this. All the great parts of the movie is totally overshadowed by the utter disappointment of a story. It's not a bad story, it's a dumb story.

Hey all, I just watched Rekhachithram (2025), and I must say, it's a nice movie. To be honest, I'm a bit confused about the genre of the film. It doesn't feel like a complete thriller, nor does it fit entirely into the drama category. Instead, it's more of a mixture of genres-an investigation drama thriller.

The film carries elements of mystery, but it's not overloaded with twists or the kind of suspense typically found in a traditional mystery. Yet, it holds enough intrigue to keep you engaged. What impressed me the most is how the film blends multiple genres seamlessly. I've seen this kind of genre-blending in Hollywood, but I'm doubtful if Malayalam cinema has explored it to this extent before.

The casting is spot-on, with each actor delivering a commendable performance. The cinematography is well-executed, capturing the essence of the narrative beautifully. While the film uses limited music, the background score is impactful and elevates the thriller aspects, adding a gripping pace to the story.

What stands out most is the fiction itself. The movie revisits themes from the classic Malayalam film Kathodu Kathoram (1985), and it does so in a way that makes the fictional elements feel real. The narrative blurs the line between fiction and reality, leaving you questioning whether the events and circumstances portrayed could have actually happened. To me, that's the hallmark of a well-crafted fiction.

I also appreciated how the film transitions between past and present, portraying both time periods effectively. It's a thoughtful way to structure the story and adds depth to the overall experience.

In conclusion, Rekhachithram is a film you can enjoy in theaters without the burden of overhyped expectations. It's unique in its storytelling approach, and for that alone, it's worth watching.

• Antony Padikkala.