Sookshmadarshini

 

I have always enjoyed Malayalam movies, particularly their thrillers. Some of these films are on par with the best Hollywood thrillers. A prime example is Drishyam, which was so gripping it was remade in multiple languages.

With that trust in the Malayalam industry, I pick movies that intrigue me. That’s how I came to watch Sookshmadarshini. Two key reasons drew me to it: Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph. Nazriya, who has even acted in Telugu films, is known for her excellent choice of scripts. Basil Joseph, an exceptional director whose work I’ve followed, also stars in this film. With both of them in the cast, I was confident the script had something special.

And I wasn’t disappointed. Sookshmadarshini is one of the best thrillers I’ve watched in recent times. I’m glad I avoided reading the synopsis beforehand—it made the experience more thrilling as I slowly realized what kind of story it was.

The plot revolves around Priya, played by Nazriya, who becomes suspicious of her mysterious neighbor Manual (Basil Joseph) and his peculiar relationship with his mother. The film unravels the mystery behind their strange behavior, revealing secrets and motives that keep you hooked till the end.

Set in a picturesque Kerala village, the film captures the lush greenery, with homes spaced far apart, adding an atmospheric backdrop to the story. Director M.C. Jithin and screenwriters Athulya and Libin T.B. did a fantastic job maintaining curiosity and tension throughout the film. They skillfully blend the typical curiosity of a housewife about her neighbors with a tightly woven mystery. As the twists and turns unfold, the film evokes a range of emotions, leaving you spellbound. I won’t spoil anything here, but the screenplay is on par with Vijay Sethupathi’s recent Maharaja. I’m surprised this film didn’t get the same level of attention, though it did perform well at the box office.

Malayalam storytellers deserve much more international recognition for their craft.

Coming to the performances, Nazriya is phenomenal as Priya, a housewife intrigued by her neighbor’s odd behavior. Her natural performance and expressive eyes convey a spectrum of emotions effortlessly. Basil Joseph excels in his role, showing he’s just as talented in front of the camera as he is behind it. The actress playing Manual’s mother also delivers a standout performance, and the supporting cast, including the nosy neighbors, adds depth to the story.

The background score is fantastic and perfectly complements the film’s mood. The cinematography is equally commendable, with some stunning drone shots that beautifully showcase the layout of the village and its homes. Though I’m not sure of the exact location, it feels tailor-made for this story.

It’s refreshing to watch a movie like this—without loud music, over-the-top dialogues, or cringe-worthy scenes. Films like Sookshmadarshini should be released pan-India so that a wider audience can appreciate them.

I’d rate this movie 9/10.