Rekhachithram review: A well-made thriller that pays tribute to Mammootty’s ‘Kathodu Kathoram’

Asif Ali’s new movie Rekhachithram has been the talk of the town, with many theories circulating before its release. To settle the discussions on social media, the makers clarified that the film is based on alternate history.

Speculation grew about the inclusion of Mammootty’s Kathodu Kathoram after the Rekhachithram trailer showed scenes reminiscent of the 1985 movie.

Now that the film is released, those speculations are put to rest, and spoilers are set to flood social media after the first day. Before that, let’s take a look at what the movie is really about.

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Synopsis

The movie begins with the revelation of a murder that occurred forty years ago in Malakkapara, Idukki. Bhaskaran (Siddique) through a Facebook Live discloses that a woman was killed and buried by his friends during the 1984-85 period. This revelation puts Vincent (Manoj K Jayan) in danger, as his name is mentioned.

Bhaskaran’s confession leads to the discovery of a skeleton at the location he pointed out. The case is then taken up by Vivek Gopinath (Asif Ali), the SHO of Malakkapara police station. The young officer is determined to uncover the truth behind the skeleton.

As the investigation progresses, the story takes an interesting turn. As promised by the makers, Rekhachithram delves into an alternate history. Writers Ramu Sunil and John Manthrikal create a fictional narrative parallel to the shooting of Mammootty’s Kathodu Kathoram, directed by Bharathan. The story centres around Rekha (Anaswara Rajan), who is believed to have been murdered during the filming of Kathodu Kathoram.

The link between the present and the past is uncovered through evidence gathered by Vivek. The first half of the movie moves slowly, focusing on the investigation and the pressure on the police from those involved in the case. The second half becomes more engaging as the mystery unravels and the police reach their conclusion.

Well written screenplay

Rekhachithram stands on a strong script and well-etched-out characters. For instance, the Kathodu Kathoram shooting location is recreated, and it’s refreshing to see director Bharathan and filmmaker Kamal (who was his assistant) appear in the film.

The events during the shooting are also well-crafted, with the script offering detailed backstories for each character. It delves into the happenings on the night of the 1985 movie’s shooting. Rekha’s character is also given depth, showcasing her passion for becoming a heroine. Her behaviour on set and the portrayal of each character enrich the story.

Another key element is the surprise antagonist, which, if revealed, would spoil the film’s twist.

As the mystery unfolds, more characters are introduced, but the script remains strong throughout. This experimental film was intended to be the debut of director Jofin T Chacko.

Technical aspects

Rekhachithram is a technically impressive film with stunning visuals and background music. As mentioned previously, portrayal of the past and the old shooting location is well executed. Appu Prabhakar’s cinematography gives the movie a unique visual style. Additionally, Mujeeb Majid’s background score enhances the film’s suspenseful moments.

A standout feature is the recreation of Mammootty’s 1985 appearance using Artificial Intelligence (AI), an innovative technique that adds a special touch to the film. Fans of Mammootty will be thrilled by the two to three scenes featuring his AI-rendered appearance.

The film runs for less than two and a half hours and is edited with a climax that focuses on the lead female character.

Performances

Asif Ali once again dons the role of a police officer after Thavalan, however, his portrayal and mannerisms are different, making this a milestone performance in his career.

Anaswara Rajan as Rekha is excellent, continuing her streak as a retro heroine, after Ozler and Pranayavilasam.  Manoj K Jayan plays Vincent, a negative character subtly and effectively.

Zarin Shihab plays a key role, offering a standout performance that will solidify her presence after her strong turn in Aattam. Bhama Arun, as a journalist, also plays a decent and relevant role.

The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Nishant Sagar, Indrans, Harisree Ashokan, Siddique, and Sudhi Kopa. Each actor delivers meaningful performances that contribute to the story.

Final take

Rekhachithram is a thriller that takes a unique approach to storytelling. The alternate history aspect is a major highlight of the film, directed by Jofin T Chacko. The performances of Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan also stand out.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)