Sookshmadarshini review: A gripping mystery thriller with stellar performances by Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph

What does one expect when Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph come together for a film for the first time? When the film was announced, most assumed it to be a comedy, considering they both have predominantly done comedy dramas.

However, Sookshmadarshini which translates to “magnifying glass” is not just a comedy. This MC Jithin’s directorial is a mystery thriller that keeps you guessing from start to end.

Let us now see how the movie fared.

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Synopsis

Priya, played by Nazriya Nazim lives with her husband Antony, played by Deepak Parambol, and a daughter in a town in Kerala. She has been looking for a job, as she is bored staying at home.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to Manuel, played by Basil Joseph, and his mother, as they shift to Priya’s neighbourhood. Manuel is a businessman, who owns a bakery and is quite well off, while his mother is someone who keeps to herself.

MC Jithin takes time to establish all his characters, which makes the film structurally strong.

As the story progresses, Manuel befriends everyone in the neighbourhood, except Pirya. Priya has reservations about Manuel’s character. The audience is also given hints about an impending plot twist.

One day, Manuel’s mother goes missing after a strange incident at their house. Later, Manuel tells everyone that his mother has Alzheimer’s and is found. Priya, however, believes Manuel is faking it and that he harmed his mother. But she has no proof to support her suspicions.

Can Priya with the help of her friends crack the lies of Manuel? One should watch the film to know more.

Tight script

Sookshmadarshini has a tight script with no loose ends. As mentioned previously, the film takes time to establish its characters. The first half is used to make the audience familiar with Priya and Manuel and set the stage for the thriller.

Priya is a shrewd person with an investigative mind. She keeps trying to find out what is happening at Manuel’s house. Meanwhile, Manuel is a tough nut to crack. He is manipulative and maintains cordial relationships with all his neighbours including Priya’s friend Stephy.

The second half revolves around Priya, and her two friends, getting into Manuel’s house to crack the mystery. Amidst this, the audience is also treated to some hilarious moments involving Akhila Bhargavan, Nazriya Nazim and Pooja Mohanraj.

The characters of Kottayam Ramesh and Siddharth Bharathan as Manuel’s accomplices also were interesting.

The climax, and especially the way it was shot gives goosebumps. Unlike many thrillers, Sookshmadarshini gives a strong reason for the mystery. The film also doesn’t shy away from showing a same-sex relationship.

Performances

In-form Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph are the major strengths of this movie. Nazriya has her usual pattern at the start, but as the story progresses, her character gets more intriguing moments. Her investigation part and climax scenes are some of the key scenes showcasing her acting prowess.

Basil Joseph definitely is out of his comfort zone. This character of Manuel is different from the roles the actor had done in Jaya Jaya Jaya Jayahe (2022) and Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham (2023). With Sookshmadarshini, Basil secures his spot in the industry.

In the comedy scenes, Akhila Bhargavan and Pooja Mohanraj as Sulu and Asma were good. Manohari Joy, as Manuel’s mother was well in the key role.

Deepak Parambol as Anthony, was a mature role for the actor. He did it without much hiccups.

Coming to the technical aspects, editing by Chaman Chacko and music by Christo Xavier of Bramayugam fame, add to the overall experience. Sharan Velayudhan’s cinematography has given a fine look for the movie which is rich in visuals.

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Final take

Sookshmadarshini is a well-crafted mystery thriller with a good script that hooks the audience. Basil Joseph and Nazriya Nazim steal the show in this movie.

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