Rekhachithram (2025), a Malayalam mystery crime drama directed by Jofin T. Chacko, blends crime, history, and cinema with compelling performances from Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan. Read the full review.
Rekhachithram (2025) Movie Review – Mystery Meets History with an Artistic Flair
Best Movie Review (BMR) Rating: 8/10
Introduction
Rekhachithram, meaning “facial composite,” is a genre-bending Malayalam-language mystery crime drama that hits the sweet spot between art and entertainment. Directed by Jofin T. Chacko, who previously impressed with The Priest, the film delivers a compelling narrative rooted in history, cinema, and haunting secrets. With a tightly written screenplay by John Manthrikal, based on a story by Ramu Sunil, this 2025 release manages to be both cerebral and emotionally gripping.
Plot Summary
Set against the misty hills of Malakkappara, the story kicks off with Vivek (Asif Ali), an SHO recently transferred to a seemingly quiet village. He is assigned a curious suicide case of an elderly man named Rajendran, who, in a strange twist, confessed to a decades-old crime just before taking his own life.
As Vivek delves deeper, he uncovers a long-buried mystery tied to the filming of Bharathan’s 1985 classic “Kathodu Kathoram”. A young girl had mysteriously disappeared from the filming location, a fact buried under layers of silence and fear. What follows is a riveting investigation that weaves together memories, secrets, betrayal, and the blurred line between fiction and reality.
Performances
- Asif Ali delivers one of his most mature performances as SHO Vivek. His restrained intensity and vulnerability make the character believable and compelling.
- Anaswara Rajan, in a crucial role, balances innocence with emotional depth, marking another strong entry in her filmography.
- Veterans like Manoj K. Jayan, Siddique, Jagadish, Saikumar, Harisree Ashokan, and Indrans offer gravitas to the narrative, especially in the flashback portions. Each of them represents different facets of guilt, nostalgia, and the complex human response to unresolved trauma.
Direction and Writing
Director Jofin T. Chacko crafts a haunting atmosphere without relying on jump scares or loud music. His focus is on mood, silence, and slow revelations. The screenplay by John Manthrikal is deftly written, revealing clues gradually while keeping the viewer invested in both the emotional arcs and the mystery itself.
The clever use of a real historical film (Kathodu Kathoram) as a narrative device is one of the standout aspects. It serves as both a metaphor and a plot pivot, adding depth and layers to the storytelling.
Technical Aspects
- Cinematography by Appu Prabhakar is simply stunning. The dense forests, foggy evenings, and retro flashbacks are shot with an eye for detail, lending the film a poetic touch.
- Editing by Shameer Muhammed ensures that the non-linear narrative remains coherent. The transitions between timelines are smooth and purposeful.
- Music and Background Score by Mujeeb Majeed is atmospheric, melancholic, and enhances the emotional weight of key scenes without being overpowering.
Themes and Symbolism
At its heart, Rekhachithram is about memory—how it fades, distorts, and sometimes returns with devastating clarity. The film explores:
- The burden of guilt and the need for redemption
- The emotional impact of unsolved crimes on small communities
- The voyeuristic nature of cinema and how art can sometimes mirror real tragedy
The title metaphorically alludes to creating a facial composite—not just of a criminal, but of collective memory and truth pieced together from fragments.
Box Office and Reception
Made on a modest budget of ₹6–9 crore, Rekhachithram has become a surprise box office success, grossing an estimated ₹57.30 crore. The film’s blend of mainstream appeal and arthouse depth has resonated with a wide range of audiences, particularly in Kerala and overseas Malayalam-speaking communities.
Critics have praised its screenplay, direction, and performances, with many comparing its layered storytelling to the works of directors like Lijo Jose Pellissery and Jeethu Joseph.
Final Verdict
Rekhachithram is a rare gem in Malayalam cinema—a slow-burn mystery that rewards patience with emotional payoff and intellectual satisfaction. With a grounded performance by Asif Ali, evocative visuals, and a powerful narrative steeped in history and humanity, this film is a must-watch for lovers of thoughtful cinema.
Best Movie Review (BMR) Rating: 8/10
Verdict: A gripping mystery layered with emotion, nostalgia, and haunting truths. Rekhachithram is both a tribute to Malayalam cinema’s golden age and a powerful standalone drama.