Pendulum (2023), a Malayalam mystery thriller by debut director Rejin S. Babu, takes audiences on a surreal psychological journey. Read the full review of this Vijay Babu-starrer that blends family drama with suspense and mind-bending twists.
Movie Title: Pendulum
Language: Malayalam
Genre: Mystery / Thriller / Drama
Director: Rejin S. Babu
Cast: Vijay Babu, Anumol, Prakash Bare, Indrans, Ramesh Pisharody, Shobi Thilakan, Neena Kurup
Cinematography: Arun Damodaran
Editor: Sooraj E. S.
Music: Jean P. Johnson
Release Date: 16 June 2023
Running Time: 106 minutes
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 7.5/10
Introduction
Pendulum is the kind of movie that plays with your mind and emotions in equal measure. Marking the directorial debut of Rejin S. Babu, this 2023 Malayalam-language thriller attempts a genre-bending mix of psychological mystery and philosophical introspection. With Vijay Babu leading the cast, the film combines family drama, time loops, and the supernatural into an ambitious, cerebral experience.
For fans of twist-heavy narratives and layered storytelling, Pendulum offers a rewarding watch—provided you’re willing to pay close attention.
Plot Summary
Dr. Mahesh Narayan (Vijay Babu), a seemingly content and successful doctor, embarks on a one-day trip with his family. What begins as a peaceful getaway soon unravels into a strange and unsettling journey, as Mahesh begins experiencing mysterious visions and encounters with people and places that seem disconnected from time and reality.
As the day progresses, he is haunted by recurring hallucinations, déjà vu, and surreal incidents that challenge his sense of logic and memory. Slowly, a deeper story emerges—one involving repressed trauma, moral dilemmas, and a cosmic force that seems to be pulling him into a loop of events.
Supporting characters—like Indrans as a cryptic old man, Anumol as Mahesh’s concerned wife, and Ramesh Pisharody as a seemingly jovial companion—each play critical roles in shaping the puzzle of Mahesh’s journey. With each step, the boundary between past, present, and possible futures blurs, drawing the viewer into an emotional and philosophical whirlpool.
Performances
Vijay Babu gives a layered performance as Dr. Mahesh. Balancing stoic control with moments of internal collapse, he convincingly portrays a man trapped between reality and psychological distortion. His subtle expressions, especially during the scenes of realization and helplessness, elevate the film’s emotional depth.
Anumol adds strength to the film as Mahesh’s wife. Her grounded presence gives the audience an anchor amid the movie’s metaphysical themes.
Indrans is remarkable as usual, playing a seemingly minor role that later proves to be deeply symbolic. His cryptic dialogues and quiet charisma add a mystical layer to the unfolding mystery.
Prakash Bare, Ramesh Pisharody, and Shobi Thilakan deliver strong supporting performances, offering both comic relief and narrative tension where needed.
Direction and Screenplay
Rejin S. Babu’s direction is confident, especially for a debut. He navigates a nonlinear narrative filled with symbolic imagery, metaphorical storytelling, and psychological ambiguity. The film’s structure feels deliberately disjointed to mirror Mahesh’s mental state, though at times it borders on being too abstract for a mainstream audience.
The screenplay dares to go beyond typical thriller tropes, infusing spiritual and philosophical undertones—questioning fate, destiny, and the burden of choices. However, there are moments where the film feels slightly overwritten, trying to do too much in too little time. Some viewers may find the middle act a bit heavy and exposition-driven.
Cinematography & Music
Arun Damodaran’s cinematography is one of the film’s strongest assets. The use of tight frames, shifting focus, and dim natural lighting complements the film’s mood. The visual style subtly hints at the protagonist’s disoriented psyche. Several surreal dream-like sequences are visually arresting without being over-stylized.
Jean P. Johnson’s background score is minimalist yet haunting. It supports the narrative’s rhythm without being intrusive, especially in the film’s final act, where emotional weight and philosophical revelations crescendo.
Themes and Symbolism
Pendulum is not just a thriller—it’s a meditation on regret, time, and the human mind. The titular “pendulum” acts as a metaphor for time’s relentless swing and the duality of choice and consequence. Mahesh’s journey is a reflection of the modern individual’s inner conflicts—between duty and desire, truth and denial.
The film also explores how unresolved trauma, guilt, and unspoken truths can distort our perception of reality. While not all its metaphors are fully explained, this ambiguity enhances its rewatch value.
Positives
- Engaging and original concept with layered narrative
- Strong performances, especially by Vijay Babu and Indrans
- Visually and thematically rich cinematography
- A unique mix of psychological thriller and philosophical drama
Negatives
- May be confusing for viewers expecting a conventional thriller
- Pacing dips in the second act
- Some thematic elements remain underexplored or too ambiguous
- Limited commercial appeal due to its abstract narrative style
Final Verdict
Pendulum is a bold and thought-provoking Malayalam thriller that dares to challenge its audience. With its unique narrative structure, strong central performance, and contemplative themes, it stands out as a memorable cinematic experience. While it may not cater to all tastes, those who enjoy psychological thrillers with emotional and philosophical undertones will find it deeply rewarding.
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 7.5/10