Sookshmadarshini Review: Quirky Thriller Keeps You Guessing
Kartik Sudershan (Follow us on Twitter | Instagram)
What if a mystery thriller revealed its antagonist right at the start? You’d assume it’s a red herring, leading to an eventual twist, right? That’s where M.C. Jithin’s Sookshmadarshini sets itself apart. Equal parts lighthearted and intriguing, this Malayalam film keeps you hooked by unraveling not just who the bad guy is, but why he’s doing what he’s doing.
Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph lead the film as primary characters Priya and Samuel, but it’s the story’s clever twists, tight editing, and gripping screenplay that steal the show. With a mix of neighborhood antics, suspenseful moments, and a dash of humor, the film stays true to the quintessential charm of Malayalam cinema.
Nazriya plays Priya, an overly curious neighbor whose nosiness is often amusing and comedic. The story takes off when Samuel moves into the neighborhood with his ailing mother. Basil portrays Samuel with a quiet intensity, balancing his role as a caregiver with his darker, more suspicious activities – like cooking up a peculiar “beef” curry after killing a monitor lizard. Priya, however, suspects there’s more to Samuel’s mother’s behavior than meets the eye. Could she really be an Alzheimer’s patient, or is she being drugged into submission?
As Priya ropes in a group of neighborhood women to investigate, things take a darker turn. Samuel’s mother mysteriously disappears, prompting her daughter to fly in from New Zealand to uncover the truth. This blend of quirky characters and eerie developments keeps the audience engaged, shifting seamlessly between laughter and suspense.
Director M.C. Jithin deserves credit for striking this delicate balance, making Sookshmadarshini an ideal weekend family watch. While the acting is solid, it’s the smart direction and compelling narrative that leave a lasting impression. It’s not perfect, but the refreshing approach and engaging storytelling make Sookshmadarshini an entertaining watch.
Rating: 7 on 10. Watch it on Disney Hotstar.
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