“Rekhachithram,” directed by Jofin T. Chacko, is a 2025 Malayalam-language crime thriller that masterfully blends mystery, nostalgia, and cinema’s golden era. The film not only delivers an engaging investigative narrative but also pays tribute to Malayalam cinema’s past, making it a unique experience for audiences.
With a mix of alternate history, suspense, and a deep love for cinema, the movie keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. Let’s dive into an in-depth review of this intriguing film.
Plot Summary: A Murder Mystery with a Cinematic Twist
The story follows Vivek Gopinath (Asif Ali), a police officer reinstated after a suspension due to misconduct. As a form of punishment, he is assigned to a remote hill station in Malakkappara, expecting a mundane routine. However, fate has other plans.
A shocking event shakes up his peaceful life – a man named Raveendran (Siddique) dies by suicide, leaving behind a confession about a crime committed four decades ago. His confession reveals links to the 1985 Malayalam classic “Kathodu Kathoram”, a movie directed by the legendary Bharathan and starring Mammootty.
What follows is a riveting time-jumping investigation, where Vivek must connect the dots between a decades-old crime and its consequences in the present day.
The film effectively takes the audience between two timelines – the vibrant 1980s film industry and the cold, calculated present-day investigation.
As the story unfolds, Vivek discovers that a crime was covered up in the past, altering the course of history. The secrets of a long-lost murder could change everything he knows about justice.
Performances: Stellar Acting that Elevates the Story
Asif Ali as Vivek Gopinath – The Broken yet Determined Cop
Asif Ali delivers one of his career-best performances in “Rekhachithram.” His portrayal of a disgraced officer seeking redemption is raw, intense, and deeply layered. He effortlessly balances stubborn resilience with emotional vulnerability, making his character both relatable and engaging.
Anaswara Rajan as Rekha – A Dreamer Lost in Time
Anaswara Rajan plays Rekha, a young, ambitious junior artist who dreams of making it big in the Malayalam film industry. Her admiration for Mammootty and the cinema world of the 1980s is beautifully portrayed, adding an emotional depth to the film. She represents the aspirations of many young artists, making her role incredibly poignant.
Siddique as Raveendran – The Man with a Deadly Secret
Veteran actor Siddique plays a mysterious role that is central to the entire mystery. His character’s shocking confession triggers the investigation, and he gives a haunting performance that lingers in the audience’s mind.
Supporting Cast – Strong Performances All Around
Actors like Manoj K. Jayan, Indrans, and Renji Panicker add further weight to the story, delivering natural and emotionally resonant performances.
Direction and Screenplay: A Brilliantly Crafted Narrative
Jofin T. Chacko’s Direction – A Tribute to Cinema
Director Jofin T. Chacko, known for his attention to detail, does a fantastic job blending crime, nostalgia, and history. His love for classic Malayalam cinema is evident throughout the film.
Instead of a straightforward crime thriller, he uses a layered storytelling approach, making the audience feel as if they are uncovering secrets alongside the protagonist.
Screenplay – A Complex but Well-Woven Puzzle
The screenplay, written by John Manthrickal and Ramu Sunil, is tight, intelligent, and engaging. The writers ensure that each twist unfolds at the perfect moment, keeping viewers constantly guessing. The way they weave real-life film history with fictional crime elements is masterful.
Cinematography & Music: Visually and Emotionally Stunning
Cinematography – A Tale of Two Eras
Cinematographer Appu Prabhakar brings the 1980s alive with warm, vintage tones, while the modern-day sequences have a more muted, colder feel, reflecting the grim reality of the investigation.
The contrast between bright, colorful film sets of the past and the shadowy police station of the present enhances the film’s mood.
Music – Evoking Emotion Through Sound
Composer Mujeeb Majeed delivers a hauntingly beautiful score. The background music shifts between nostalgic melodies of the 1980s and suspenseful notes, perfectly capturing the essence of both eras.
The film also features old-school film songs, re-created in a way that adds emotional depth and nostalgia.
Themes and Analysis: A Love Letter to Cinema
1. Nostalgia and the Golden Age of Malayalam Cinema
The film beautifully recreates the atmosphere of the 1980s film industry, making audiences feel as if they are watching a behind-the-scenes story of classic cinema.
2. Justice and the Passage of Time
“Rekhachithram” asks a powerful question: Can justice still be served decades after a crime? It explores the moral dilemmas of uncovering buried truths and how the past still affects the present.
3. Alternate History – What If?
The film cleverly uses an alternate history narrative, making the audience wonder how certain events in the film industry could have changed if secrets had been exposed earlier.
