Rekhachithram Review: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan’s Thrilling Cinematic Tribute

Photo: Instagram/@jofin_t_chacko

"Rekhachithram" is a unique and fascinating movie directed by Jofin T Chacko. It brings us into an alternate history world, where the film cleverly plays with a parallel timeline that branches off from real history. In the movie, the makers do not just imagine a "what if?" scenario, but instead, it feels like the story could be true but hidden away for years. The film is all about how cinema captures and preserves history, making the people and stories it tells a permanent part of the world.

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The story centers on an 18-year-old woman (played by Anaswara Rajan) who dreams of becoming a famous actress. She joins as an extra in the 1985 movie "Kathodu Kathoram" because it features her favorite actor, Mammootty. On her first day, she gets a chance to stand next to Mammootty during the famous song "Devadoothar Paadi." However, after that day, she mysteriously disappears and no one sees her again. She vanishes without any explanation, and years later, her skeletal remains are found in a forest. Asif Ali plays the role of CI Vivek Gopinath, who investigates her disappearance, and through his journey, the mystery of her vanishing unravels.

The movie stands out because, unlike typical alternate-history films, it doesn’t reimagine huge historical events. Instead, it focuses on a smaller, less significant moment in history — the making of a film. This approach makes the movie even more intriguing. It’s not a wild reimagining but feels like a hidden truth, forgotten and buried in time, now being uncovered. The screenplay, written by John Manthrickal and Ramu Sunil, blends real-life events and fictional elements, making the audience wonder what is true and what is imagined.

One of the key aspects of the movie is its lead character, Vivek. Unlike typical heroic cops, Vivek starts as a man under suspension for playing online rummy while on duty. He is sent to a quiet place called Malakkappara as a punishment. However, when the skeleton is found, he sees it as an opportunity to redeem himself. As the investigation goes on, he becomes personally involved, feeling a deep responsibility to uncover the story behind the remains and bring justice.

The film has a slower, more measured pace compared to Jofin's previous film, "The Priest" (2021), which relied heavily on horror. In "Rekhachithram," Jofin avoids overloading the movie with suspense or dramatic twists, letting the story unfold naturally. This makes the film feel real and grounded while remaining a captivating mystery thriller.

The movie also explores the magic of cinema. It’s a tribute to how films not only capture stories but preserve them as historical records, ensuring that the people involved become part of the larger fabric of history. A notable element in the film is the appearance of a younger Mammootty, created using advanced AI technology. While there was a lot of speculation about Mammootty’s role in the film, the makers only used this technology when necessary, keeping the focus on the story rather than relying on the actor's fame. This thoughtful approach helped maintain the film’s authenticity.

However, despite many strengths, the film has its flaws. Some of the dialogues are not impactful, and at times they feel forced or awkward. The character development could also have been better. For example, Vivek's background as a troubled cop is not explored deeply enough, which leaves his character feeling underdeveloped. Similarly, Anaswara's character, though ambitious, often comes across as forced in her dialogues and actions. Several other characters, played by talented actors like Manoj K Jayan and Harisree Ashokan, are not given enough screen time or depth to make an impression.

Even though these flaws exist, Asif Ali’s performance stands out, and he holds the film together. Anaswara Rajan, though affected by weak dialogues, shines in moments where she doesn’t speak, capturing the wonder and excitement of being part of the film world. Other characters, like those played by Bhama Arun and Megha Thomas, also don’t leave a lasting impact due to their shallow development. However, Zarin Shihab’s performance is notable, even in her limited role.

The music of the film, composed by Mujeeb Majeed, is fitting and enhances the mood of the story. However, the songs don’t quite match the film's tone. The cinematography by Appu Prabhakar is excellent, beautifully capturing the different periods and making the audience feel immersed in the world of the film. The editing and production design by Shameer Muhammad and Shaji Naduvil also deserve praise for their contributions to the film's overall feel.

In the end, "Rekhachithram" is a well-made mystery thriller with a unique storyline and a tribute to the power of cinema to preserve history. Despite its minor flaws in dialogue and character development, the film offers an intriguing narrative and solid performances, especially from Asif Ali, making it worth watching for those who love a good mystery.

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