Nov 05, 2025 11:49 AM
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Dies Irae(2025) A Malayalam Horror That Crawls Under Your Skin
Director: Rahul Sadasivan
Cast: Pranav Mohanlal, Sharaf U Dheen, Anu Mohan, and others
The Malayalam film industry has lately been proving that horror doesnt always need jump scares or ghosts in white sarees. With Dies Irae, Rahul Sadasivan once again shows how fear can be built through silence, mood, and emotion rather than loud background music.
The Story
The movie follows Rohan, a young architect who lives a comfortable city life until strange events begin to disturb his peace. What starts as small eerie sounds and flickering shadows soon grows into a deeper mystery that connects with a painful past. The story moves slowly but steadily, like a dream that turns darker with every minute.
Performances
Pranav Mohanlal gives one of his most mature performances here. His acting feels natural not exaggerated, not loud just the kind of quiet fear that seeps into you. You can see the confusion, guilt, and disbelief on his face without a single over-the-top reaction. The supporting cast also does their job neatly, especially in the tense second half.
Direction and Technical Side
Rahul Sadasivans touch is visible in every frame. The lighting, camera angles, and sound design together create a thick atmosphere you almost feel like youre inside that house, holding your breath. The background score is minimal but effective; instead of trying to scare you, it keeps you uneasy.
How It Feels
Unlike most horror films that depend on sudden shocks, Dies Irae builds fear slowly. You start to feel the weight of the unknown long before you actually see anything. The tension is emotional as well as psychological more about whats happening inside the character than outside.
Weak Points
The pacing in the second half might test the patience of viewers who expect fast thrills. Also, the ending leaves a few unanswered questions, which some might find confusing. But if you enjoy open-ended stories that make you think, youll probably appreciate it.
Comparison with Rahuls Previous Works
If Bhoothakaalam was about the pain inside a family and Bramayugam explored fear through folklore, Dies Irae stands somewhere in between a modern setting with an old-school horror soul. Its less dramatic, more poetic.
Verdict
Dies Irae is not a horror film for everyone. Its for people who love slow-burn cinema where you watch, listen, and feel the tension rather than get startled. It proves again that Malayalam cinema can handle horror with taste and depth.
Rating: 4 / 5
A well-crafted, atmospheric film that lingers in your mind long after the lights come on.
