With a gripping screenplay by John Manthrikal, based on Ramu Sunil’s story, Director Jofin T. Chacko’s Rekhachithram is a delighful combo of investigative thriller and speculative fiction, wrapped in a nostalgic era of the 80’s Mollywood. Streaming on SonyLiv, we explore whether it is worth a watch.
Storyline
An elderly man, whose time is running out, records a chilling video confession at a spot amid the bushes, while gulping down his ‘panacea’. He admits to helping bury an unknown girl 40 years ago, around the same spot, also naming two accomplices before seemingly taking his own life.
SHO Vivek Gopinath, a cop returning from suspension due to his gambling addiction, gets into action. When the team digs at the location, they uncover the skeletal remains of a woman. Now that there is a case, it is handed over to Vivek, who must rely on old-school investigative techniques to unravel the truth.
As Vivek follows the breadcrumbs, he battles political interference, missing or unreliable witnesses, and lack of any past investigative analysis. The deeper he digs, the more the pieces of a forgotten tragedy come together, nudging his curiosity. The victim is identified as Rekha, a young Mammootty fan with dreams of making it big in the film industry.
Who was Rekha? What led to her tragic end? Will Vivek be able to solve the puzzle?
Our critique
Rekhachithram stands apart from typical police procedurals. It’s not just about solving a murder—it’s about resurrecting a lost era. The film meticulously recreates the 80s, using AI to bring a young Mammootty and director Bharathan back to life during the filming of Kathodu Kathoram. For Mollywood cinephiles, it’s a heartwarming trip down memory lane.
The storytelling is a slow burn, but it never loses its grip. You would get reminded of Kishkindha Kaandam, for the layers of buried secrets unravelling with time. Unlike conventional thrillers that rely on sensationalism in crime and action, Rekhachithram remains grounded—where the story is the hero, not the hero himself.
One may argue that the murder motive might feel underwhelming in contrast to the film’s grand narrative. However, it reminds us that often lives are lost not because of grand conspiracies, but simply due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Chacko’s direction is sharp, supported by stunning cinematography that enhances the film’s dark, atmospheric tone. Majeed’s haunting background score further elevates the narrative.
Screen Performances
Asif Ali delivers another layered portrayal of a sincere and determined cop, making Vivek’s struggles feel real and relatable. Anaswara Rajan shines as Rekha, portraying the innocence and ambition of a teenager chasing her film dreams. Manoj K Jayan and the supporting cast add credibility, making the Rekhachithram experience worthwhile.
Overall opinion
If you enjoy gripping mysteries with a touch of filmy nostalgia, Rekhachithram is a must-watch. It’s a slow burn, but grips you and the story may linger for a while after it gets over.
Our rating
