In recent years, Malayalam cinema has given the horror genre a new identity. Movies such as Bhoothakaalam and Baramayugam showed that a good story and direction is not sufficient to evoke the sense of fear but rather a bloody and ghostly mood.
Director Rahul Sadasivan gained fame at the national level by these movies. His filmmaking took horror to a whole new plane, and this time around, he has come back with his third film, which is titled Dies Irae.
The Introduction of the Story: Rohan Has an Ordinary Life and an Accidental Event
The lead character of the film Rohan (Pranav Mohanlal) is a wealthy family member who is an architect by profession. His parents reside in the United States; hence, he is living on his own in a fancy neighborhood in Kerala.
His life is good and easy—partying, being with friends, and having fun. However, this plot is reversed when he gets to know that his old school friend Kani (Sushmitha Bhat) has committed suicide.
Strange and terrifying happenings start to occur around Rohan when he pays her home to offer his condolences. Slowly, he is consumed by a fear that causes him to be concerned about his mental condition and his existence.
Deeper Underlying Story: A Game of Fear and Suspense
This one hour and fifty-five minutes film keeps the audience occupied. The story unravels the question of who is bothering Rohan, why, and how he eventually gets out of this trap.
It might appear that the story is simple, but the manner in which Rahul Sadasivan has written it is what makes the narrative unique.
Another Approach to Horror Clichés
Any horror movie contains some elements that are standard, such as the way windows creak, the curtains blow, as well as the sound of anklets. All these are evident in Dies Irae, but in this case, everything is done with suspense and timing.
The jump scare moments in the film are so perfect that the audience literally leaps in the cinema hall. This is what Rahul Sadasivan is an expert in—making people feel fear, not merely exhibit it.
Direction: The Excitement is Kept Steady at a Slow Rate
The best thing about this film is the direction of Rahul Sadasivan. It is a slow-burn horror movie, meaning the film progressively develops but never becomes boring.
The director has solved all the subplot layers one by one, allowing the viewer to be a part of the plot. The danger increases as the neighbor of Rohan and Kani, Madhu (Manohari Joy), collaborates to find out the mystery behind the death of Kani.
Performance: An Excellent Acting of Pranav Mohanlal
The film revolves around the performance of Pranav Mohanlal. He makes the character of Rohan vibrant, allowing the viewer to experience his anxiety and fear.
His eye intensity, facial expressions, and the very little dialogue that has been used contribute to the suspense of the film.
Gibin Gopinath, Manohari Joy, and Jaya Kurup, who also perform extremely well in their roles, are co-stars that reinforce the story.
Music and Sound Design: The Pulse of Fear
Sound design is an important aspect of a horror film, and in that respect, the sound design of the movie is on an exceptional level in Dies Irae.
The music director Christo Xavier has created a background score that elevates the film to a new level. The application of sound in all the scenes induces anxiety as well as suspense in the audience.
The director has especially been able to make the fear happen on the other side of the screen and reach the audience through powerful sound effects.
Visual and Cinematography: A Tale of Darkness
Cinematography and lighting are so appropriate to the movie that each shot is full of suspense.
The camera angles and shots used by Rahul Sadasivan make it seem like fear is one of the omnipresent forces.
There is violence and blood which is introduced only when necessary to the story; therefore, it is gory yet effective.
Some Unfinished Aspects: Unsolved Mysteries
Despite the fact that the film seems to be near perfect, there are certain gaps in the plot.
In particular, there are certain elements of Kani and her brother that are not properly developed, and the audience is left with questions.
Perhaps, the director did this on purpose by deliberately leaving these open-ended questions to allow a sequel or expansion in the future.
Concluding Thoughts: A Meeting of Fear, Emotion, and Art
Dies Irae is a horror movie that does not only scare but also leaves the viewers emotionally and psychologically troubled.
The technical skills of the crew, the impressive acting of Pranav Mohanlal, and the direction of Rahul Sadasivan add to the fact that it is a modern-day horror classic.
It is an honest horror movie that will not disappoint fans of the genre. Watching it in theatres makes for an engulfing and exciting experience.
Conclusion
Dies Irae may become another breakthrough of the horror genre in the Malayalam film industry. It is true that most Hindi horror movies have been turned into comedies, but this movie demonstrates that as long as there is the right cast and a correct approach to directing the movie, fear can be an art.
