It’s yet another Friday, yet another banger from Malayalam cinema in 2024! Sookshmadarshini, starring Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph, is a proper Hitchcockian thriller directed by MC Jithin.
Nazriya Strikes It Big with Sookshmadarshini
Nazriya is famously selective when it comes to choosing films. She has mentioned multiple times that she prefers quality over quantity. So, when a new film comes from someone like her—especially two years after a masterpiece like Ante Sundaraniki—expectations are naturally sky-high.
Although I’ve stopped jumping on the hype train for Malayalam cinema (thanks to Gold), the intriguing plot of Sookshmadarshini lured me into theaters regardless of its potential quality. A couple of positive reviews only sweetened the deal.
The film is packed with surprises—not the cheap cameos everyone’s resorting to for extra bucks these days, but genuine twists in the screenplay. The performances? Absolute bangers.
Nazriya as Priya – A Show-Stealer
Nazriya is phenomenal as “Priya”. From the first frame to the last, she hooks you to the screen in a way few actors can. Her portrayal is nuanced, gripping, and unforgettable.
Basil Joseph – The Mercury of Modern Malayalam Cinema
Give Basil Joseph any role, and he will ace it. Cast him as a junior artist, and he’ll stand out. Put him in the lead, and he’ll carry the whole film. This year alone, we’ve seen him as a simple, kind-hearted side character in Varshangalkku Sesham (which he nailed) and in a comedic role in Guruvayoorambala Nadayil (which he also nailed).
Now, in Sookshmadarshini, he’s done it again. Basil’s versatility knows no bounds. Let’s not forget he’s also a writer-director who gave us Minnal Murali. The man is a treasure!
The Soul of Sookshmadarshini – The Score
The score perfectly complements the film’s vibe—thrilling yet understated. It strikes the ideal balance: not too subtle, not too in-your-face, but just right to remind you that you’re watching a top-tier thriller.
A Hitchcockian Delight
The plot and execution of Sookshmadarshini are heavily inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s cinema. If Hitchcock were alive and making Malayalam films, he’d create something like this. The movie channels that vintage Hitchcockian thrill, a rarity in today’s cinematic landscape.
Why Sookshmadarshini Deserves a Theater Watch
The way each layer of the story unfolds keeps you on the edge of your seat. Watching this film in a theater is an experience you can’t replicate at home.
In the future, whenever you see Nazriya Nazim Fahadh on a poster, give that film the benefit of the doubt. This woman is cinema personified.
ALL HAIL QUEEN NAZRIYA.
Nazeef is a cinephile in the truest sense of the word. While his devotion to Martin Scorsese is unparalleled, his love for cinema knows no boundaries. He explores films from every corner of the world with a deep curiosity and a critical eye. Every movie he watches opens up new perspectives, and his reviews always bring fresh insights, making him an essential voice in the global film community.