Rekhachithram Review: Asif Ali Pulls Off Another Cinematic Wonder (Image-Instagram/asifali)

Rekhachithram Movie Review: Rekhachithram, the Malayalam mystery crime thriller directed by Jofin T Chacko, starring Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan, Manoj K Jayan, Siddique, Jagadish, Harisree Ashokan, Indrans, Zarin Shihab and others, is a complete cinematic experience with the perfect mix of suspense, drama, and execution.

The movie, which boasts of an effective guest appearance by Mammootty in the background of Bharathan’s Kathodu Kathoram, is another addition of neatly presented recent Malayalam police movies like Anjaam Pathiraa, Salute, Nayattu, Ela Veezha Poonchira, Red Wine, Thalavan, Kannur Squad, Action Hero Biju, Memories, Anweshippin Kandethum, Abraham Ozler, and Anchakkallakokkan.

Jofin T Chacko, who surprised everyone with Mammootty’s The Priest, returns with Rekhachithram, which talks about a police officer who follows a skeleton dug out from a forest and then unearths a four-decade-old crime that made some’s and shattered many others’ lives.

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One major element of the movie is the way the main thread of the movie travels with the making and location of legendary Malayalam director Bharathan’s Kathodu Kathoram and its iconic song “Devadoothar paadi.” Jofin and the writers (screenplay by John Manthrickal and Ramu Sunil) have successfully inculcated the 1980s’ Malayalam cinema shooting locations and experience into the movie to add an extra layer to the story, which would have faltered without it. Interestingly, the script manages to track down many who were associated with the movie then and somehow brings them to the screen, including Kamal (then assistant director of Bharathan) and master screenplay writer John Paul (but by using his videos for the development of the story).

Mammootty’s appearance, which created a lot of anticipation, is just as Mammootty. As Bharatan’s hero ‘Louis’ in the movie. As it seems, with the help of technology, you will see a young Mammootty on screen, but not a lot. He appears and goes out of the screen quickly, but Mammootty being Mammootty, the aura remains on the screen.

But the man of the hour is Asif Ali. He is getting better and better with each movie. In Kishkindha Kaandam, his portrayal was deep and intense, while in Adios Amigo, he shed all inhibitions. In Level Cross, he ventured into something entirely different from his recent films—dark, profound, and experimental. However, in Rekhachithram, though it appears to echo his recent role in Thalavan, Asif Ali brings subtle shades and nuanced depth to the performance, showcasing the maturity he can imbue in a character.

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In Thalavan, Asif was pitted against Biju Menon, and that casting demanded strong performances. But, in Rekhachithram, Asif is competing with the story, as his lead character is the only person whom you will see mostly, and also in the absence of a powerful antagonist.

Another positive element you will see in the movie is the casting of many senior actors to their perfect characters. Though he was on the screen less, Indrans lived the character of an old and drunkard production controller with perfection. Same with Siddique as well. Others who got longer screen time were Manoj K. Jayan and Nishanth Sagar. Manoj, as the main protagonist, was limited to some staring and slow-motion moves with minimal dialogue, which kind of denied the talented actor his chance to go to his full potential.

Anaswara Rajan, as the enigmatic Rekha, shines brightly. Her portrayal of a young woman, enamoured by the allure of cinema, is both captivating and heartbreaking. Rekha’s journey, revealed through poignant flashbacks, forms the emotional core of the film, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Zarin Shihab and Saleema deliver commendable performances in pivotal roles.

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Timeline verdict: Rekhachithram is another addition to the perfectly woven Malayalam police stories, and Asif Ali, after the well-received Kishkindha Kaandam, delivers another impactful character.

Rekhachithram crew:

Director: Jofin T Chacko
Screenplay: John Manthrickal, Ramu Sunil
Story: Ramu Sunil
Cinematography: Appu Prabhakar
Editor: Shameer Muhammed
Music: Mujeeb Majeed
Cast: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan, Manoj K Jayan, Siddique, Jagadish, Harisree Ashokan, Indrans, Zarin Shihab, Mammootty (guest appearance).