Rudhiram Movie Review: A Reddish Perspective On Crime And Punishment
Rudhiram, directed by Jisho Lon Antony, is a Malayalam thriller that ventures into the moral complexities of crime and punishment, framed through the gripping story of Swathi (Aparna Balamurali), a woman abducted and held captive by the enigmatic Dr Mathew (Raj B Shetty), who otherwise a dear and friendly doctor in the area. While the film’s strong performances and stunning visuals set a high bar, its philosophical ambitions ultimately falter, leaving a mixed impression.
The narrative uses crime and punishment as central motifs, deliberately inverting their usual cinematic portrayal. (Spoiler alert) The crime—a heinous act of sodomy and sexual harassment—is kept shrouded in mystery for much of Rudhiram. This narrative choice heightens suspense but at the cost of emotional resonance, as the lack of detail prevents the audience from fully grappling with the crime’s weight.
Punishment, on the other hand, takes centre stage from the outset of Rudhiram, with Dr Mathew’s descent into vengeance driving the story. Initially introduced as a kind-hearted doctor, Mathew gradually unravels, revealing a deeply troubled past that fuels his transformation into a vengeful figure. His actions blur the lines between justice and monstrosity, adding a philosophical layer to the film’s exploration of morality.
The title, Rudhiram (meaning blood or red), becomes a potent metaphor for this moral ambiguity. In its climactic moments, the film proposes new meaning for the grey areas of human morality (things which are not black and white) are not neutral but red—charged with violence, passion, and consequence. While intriguing, this concept remains underdeveloped, leaving viewers to ponder its significance without sufficient narrative support.
Aparna Balamurali delivers a stellar performance as Swathi, portraying her journey from terror-stricken captive to determined survivor with nuance and intensity. This role challenges her in ways her recent appearances, such as in Kishkinda Kaandam, did not. Balamurali’s ability to convey vulnerability and resilience ensures Swathi’s plight resonates with the audience. However, her transformation in the end to an action heroine remains unconvincing after the power her opponent was well established from the beginning.
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Raj B Shetty, known for his recent compelling turns in Kondal and Turbo in Malaylam and otherwise impressive filmography in Kannada, steals the spotlight as Dr Mathew. His portrayal evolves seamlessly from a seemingly affable healer to a tormented, vengeful soul. Shetty’s performance is chilling yet sympathetic, ensuring that even at his darkest moments, Mathew remains a multi-dimensional character. This role solidifies Shetty’s reputation as one of the most versatile actors in contemporary Indian cinema.
Rudhiram Crew
Story and Direction: Jisho Lon Antony
Written by: Jisho Lon Antony, Joseph Kiran George
Director of Photography: Sajad Kaakku
Editor: Bavan Sreekumar
Cast: Raj B Shetty, Aparna Balamurali
The film’s standout feature is its cinematography, helmed by Sajad Kaakku. The lush, mountainous landscapes serve as a visual counterpoint to the film’s dark psychological undertones. Kaakku’s lens captures the natural beauty of the setting with breathtaking clarity while using shadows and muted tones to underscore the narrative’s tension.
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Scenes depicting Swathi’s captivity are particularly striking, with the camera effectively conveying her isolation and vulnerability. The climactic confrontation between Swathi and Mathew is visually stunning, though its overly theatrical presentation detracts from the film’s otherwise grounded tone.
While Rudhiram starts with promise, its second half struggles to maintain the narrative’s emotional and philosophical weight. The decision to withhold details about the crime until the end undermines the story’s impact, making the resolution feel less earned.
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Additionally, the film’s exploration of the “red” as a moral concept lacks integration into the broader narrative. While the idea of replacing the binary of black and white with red is thought-provoking, it comes across as an afterthought rather than a fully fleshed-out theme.
The climactic duel between Swathi and Mathew, while visually compelling, feels jarring compared to the film’s earlier realism. This shift towards a more cinematic approach diminishes the philosophical and emotional depth the story initially promised.
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Timeline verdict: Rudhiram is an ambitious film that tackles the complex interplay of crime, punishment, and morality through a visually stunning lens. Its strong performances, particularly by Aparna Balamurali and Raj B Shetty, elevate the narrative, while Sajad Kaakku’s cinematography creates an immersive viewing experience. However, the film’s uneven pacing, underdeveloped philosophical themes, and overly stylised climax prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, Rudhiram remains an intriguing exploration of the human psyche and the moral ambiguities that define justice.
