Rekhachithram

Some films captivate you with their plot, while others seduce you with nostalgia. Rekhachithram does both and then adds a touch of alternate history for good measure.

'Rekhachithram' aims for the cinephile in all of us, and, in doing so, gets you to admire the inventiveness with which director Jofin T Chacko weaves together all the pieces of the puzzle.

In many ways, Rekhachithram (sketch) is a tribute to the magical allure of cinema, which not only captures stories but also preserves it all as historical records, ensuring that everything and everyone within it becomes an inseparable part of the tapestry. Unlike his debut directorial The Priest (2021), where he overused horror, Jofin has adopted a more measured approach here, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally, while also ensuring that it ends up being a compelling mystery thriller.

'Rekhachithram' is an overall experiment, treading on a path that many filmmakers, including veterans, have not dared to do in the past. The film is definitely bound to be a nostalgic ride for cinema buffs as the makers lavishly throw in big names from the 1980s into the movie, and it is intense and engaging at the same time.

On the whole, Rekhachithram is a unique, cleverly made film that has a lot going for it. Jofin T Chacko's film stirs nostalgia like no other in recent times. It is a cinephile's love note to Malayalam cinema, with intelligent writing where the past and the future organically weave in and out of the narrative.

The thriller still manages to keep it balanced, not going overboard with its elements of suspense, and giving small highs until the end.