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Diés Iraé brings filmmaker Rahul Sadasivan back to horror territory after Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam. The October 31, 2025 release stars Pranav Mohanlal in his first horror role, alongside Gibin Gopinath, Manohari Joy, Jaya Kurup, and Sushmitha Bhat. Running 1 hour 55 minutes, this film from producers Chakravarthy Ramachandra and S. Sashikanth earned an A certificate for intense content.

The Latin title translates to “day of wrath,” referencing a medieval hymn about Judgment Day. Shehnad Jalal handles cinematography while Christo Xavier provides the music. Shafique Mohammed Ali edits the film. The makers say real events inspired the story, adding mystery to this supernatural tale.

The Plot

Rohan Shankar, a wealthy architect in Kerala, lives comfortably until learning about Kani’s suicide. She was a former classmate he briefly dated after reconnecting at an alumni event. Grief-stricken, he visits her mourning family to offer condolences.

At her home, he meets Madhusudanan Potti, a neighbor from a lineage of traditional exorcists. Rohan takes a red hair clip from Kani’s room as a memento. Once home, disturbing events begin—mysterious sounds, invisible touches, violent attacks from an unseen presence.

These occurrences intensify, convincing Rohan that something sinister has entered his home. The film gradually reveals connections between his past and these dark forces. It explores loneliness, guilt, and trauma while linking to Sadasivan’s earlier films, creating a shared horror world.

Actor Performances

Pranav Mohanlal delivers his strongest performance to date. He relies more on expressions than dialogue, conveying Rohan’s terror and sorrow effectively. His portrayal of the affluent architect feels natural and measured. Though he has space to develop further, this role marks clear growth in his acting journey.

Gibin Gopinath excels as the traditional exorcist, mixing horror with dark comedy smoothly. He brings humor and tension at the right moments. Sushmitha Bhat appears mainly in flashbacks but maintains a haunting presence. Jaya Kurup stands out among the supporting cast with a layered performance.

The compact cast maintains psychological tension throughout. Every actor seems perfectly matched to their character, keeping the horror grounded and believable. Nobody goes over the top or makes things feel artificial.

Directing Approach

Sadasivan avoids constant cheap scares. The film gradually burrows into your mind, creating disturbance rather than just startling you. Horror emerges through atmosphere and mood instead of only jump scares. The supernatural events feel plausible rather than random or silly.

This method worked better for me than typical horror fare. The director grasps that genuine fear springs from psychological discomfort, not merely loud noises. The film touches on mental health themes that add substance beyond surface scares.

Weak Areas

The opening half drags with repeated sequences. Despite running under two hours, sections feel stretched. The measured tempo helps atmosphere-building, but sharper editing would have helped. Some viewers might check out before things accelerate.

The slow approach serves the mood but tests patience. The second half picks up with better tension building. I would have preferred a quicker first portion.

Critical Response

Critics mostly gave positive feedback. The Indian Express awarded 4 out of 5 stars, commending how it gets under your skin. The Week gave 4.5 out of 5 stars, dubbing it a unique horror experience. India Today rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting its intelligence and strong technical quality.

The Hindu labeled it among Malayalam’s finest horror films. IMDb users rated it 7.5 out of 10, with many considering it one of Malayalam cinema’s best horror offerings. Rotten Tomatoes reviewers observed that while lacking the thematic depth of earlier Sadasivan films, it demonstrates assured control and skilled filmmaking.

Connected Universe

Sadasivan interestingly connects this to Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam. He’s quietly building a horror universe without fanfare. These connections reward viewers familiar with his work while remaining accessible to newcomers.

Each film tackles different themes through horror. Bhoothakaalam examined depression and trauma, Bramayugam explored class divisions, and this one focuses on loneliness and guilt. These films function independently but gain layers when viewed together.

My Take

Diés Iraé is a technically polished horror film showcasing Sadasivan’s filmmaking abilities. The sound work, cinematography, and performances, particularly Pranav Mohanlal’s, all impress. Choosing psychological horror over easy scares felt refreshing and mature.

Yet the slow pacing and predictable elements might frustrate those wanting conventional thrills. The first half’s careful setup could have been trimmed. Mixed reactions to the ending show the film’s reach exceeded its grasp for some viewers.

Still, the film creates an unsettling experience with staying power. It plays best in theaters where you can fully absorb the exceptional sound and visuals. Horror enthusiasts and Sadasivan fans should catch this.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars