Halloween has arrived, and with it comes a film tailor-made for the season’s eerie energy — Dies Irae, starring Pranav Mohanlal and directed by Rahul Sadasivan. The film opened with paid premieres and full-house first-day shows, quickly earning praise from audiences and filmmakers alike.
Director Jeo Baby shared his appreciation, calling it a stunning achievement, while Manju Warrier wrote, “Loved it! This one is going to give you chills!” Actor Arjun Ashokan, who starred in Sumathi Valavu, hailed the film as “another masterpiece from Rahul Sadasivan.” Filmmaker Vineeth Sreenivasan, who directed Pranav in Varshangalkku Shesham, described Dies Irae as “a must-watch” and praised Pranav’s “menacing” performance, giving special mention to composer Christo Xavier for his haunting score.
Dies Irae Movie Review
Dies Irae is a chilling, meticulously crafted Malayalam horror that places Rahul Sadasivan firmly among India’s finest genre filmmakers. After Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam, Rahul completes a thematic trilogy exploring fear, faith, and the fragile human mind — this time through the story of Rohan (Pranav Mohanlal), a wealthy man whose perfect life unravels when he begins sensing a supernatural presence in his home.
The narrative unfolds with deliberate pacing, mixing atmospheric dread with grounded realism. Rahul’s direction balances psychological tension and gothic horror, avoiding overused jump scares and instead building unease through sound and silence.
Performances and Technical Brilliance
Pranav Mohanlal gives a career-best performance, embodying both vulnerability and terror with striking authenticity. His quiet intensity anchors the film, supported by Jibin Gopinath, Arun Ajikumar, and Manohari Joy, who deliver strong supporting turns.
The technical craft is top-tier. Christo Xavier’s background score amplifies every whisper and heartbeat, while the sound design — crisp, layered, and immersive — makes the experience uniquely theatrical. The cinematography captures the contrast of grandeur and decay, turning Rohan’s home into a living, breathing nightmare.
Every element — from production design to lighting and editing — contributes to an experience that feels both cinematic and cerebral. The last 30 minutes, particularly, are explosive, blending visual poetry with sheer terror and leaving the theatre in stunned silence.
Why It Works
- Rahul Sadasivan’s direction – masterful control over tone and pacing
- Pranav Mohanlal’s transformation – from composed to consumed
- World-class sound and visuals – atmospheric and immersive
- Cultural depth – rooted in theology and Malayalam folklore
- Minimal spoon-feeding – trusts the audience’s intelligence
Verdict
Dies Irae is Rahul Sadasivan’s finest work yet — a visually poetic, theologically rich, and emotionally devastating piece of cinema that proudly stands at par with international horror standards. For Pranav Mohanlal, this is a defining moment, proving his depth as an actor capable of carrying both psychological and supernatural weight with grace.
A haunting experience that demands the big screen, Dies Irae isn’t just another horror film — it’s a sensory event, a reminder of how Malayalam cinema continues to raise the bar for world-class storytelling.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Verdict: Must-watch theatrical experience for horror lovers.
