Dies Irae Movie 2025 Bappamtv Review Details
Dies Irae (2025) Review: A Deep Dive
You know that rare movie that stays in your head after the credits? Dies Irae is one of those — a technically sharp, quietly terrifying Malayalam horror that leans on atmosphere and a career-best turn from Pranav Mohanlal.
Quick Take
Director-writer Rahul Sadasivan builds dread slowly. The film trusts mood over cheap jump scares, and the result feels mature and unsettling.
| Star Rating | Overall: 4 / 5 |
Storyline Breakdown
Dies Irae follows Rohan Shankar, a privileged Indo-American whose life unravels after the mysterious death of his ex, Kani. The plot threads ancestral secrets, local folklore, and an escalating sense of invasion into Rohan’s private world.
Plot Beats
- Inciting incident: Kani’s death and Rohan’s suspicion.
- Investigation: Rohan digs into local histories and family ties.
- Escalation: Supernatural signs invade everyday life.
- Climax: Confrontation with the source of the haunting.
Insight: The screenplay prefers dread-building beats over loud scares.
Takeaway: If you like slow-burn horror, this will stick with you.
Character Arc Analysis
At the center is Pranav Mohanlal as Rohan — layered, fragile, and often unreliable. This is the film’s emotional anchor.
| Character | Arc / Role |
|---|---|
| Rohan Shankar (Pranav Mohanlal) | From insulated privilege to forced confrontation with ancestral darkness. |
| Kani (Sushmitha Bhat) | Catalyst whose death triggers the narrative and emotional fallout. |
| Madhu (Gibin Gopinath) | Local link to ancestral lore; adds gravitas and history. |
Insight: Rohan’s arc is the film’s human heart; the supernatural works because we care about him.
Takeaway: Strong performance choices elevate what could have been a straightforward ghost story.
Screenplay Quality
The writing emphasizes atmosphere and implication. Dialogues are lean; silences speak. The third act draws mild criticism for stretching explanations, but until that point the script maintains taut control.
- Strength: Pacing and tension-building.
- Weakness: Final act leans towards exposition.
Insight: The screenplay’s restraint is refreshing in a market that often fixes to loud climaxes.
Takeaway: The film’s mood holds stronger than its final tidy-up.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director & Writer | Rahul Sadasivan |
| Lead Actor | Pranav Mohanlal |
| Cinematography | Shehnad Jalal |
| Music | Christo Xavier |
| Editing | Shafique Mohammed Ali |
Genre Benchmarks & Comparison
I’ve reviewed hundreds of horror films; this one ranks high for technical craft and mood.
| Benchmark | Dies Irae | Typical Commercial Horror |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | High | Medium |
| Performance | Standout | Variable |
| Technical Craft | Excellent | Mixed |
Insight: Technically, this is among 2025’s more accomplished regional horrors.
Takeaway: A must-watch for viewers interested in craft-driven scares.
Technical Notes
Shehnad Jalal’s cinematography and Jothish Shankar’s art direction build the film’s look. Sound design in Dolby Atmos is used effectively to pull viewers into small, unnerving moments.
- Editing keeps pace tight until the explanatory final act.
- Score by Christo Xavier underscores dread without being overbearing.
Box Office & Release
Released worldwide on October 31, 2025, timed for Halloween. CBFC awarded an A certificate due to intense content.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 31, 2025 |
| Certification | A |
| Box Office (India) |
Final Verdict
As a reviewer who’s covered 500+ films over 12+ years, I can say Dies Irae is a technically confident horror with a central performance that anchors the film’s risks.
I think the movie’s mood and craft will be its lasting legacy, even if the narrative resolution divides viewers.
Ratings are my take and may shift with rewatch—your mileage varies.
FAQs
Q: Is Dies Irae suitable for casual horror fans?
A: It’s best for viewers who prefer slow-burn, atmospheric horror rather than jump-scare thrillers.
Q: How is Pranav Mohanlal’s performance?
A: Many will call it his career-best so far — layered and committed.
Q: Does the film rely on special effects?
A: Effects are used judiciously; the film depends more on design, sound, and cinematography to unsettle.
