‘Sookshmadarshini’: A Captivating Malayalam Mystery Thriller

Sookshmadarshini is a 2024 Malayalam-language black-comedy mystery thriller directed by MC Jithin, featuring Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph in lead roles. The film takes viewers into the life of Priyadarshini “Priya” Antony (Nazriya Nazim) and her friends as they delve into the suspicious activities of Manuel (Basil Joseph), a bakery owner who has recently returned to their neighborhood with his enigmatic mother, Gracy.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Priya and her friends, who are drawn to the mysterious and peculiar behavior of Manuel and his mother. What begins as playful curiosity quickly escalates into a thrilling investigation. The movie intertwines comedy and suspense as secrets unravel, leading to shocking revelations.

Cast and Crew

• Nazriya Nazim as Priyadarshini “Priya” Antony
• Basil Joseph as Manuel
• Akhila Bhargavan as Sulu, Priya’s friend and neighbor
• Merin Philip as Stephy, Priya’s friend
• Pooja Mohanraj as Asma, Priya’s friend and neighbor
• Siddharth Bharathan as Dr. John, Manuel’s cousin
• Deepak Parambol as Antony, Priya’s husband
• Kottayam Ramesh as Roy, Manuel’s uncle
• Manohari Joy as Gracy, Manuel’s mother

Produced by AVA Productions and Happy Hours Entertainments, the film boasts impressive technical contributions:

• Cinematography by Sharan Velayudhan Nair
• Editing by Chaman Chakko
• Music by Christo Xavier

Critical Reception

Sookshmadarshini received glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike:

• The Times of India (Anna Mathews) rated the film 4/5, praising its seamless blend of writing, direction, acting, and music. The review noted, “This is an entertainer that will appeal to theater audiences with its exciting thriller elements.”
• The Indian Express (Anandu Suresh) gave it 3.5/5, writing, “From the outset, Sookshmadarshini expertly balances mystery and comedy, creating a harmonious blend that engages audiences throughout.”
• The Hindu (S. R. Praveen) commented, “The film is a cleverly written thriller that transforms a simple story into an elevating experience, adding to Malayalam cinema’s remarkable streak of high-quality films this year.”

Box Office Performance

The film opened to a strong box office response:

• Opening Day: ₹1.55 crore
• First 5 Days: ₹23 crore worldwide
• Week 2 Total: ₹44 crore (₹25 crore domestic and ₹19 crore overseas)

By the end of its theatrical run, Sookshmadarshini earned a whopping ₹55 crore worldwide, making it a box office success, especially given its modest budget of ₹14 crore.

Why Watch Sookshmadarshini?

1. Engaging Storytelling: A perfect mix of comedy, mystery, and suspense.
2. Stellar Performances: Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph deliver career-defining roles.
3. Technical Brilliance: The film’s cinematography, music, and editing create an immersive experience.
4. Critical Acclaim: Recognized as one of the standout films in Malayalam cinema for 2024.