Kochi: Director Jeethu Joseph, known for his masterful thrillers like ‘Drishyam’ and ‘Memories,’ appears to have stumbled with his latest offering, ‘Mirage.’ The mystery thriller, starring Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, and Hannah Reji Koshy, has largely failed to meet the high expectations associated with a Jeethu Joseph film, leaving audiences and critics underwhelmed.

Lack of Jeethu Joseph’s Signature Magic:
The film reportedly misses the “magic” typically found in Joseph’s works. His previous successes often hinged on disrupting audience predictions and skillfully manipulating plot twists. However, ‘Mirage’ struggles to effectively deploy these elements, leading to a predictable and less engaging narrative. The core concept—that “truth” or “fact” can be twisted into falsehoods or half-truths based on individual perspectives—is present but doesn’t quite resonate.

Screenplay Weaknesses:
Despite being packed with twists, many of them fail to make a significant impact. While the story twists and turns, it doesn’t manage to thrill the audience. Critics suggest the twists feel forced, and the overall narrative lacks the organic flow characteristic of Joseph’s best works. The screenplay, co-written by Jeethu Joseph and Srinivas Abrol from a story by Aparna R. Tarakad, is noted for its artificiality in dialogue, character presentation, and staging.

Performances:
Asif Ali, playing an online investigative reporter, and Aparna Balamurali, portraying the complex character Abhirami Menon, deliver natural performances, which are cited as a strength. Hannah Reji Koshy also receives praise for her portrayal. However, the weak character writing prevents audiences from forming an emotional connection, even with the villain. Other characters, including Hakeem Shajahan’s and Sampath Raj’s police officers, are described as lacking depth and sometimes veering into comedic territory unintentionally.

Technical Aspects:
The film’s background score, composed by Vishnu Shyam, is said to resemble Anil Johnson’s style but also bears similarities to ‘Drishyam’s score, failing to enhance the story’s impact. Editing by Vinayak also reportedly suffers from inconsistencies. While the cinematography by V.P. Sathish Kurup features aesthetically pleasing long shots, the overall technical execution doesn’t elevate the narrative.

Criticism and Expectations:
Reviewers highlight numerous logical errors and poorly executed fight sequences, with a fire scene being particularly criticized. The film’s attempt to forcefully incorporate Jeethu Joseph’s signature “Chekhov’s Gun” style also feels out of place. The title ‘Mirage’ and its conceptual link are overtly emphasized, making the directorial intent feel heavy-handed.

The consensus is that ‘Mirage’ is a disappointing experience for those expecting a typical Jeethu Joseph thriller. Audiences are advised not to watch ‘Mirage’ with the high expectations set by films like ‘Drishyam’ or ‘Memories,’ and instead await Jeethu Joseph’s self-written and directed ‘Drishyam 3.’

Mirage (2025) – Full Cast & Crew Director: Jeethu Joseph Writers: Jeethu Joseph, Aparna R. Tarakad, Srinivas Abrol Cast: Asif Ali (Aswin), Aparna Balamurali (Abhirami), Arjun Syam Gopan, Anandhu, Hannah Reji Koshy, Hakeem Shajahan, Kiran Sampath