Kochi : Director Rahul Sadasivan, known for setting a new standard for Malayalam horror with films like Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam, has once again struck gold with his latest outing, ‘Dies Irae’. The horror-thriller, starring Pranav Mohanlal in a career-defining performance, has opened to overwhelmingly positive reviews, with critics and audiences alike calling it one of the best horror films to emerge from Indian cinema.
The film, whose Latin title translates to “Day of Wrath,” plunges viewers into the world of Rohan (Pranav Mohanlal), a wealthy man whose seemingly perfect life unravels as he becomes increasingly convinced that a malevolent supernatural entity is haunting his ancestral home. The narrative follows his descent into chaos as he races to uncover a deep-seated family mystery and the truth behind the haunting, which is loosely based on true events.
A Masterclass in Technical Brilliance
Dies Irae is lauded for its meticulous and restrained approach to the genre, relying on atmosphere and sound design to generate genuine chills rather than overt gore. Reviewers have highlighted the technical departments as key to the film’s success. Christo Xavier’s haunting background score is described as a “sonic carnage” that perfectly complements the eerie silences. The sound design, alongside the immersive cinematography by Shehnad Jalal, creates a palpable sense of dread that keeps the audience hooked throughout the 1-hour and 55-minute runtime.
Pranav Mohanlal’s portrayal of Rohan—the spoiled brat grappling with an unseen terror—is widely considered his finest performance yet. His intense gaze and controlled use of dialogue effectively heighten the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The film, while noted by some to be a slow-burner in the first half, deliberately builds intrigue and tension, culminating in a deeply engaging and terrifying second half filled with “solid jump scare moments that work big time as theatrical moments.”
With its methodical build-up, stunning technical craft, and an impactful, emotional core, Dies Irae is being celebrated as a sophisticated and terrifying theatrical experience that elevates the Malayalam horror genre to an international standard.
