A Malayalam Mystery That Hooks but Doesn’t Quite Astonish
Released in theaters on November 22, 2024, Sookshmadarshini (translating to "Microscope") is a Malayalam-language mystery thriller that promises a blend of suspense, humor, and neighborhood intrigue. Directed by M.C. Jithin and starring the delightful duo of Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph, this film has garnered praise for its clever premise and engaging performances since hitting Disney+ Hotstar on January 10, 2025. Set in a quaint Kerala town, it follows a group of nosy neighbors unraveling secrets about a newcomer, Manuel, and his mother. While it’s a refreshing addition to Malayalam cinema’s thriving thriller catalog, does it live up to the hype? At 135 minutes, it’s a slow-burn ride that captivates but doesn’t fully dazzle—here’s why.
The Plot: Curiosity Killed the Cat—or Did It?
The story centers on Priyadarshini, or Priya (Nazriya Nazim), a sharp-witted young woman with an insatiable curiosity about her neighbors in Kolenchery. When Manuel (Basil Joseph) returns to his childhood home with his ailing mother after years away, Priya’s suspicions kick into overdrive. Is he a grieving son or hiding something sinister? With her friends—a ragtag crew of local sleuths—she embarks on a mission to dig into Manuel’s past, uncovering clues that twist between comedy and dread. The narrative unfolds like a jigsaw puzzle, with Priya’s amateur detective work driving the first half and a darker truth emerging in the second.
The film’s strength lies in its setup: a seemingly mundane neighborhood turned into a hotbed of secrets. Flashbacks reveal Manuel’s strained history, while Priya’s snooping—spying through windows, tailing suspects—keeps you guessing. The climax aims for a big reveal, tying together Alzheimer’s, family ties, and betrayal, but it lands softer than expected, leaving some threads dangling. It’s a tale of observation gone wild, though its microscope doesn’t always zoom in sharp enough.
Performances: Nazriya and Basil Shine Bright
Nazriya Nazim is the film’s heartbeat as Priya, channeling a mix of charm and tenacity. Her wide-eyed nosiness is relatable—who hasn’t peeked at a neighbor’s odd behavior?—and her comic timing keeps the tone light even as the stakes rise. She’s at her best in banter with her friends, played by Akhila Bhargavan, Merin Philip, and Pooja Mohanraj, whose chemistry feels like a warm Kerala afternoon chat. Nazriya carries the film’s emotional shifts with ease, though her character’s arc plateaus toward the end.
Basil Joseph, as Manuel, is equally compelling, balancing awkwardness and mystery. Known for his comedic flair (Minnal Murali), he dials it back here, letting subtle expressions—a nervous glance, a forced smile—hint at deeper turmoil. His scenes with his on-screen mother (Kottayam Ramesh) are tender yet unsettling, anchoring the film’s emotional core. The ensemble shines, but the supporting cast occasionally feels like props in Priya and Manuel’s orbit rather than fully fleshed-out players.
Direction and Craft: A Steady Hand with Mixed Results
M.C. Jithin, in his sophomore outing, crafts a thriller that’s more about mood than shocks. The screenplay, co-written with Libin T.B. and Athul Ramachandran, is taut in its first half, weaving humor and suspense with a Hitchcockian nod to Rear Window. The pacing, however, falters post-interval, stretching quiet moments into lulls that test patience. Jithin keeps the mystery alive until the end, but the payoff—while clever—lacks the gut-punch to elevate it from good to great.
Visually, Sharan Velayudhan’s cinematography captures Kerala’s lush, small-town vibe—think narrow lanes, tiled roofs, and nosy aunties peering from verandas. The muted palette suits the story’s tone, though it rarely dazzles. Christo Xavier’s score is a standout, layering eerie strings over playful beats to mirror the film’s shifting moods. Chaman Chacko’s editing keeps twists unpredictable, though a tighter trim could’ve sharpened the second half’s slog.
Themes: The Perils of Peeking
Sookshmadarshini explores voyeurism and the human itch to uncover hidden truths. Priya’s “microscope” isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset, reflecting how we project our biases onto others. The film toys with perception versus reality, asking whether curiosity is a virtue or a vice. It’s not as profound as it could be—unlike, say, Drishyam’s moral maze—but it’s a fun riff on neighborhood gossip turned deadly. The Alzheimer’s subplot adds a poignant layer, though it’s more a plot device than a deep dive into memory or loss.
Verdict: A Solid Watch That Stops Short of Brilliance
Sookshmadarshini is a commendable effort in Malayalam cinema’s thriller renaissance, offering a fresh spin on the genre with its local flavor and stellar leads. Nazriya and Basil are a joy to watch, and the film’s blend of laughs and chills keeps you hooked for most of its runtime. Yet, it’s not without flaws. The slow pacing and a climax that feels more clever than cathartic prevent it from joining the ranks of Malayalam’s elite thrillers like C U Soon or Joseph. It’s engaging but not unforgettable, satisfying but not revelatory.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, it’s a cozy pick for a weekend binge—perfect with a cup of chai and some pazhampori. Critics have lauded its writing and performances (a 7.8/10 on IMDb as of now), and it’s easy to see why: it’s smartly crafted fun. But if you’re expecting a mind-bending twist or edge-of-your-seat tension, you might leave wanting more. For fans of Nazriya, Basil, or lighthearted mysteries, it’s a treat worth savoring—just don’t zoom in too close expecting a masterpiece.
Rating: 3.5/5
Sookshmadarshini proves Malayalam cinema’s knack for blending the everyday with the extraordinary. It’s a microscope worth peering through, even if the view isn’t always razor-sharp.
Sookshmadarshini proves Malayalam cinema’s knack for blending the everyday with the extraordinary. It’s a microscope worth peering through, even if the view isn’t always razor-sharp.
