Sookshma Darshini (2024): "A Gripping Suspense Thriller with Twist along with Neighborhood Fist"

 

Director: MC Jithin
Starring: Nazriya Nazim, Basil Joseph, Sidharth Bharathan, Akhila Bhargavan
Producers: A.V. Anoop, Shyju Khalid, Sameer Thahir
Production House: Plan J Studios
Music Director: Christo Xavier
Cinematography: Sharan Velayudhan Nair
Editor: Chaman Chakko
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Language: Malayalam
Runtime: 2hr 34min

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Plot

Sookshma Darshini revolves around Priya (Nazriya Nazim), a curious neighbor whose harmless nosiness uncovers hidden secrets and a shocking crime in her community. With a mix of humor, drama, and suspense, the story unfolds through her observations and the community's unexpected reactions, leading to a gripping climax with a clever twist.

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Performances

• Nazriya Nazim: A solid performance as Priya, balancing curiosity and determination. While her character shines, a climactic dialogue for elevation felt slightly exaggerated.
• Basil Joseph: A standout performance, blending humor and intensity effortlessly. His expressive presence steals the show.
• Sidharth Bharathan: Short yet impactful, adding charm and depth to the film with his effortless humor.
• Ammachi (Supporting Cast): The elderly woman delivers an authentic and memorable performance.
• Other Supporting Cast: Akhila Bhargavan, Merin Philip, Deepak Parambol, and Pooja Mohanraj provide solid support, enriching the narrative.

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Technical Aspects

• Direction: MC Jithin crafts an engaging narrative with a strong storyline and suspenseful twists. However, certain stretches of realism and overdone investigation scenes could feel over the top.
• Music: Christo Xavier’s background score is impressive, elevating the suspenseful moments, though the songs are average.
• Cinematography: Sharan Velayudhan Nair’s visuals complement the suspense and drama, adding a moody ambiance.
• Editing: Chaman Chakko ensures a smooth narrative flow while maintaining the suspense.

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Strengths

• Intriguing plot
• Stellar performances
• Effective twist

Weaknesses

• Slight exaggeration in parts

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My Personal Take on Cinema

Sookshma Darshini offers an engaging crime drama that masterfully explores community dynamics, humor, and suspense. MC Jithin’s concept and storytelling shine, with Basil Joseph’s outstanding performance adding immense charm. The cinematography and background score amplify the thrilling elements. While the climax twist is impactful, a particular dialogue from Nazriya felt forced for elevation, slightly dampening the flow. Overall, it’s a commendable effort that delivers intrigue and entertainment with minor flaws.

Rating: 3/5