Rekhachithram story: On the day that police officer Vivek Gopinath returns to duty following his suspension, a confession of suicide from a remorseful individual reveals a 40-year-old cold case concerning a missing woman. In an effort to atone for his past, Vivek embarks on a quest to follow the scant clues that remain, tracing her history, which last places her in public at the scene of the shooting in Mammootty's Kaathodu Kaathoram.

Rekhachithram review: Connecting an investigation to the realm of cinema presents a significant challenge for filmmakers. This difficulty arises from the fact that the cinematic world has become more familiar to audiences than reality itself, largely due to the extensive consumption of pop culture over the years. However, this also offers considerable opportunities when executed effectively. Director Jofin T Chacko successfully navigates this challenge in his second directorial effort, Rekhachithram, featuring Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan, along with a number of unexpected cameos.

The film commences with an inquiry into a suicide video, which ultimately leads to the discovery of a body that has remained buried for four decades. For the male lead, police officer Vivek Gopinath (Asif Ali), this case presents an opportunity for personal redemption; however, he is faced with a scarcity of clues to advance his investigation. Gradually, he begins to assemble the pieces, uncovering that the individual was last seen on the set of Kaathodu Kaathoram.

The strength of Rekhachithram lies in its screenplay crafted by Jofin, John Manthrickal, and Ramu Sunil. This trio effectively maintains audience engagement throughout Vivek's investigative journey in the present day. Equipped with little more than a body and a handful of police memos, the narrative captivates viewers through its intricately woven alternate history segments, which may inspire a renewed viewing of Kaathodu Kaathoram. Additionally, the contemporary scenes are rich with suspense and character intricacies, presenting formidable challenges for both Vivek and the audience as the investigation unfolds.

The essence of the film is captured through its flashback sequences, which focus entirely on Anaswara Rajan’s character, Rekha. The exploration of her identity, the circumstances that led to her current situation, her dreams, her character traits, and the misunderstandings she faces all contribute to the audience's deep engagement in uncovering Rekha's story, and by extension, the narrative of the film itself. This is the success of Rekhachithram, which features numerous other highlights in the segments that depict the past. Much like the process of creating a detailed sketch—beginning with an outline, followed by the addition of details, shading, texturing, and final touches—the filmmakers guide the audience through each of these stages, captivatingly, piece by piece, leading up to the ultimate revelation.

Anaswara personifies the hopeful, ambitious individuals aspiring to enter the film industry, captivated by the allure of cinema. This connection to the audience is significantly enhanced by the script, which not only positions her as the focal point of an investigation but also explores the elements that shape her character. In recent years, Asif has excelled in portraying characters experiencing emotional distress while maintaining a façade of strength in the face of greater challenges. Jofin effectively utilizes this aspect in Rekhachithram, with the actor delivering a remarkable performance as a flawed yet gifted police officer, devoid of the typical ‘mass’ tropes.

The film effectively employs a robust backstory for nearly all its key characters, and the performances of the supporting cast enhance this effect. Sai Kumar, Jagadeesh, Siddique, Bhama Arun, Manoj K Jayan, and Sreekanth Murali play crucial roles in conveying the narrative, while Zarin Shihab and Saleema deliver commendable performances. The casting in the film is nearly flawless, and the meticulous attention to detail warrants additional commendation.

Mujeeb Majeed, who previously composed for Asif’s Kishkindha Kaandam, demonstrates once again his remarkable ability to engage the audience without causing distraction. Appu Prabhakar’s cinematography, combined with Shameer Muhammed’s editing, ensures that Rekhachithram maintains a fluid storytelling style, even as it transitions between two different time periods.

Rekhachithram verdict: The creators, Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan have successfully crafted a nearly flawless mystery thriller set against the backdrop of the film industry in both the 1980s and the present, featuring a cast of intriguing protagonists. This film will keep viewers engaged with every development, whether minor or significant. It is a highly recommended experience in theatres.

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