Dr Mathew Rosy is a beloved figure in his hillside village, known for his unwavering commitment to assisting those in need. However, he harbours a darker side, engaging in the torment of individuals within his home. The motivations behind his actions remain unclear, raising the question of whether any of his captives will manage to escape.

In the review of Rudhiram, directed by debutant Jisho Lon Antony and featuring Raj B Shetty and Aparna Balamurali, two significant inquiries arise after the first half: What is the true nature of Dr Mathew (Raj B Shetty), who embodies a 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' persona? Additionally, how will one of his captives find a way to flee from his house of horrors? While the latter question is resolved predictably, the exploration of Dr. Mathew's character fails to generate any empathy, primarily due to the uninspired writing.

Rudhiram, despite its minimal plot, had the potential to evolve into a compelling survival thriller by effectively utilizing the elements of a captive's escape from her tormentor and the subsequent unveiling of the captor's motives. However, Jisho, who co-wrote the screenplay with Joseph Kiran George, fails to maintain the necessary tension throughout the scenes. Instead, the narrative is divided into two segments: one that aims to evoke disdain for Dr. Mathew while hinting at an impending twist. Unfortunately, by the time this twist is revealed, it lacks the intended impact due to its delayed introduction, following a monotonous hour detailing the escape of one of the captives from her place of torment.

The rationale behind Dr. Mathew's actions is presented too late to elicit any genuine concern from the audience. Had this been addressed earlier and with more emotional depth, it could have contributed to a more powerful climax for the film.

One significant reason Rudhiram fails to achieve the intended impact is that Raj B Shetty does not convincingly portray a threat to the captives. It is important to clarify that this observation is unrelated to his physical presence, as the actor has demonstrated his ability to convey intensity in previous roles, with Garuda Gamana Vrishaba Vahana serving as a notable example. However, the character's writing limits his ability to fully engage with the role. Certain scenes, particularly those in which he is required to shout at his captors in Malayalam, come across as contrived.

Similarly, Aparna spends a considerable portion of the film confined to a room, attempting to devise an escape plan with only a rat and a dog for companionship. This scenario had the potential to be compelling, especially with the inclusion of regular interactions with her captor. Instead, she is left to her own devices, which diminishes the suspense necessary to maintain the tension of a survival thriller.

The cinematography of the film, executed by Sajad Kaakku, particularly shines in the latter half, ensuring that the visuals remain captivating. However, Rudhiram ultimately represents a missed opportunity, as it fails to fully embrace its genre or showcase the potential of its talented cast. Despite being directed by a newcomer and featuring several relatively inexperienced actors and crew members, the film does present a few noteworthy scenes—especially the concluding explanation—and some creative approaches taken by Aparna's character in her quest for resolution, indicating that there was some thoughtful consideration in the script. Nevertheless, the execution fell short of achieving the desired impact.

Rudhiram verdict: The survival thriller, featuring Raj B Shetty and Aparna Balamurali, struggles to captivate its audience, resulting in a rather uninspired film that needed stronger writing to fulfil its genre's promise.

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