Athiran

Athiran is an Indian psychological horror thriller film released in 2019. This intriguingly mysterious film is in the Malayalam language, is directed by Vivek, and stars Fahadh Faasil, Sai Pallavi, and Atul Kulkarni in the main roles. The film offers an engaging blend of horror, suspense, and psychological elements, taking its audiences on a fascinating narrative journey that unfolds within the confined walls of a strange psychiatric facility nestled deep in the heart of Kerala's picture-perfect hills.

The film's plot revolves around Fahadh Faasil, an astute psychiatrist, who is singularly focused on unravelling the deeply complicated mysteries of the mind. Fahadh portrays Dr. Nair, who receives an urgent assignment, issued by the government, to evaluate the goings on in a psychiatric facility tucked away from the mainstream society. This facility is run by the stern Dr. Benjamin, played by Atul Kulkarni, and houses only five patients. What makes this assignment challenging is that the hospital operates under specific, peculiar rules, including barring any kind of outside contact, thus wrapping the institution and its inhabitants in a shroud of seeming secrecy.

One of the inmates that sparks Dr. Nair's interest is the mysteriously enchanting Nithya, played by Sai Pallavi. Nithya is a beautiful, yet eerily quiet young woman grappling with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pallavi, known for her versatility, takes on the complex character showcasing an array of emotions while exhibiting the oscillating behavioural patterns synonymous with her condition. Fahadh Faasil's character is drawn to her intriguing persona. He firmly believes there’s more than meets the eye.

In his bid to comprehend the twisted enigma behind the secretive hospital and its residents, Dr. Nair faces immense resistance from Dr. Benjamin. How he manoeuvres around tightly shut closets of secrets forms the crux of the movie. The characters are impeccably built around the storyline and are bound to leave a lasting impact.

The screenplay, written by P.F. Mathews, is a labyrinth laced with a chilling horror element, which is cleverly complemented by the stunning cinematography of Ghibran. The grim, eerie ambiance of the hospital, coupled with the pristine but foreboding forests in the hills of Kerala that serve as a backdrop, sets the right tone for the film. The suspense nicely builds up and weaves in elements of horror, surprising the audience as the plot begins to untangle.

Although the movie is a psychological thriller, it also embeds traditional Indian norms, culture and superstitions, providing a rich, cultural background. This adds depth and a unique flavour to the narrative. Dance also forms a significant part of the film, particularly in Sai Pallavi's portrayal of her character and her expression of emotions is truly one-of-a-kind.

Athiran undoubtedly benefits from the incredibly immersive performances of the actors, most notably Fahadh Faasil and Sai Pallavi, making the characters truly come to life on screen. Fahadh's portrayal of the stern, focused, yet compassionate psychiatrist seeking truth and Sai's compelling rendition of a troubled girl with a deep darkness within her make this film a layered masterpiece. The supporting cast which includes actors like Lena, Prakash Raj, Surabhi, and Sudev Nair also provide commendable performances.

The film’s sound design and the captivating musical score by P.S Jayahari play pivotal roles in keeping audiences on the tenterhooks throughout. Sound elements are precisely used at critical moments, heightening suspense and fear.

In conclusion, Athiran is a brilliantly executed film that masterfully combines elements of horror, suspense, and psychological drama. The movie brings on the table, an experience that is a far cry from the regular horror films. It takes you on a wild ride that is filled with riveting mysteries, scary shadows, twisted narratives, and everything required to keep you at the edge of your seat throughout its duration. While Fahadh Faasil continues to impress with his flawless acting, Sai Pallavi features in a (literally) unforgettable performance that will keep the viewers captivated long after the film has ended. Athiran is certainly a must-watch film for those who enjoy intelligently crafted psychological thrillers.