Trance

Trance is a thrilling and engaging psychodrama that released in 2020. Directed by Anwar Rasheed, the film features an ensemble cast led by Fahadh Faasil and featuring Gautham Vasudev Menon, Joju George, Dileesh Pothan, Sreenath Bhasi, and Nazriya Nazim in significant roles.

The movie centers around Viju Prasad (Fahadh Faasil), a struggling motivational speaker from Kanyakumari, perceived to be battling depression due to personal issues. His life takes a drastic turn when two corporate giants, Solomon (Gautham Vasudev Menon) and Isaac (Chemban Vinod Jose), approach him with an enticingly unconventional project. He is cunningly transformed into a successful healer who can "perform miracles and drive away devils." The movie explores the character of Viju as he advances through a world fueled by greed, deceit, and dangerous maneuvers.

Trance, an amalgamation of drama, mystery, and psychological thriller, exposes the murky underbelly of the high-profit "spiritual business" and the gaping flaws of blind faith. The story peels back layer upon layer and points out the duplicitous exploitations and manipulations that are often justified under the guise of faith and religion.

Fahadh Faasil's striking performance as the protagonist is undoubtedly one of the significant highlights of the film. His transformation from a meek lecturer to a charismatic life coach allows Faasil to exhibit remarkable versatility and depth as an actor. Gautham Vasudev Menon and Joju George also play their respective roles impressively, adding more substance to the storyline.

Amal Neerad's cinematography is spectacular and contributes immensely to the beauty of the movie. Through stunning visuals, the film gives its audience a taste of paradoxically tranquil yet chaotic city life across different timelines. The art director Ajayan Chalissery's choice of bright and bold hues further establish the surreal mood of the film, reinforcing the essence of the narrative.

Rasheed, through his poetic storytelling approach, has ingeniously portrayed the world of religion and faith whose murky secrets usually stay hidden behind curtains. He delves deep into the realities of the commercialization of religious kindling faith among masses. The writing by Vincent Vadakkan is sharp and uncompromising, refusing to shy away from asking uncomfortable questions about society's dangerous obsession with the culture of prosperity theology.

Resul Pookutty's immersive sound design, combined with Jackson Vijayan and Vinayakan's breathtaking musical score, adds an additional layer of complexity and interest to the film. This captivating blend of visuals and sound design ensures that Trance is a treat for both the eyes and ears.

National award-winning editor Praveen Prabhakar does a fantastic job, ensuring the plot retains a brisk pace. The result is a slick and stylish film which keeps you at the edge of your seat throughout. The film's sensibilities are further enriched by the grandeur of costuming and set design, which add to the narrative's evocative power.

Without revealing the twists and turns, the beauty of Trance lies in the intelligently crafted screenplay, which keeps the viewers guessing and engaged throughout, with Fahadh Faasil's character's evolution from despair to triumph, then to manipulation and finally to revelation.

Trance is quite different from the mainstream South Indian cinema and, indeed, it evokes polarized views. It is provocative and dares to question the societal norms that we take for granted. It also offers a unique take on faith, fraud, and fanaticism, thereby creating a compelling conversation starter.

In conclusion, Trance is a gripping psychological drama that stands out for its bold concept, powerful performances, and brilliant technical wizardry. It delivers a message about faith and exploitation that is worth contemplating. This film is not only a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema but also an embodiment of tackling a complex subject matter with sophistication while maintaining cinematic beauty.