Sukshma Darshini is a thrilling mystery-thriller that keeps the audience engaged from the beginning till the end. The story revolves around neighbors settled in a middle-class colony and sudden events in their lives. When Manuel returns to the old house with his mother, Priya and her friends become suspicious of him. After this, they begin to gather clues to understand Manuel’s intentions. Suspense, emotions and social message have been presented in an excellent way in this exciting film.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Sookshmadarshini |
| Release Date | November 22, 2024 (India) |
| Duration | 2 hours 22 minutes |
| Director | Mc Jithin |
| Writers | Athul Ramachandran, Libin T.B. |
| Languages | Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada |
| Box Office | $1,655,739 (Worldwide) |
| Production Companies | AVA Productions, Happy Hours Entertainments |
Story
The story of Sukhshma Darshini begins in a quiet middle-class colony, where Priyadarshini “Priya” lives with her husband Anthony and daughter Kani. Priya, who wants to restart her career, goes to a second round of interviews at a company along with her neighbor and friend Steffy, a single mother. Meanwhile, a man named Manuel, the new owner of Grace Bakers, moves into the neighborhood with his elderly mother, Grace. Manuel initially wins over his friendly demeanor, but soon his strange and disturbing actions start to strike Priya as suspicious.
Manuel’s strangeness comes to the fore when he hosts a party and serves monitor lizard meat to the guests, passing it off as beef. Subsequently, during Priya and Anthony’s wedding anniversary celebrations, Manuel intentionally leaves an iron on, causing their house to catch fire. The fire is put out, but in the chaos Grace goes missing. He is found near a railway station. Manuel claims that Grace has Alzheimer’s, but Priya is suspicious as Grace appears to perform her daily tasks efficiently.
Manuel’s dangerous plot is exposed when he calls Steffy to babysit Grace and renders her unconscious with drugged mango juice. During this time, Grace disappears again. Priya grows suspicious and searches Manuel’s house with the help of her neighbors Sulu and Asma. There, they find a freshly painted wall and a red wet mark. But Manuel’s cousin Dr. John stops them and destroys the evidence by pouring acid.
The story takes a new turn when Manuel’s sister Diana arrives from New Zealand to help the police investigation. Diana looks confused and uncomfortable. Priya insists on maintaining contact with Diana. Soon Priya learns that Manuel is misleading everyone by hiding Diana’s identity from her phone.
Priya also learns that Diana was a lesbian and was in a relationship with Aditi, a Tamil woman in New Zealand. Both of them were planning to adopt a child. But this dream was broken due to Diana’s sudden disappearance. Meanwhile, Manuel captures Aditi by rendering her unconscious.
Priya eventually uncovers the terrible truth that Manuel’s family murdered Diana “in the name of honor.” Diana’s body was dissolved in acid and now they are planning to kill Aditi too. At the climax of the story, Priya discovers Manuel’s hideout and overpowers Manuel and John by driving into the building in her car. Aditi is rescued and the police arrest Manuel, Grace, Roy and John. The film ends with Priya’s bravery and determination being praised as a hero in the society.
Main Cast:
- Nazriya Nazim (as Priyadarshini ‘Priya’ Antony)
- Basil Joseph (as Manuel)
- Akhila Bhargavan (as Sulu)
- Merin Philip (as Stephy)
- Deepak Parambol (as Antony)
- Sidharth Bharathan (as Dr. John)
- Pooja Mohanraj (as Asma)
- Kottayam Ramesh (as Roy)
Trailer
Review
In Indian cinema, new stories often come out in the thriller genre, but ‘Sukshma Darshini’ is something different. The film is not just a mystery and thriller, but a deeply woven story, which presents social issues in an entertaining form. Let’s look at it through a critic’s eyes. This film is for those who want something new in thriller. Basil Joseph impresses the audience with his distinct acting style, while Nazriya Nazim has given a natural and balanced performance.
The biggest draw of the film is its spectacular visuals, lush green locations, and unexpected twists. Although the screenplay feels a little slow, it doesn’t completely spoil the experience. The film’s direction style, atmosphere and story flow make it a great cinema experience.
Just like the pleasure of drinking a good wine with time, ‘Sukshma Darshini’ also strengthens its hold with time. Screenplay written by Athul Ramachandran and Libin and written by M.C. Jithin’s direction has made it a masterpiece. Nazriya has done a great performance by moving away from her usual characters. Basil Joseph’s quirky acting and his expressions are also superb. The supporting cast, especially Akhila Bhargavanan, have given impressive performances and show great potential for the future.
Cristo Javier’s background music and other technical aspects match the level of the script. This film is a must-watch experience for any thriller lover.
‘Sookshma Darshini’ is not only a mystery-thriller, but it also highlights a social tragedy. The story of the film revolves around a middle-class neighborhood and the events that happen after the arrival of a strange family there. The first half of the film creates doubt and restlessness in the minds of the audience. While the second part moves slowly and gives the audience a chance to draw several conclusions. But an unexpected twist 20 minutes in the end changes everything, reminding the audience of ‘Karma Ka Phal’.
Nazriya Nazim has nailed the role of a bold and fun-loving woman. Basil’s strange character and his behavior have taken the film to a different level. Siddharth Bharathan has presented his character in a calm but effective manner. Artists like Akhila Bhargavanan, Pooja Mohanraj, and Marine Marie Philippe have also left their mark on the story.
Conclusion,
‘Sookshma Darshini’ is a great thriller that enthralls the audience with its deep social message, strong acting and unexpected twists. The story of the film, which takes place in a middle-class neighbourhood, not only solves a mystery but also highlights social issues. Artists like Basil Joseph and Nazriya Nazim have given a new dimension to the film with their brilliant performances.
Although the second half of the film moves a bit slow, its brilliant ending and interesting twists make it a memorable experience. The technical aspects, such as cinematography, background music and editing, also add to the beauty of the film.
Overall, ‘Sookshma Darshini’ is a must-watch film for a thriller lover. It will not only immerse you in suspense, but also make you think.