'Kalaratri' review: Be at home with dread

Malayalam psychological thriller 'Kalaratri' is the latest addition to Manorama Max. It could be your pick if you're in the mood for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 'Kalaratri' is likely to generate some buzz for its ability to craft an unsettling atmosphere of dread, a key ingredient in any gripping thriller.

The title of Anand Krishnaraj’s 'Kalaratri' refers to the seventh form of goddess Durga, which is associated with dread and fear. The film embraces this tone right from the start, following a young couple, Sunny (Abhimanue Sajeev) and Zoya (Mariya Suma Varghese), as they drive through a desolate stretch of hills in the dead of night. An unexpected event forces them to seek refuge in a nearby home, setting off a chain of eerie occurrences.
Anand, who previously directed 'RJ Madonna', another suspense-driven tale centred around a house, explores a similar theme in 'Kalaratri'. Though most of the story is straightforward, the director engages flashbacks from time to time to give viewers a better sense of the characters and their motives, driving the narrative forward.

House invasion plots are inherently intriguing, and Anand manages to maintain the suspense throughout the film to keep the audience engaged. At its core, 'Kalaratri' is a psychological thriller, but the makers have woven in a parallel storyline of two children who live in the house. Their emotional bond is one of the film's standout elements, adding significant depth to the overall plot.

However, 'Kalaratri' carries an 'A' certificate, making it restricted for younger audiences due to its strong language and mature themes. Thambu Wilson, known for her work in 'Irupathiyonnaam Noottaandu', brings the right amount of depth to her role. Mariya Suma, Maria Abhish, and Abimanue Sajeev all deliver solid performances, but it is Adrian Abhish who truly steals the show, leaving a lasting impression. Lijin Eldho Alisa and Divin George Kurian's cinematography keeps viewers on edge, effectively building the suspense throughout the film.

The music, composed by Rishad Musthafa, plays a crucial role in maintaining this tension, with a fitting score that enhances the overall atmosphere. Director Anand Krishnaraj, who also handles the editing, delivers moments of brilliance, particularly in his seamless blending of past and present, that add depth to the narrative. Overall, 'Kalaratri' is an engaging thriller and manages to successfully deliver a story where suspense is rooted in psychological dread.