‘A Cinematic Masterpiece’: Fans Hail Rahul Sadasivan’s Dies Irae Starring Pranav Mohanlal

Director Rahul Sadasivan, known for pushing the boundaries of Malayalam cinema with his atmospheric horror films Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam, has once again struck gold with his latest venture, Dies Irae. The horror-thriller, starring Pranav Mohanlal in the lead role, premiered today to an explosive reception, with fans on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) unanimously hailing the movie as a new benchmark for Indian horror cinema and an absolute “masterpiece.”

The film, whose title translates to “Day of Wrath,” is reportedly inspired by true events and follows Rohan (Pranav Mohanlal), a wealthy architect whose life spirals into chaos following a series of unsettling paranormal disturbances linked to a mysterious family past. While Sadasivan’s previous works have established his unique voice in the genre, the immediate audience reaction suggests Dies Irae is his most impactful film yet, delivering intense chills and a gripping narrative.

Pranav Mohanlal Delivers His ‘Career-Best’

The standout talking point from the early morning shows is the stellar performance delivered by lead actor Pranav Mohanlal. Having previously starred in dramas and romantic comedies, the young actor’s intense and restrained portrayal of a man grappling with psychological dread and supernatural terror is being celebrated as a transformative moment in his career.

Social media posts are flooded with praise, with users calling his act his “career-best performance” and declaring that he has cemented his place among the finest young actors in Malayalam cinema. Pranav’s ability to convey fear, confusion, and torment through subtle expressions and physically demanding scenes has been highlighted as the core emotional anchor that drives the film’s relentless tension.

Technical Brilliance Sets an International Standard

Beyond the performances, fans are crediting the film’s technical craftsmanship for elevating Dies Irae to an international standard. Sadasivan, known for his collaborative approach, worked with a top-tier technical team whose efforts were crucial to the film’s success as a theatrical experience.

• Sound Design and Score: The team’s work, particularly the haunting background score and intricate sound design, received specific and thunderous applause. Reviewers noted that the soundscape was a “sonic carnage” that enhanced the eerie atmosphere without resorting to typical loud jump-scare tactics. The use of sound is cited as a vital element in creating an immersive sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
• Cinematography: Shehnad Jalal’s cinematography is described as poetic and visually stunning, utilizing shadows, candlelight, and texture to paint a deeply atmospheric world that complements the film’s mood-driven horror style.

A Masterclass in Atmospheric Horror

Rahul Sadasivan is being widely praised for crafting a film that focuses on psychological tension rather than cheap thrills. Many fans drew comparisons to Western auteurs like Jordan Peele or the style often seen in A24 horror films, recognizing Sadasivan’s talent for building a “nightmare you cannot escape.”

While some initial reviews mentioned that the first half takes a slow-burn approach, the majority agreed that this deliberate pacing effectively builds a suffocating atmosphere, making the second half’s revelations and climactic moments all the more powerful. The consensus is that Dies Irae is not just a horror film but an intense, unforgettable cinematic experience that demands a big-screen viewing.

With the film having opened to such powerful word-of-mouth, Dies Irae is poised to become a major commercial success, further solidifying Rahul Sadasivan’s reputation as the director setting the benchmark for the future of Indian horror cinema.