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Sookshmadarshini
Sookshmadarshini (transl. Microscope) is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language black comedy mystery film directed by M. C. Jithin, written by Libin T.B and Athul Ramachandran. Produced by Happy Hours Entertainments and AVA Productions, it stars Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph. The film revolves around Priyadarshini and her friends, who sets out to track down the whereabouts of Manuel, a bakery owner who has recently returned to their neighborhood, with his mother. Film was shot across Kerala beginning from May 2024 to August 2024. It has cinematography, editing and music by Sharan Velayudhan, Chaman Chacko and Christo Xavier respectively. Sookshmadarshini was released in theatres on 22 November 2024, to positive reviews from critics praising the script, humour, cast performance and direction, and grossed ₹55 crore worldwide.[3][4] PlotPriyadarshini “Priya” is a homemaker living with her husband Anthony and their daughter Kani in a close-knit neighborhood. While actively seeking employment, Priya secures a second-stage interview at a company, along with her neighbor and friend, Stephy, a single mother. Around the same time, Manuel, the new owner of Grace Bakers, moves into the neighborhood with his elderly mother, Grace. Though he initially charms the locals, Priya grows suspicious of Manuel due to his eccentric and psychotic behavior and unconventional methods of dealing with situations—most notably when he hosts a house party, kills a monitor lizard, and serves its meat to the guests under the guise of beef. Grace, meanwhile, remains reclusive, rarely interacting with anyone and staying confined to her home. During Priya's and Anthony’s wedding anniversary celebration with the neighbors, Manuel deliberately leaves an iron box on, causing a fire in their house. Although the fire is extinguished in time, Grace goes missing amidst the chaos. She is eventually found near a railway station, but Priya’s suspicions about Manuel deepen. Manuel tells everyone that Grace has Alzheimer's, a claim that Priya finds dubious since Grace efficiently carries out her daily tasks. Stephy grows close to Manuel and takes a day off to stay with Grace while he is at work. Before leaving, Manuel gives Stephy sedative-laced mango juice for Grace, supplied by his cousin, Dr. John. Priya drops by to visit Grace, but Grace remains uncommunicative. Later, everyone drinks the juice, causing Stephy to fall asleep, while Grace is covertly taken away by Manuel’s uncle, Roy. The next day, Manuel pretends his mother has gone missing again, further raising Priya’s concerns. Diana, Manuel’s sister, flies in from New Zealand to assist with the police investigation into Grace’s disappearance. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Diana plans to leave but provides her contact information to Priya after repeated requests. Determined to uncover the truth, Priya enlists the help of her neighbors Sulu and Asma to investigate Manuel’s house. During their search, Sulu discovers a freshly painted wall with a crimson damp patch from the sewer system. Before they can investigate further, John arrives and starts pouring acid into the toilet, seemingly disposing of Grace’s remains. The group retreats, but Priya grows more determined. When Priya tries to contact Diana again, it is revealed that Manuel has Diana’s phone and has been impersonating her in messages. Investigating further, Priya learns that Diana is a lesbian and was in a relationship with Aditi, a Tamil woman in New Zealand. Diana had been planning to adopt a child with Aditi before her untimely disappearance. On the day of her job interview, Priya contacts Aditi, who has arrived in Kerala searching for Diana. However, Aditi is captured by Manuel, who chloroforms her. Priya eventually uncovers the horrific truth: Manuel's family, seeking to avoid the "shame" of Diana's sexuality, carried out an honor killing and disposed of her body by dissolving it in acid and Grace was the mastermind behind the entire plan. They now plan to kill Aditi to eliminate any further complications. Priya tracks them to their hideout at a new bakery site, where she crashes her car into the building, subduing Manuel and John and rescues Aditi. The police arrest Manuel, Grace, Roy, and John for their crimes, while everyone in the neighbourhood, including Antony gets shocked in knowing the truth. Priya is hailed as a hero for her bravery and determination. Cast
ProductionHappy Hours Entertainments and AVA Productions announced the film in May 2024, with Nazriya Nazim and Basil Joseph as the leads. The film is directed by Jithin MC who previously did Nonsense (2018). The film is jointly written by director Jithin, Athul Ramachandran and Libin TB. It has cinematography by Sharan Velayudhan, editing by Chaman Chacko and music by Christo Xavier.[5][6] It marks Nazriya's return to Malayalam films after four years hiatus who last appeared in Trance (2020).[7] Akhila Bhargavan, Merin Philp, Pooja Mohanraj, Deepak Parambol, Siddharth Bharathan and Kottayam Ramesh were cast in other prominent roles.[8] Principal photography for the film begin in May 2024 and the film was shot across Kerala.[9] In August 2024, the filming was wrapped up.[10][11] SoundtrackThe music for the film was composed by Christo Xavier.[12] The film has only 2 songs where one track which is used as a promotional song.[13][14]
ReleaseTheatricalThe film was released in theatres on 22 November 2024.[15][16] Home mediaThe digital rights of the film is acquired by Disney+ Hotstar and started streaming from 11 January 2025.[17] ReceptionBox officeOn the opening day of its release, the film grossed ₹1.55 crore.[18] It grossed ₹23 crore worldwide in 5 days.[19] By the end of the second week, Sookshmadarshini collected over ₹25 crore in India and ₹19 crore from overseas grossing over ₹44 crore worldwide.[20] It has grossed 55 crore worldwide in its final run with ₹33 crore from India and ₹22 crore from overseas.[21] Critical receptionThe film generally received positive reviews from critics. Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave the film 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "From the outset, Sookshmadarshini expertly balances mystery and comedy, ensuring that neither overshadows the other, creating a harmonious blend that engages audiences throughout."[22] S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote, "The film is a cleverly written thriller that turns what could easily have been a run-of-the-mill film into an elevating experience. It becomes yet another addition to Malayalam cinema’s unrelenting run this year, both in quality and variety."[23] Princy Alexander of Onmanorama wrote, " Overall, the film breaks cliches and is refreshing, which will work well for the family audience ".[24] Cris of The News Minute wrote, "MC Jithin directed a smartly-written script, putting Nazriya and Basil Joseph in the thick of it, and pulling off one helluva thriller with Sookshmadarshini."[25] Vignesh Madhu of Cinema Express wrote, "Backed by brilliant writing and clever casting choices, MC crafts Sookshmadarshini as a thoroughly engaging experience. What stands out is the refreshing treatment that doesn't conform to the genre formulas."[26] Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times wrote, " A captivating Malayalam thriller that rely on local life and relatable characters."[27] T Maruthi Acharya of India Today rated 3.5/5 and wrote," Despite minor flaws in the plot, the film’s technical aspects elevate it, making it a thoroughly engaging thriller that holds its own within the genre".[28] Sia Viju of Mathrubhumi rated 3.5/5 and wrote, " The screenplay is a masterclass in pacing and unpredictability. Sharan Velayudhan Nair's cinematography captures the essence of the setting beautifully, Chaman Chakko's sharp editing ensures there's never a dull moment. Christo Xavier's music deserves special mention."[29] Anna Mathews of The Times of India gave 4/5 and wrote, "Here is a film where all the elements, the writing, direction, acting, music and more, come together in sync to make for an exciting thriller. This is an entertainer that will appeal to theatre audiences.".[30] References
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