If you thought Indian horror cinema couldn’t get any better, Rahul Sadasivan’s Dies Irae is here to prove you gloriously wrong. Starring Pranav Mohanlal in a career-defining performance, this Malayalam psychological horror film doesn’t just scare you—it haunts you long after the credits roll.
Released on Halloween 2025, Dies Irae has quickly become the talk of the town among horror enthusiasts. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into what makes this film an absolute must-watch.
Dies Irae Movie Info
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Rahul Sadasivan (Bramayugam, Bhoothakalam) |
| Lead Cast | Pranav Mohanlal, Sushmita Bhat, Gibin Gopinath |
| Genre | Psychological Horror/Thriller |
| Release Date | October 31, 2025 |
| Runtime | Under 2 hours |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Rating | 4/5 |
The Story That Grips Your Soul
Dies Irae follows Rohan, a privileged young man living an affluent lifestyle in Kerala. His comfortable world shatters when Kani, a girl from his past, dies unexpectedly. After taking a hair clip from her funeral as a memento, Rohan becomes the target of her vengeful spirit.
What starts as subtle hauntings—ruffled hair, the eerie sound of ghungroos—escalates into terrifying supernatural encounters. Desperate for answers, Rohan seeks help from Madhusudanan Potti, an occult specialist connected to Sadasivan’s previous film Bramayugam.
The film cleverly builds on Kerala’s rich folklore traditions, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and deeply unsettling.
What Makes Dies Irae Exceptional
Director Rahul Sadasivan has crafted something truly special. Unlike typical Indian horror films that rely on jump scares and comic relief, Dies Irae takes a sophisticated approach to terror. The atmosphere crawls under your skin slowly, deliberately, refusing to let go.
The technical brilliance shines through every frame. Christo Xavier’s haunting background score amplifies the dread, while the cinematography and sound design work in perfect harmony to create an immersive horror experience. This is filmmaking at its finest—where every element serves the story.
What’s particularly impressive is how Sadasivan weaves Easter eggs from his previous works without forcing them. Fans of Bhoothakalam and Bramayugam will appreciate the connected universe he’s building.
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Pranav Mohanlal’s Stunning Comeback
This film showcases why Pranav Mohanlal won the Kerala State Film Award as a child artist. His transformation from arrogant rich kid to terror-stricken victim feels completely natural. Gone is the wooden acting that plagued his recent films—here, he’s raw, vulnerable, and utterly convincing.
Supporting performances from Gibin Gopinath and Arun Ajikumar add depth to the narrative, making every character feel essential to the story.
Minor Flaws in an Otherwise Perfect Horror
While Dies Irae excels on most fronts, it occasionally leans on familiar horror tropes. Some sequences feel slightly stretched, though this hardly diminishes the overall impact. At under two hours, the pacing generally keeps you engaged.
These minor quibbles aside, the film delivers exactly what horror fans crave—genuine scares that linger in your mind.
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The Final Verdict
Dies Irae isn’t just another horror film—it’s a theatrical experience designed to shake you to your core. Sadasivan proves once again that he’s India’s master of modern horror, crafting stories that respect the audience’s intelligence while delivering visceral scares.
If you’re tired of formulaic horror comedies and want something that genuinely terrifies you, Dies Irae is unmissable. This is the kind of film that reminds us why we watch horror in the first place—to feel that primal fear, that delicious discomfort that only exceptional filmmaking can provide.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dies Irae connected to Rahul Sadasivan’s previous films?
Yes, Dies Irae exists in the same cinematic universe as Bhoothakalam and Bramayugam. The film includes subtle Easter eggs and references, particularly through the character Madhusudanan Potti, who’s connected to Bramayugam. However, you don’t need to watch the previous films to understand or enjoy Dies Irae.
Is Dies Irae suitable for casual horror fans or only hardcore enthusiasts?
Dies Irae is crafted for genuine horror lovers who appreciate atmospheric tension over cheap jump scares. It’s not a horror-comedy hybrid—this is pure, unsettling psychological horror. If you enjoyed films like Tumbbad or international slow-burn horror, you’ll love this. However, if you prefer lighter horror with comic relief, this might be too intense.
