'Rudhiram' review | Raj B Shetty, Aparna Balamurali delight in a psycho-thriller with a unique premise
Raj B Shetty-starrer 'Rudhiram' opens with a shot of a baby crying at the seashore, supposedly abandoned by its parents. It then shifts to a masked man opening a hidden room much to the agony of a young woman who is trapped inside. Her pet dog Piku is equally petrified as the man approaches his
Raj B Shetty-starrer 'Rudhiram' opens with a shot of a baby crying at the seashore, supposedly abandoned by its parents. It then shifts to a masked man opening a hidden room much to the agony of a young woman who is trapped inside. Her pet dog Piku is equally petrified as the man approaches his
Raj B Shetty-starrer 'Rudhiram' opens with a shot of a baby crying at the seashore, supposedly abandoned by its parents. It then shifts to a masked man opening a hidden room much to the agony of a young woman who is trapped inside. Her pet dog Piku is equally petrified as the man approaches his
Raj B Shetty-starrer 'Rudhiram' opens with a shot of a baby crying at the seashore, supposedly abandoned by its parents. It then shifts to a masked man opening a hidden room much to the agony of a young woman who is trapped inside. Her pet dog Piku is equally petrified as the man approaches his owner. These shots captured brilliantly by cinematographer Sajad Kaaku is enough to convince the viewer, that 'Rudhiram' has something different to offer.
Though Malayalam cinema has explored kidnapping and ransom in films like 'Ramji Rao Speaking' and has also had a fair share of movies that discuss sexual abuse, 'Rudhiram' directed by newcomer Jisho Lon Antony seems to have taken a leaf out of films like the critically-acclaimed movie 'Room', which explores the trauma of a woman who is kept as a sex slave within a confined room.
'Rudhiram', however, is not innovative as 'Room' nor as emotionally satisfying, yet it delivers several gripping moments that will leave you stunned and even occasionally appalled. Aparna Balamurali plays Swathi, a young ambitious and strong woman, who is trapped inside a hidden room in a richly furnished plantation home. Her abuser is sadistic and finds pleasure in tormenting both her and her dog, though we see some signs of kindness from him at the most unexpected places. His kindness sometimes feels inorganic, though it is a perfect ploy for the makers to delve into her tormentor's backstory.
Raj B Shetty plays the very affable Dr Mathew Rosy, who also doubles up as the masked man, which is revealed very early on in the story. Kannada actor Raj B Shetty's choice of films have often been praised and in 'Rudhiram' too he plays his character with the utmost conviction. It is interesting to note that Raj had announced his Malayalam debut with 'Rudhiram', though he later appeared in 'Turbo' and 'Kondal', which hit theatres earlier.
National award-winning actor Aparna Balamurali is also a delight to watch in 'Rudhiram', as she delivers yet another award-winning performance in the movie. The argument that Malayalam cinema has been ignoring its heroines weakens with stories like 'Rudhiram', which gives enough space for female actors to perform. The production design and costumes are a highlight of the movie, which is definitely a must-watch for those who prefer psycho-thrillers.