If you are going into Masthishka Maranam expecting a standard commercial Malayalam movie, you might want to adjust your expectations immediately. Directed by Krishand, this sci fi satire set in a futuristic 2046 Kochi is the definition of a variety film. It is a completely wild ride that will definitely not appeal to everyone. While the movie brings some incredibly fresh ideas to the table, its highly experimental execution makes it a very polarizing watch.
The core concept here is absolutely superb. The story revolves around a grieving father, played by Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, who dives into a virtual reality memory game to cope with the loss of his child. However, things take a dark turn when he stumbles upon the stolen and pirated memories of a massive celebrity named Frida, played by Rajisha Vijayan. The idea of a future where human memories and intimate moments are packaged, bought, and sold like a video game is brilliant and genuinely thought provoking. It serves as a sharp critique of our current obsession with media, voyeurism, and celebrity culture.
However, the way this superb idea is presented on screen is where the film gets messy. There is basically no traditional narrative flow or continuous storyline here. The movie actively refuses to follow any standard structure or traditional logic. Scenes just come and go without any conventional buildup, jumping wildly from dark comedy to courtroom drama to cyberpunk thriller in a matter of seconds. This disjointed and chaotic pacing can feel incredibly overwhelming and exhausting if you are trying to find a straightforward plot to follow.
Despite the chaotic storytelling, the acting is universally fantastic. Rajisha Vijayan is absolutely stellar as the conflicted and exploited star, while Niranjan anchors the emotional weight of the film perfectly. You might notice that almost everyone in the cast, including supporting players like Divya Prabha and Jagadish, seems to be slightly overacting. However, this exaggerated and highly theatrical performance style actually works perfectly for the wacky and neon soaked dystopian world the director has built. It fits the bizarre tone of the movie like a glove.
In the end, Masthishka Maranam is a completely unique cinematic experiment. The lack of structure and the overwhelming sensory overload prevent it from being a total masterpiece, but the underlying concept is so good that it still deserves your attention. It is a bold, weird, and visually stunning trip that rewards viewers who are willing to embrace the absurdity.
