The Malayalam mystery thriller Dheeram, which hit theatres on 5 December 2025, presents a gripping premise but ultimately stumbles in its execution. Directed by Jithin T. Suresh and featuring Indrajith Sukumaran in the lead, the film has garnered a modest 2.5 rating from both critics and audiences, according to The Times of India review published on 6 December 2025.
A Serial Killer Plot With a Moral Conflict
The narrative follows police officer Stalin Joseph, played by Indrajith Sukumaran, who is introduced during a tense hearing before the Human Rights Commission. The story then flashes back to reveal how Stalin is assigned to investigate a brutal murder in a nightclub parking lot. As the investigation deepens, a series of similar crimes emerge, pointing clearly to a serial killer on the loose.
Stalin's pursuit of the truth leads him down a dark path, uncovering disturbing backstories behind each killing. The core of the film is built around the moral dilemma this case forces upon him, a conflict that is meant to shape the protagonist's journey and the film's thematic resonance.
Stylish Presentation Versus Narrative Shortcomings
On a technical level, Dheeram establishes itself as a polished investigative thriller. The film boasts high-energy background music and a stylised visual approach from the outset. Sougandh Su's cinematography is a highlight, providing the movie with a sleek and immersive look that enhances its thriller atmosphere.
However, the film struggles to translate its interesting premise into genuine emotional engagement. The moral dilemma at the centre of the plot is not presented with enough complexity and fails to deliver the intended shock or sustained tension. The crucial reveal happens, but it lands with a whimper rather than a bang, significantly weakening the film's overall impact.
Performances and Final Verdict
Indrajith Sukumaran delivers a reliably solid performance as the conflicted officer Stalin Joseph. The supporting cast, including Renji Panicker, Reba Monica John, Aju Varghese, Nishanth Sagar, and Divya Pillai, perform competently within the confines of their roles. The primary issue lies in the writing, which offers them limited scope to create memorable characters or forge a strong connection with the audience.
Furthermore, the film's attempt to add depth through multiple backstories results in narrative lag and repetition. The extensive violence and gore, instead of feeling impactful, often come across as unnecessary due to this lack of emotional grounding.
In conclusion, Dheeram, with a runtime of 2 hours and 31 minutes, is a decent one-time watch for fans of the genre. It is stylish and engaging in parts but is ultimately weighed down by a crowded narrative and a failure to capitalise on its promising ethical conflict.
