Movie Name :Dies Irae
Release Date : Nov 07, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Pranav Mohanlal, Sushmita Bhatt, Gibin Gopinath, Shine Tom Chacko, Jaya Kurup and others
Director : Rahul Sadasivan
Producers : Chakravarthy Ramachandra & S. Sashikanth
Music Director : Christo Xavier
Cinematographer : Shehnad Jalal ISC
Editor : Shafique Mohamed Ali
Related Links : Trailer
Dies Irae, starring Pranav Mohanlal and directed by Rahul Sadasivan, arrives in Telugu a week after its Malayalam release. Does the film deliver, and what is it trying to say? Here is our take.
Story:
Rohan (Pranav Mohanlal), a wealthy architect, leads a carefree life until his girlfriend Kani (Sushmitha Bhat) dies by suicide. After visiting her home, he begins to experience strange and unsettling disturbances in his apartment. Is Kani returning with a motive, trying to stay connected, or is an entirely different force involved? How Rohan’s life spirals from this point forms the crux of Dies Irae.
Plus Points:
Indian audiences are accustomed to horror films built on jump scares, moving objects and revenge-driven spirits. Dies Irae deliberately avoids these cliches and aims for a more grounded, atmospheric take on the genre.
The first half unfolds as a slow burn, with Rahul Sadasivan prioritising mood-building over events. Chills appear in small doses, but the second half is where the film truly shifts gears. The presence in Rohan’s room, the interval twist, and the tense final minutes stand out as the film’s most gripping portions.
Pranav Mohanlal’s restrained performance suits the character perfectly. He speaks less and emotes more, allowing the audience to feel the psychological weight placed on him. Gibin Gopinath, as Madhu, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The rest of the cast has limited but adequate presence.
The sound design and visuals work effectively in creating an eerie, tense atmosphere. These departments contribute as much to the film’s impact as the narrative itself.
Minus Points:
Despite being marketed as a horror film, Dies Irae does not offer the kind of conventional scares many expect. The eerie moments are selective, and the film leans more toward psychological dread than outright horror. Viewers seeking a standard genre experience may feel disappointed.
The pacing is slow and intentionally stretched, which may not appeal to regular horror audiences.
The film also leaves several questions unanswered: why Kani takes her life, why Madhu reacts strangely to minor incidents, and why only certain individuals are targeted. These open threads make the film feel incomplete in parts.
It demands deeper interpretation and analysis, which everyday viewers may not be prepared for or interested in doing.
Technical Aspects:
Rahul Sadasivan, as writer and director, succeeds in creating a distinct mood and delivers a solid pre-climax and climax. However, the slow pacing and refusal to explain key events openly may alienate some viewers.
Technically, the sound design and cinematography are strong and enhance the film’s tension more effectively than the narrative itself. Editing is functional but lacks sharpness in places. Production values are decent. The Telugu dubbing is surprisingly neat.
Verdict:
On the whole, Dies Irae is a horror film that has its moments. The director succeeds in generating an eerie atmosphere, especially in the second half. Pranav Mohanlal delivers a fitting performance, and the technical departments elevate the experience. However, the slow burn approach, unanswered narrative threads, and lack of conventional scares may limit its appeal. If you enjoy atmospheric, unconventional horror, you can give it a try, but keep expectations modest.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team