Prathichaya Movie Review: Nivin Pauly’s thriller drama is a stale tale of boring stereotypes

Prathichaya Movie Review: Nivin Pauly’s thriller drama is a stale tale of boring stereotypes

The film Pratichhaya, starring Nivin Pauly in the lead role, was released in theaters on March 26, 2026. B. Directed by Unnikrishnan, the film is now available for streaming on JioHotstar.

If you are planning to watch the movie online, here is the Pinkvilla review.

plot

Pratichhaya is the story of a tech entrepreneur turned strategist who is also the son of the CM of Kerala. Following the death of her father, her life takes a dramatic turn as a result of a dangerous conspiracy hatched by a ruthless media tycoon.

As the opposition attempts to exploit the conspiracy to their advantage and destabilize the scenario, the entrepreneur takes up the responsibility of exposing the strategic game played by the conspirators to malign his father’s name. He leads the fight against them, using his intelligence and skills to protect his father’s legacy and honor.

What’s good in shadow?

greatest achievement from ghosting Nivin Pauly and Balachandra Menon perform. The actors, playing the roles of father and son, offer a fascinating perspective within the narrative.

Although the story and screenplay is somewhat conventional, there are some moments of drama that stick with the audience and make the film entertaining in between. Despite limited character development, Sharaf U Dheen also gives an impressive performance with his villainous role.

What doesn’t work in shadow

Despite speculation about its authenticity and possible connections to real-life figures, the film struggles to connect with its audience. Although it is set up as a thriller set in a power-driven world, it doesn’t offer anything that feels fresh or innovative.

Many of the scenes are predictable, making it difficult to stay engaged. The film often lacks impactful moments, leaving the audience wondering about its overall purpose and payoff.

Technical aspects also fall short. The music is weak, while the narration sounds dull. Coupled with the weak execution, stereotypical story, and unimpressive visuals, these issues significantly detract from the viewing experience.

Display

Whereas Nivin Pauly Despite putting forth honest effort in the lead role, there are notable moments where he appears a little out of his comfort zone. Although his performance has attractive points, it doesn’t make a consistent impact.

On the other hand, Sharaf U Dheen and Balachandra Menon are effectively carrying the film with their performances.

Watch the trailer here:

Decision

Shadow B. What turns out to be another underwhelming performance from Unnikrishnan, with even Nivin Pauly unable to fully project his usual charm. As a thriller drama, it offers limited thrills and drama. Still, a few moments make it mildly watchable.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. Any statements made in this article are not intended to defame, harm, or discredit any person or entity.

Also read: 5 Malayalam movies based on books to watch on OTT: From Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Aadujeevitham to Basil Joseph’s Poneman

Zeen Subscribe
A customizable subscription slide-in box to promote your newsletter
[mc4wp_form id="314"]