Dies Irae (2025): Pranav Mohanlal Enters the World of Psychological Horror in Rahul Sadasivan’s Chilling New Thriller
- Kenneth Hopkins
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
This Halloween, Malayalam cinema takes a dark and thrilling turn with Dies Irae, a psychological horror thriller directed by Rahul Sadasivan and starring Pranav Mohanlal in one of his most intense performances yet. Scheduled for release on October 31, 2025, the film promises to be a mind-bending exploration of fear, family, and faith — marking Pranav’s debut in the horror genre.
Plot: A Family Curse That Refuses to Die
The film follows Rohan (Pranav Mohanlal), a privileged young man whose world unravels when his ancestral home starts exhibiting strange, terrifying occurrences. Shadows whisper. Objects move. Time itself seems distorted. As Rohan digs deeper, he uncovers a centuries-old family curse tied to his lineage — one that forces him to confront not just supernatural horrors, but his own buried guilt and inner demons. Rahul Sadasivan crafts a narrative that feels both intimate and hauntingly universal, where the real terror lies not in ghosts, but in human conscience.
Why the Title “Dies Irae”?
The Latin phrase “Dies Irae” translates to “Day of Wrath” — the day of divine judgment described in medieval hymns. In this film, the title mirrors Rohan’s journey: a reckoning of sins, secrets, and suppressed trauma. Much like the hymn, the story warns that no one escapes judgment — not even the living.
Cast and Crew: The Powerhouse Behind the Fear
The supporting cast features Jibin Gopinath, Arun Ajikumar, Jaya Kurup, Manohari Joy, and Sushmitha Bhat, adding depth to the haunting world that surrounds Rohan.
Rahul Sadasivan’s Signature: Fear Through Silence
Known for acclaimed horror films like Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam, Rahul Sadasivan brings his mastery of atmosphere and subtle dread to Dies Irae.
Unlike conventional jump-scare horror, Sadasivan’s style leans on psychological fear, lingering silence, and sound design that crawls under your skin. The use of J-cut sound editing — blending sound before visual transitions — adds an almost subconscious layer of unease.
Production and Release
Filming Period: March 24 – April 29, 2025 (36 days)
Runtime: 115 minutes
Censor Rating: A (Adults Only)
Release Date: October 31, 2025
Paid Premieres: October 30, 2025
Premiere Collection (Kerala): ₹40 lakh (strong opening response)
Distribution:
Kerala – E4 Experiments
Karnataka – VK Films
Pan-India – Think Studios
International – Home Screen Entertainment
USA – Prime Media US
Music: When Fear Meets Opera
Composer Christo Xavier has crafted a haunting score that merges operatic Latin hymns with modern electronic undertones. The title track, already trending on YouTube, features chilling choral sections that evoke both awe and anxiety — perfectly matching the film’s theme of divine wrath.
Fan Theories and Speculation
The internet is buzzing with discussions after Mohanlal mysteriously changed his Instagram DP to match Dies Irae’s red-themed posters. Fans are convinced this hints at a cameo appearance by the veteran actor — though the team remains tight-lipped.
Others speculate the film’s plot involves occult rituals, ancestral guilt, and alternate dimensions — themes that have defined Rahul Sadasivan’s filmmaking style.
Why Dies Irae Matters
Malayalam cinema has long been lauded for its realism and storytelling depth. With Dies Irae, it seems poised to redefine Indian horror itself — not as a genre of cheap scares, but as a mirror to the human soul. This isn’t horror for entertainment; it’s horror for introspection. And in a world haunted by its own demons, that’s exactly what makes it terrifying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the story of Dies Irae (2025) Malayalam movie?
Dies Irae is a Malayalam psychological horror thriller directed by Rahul Sadasivan starring Pranav Mohanlal as Rohan, a man haunted by his family’s cursed past. The movie follows his terrifying descent into madness as supernatural events unfold inside his ancestral home. The film combines elements of family curses, guilt, and divine retribution, making it one of the most anticipated Malayalam horror movies of 2025.
2. What is the meaning of Dies Irae and why is the movie named that?
The term “Dies Irae” comes from Latin, meaning “Day of Wrath.” It refers to a medieval hymn describing the Day of Judgment, when souls face divine reckoning. In the movie, the title reflects the theme of moral judgment—as the protagonist faces both inner and supernatural consequences for his family’s hidden sins. This symbolic connection between faith, fear, and fate makes the title deeply significant.
3. Is Dies Irae (2025) based on a true story or real incidents?
While not a direct retelling, Dies Irae is inspired by real-life paranormal experiences and psychological case studies from Kerala. Director Rahul Sadasivan has hinted that the story draws from authentic legends about cursed family homes and generational trauma—giving the horror a disturbingly realistic edge that sets it apart from typical ghost stories.
4. Who are the main cast members of Dies Irae Malayalam movie?
The film stars Pranav Mohanlal in the lead role, with Jibin Gopinath, Arun Ajikumar, Jaya Kurup, Manohari Joy, and Sushmitha Bhat in supporting roles. It’s directed and written by Rahul Sadasivan, known for Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam. The technical crew includes Shehnad Jalal (cinematography) and Christo Xavier (music)—ensuring a visually and emotionally gripping horror experience.
5. Will Mohanlal appear in Dies Irae (2025)?
There is strong fan speculation that Mohanlal might make a cameo appearance in Dies Irae. After the veteran actor changed his social media profile picture to match the movie’s red promotional tone, discussions exploded online. However, the filmmakers have neither confirmed nor denied his involvement—keeping the mystery alive until the theatrical release.
6. When is the Dies Irae OTT release date and where to watch it online?
Dies Irae releases in theatres on October 31, 2025, with paid previews on October 30. The OTT release date has not yet been officially announced, but sources suggest it will stream on a major platform like Netflix or SonyLIV around December 2025 or early 2026, following its theatrical run. Fans can expect the Dies Irae OTT streaming link to go live approximately 45–60 days after the cinema release.
7. How is Dies Irae different from other Malayalam horror movies?
Unlike traditional jump-scare horror films, Dies Irae focuses on psychological fear, atmosphere, and sound design. Director Rahul Sadasivan avoids clichéd ghost imagery, using silence, sound transitions (J-cut technique), and minimalism to create realistic psychological dread. The film has been compared to globally acclaimed horror titles like The Others and Hereditary, but with a Malayalam cultural context.
8. What is the runtime and censor rating of Dies Irae (2025)?
The movie runs for 115 minutes and has been certified A (Adults Only) by the Indian Censor Board due to its intense psychological content and horror themes. The compact runtime ensures a tightly-paced, immersive experience designed to build tension without unnecessary filler scenes.
9. Who composed the music and background score of Dies Irae Malayalam movie?
The haunting background score and soundtrack are composed by Christo Xavier, known for blending classical and contemporary sounds. The Dies Irae theme track merges operatic Latin chants with modern ambient tones, heightening the film’s tension and emotional depth.
10. Why is Dies Irae considered a milestone for Malayalam horror cinema?
Dies Irae is widely regarded as a turning point in Malayalam horror cinema because it elevates the genre from typical ghost stories to psychological and philosophical storytelling. With Pranav Mohanlal’s career-defining performance and Rahul Sadasivan’s signature cinematic minimalism, the film combines world-class production with Kerala’s rich cultural symbolism — positioning it as a landmark film in Indian horror.