Prathichaya Review: Nivin Pauly's Stale Thriller

You know how sometimes you watch a movie and think, "I’ve seen this somewhere before"? That’s "Prathichaya" for you. Released on March 26, 2026, this Malayalam thriller, directed by B. Unnikrishnan and starring the ever-popular Nivin Pauly, tries to reel us in with political drama and media chaos set in Kerala. But, honestly, it just feels like familiar territory, rehashed with less excitement.

The Compelling Premise

At first glance, "Prathichaya" has all the makings of a nail-biting political thriller. The plot follows John Varghese, brilliantly portrayed by Nivin Pauly, as a tech entrepreneur caught in a whirlwind when his father, Kerala’s Chief Minister K.N. Varghese (Balachandra Menon), faces a sexual assault scandal. John jumps head-first into political waters to uncover the truth, battling media tycoon Ravi Madhavan, played by Sharaf U Dheen. It's got ambition, scandal, and corruption—stuff we expect from political dramas.

Why It Doesn't Quite Hit the Mark

While it sounds promising, many viewers felt like they’ve already seen it all. The plot drags, becoming predictable, with the storyline lacking real tension or surprises. The screenplay, though ambitious in tackling media manipulation and political corruption, plays it too safe. You’re watching, waiting for a twist, but it’s like that miss-you sneeze—it never really happens.

Star Performance but Lackluster Execution

If there’s one thing that does somewhat save "Prathichaya", it's the performances. Nivin Pauly brings emotional depth to John Varghese, and Balachandra Menon's portrayal of a disgraced political figure is spot on. But even great acting can't fully compensate for a weak script. The character of Ravi Madhavan lacks depth, making the central conflict feel rather flat.

Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics

Filmed across multiple locations including Thiruvananthapuram and even as far as St. Petersburg, "Prathichaya" should’ve been visually engaging. Yet, the mixed reviews speak volumes—whoops—about its predictability and slow pacing. Some critics commend the film's theme as timely, especially given Kerala’s political climate. But others, like this review, find themselves yawning through too many clichés.

For me, "Prathichaya" was a bit of a letdown. You look at the cast, you look at the director, and you want to cheer them on. But it just falls short on delivering the suspense and originality we crave. Maybe for a weekend where you want something on in the background, it might just do the trick. But if you're looking for a thriller that'll keep you guessing, you might want to pass on this one.