Secret Movie Review : A gripping mystery that works in parts

Story: Midhun's life changes when an astrologer makes a prediction regarding his upcoming marriage. How Midhun overcomes the situation forms the crux of the film.

SN Swamy's directorial is a gripping, edge-of-seat tale that talks deeply about beliefs, predictions and superstitions. How do you handle an ominous prediction that concerns your loved one? Will you, who doesn't usually believe in such predictions, step back or will you face it head on? Is it a real barrier or a psychological one? The film explores many complex questions. Does it work? Mostly.


There is in-depth research involved as is evident from the writing. However, there is an information overload in places which takes the enjoyment out of the film. Some of the things surrounding superstitions and beliefs and its effect on people were explored in the 2003 Akku Akbar-directorial Sadanandante Samayam but not in an introspective, intellectual way that the subject was handled in this film.


Dhyan Sreenivasan was such an odd choice to play the lead role, Midhun, in the film, but he handles it in his usual manner which suits the film just fine as the film is more focused on the exploration of predictions, karma and how good begets good than the characters themselves. Ardra Mohan plays the female lead.


For a comparatively short film, the writer also managed to bring in some elements from today's Kerala into the narrative. How common is it for scorned lovers to chase a woman with a knife? Can anyone forget a mob lynching that shook the state? Categorically denying that it bears no resemblance to events that happened in real life, it still brings to mind these horrific situations. Some of these instances are a bit abrupt, but the larger question looming behind can make one ignore the abruptness. There is plenty of interesting symbolism, too. What makes it a watchable film is that the story can keep one hooked, without getting bored, wondering what's next! The solution offered to the issue can be looked at from two angles. It can be dismissed as pure nonsense or it could be seen as just a way to help the character, Midhun, overcome the psychological hurdle caused by the prediction. That said, how Midhun gets convinced in the beginning is not clear.


Directors Ranjith and Renji Panicker both made an appearance in the film, in crucial roles. The dialogues from Ranjith's character, Mathew, could have been a little less preachy. Abhiram Radhakrishnan appeared in only a handful of scenes but as always managed to leave his mark. Jacob Gregory, as an aspiring cinematographer and a pessimistic friend, did his part well. Aparna Das, who played Dhyan's friend, was a bit out of her element in places. Seeing Krishna back on screen is always nostalgia inducing, taking one straight to the 2000s. Jayakrishnan delivers a good performance as the heroine's dad. Producer Suresh Kumar, actors Kalesh Ramanand and Thalaivasal Vijay were also part of the cast.


One of the shots that stood out was Abhiram and Dhyan hugging each other, seen through a reflection on the wall as the former's daughter is playing after an emotionally charged scene. Cinematographer Jackson Johnson did a commendable job. A very memorable scene that makes a statement without a dialogue is when both the mother and the heroine dance in the hall of their home as the father cheers them on! And no, they aren't dancing classical.


To talk about some of the glaringly obvious negatives, dubbing stands out the most. It was a bit disconnected in many places. Even the credits had spelling errors which points to a casual carelessness, which is evident. It can make one take the film a little less seriously. There were some issues with a few of the supporting cast in the film. There was also a little bit of incoherence, a lack of coordination in some scenes where too many people appear on screen together.