Dice Ira is a Malayalam-language horror thriller starring Pranav Mohanlal in the lead role. It was released in theaters on October 31, 2025, coinciding with Halloween. Directed by Brahmayugam’s Rahul Sadasivan, the film also stars Sushmita Bhat, Gibin Gopinath, Jaya Kurup, Arun Azikumar in lead roles.
If you are planning to watch this horror movie based on some true events in theaters this week, then here is IHNS’s review for you.
plot
Dice Era is the story of Rohan, the son of an Indian-American architect, who lives a spoiled, rich-brat lifestyle in a posh area of Kerala. His prosperous life takes a serious turn when Kani, the girl with whom he was once engaged, dies.
At her funeral, Rohan twisted her hair clip and kept it as a memento before returning home. However, he soon begins to be possessed by the malevolent spirit of Kani, who caresses his hair, makes chilanka (knuckling) sounds, and even goes so far as to grab him by the collar and strangle him.
Frightened, Rohan finds the answer to the haunting mystery with the help of Madhusudan Potti, an occult expert and descendant of Kodumon Potti of Brahmayugam.
Will Rohan be able to escape the ghostly apparition and why is he being targeted forms the crux of the film.
Good
After the success of Bhootakalam and Brahmayugam, director Rahul Sadasivan is back with another treat for Indian horror fans. Unlike many other films of recent years, Dies Irae doesn’t rely on cheap gags or lazy humor to sell its scares.
It is a genuine and technically brilliant effort to create a film that shocks the audience with its story. The serious and tense atmosphere created through the narration gives a new dimension to the familiar “haunted house” story.
Although the film uses some clichés, it never completely relies on them. The ever-increasing tension feels like something is crawling under the viewer’s skin, heavy on the throat, and sending chills down the spine.
The film effectively creates scares not only through its visuals, but also through its tone and sound design, making it one of the best Indian horror films of recent times.
Like his previous ventures, Sadasivan displays a keen understanding of the technicalities that make a horror film truly successful. Instead of relying on gimmicks or exaggerated effects, he creates something new and authentic.
The filmmaker manages to incorporate Easter eggs from Bhoothakalam and Brahmayugam into the world of Dice Iraa without feeling forced.
On the technical side, Cristo Xavier once again impresses with his musical talent, composing a haunting background score. The cinematography, editing and sound design are all top notch.
bad
While most Dies Ira are effective and attractive, it is not without flaws, although they are relatively minor. Despite its beautiful storytelling and technical proficiency, the writing sometimes feels drawn out, especially when relying on familiar clichés.
However, this isn’t a big issue considering the overall impact of the film and its runtime of less than two hours.
Display
While opinions have often been divided about Pranab Mohanlal’s acting ability, Dies Iraa serves as a reminder of why he won the Kerala State Film Award as a child artiste.
This film gives him a chance to delve deeper into the roots of his acting. The 35-year-old feels completely natural in this universe – the sharp looks, the serious tone, the initial arrogance that slowly turns into pure fear, it all makes you wonder where this version of the actor was in Irupathiyonnam Noottandu and Varshanalakku Shesham.
Apart from him, Gibin Gopinath and Padakkalam actor Arun Ajikumar also deliver stellar performances.
Watch the trailer of Dies Ira:
Dice Ira is a horror film specifically designed for a theatrical experience with an impressive story and atmosphere. If you’re a fan of thrilling, truly haunting cinema, this is definitely worth a watch.
