Paathirathri - Strangers in the Rain

Paathiratri

Malayalam, 2026

Genre: Police Drama

Director: Ratheena PT

Stars: Navya Nair, Soubin Shahir, Ann Augustine, Sunny Wayne, Achyuth Kumar 

Mohan's Measure ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

A great part of Malayalam cinema is how the cinematography can capture and often enhances its characters. The dark, morose tones used in this movie say it all. 

Paathiratri is about two people dealing with their own will to go on while struggling to maintain composure as cops investigating two complex cases at once. We never really know whether the two cases are tied, but we are slowly led to feel it.

Both seasoned actors, Ms. Nair and Mr. Shahir present their actors in quiet moments as human beings, contemplating the end to their respective relationship in a stated, stoic way. There is little room offered in a cop's life for a breakdown, it seems.

Besides, those emotions are seen directly in the victims and suspects, as well as in the senior who are anxious to close the books.

There is far more than meets the eye in the case, and it is such that the fine line between professional and private line is blurred.

While this can make the plot feel choppy, it still serves to create a classic film noir.