Malayalam cinema’s horror renaissance gains momentum with *Dice Era* (The Day of Wrath). This is Rahul Sadasivan’s third and exciting film after *Bhoothakalam* (2022) and *Bramyugam* (2024), which is now hitting theaters worldwide on October 31, 2025—a perfect storm of Halloween. Starring rising star Pranav Mohanlal, the ‘A’-certified psychological thriller has garnered an overwhelming response from audiences, and has been called “Mollywood horror at its finest” for its relentless spookiness and career-defining twists.

Plot: From prosperity to abyss

Pranav Mohanlal plays Rohan, a privileged architect whose idyllic villa in Kerala becomes a gateway to terror after family secrets are exposed following the mysterious death of a classmate. Believing a supernatural force lurks behind him, Rohan—struggling with guilt and gaslighting—plunges into a dark realm mixing trauma, obsession, and supernatural alliances. Inspired by real events, Sadashivan’s slow-paced screenplay avoids cheap jumps for atmospheric uneasiness, and spins the sub-plot into a deep mystery that tugs at the fragility of the psyche. The 1 hour 55 minute story is non-stop entertaining, and ends with a poignant emotional fireworks display at the end.

X Buzz: “The Nightmare You Can’t Escape”

It was praised by audiences during its premiere on October 30, filling X with fire emojis and a 4/5 rating. A fan gushed: “#DiesIrae is truly insane—Mollywood horror at its finest. Rahul Sadasivan has created a nightmare you can’t escape. Relentless tension, jaw-dropping visuals…Pranav has given the best performance of his career.” Another called it “the epitome of excellent filmmaking—a new standard for the genre,” and urged viewing on the big screen. A third said, “From Bhootakalam to Dies Irae—Rahul is not just making horror, but creating nightmares.” He emphasized the “interesting script, skillful direction, superb sound design”. Critics such as The Hindu (4/5) have called it “one of the finest horror films in Malayalam”, and praised its “devilishly poetic” scares.

Behind the Shiver: Magnificent Craft

Gibin Gopinath shines as the “surprise package” neighbor Madhu alongside Arun Ajikumar, Manohari Joy and Jaya Kurup, their nuanced portrayals further adding to the intimacy. Shahnad Jalal’s cinematography transforms grand locations into suffocating mazes, while Jayadevan Chakkaduth’s sound design—M.R. Mixed by Rajakrishnan—and the minimalist music by Cristo Xavier—creates “sonic havoc.” Chakraborty Ramachandra (Night Shift Studios) and S. Produced by Shashikant (YNOT Studios)—producer of *Bramyugam*—it is a technical success.

Sadasivan’s hat-trick has cemented Mollywood’s global horror throne. For hair-raising artistry, *Dice Irae* demands cinemas—wrath awaits.