Name: Prathichaya
Director: B. Unnikrishnan
Cast: Nivin Pauly, Sharaf U Dheen, Balachandra Menon, Harisree Ashokan, Maniyanpilla Raju, Ann Augustine, Sai Kumar
Rating: 2/5
Prathichaya, featuring Nivin Pauly in the lead, hit theatres on March 26, 2026, and is now streaming on JioHotstar. If you’re considering watching it online, here’s what to expect.
The Plot
The story revolves around a tech-savvy entrepreneur who also happens to be the son of Kerala’s Chief Minister. His life takes a sharp turn when his father dies due to a calculated conspiracy allegedly led by a powerful media baron.
As political rivals attempt to capitalize on the situation, he steps in to uncover the truth behind the plot. Using his intelligence and strategy, he fights to protect his father’s reputation and bring those responsible to light.
What Works
The film’s strongest aspect lies in its performances. Nivin Pauly and Balachandra Menon bring emotional depth to their roles, particularly in portraying the father-son bond.
Even though the narrative follows a familiar path, a few dramatic moments manage to leave an impression. Sharaf U Dheen also delivers a noteworthy performance as the antagonist, despite limited character exploration.
What Doesn’t
Despite its premise and initial intrigue, the film struggles to fully engage the audience. The storytelling relies heavily on clichés, making several sequences predictable.
As a thriller, it lacks novelty and fails to generate consistent tension. The film often feels directionless, with a noticeable absence of impactful or memorable moments.
Technically, it doesn’t fare much better. The music feels lackluster, the pacing is slow, and the overall execution is weak. Combined with dated storytelling and unimpressive visuals, these factors significantly reduce its appeal.
Performances
Nivin Pauly puts in an earnest effort but doesn’t entirely overcome the limitations of the script. There are moments where he seems slightly out of sync with the character.
In contrast, Sharaf U Dheen and Balachandra Menon stand out, delivering performances that add some weight to the film.
Verdict
Prathichaya ends up being a disappointing effort from B. Unnikrishnan. Despite a handful of engaging moments and solid performances from a few actors, the film lacks the thrill and originality needed to stand out. It remains a passable watch at best, weighed down by predictable storytelling.