At its core, Sookshma Darshini hooks you as a taut, edge-of-the-seat mystery thriller. The twists, turns, and suspense are everything you expect from the genre. But beneath all the intrigue lies another story—a quieter, yet equally powerful narrative about women and their representation on screen.
If you pay attention, you’ll notice how the film goes beyond traditional portrayals. It not only puts women in central roles but also gives them agency, depth, and moments of raw power that leave a lasting impact. Here’s how Sookshma Darshini balances its thrilling plot with a subtle but important redefinition of how women are portrayed in cinema.
The Title Card Subverts Expectations
Let’s start with something you might not even notice at first: the title card.
It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but one that speaks volumes. In most movies, the male lead’s name is shown first—whether he’s a megastar or not. But in Sookshma Darshini, it’s Nazriya Nazim’s name that appears before Basil Joseph’s.
Now, this might seem like a small, technical decision, but think about what it symbolizes. Here’s a film where both leads are massive stars with huge fanbases, yet it subtly tips the scales to highlight that this isn’t a story where the man automatically takes precedence.
Nazriya’s Commanding Presence in the Climax
In Sookshma Darshini, it’s Nazriya who owns the climax, delivering a performance that’s both electrifying and deeply layered.
Nazriya brings a level of emotional complexity and intensity to the role that’s rare to see in thrillers, especially for women. It’s not just her words or actions that stand out—it’s her screen presence, her command over the narrative in those final moments.
What makes this even more significant is the audience’s reaction. During my viewing, people were cheering, clapping, and completely drawn into her towering charm during the climax scenes. How often do you see this in mainstream movies, where people cheer for a female actor on screen?
Mainstream Actresses can Play Mothers
One of the film’s most surprising choices comes early on when we learn that Nazriya’s character is a mother. The kid calling her “amme” right in the beginning caught me off-guard.
It’s a bold move, especially in an industry where leading actresses are often hesitant to play mothers for fear of being typecast or losing their “star” appeal. But here’s the kicker: the plot didn’t need her to be a mother. The character’s motivations, strengths, and arc would have worked just as well without it.
Yet, the choice adds layers to her character. It gives her stakes and more emotional vulnerability. And by making Priyadarshini’s character a mother, Nazriya breaks away from stereotypes without compromising their star power.
A Male Lead Adding Strength to the Female Lead
Now, let’s talk about Basil Joseph, who plays Manuel, the male lead. Manuel is a fascinating character—morally grey, occasionally funny, and at times, outright menacing. Basil delivers a terrific performance, but what’s truly remarkable is how he allows Nazriya to take center stage when it matters most, that is during the climax.
In the climax of Sookshma Darshini, Basil doesn’t compete with Nazriya’s presence; instead, he supports it, creating a dynamic that feels rare and refreshing.
This isn’t about downplaying his role—it’s a choice that speaks volumes about how male and female characters can coexist on equal footing in a film without one overshadowing the other.
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Spoiler Alert!! More flawed and corrupted women on screen
Let’s get to one of the most unexpected twists in Sookshma Darshini: the mastermind behind the entire conspiracy turns out to be Ammachi, Manuel’s seemingly sweet, elderly mother.
In most films, especially in Indian cinema, mother characters are boxed into stereotypes. They’re either nurturing and self-sacrificing or harmlessly comic relief. But Sookshmadarshini flips the script, presenting Ammachi as cunning, calculating, and downright dangerous.
This decision does more than just shock the audience—it challenges the way we perceive older women on screen. By portraying Ammachi as a flawed, human character capable of darkness, the film normalizes the idea that women—regardless of age—can be complex, multidimensional, and even morally ambiguous.
On the surface, Sookshma Darshini is everything you want from a mystery thriller: gripping, unpredictable, and full of twists. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see how it quietly challenges the norms of women’s representation in cinema.
It’s proof that even in genres like mystery thrillers, where male narratives often dominate, there’s room for women to take center stage—and not just as side characters, but as the heart and soul of the story.
