Pathimoonam Rathiri
Malayalam | Crime Thriller
Starring: Shine Tom Chacko, Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Vijay Babu, Deepak Parambol, Malavika Menon & Archana Kavi
Pathimoonam Rathiri is a gripping crime thriller set between the mist-covered hill stations and the vibrant cityscape of Kochi, Kerala. My vision as the Director of Photography was to create a realistic yet moody visual tone, where the atmosphere itself becomes a silent storyteller. Since nearly 90% of the film was shot at night, my approach focused on capturing the natural beauty of darkness — making the visuals feel grounded, immersive, and emotionally charged.
The film was shot using both ARRI Alexa SXT and RED Gemini cameras, chosen for their complementary strengths. The Alexa provided cinematic latitude and tonal depth for controlled interiors, while the Gemini’s exceptional low-light performance allowed me to capture night exteriors with minimal artificial lighting. This dual setup offered flexibility and precision, giving the film its layered, textured visual identity.
Lighting was designed to feel invisible yet intentional. I used practical and motivated sources — street lamps, vehicle headlights, window spill, and torchlight — to create a naturalistic glow that reflected the story’s psychological intensity. The interplay of fog, shadows, and reflections added depth and realism, enhancing the sense of mystery without over-stylizing the frame.storytelling device.
Collaborating closely with the director and art department, I ensured visual consistency across contrasting locations and lighting conditions. Pathimoonam Rathiri ultimately became an exploration of light within darkness — a balance of realism, tension, and emotion that defines my cinematographic approach to modern thrillers.