The makers of Dies Irae, Pranav Mohanlal’s upcoming horror thriller, unveiled its teaser on Wednesday, offering audiences a first glimpse into director Rahul Sadasivan’s latest foray into the genre. The one-minute-44-second footage sets up a chilling world of lingering spirits, psychological torment and a mystery that seems to circle back to a single ominous well.
The teaser opens with Pranav seated in what appears to be a hospital waiting room, his hands bloodied, as he narrates a haunting line: “When someone dies holding deep hatred or unfulfilled desire… their soul never truly leaves this world.” His monologue plays over fragments of eerie visuals, a body being pulled from a well, last rites being performed, and Pranav’s character facing an unseen force. By the end, the well is sealed, and the actor is left petrified by an unnamed horror. Pranav's intense screen presence in the teaser has already drawn praise from fans, who believe he has raised the bar with a strikingly committed performance.
Rahul, who previously earned acclaim for Bhoothakaalam and the Mammootty-starrer Bramayugam, seems to be building further on his reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive horror voices. Much like his earlier work, Dies Irae seems to avoid conventional jump scares or grotesque apparitions, leaning instead into psychological unease, trauma and atmospheric dread.
The film, produced by Night Shift Studios and YNOT Studios, retains much of the technical crew behind Bramayugam, including cinematographer Shehnad Jalal and composer Christo Xavier. The supporting cast glimpsed in the teaser includes Sookshmadarshini-fame Manohari Joy, and Jibin Gopinath, who has appeared in films such as Vaazha, 2018: Everyone Is A Hero, Family, Kannur Squad, and Kishkindha Kaandam.
With its striking visuals, creeping tension and echoes of international horror classics, Dies Irae is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated horror films of the year. The film is slated for a worldwide release on October 31, making it a fitting Halloween arrival.