Krishand’s latest offering and his first big theatrical release, Masthishka Maranam: A Frankenbiting of Simon’s Memories has Krishand’s stamp on it as he wrote and directed it after all. The sci-fi film – ‘retro-futuristic/cyber-punk’ – feels more real than fiction, set in the not-too-distant future of 2046. It’s as simple as it is complicated. If you enjoyed Arun Chand’s stunning debut, sci-fi mockumentary, Gaganachari (2024) or Blade Runner for that matter (but with humor), then this one is for you too.
The future that Krishand takes us to is dystopian and at times funny for the sheer absurdity of things. With its flying cars, drones, cyborgs, climate change, memories for sale and more, Neokochi will surgically remove painful memories from people whose lives depend on virtuality. Like Krishand’s other works, this film is complex, loaded with satire and socio-political commentary.
Niranj Maniyanpillai Raju in ‘Masthishka Maranam’ | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Rajisha Vijayan is impressive as Frida Soman, the superstar who is part of everyone’s fantasy in the film. The acting is over the top because the story calls for it and also because the film features Wes Anderson-esque eccentricity. Frida is a nod to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. We actually see a framed picture of Kahlo in one of the scenes. The film’s universe was built with thought, a generous dose of intelligence and wit. There’s a lot to unpack!
The action begins with Bimal Raj (Niranj Maniyanpillai Raju) who, to grieve the loss of his young daughter, plays a memory game of ’empathy’ to stay connected with her. While he deals with the memories of his child, his wife has them surgically removed. As the film progresses, the virtual and the real merge. We are left to marvel at the reality, the perception…the postmodern condition!
Understanding ‘frankenbiting’ for those unfamiliar with the technology/editing terminology helps to understand the film. The editing technique, frankenbiting, is also used in reality television to allegedly further narrative manipulation (among other things) “to make a person appear more dramatic or sinister”. This can be used to distort the reality/truth of a recorded event. Which is what happens in the movie when we see versions of reality.
Rajisha Vijayan in ‘Masthishka Maranam’ | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Krishand’s stories are layered meanings and suggestions, and each time you watch them, a new layer is revealed. Of course there is commentary on society, show business, technology and all the favorite punching bags, the media. It also delves into how AI works, or occasionally doesn’t work, like when Bimal asks his virtual housekeeper to play sad, swag music.
The plot centers on a leaked ‘memory experience’ game with Frida in it. Each ‘user’ has access to a version of the ‘experience’ that differs from Bimal’s where they have a chance for two murders. With the murders revealed, the story is a search for the killer. No more spoilers here.
Masthishka Maranam (Malayalam)
Directed by Krishand
Plot: Sci-fi futuristic satire about what happens when memories are leaked in a VR game format, the murders and chaos that ensues
Cast: Jagadish, Niranj Raju, Rajisha Vijayan, Divya Prabha, Suresh Krishna, Vishnu Agasthya
Length: 147 minutes
Dystopia is never comfortable; the closeness to the way things are today in the world we live in, Masthishka Maranam, is believable and therefore uncomfortable. An experiential play as she shares what it leads to – the trial, the inconsistencies of the case when it goes to trial (including a “friendship” with the judge), the media circus of microphone shoving becomes a “celebrity” trial – and most importantly, how the female star is packaged and “consumed”.
There is so much going on that one wishes to go through it, to understand the writer’s process as someone who reads society much like a sociologist with a sense of humor.
Divya Prabha in ‘Masthishka Maranam’ | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The cast, all of whom star, include Krishand regulars, apart from Niranje, Jagdish, Sanju Sivaram, Sachin Joseph, Santhy Balachandran, Vishnu Agasthya and Zhins Shan. Nandhu and Suresh Krishna also essay important roles. Divya Prabha, with her hair dyed partially blonde, is an absolute joy to watch! It does the madness with such ease, bringing just the right amount of ‘over top-ness’.
A few words about the cyberpunk-tinged cinematography and production design, both fitting the theme. Along with this, music by Varkey enhances the action.
All said and done, at 147 minutes the film feels a bit stretched, so one wonders if the editing could have been tight.
To sum up, Krishand’s latest offering is not for everyone. It’s messy, it’s funny, it’s absurd and it’s scary. If you like science fiction, the genre of futuristic satire, then go for it. The film is entertaining, interesting and thought provoking as it seems we are headed in that direction.
Masthishka Maranam is currently running in theatres
Published – 28 Feb 2026 20:38 IST
