Jeethu Joseph’s recent directorial venture, Mirage, a Malayalam crime thriller, is all set to make its OTT premiere on SonyLIV on October 20. The film witnessed a disappointing theatrical run and received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. Starring Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali, the story revolves around a missing fiancé, a digital investigative journalist, and a web of secrets.
Joseph, best known for creating the Drishyam franchise, carries significant weight among audiences. However, the overall reception of Mirage has left many wondering how his latest directorial effort will fare on OTT. Will it find redemption online, or will its theatrical missteps follow it to the small screen?
Initial reviews shed light on what went wrong in theatres. Critics universally praised the performances of the lead actors and the high production quality, hallmarks of a Jeethu Joseph thriller. However, the film reportedly struggled with an overcrowded and predictable screenplay. Several reviews even described Mirage as the weakest thriller in Joseph’s filmography.
Moreover, an over-reliance on twists and a lack of emotional depth were cited as major factors behind its box office underperformance.
That said, Mirage’s OTT release offers the film a well-deserved second chance. Jeethu Joseph’s reputation, built on the brilliance of the Drishyam franchise, remains a massive draw for streaming audiences. While Mirage may not reach the same heights, his name attached to a thriller is often enough to spark curiosity. Its fast-paced, suspense-driven narrative could also make it ideal for binge-watching.
Interestingly, the latter half of October 2025 doesn’t feature many buzzy or big-name Indian OTT releases, which could work in Mirage’s favour. Let’s see how this one plays out. Stay tuned for more updates.
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