March 2025 saw SonyLIV deliver a diverse slate, blending original series with licensed films. From the genre-bending crime thriller Rekhachithram, starring Asif Ali, to the historically poignant The Waking of a Nation, which explores the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the platform offered varied narratives. Additionally, Mammootty and Akhil Akkineni’s bombastic failure, Agent, was also in the mix. Without further ado, let’s shed light on these titles!
Rekhachithram (Movie, Licensed)
Streaming release: March 7, 2025
Rekhachithram follows Vivek Gopinath (Asif Ali), a suspended cop. After a gambling scandal led to his suspension, Vivek is reinstated and given the daunting task of solving a four-decade-old murder. The victim’s identity remains unknown, and he sees this case as a chance to redeem himself by bringing closure to the long-standing mystery.
This Asif Ali starrer stands out as it seamlessly blends different genres. It’s not a pure thriller or drama, but a unique mix. Strong performances and cinematography enhance the narrative. The film cleverly intertwines fiction with reality, revisiting “Kathodu Kathoram” (1985) in a compelling way. Effective time transitions add depth. The impactful background score elevates suspense. Overall, a good watch!
The Waking of a Nation (TV Series, Original)
Streaming Release: March 7, 2025
On April 13, 1919, Brigadier-General Dyer’s order to fire upon unarmed protestors at Jallianwala Bagh ignited a national fury. This massacre, a brutal display of British tyranny, became a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence. The Waking of a Nation delves into the events leading to this tragedy, revealing a conspiracy fueled by colonial racism and exploring the complex forces that shaped India’s destiny.
This SonyLIV original needs to be applauded for decreasing its reliance on jingoism, but it also needs a strong round of appraisal for successfully evoking strong emotions. Yes, there are some historical inaccuracies, but you will forget about them while watching this series. The historical drama meticulously recreates the era, highlighting the Jallianwala Bagh massacre’s impact. It avoids painting all Britishers as villains and shows empathy for all victims.
Jesus Revolution (Movie, Licensed)
Streaming Release: March 13, 2025
Taking inspiration from Greg Laurie’s autobiographical book of the same name, Jesus Revolution revolves around teen Laurie (Joel Courtney), pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), and a Christian hippie named Lonnie (Jonathan Roumie) as they participate in the Jesus movement in the region of California during the 1960s.
Despite possessing some superficial moments, Jesus Revolution benefits from the outstanding chemistry among the lead performers. Audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, with high scores indicating strong approval and recommendation. The film’s box office performance exceeded expectations (earning over $54 million), suggesting a significant connection with its target audience.
Agent (Movie, Licensed)
Streaming Release: March 14, 2025
Agent, starring Mammootty and Akhil Akkineni, turned out to be a substantial box-office disappointment. The movie’s weak screenplay, particularly in the second half, and a generic, boring plot hurt the overall project the most. While some praised Akhil’s performance and the action sequences, most found the film’s attempts at “wildness” ineffective. It ended up earning only INR 8.5 crores against a massive budget of INR 85 crores. Overall, Agent is a tedious and unmemorable spy thriller.
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