Asthram

Asthram Movie Synopsis: An inspector on medical leave investigates a pattern of public suicides where victims stab themselves. The case connects to chess players, an ancient book on ritual suicide, and a mysterious figure orchestrating the deaths from the shadows.

Asthram Movie Review: Asthram makes you wonder if the characters are stabbing themselves to escape watching the same movie you're enduring. Inspector Akilan (Shaam), on medical leave due to a hand injury, insists on investigating a series of puzzling suicides where victims stab themselves in public. With rookie partner Sumanth, he discovers all victims were chess players and uncovers a mysterious book, called 'Chess — The Secret' that describes ancient Japanese ritual suicide traditions. As more bodies pile up, Akilan races to find the connection between a psychiatrist Rudhran (Nizhalgal Ravi), a wealthy businessman named James (Jeeva Ravi), and his enigmatic son Martin (Videsh Anand).

Debut director Aravind Rajagopal mistakes explaining for storytelling. The script broadcasts its revelations at full volume, while characters narrate their deductions aloud as if reading from 'Detective Work for Dummies'. The second half relies heavily on a psychiatrist's lengthy flashback to explain the central mystery.

The film's central conceit — that chess players can be hypnotised into ritual suicide — ignores how real-world cases like Jonestown (referenced in the film) required isolation and prolonged indoctrination. Here, victims simply appear in broad daylight and kill themselves without any groundwork showing how they were groomed. Meanwhile, an aggressive background score never lets up, drowning out any chance for tension to build organically.

Shaam approaches Akilan with dedication, even as the character remains thinly written. Nira gets screen time as his media-savvy wife, yet contributes only domestic filler. Nizhalgal Ravi brings a measured presence to his role.

Asthram leaves its audience in check, with no desire for a rematch.

Written By: Abhinav Subramanian