Pranav Mohanlal’s surprise Malayalam horror hit “Dies Irae” is making its digital debut on JioHotstar from December 5, 2025, bringing the terrifying tale to audiences in five languages just 35 days after its theatrical release. The film that collected Rs 82 crore worldwide despite minimal promotions is now set to haunt screens across India.
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Dies Irae OTT Release Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) |
| Streaming Platform | JioHotstar |
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 (Midnight) |
| Languages Available | Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi |
| Theatrical Release | October 31, 2025 |
| Box Office Collection | Rs 82 crore worldwide |
| Director | Rahul Sadasivan (Bramayugam fame) |
| Lead Actor | Pranav Mohanlal |
| Certificate | A (Adults Only) |
| Genre | Horror Thriller |
From Quiet Release to Box Office Phenomenon
Dies Irae defied all expectations when it released in theaters on Halloween (October 31) with virtually no promotional campaign. What started as a low-key release transformed into one of 2025’s highest-grossing Malayalam films through powerful word-of-mouth and terrifying storytelling that refused to leave viewers’ minds.
The film earned an A certificate due to its gory content and intense horror elements, but this didn’t stop audiences from flocking to theaters. According to Republic World, the supernatural thriller collected Rs 82 crore globally, marking it as one of the year’s biggest Malayalam successes.
What made it special: The collaboration between Pranav Mohanlal and director Rahul Sadasivan (known for the critically acclaimed “Bramayugam”) created cinematic magic that critics and audiences praised for its atmospheric dread and psychological depth.
The Story That Crawls Under Your Skin
Dies Irae follows Rohan Shankar (Pranav Mohanlal), a wealthy Indo-American architect living comfortably in his Kerala villa. His peaceful existence shatters after learning about the suicide of his former classmate Kani (Sushmita Bhat).
The haunting begins: During his visit to Kani’s home to pay respects, Rohan takes a hairclip as a keepsake—a seemingly innocent gesture that triggers a series of terrifying supernatural events. As strange occurrences escalate at his house, Rohan must confront disturbing questions about reality, guilt, and the consequences of his actions.
The film masterfully blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, keeping viewers questioning what’s real until the final frame.
Multi-Language Expansion to Reach Wider Audiences
JioHotstar acquired the OTT rights for a significant price, recognizing the film’s potential beyond Kerala. The platform’s decision to stream Dies Irae in five languages (Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi) ensures maximum reach across Indian audiences.
Why this matters: Malayalam cinema has been producing exceptional horror content that deserves nationwide attention. Recent OTT trends show growing appetite for regional horror across linguistic boundaries, with platforms increasingly investing in multi-language dubbing.
The motion poster released by JioHotstar captures the film’s eerie essence—showing Pranav’s character in deep sleep as a mysterious hand approaches, rendered in unsettling red-and-blue tones that perfectly match the film’s dark atmosphere.
The Creative Team Behind the Terror
Director: Rahul Sadasivan, fresh off the success of “Bramayugam,” proves he’s mastering the horror genre with distinctive visual storytelling and psychological depth.
Cast Highlights:
- Pranav Mohanlal (Lead – Rohan Shankar)
- Sushmita Bhat (Kani)
- Gibin Gopinath
- Manohari Joy
- Saiju Kurup
- Arun Ajikumar
Technical Excellence:
- Music: Christo Xavier (creating the haunting soundscape)
- Cinematography: Shehnad Jalal (capturing atmospheric dread)
- Editing: Shafique Mohammed Ali (maintaining tension)
Production: Night Shift Studios and Y Not Studios (Producers: Chakravarthy Ramachandra and S. Shashikanth)
Why Dies Irae Works: Critical and Audience Praise
Reviews consistently highlight how the film “crawls under your skin and refuses to leave hours after watching,” according to early critical assessments. Unlike jump-scare heavy horror films, Dies Irae builds psychological tension through atmosphere, sound design, and disturbing imagery that lingers long after credits roll.
What viewers are saying:
- Praise for Pranav Mohanlal’s intense, vulnerable performance
- Appreciation for slow-burn horror that respects audience intelligence
- Recognition of cinematography that transforms Kerala’s beauty into something sinister
- Commendation for the haunting musical score
For fans of intelligent horror that prioritizes atmosphere over cheap scares, OTT platforms are increasingly becoming the home for quality thriller content.
How to Watch Dies Irae
Streaming Platform: JioHotstar
Release Time: December 5, 2025, likely from midnight
Subscription Required: Yes (JioHotstar premium subscription)
Language Options: Malayalam (original), Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi (dubbed)
Viewing Recommendation: Watch with headphones in a dark room for maximum impact. The film’s sound design is crucial to its horror effectiveness.
The Future of Malayalam Horror Cinema
Dies Irae represents a growing trend in Malayalam cinema—horror films with serious artistic ambitions and substantial budgets that can compete with mainstream entertainers at the box office. The film’s success proves audiences crave intelligent, well-crafted horror beyond formulaic scares.
With strong theatrical performance translating to anticipated OTT success, Dies Irae sets a benchmark for regional horror content going national through strategic multi-language releases.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dies Irae Too Scary for Casual Horror Fans?
Dies Irae earned an A (Adults Only) certificate due to gory content and intense psychological horror, indicating it’s not for the faint-hearted. Unlike mainstream horror films that rely on jump scares, this film builds atmospheric dread through disturbing imagery, psychological tension, and supernatural elements that create lasting unease. Director Rahul Sadasivan’s approach prioritizes slow-burn terror that “crawls under your skin” rather than immediate shock value. Casual horror fans who prefer lighter supernatural content might find it overwhelming, while genre enthusiasts will appreciate its artistic ambition and psychological depth. The film’s themes explore guilt, grief, and consequences through genuinely unsettling scenarios, making it recommended primarily for viewers comfortable with mature horror content that lingers mentally long after viewing.
Why Did Dies Irae Succeed Without Major Promotions?
The film’s success despite minimal marketing demonstrates the power of exceptional content and organic word-of-mouth in the digital age. Several factors contributed: (1) Director Rahul Sadasivan’s reputation after “Bramayugam” created anticipation among horror fans, (2) Pranav Mohanlal’s dedicated fanbase ensured initial footfall, (3) The Halloween release date (October 31) strategically aligned with horror-enthusiastic audiences, (4) Early viewers’ social media reactions generated massive buzz, praising its psychological depth and terrifying effectiveness, (5) Critical acclaim from reviewers amplified interest beyond Kerala. This organic growth model proves that in streaming era, quality content finds its audience through genuine recommendations rather than expensive promotional campaigns—a trend increasingly common in regional cinema where authentic storytelling resonates more powerfully than manufactured hype.
