Bhoothakaalam

Past) is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language psychological horror film written and directed by Rahul Sadasivan, starring Shane Nigam and Revathy.

[2][3] Gopi Sunder handles the background score while Shane Nigam makes his debut as a music director as well as producer..[4][5] Principal photography took place from January 2021 to February 2021 in Kochi.

Though the film presents itself as horror, it is just as much an allegory for grief, trauma, clinical depression and how the central character is slowly going insane.

[6] Its slow narrative builds this unsettling sense of atmosphere and dread of the unnatural and unknown, along with an unexpected but welcome mystery element.

[7] B Rohan Naahar from The Indian Express stated: "Bhoothakaalam has one of the most thrillingly staged conclusions to any horror film in recent memory.

She mentioned "mental health, the pressure of elder care, alcoholism, drug abuse, a flawed education system, unemployment.

"[13] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, the film is "fleshed out with commendable control by Revathi and Shane Nigam" as they "confront a rapid unravelling of their lives in a house where a dark secret lurks in the shadows.

"[15] Sanjith Sidhardhan from OTTplay gave 3.5 /5 stars and called performances of lead cast "powerful," while appreciating "eerie atmosphere in which most of the story evolves.

"[16] Manoj Kumar R from The Indian Express gave 3.5 out of 5 and wrote, "Shane Nigam is impressive as the man staring into the abyss while Revathi channels the pain of a torment soul.

"[17] Cris from The News Minute gave 3.5 out of 5 and stated, "Bhoothakaalam is a well-prepared movie, scripted carefully and made richer by beautiful performances.

"[18] Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma tweeted that he hasn't seen a more realistic horror film than Bhoothakaalam since William Friedkin's The Exorcist (1973).