ID: The Fake is a Malayalam drama that addresses the dangers of online image morphing and cyber harassment. While Dhyan Sreenivasan delivers a committed performance and the theme is socially relevant, the predictable plot, clichéd treatment, and heavy-handed resolution limit the film’s impact.
Story & Premise
The film follows Vinod (Dhyan Sreenivasan), a food delivery worker whose world collapses when a morphed nude photograph of his pregnant wife, Gowri (Divya Pillai), surfaces online. As shame and anger consume him, Vinod distances himself from his wife while secretly attempting to trace the culprit. The premise is timely, reflecting how digital crimes can devastate ordinary families.
Director-writer Arun Sivavilasam sets out to expose the emotional damage caused by cyber abuse, but while the subject is urgent, the execution treads on familiar ground.
Performances & Characters
Dhyan Sreenivasan brings conviction to his role, capturing Vinod’s anguish and inner conflict. Divya Pillai delivers a noteworthy performance, giving Gowri both vulnerability and resilience. Their chemistry sustains much of the film’s emotional weight.
Kalabhavan Shajon, Johny Antony, and Indrans lend support, though their roles remain conventional, often used as narrative fillers rather than fully fleshed-out characters.
Direction, Writing, and Technical Aspects
The intention to tackle cyber harassment deserves recognition, but the writing leans on formula. The beats of discovery, pursuit, confrontation, and resolution are overly predictable. The climax, meant to deliver a moral, feels forced instead of organically earned.
On the technical side, the cinematography creates a grounded, realistic backdrop. Nihal Sadiq’s music supports the mood, though lighter moments intended as relief come across awkwardly and dilute the tension.
Final Verdict
ID: The Fake has its heart in the right place and performances that hold it together, but its routine storytelling and shallow treatment keep it from becoming truly gripping. It’s watchable for its intent, but falls short of delivering the depth its subject deserves.
Bullseye Rating:★★½ (2.5/5 stars)
