Indian cinema has always thrived on second chances. Movies that fail to attract audiences in theaters often find redemption through streaming platforms. This is exactly what’s happening with Jeethu Joseph’s latest thriller – Mirage, which is now available for streaming on SonyLIV.
Jeethu Joseph, the celebrated filmmaker behind the record-breaking Drishyam franchise, has once again explored the realm of psychological thrillers — but this time, the response has been quite different. While Drishyam and Drishyam 2 were cinematic blockbusters that redefined Malayalam suspense, Mirage faced a lukewarm box office reception.
However, the OTT release on SonyLIV might just give the film a new life — a digital rebirth that could turn mixed reviews into newfound appreciation.
🎥 About the Film: Mirage
Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Mirage is a psychological thriller starring Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali in the lead roles. The film delves deep into human perception, paranoia, and the blurred lines between illusion and reality.
Produced by Mukesh R. Mehta, Jatin M. Sethi, C. V. Sarathi, Vikram Mehra, and Siddharth Anand Kumar, Mirage features music composed by Vishnu Shyam, who has previously collaborated with several renowned Malayalam directors.
🧠 The Plot: What Mirage Is All About
Without giving away major spoilers, Mirage revolves around a seemingly ordinary man (played by Asif Ali) whose life takes a dark and unpredictable turn. As he begins to experience strange occurrences and psychological disturbances, the film slowly unfolds into a complex web of secrets and mind games.
Aparna Balamurali, known for her award-winning performance in Soorarai Pottru, delivers another strong act, portraying a character whose motives and emotions keep the viewers guessing until the end.
The narrative is layered with suspense, red herrings, and moments of eerie silence — something that Jeethu Joseph has mastered over the years. But unlike Drishyam, which was rooted in family emotions and morality, Mirage dives deeper into the individual psyche, focusing on guilt, trauma, and perception.
📊 Box Office vs OTT Performance
| Platform | Release Type | Audience Response | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theatrical | Wide release across Kerala and select metros | Mixed to below-average | Underperformed |
| OTT (SonyLIV) | Multilingual release | Growing gradually | Finding a new audience |
The theatrical run of Mirage didn’t meet expectations. Critics cited the film’s slow pace and complex structure as hurdles for mainstream success. However, the OTT release on SonyLIV is painting a different picture.
Online viewers, especially those who enjoy psychological thrillers, are discovering hidden brilliance in Jeethu’s storytelling. What may have felt confusing on the big screen now appears layered and thought-provoking on the small screen.
🔍 Why the Film Failed at the Box Office
Even a director as talented as Jeethu Joseph isn’t immune to commercial unpredictability. Here’s a look at some reasons why Mirage might not have connected with theatergoers:
- Expectations from the Drishyam Legacy
Jeethu Joseph set the bar high with Drishyam and Drishyam 2. Audiences expected similar emotional intensity and clear moral conflict. Mirage, being more cerebral and abstract, didn’t cater to the same crowd. - Complex Narrative Structure
The film uses a non-linear storytelling approach, which, while artistically bold, may have alienated casual viewers seeking straightforward entertainment. - Limited Promotions
Compared to big-budget releases, Mirage lacked aggressive marketing and buzz, reducing its reach among multiplex audiences. - Competition at the Box Office
The movie released alongside major regional hits, which overshadowed its presence in theaters. - Mixed Word-of-Mouth
Early reviews highlighted both the brilliance and the flaws of the film, leading to divided opinions.
Despite these setbacks, the SonyLIV release has offered Mirage a second chance to prove its worth.
📺 Streaming Details: Where and How to Watch Mirage
The good news for film lovers is that Mirage is now streaming on SonyLIV in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Kannada.
You can watch Mirage with a valid SonyLIV Premium subscription, which also gives access to other Malayalam and pan-Indian titles.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Mirage |
| Director | Jeethu Joseph |
| Cast | Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali |
| Producer | Mukesh R. Mehta, Jatin M. Sethi, C.V. Sarathi, Vikram Mehra, Siddharth Anand Kumar |
| Music | Vishnu Shyam |
| Language Availability | Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada |
| Streaming Platform | SonyLIV |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller |
| Runtime | Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes |
🧩 Themes Explored in Mirage
Jeethu Joseph is known for integrating emotional realism into thriller frameworks. Mirage takes a more introspective approach, tackling questions like:
- What happens when reality itself becomes questionable?
- How do guilt and trauma shape human behavior?
- Can the mind distinguish between truth and illusion?
These psychological explorations give Mirage depth beyond its surface-level suspense. It’s a slow-burn thriller designed for those who love peeling narrative layers rather than being spoon-fed answers.
🎭 Performances: A Deep Dive
🔹 Asif Ali – The Mind in Turmoil
Asif Ali delivers a restrained yet powerful performance. His portrayal of paranoia and confusion makes the audience question his reality along with him.
🔹 Aparna Balamurali – A Mystery in Herself
Aparna Balamurali continues to impress with her range. Her character adds emotional gravity and unpredictability to the narrative.
🔹 Supporting Cast
The supporting roles enhance the story’s psychological tension, especially in moments where doubt and fear overlap.
🎶 Music and Technical Craft
The music by Vishnu Shyam creates a haunting tone throughout the film. Subtle background scores heighten suspense without overshadowing the storytelling.
Cinematographer Satheesh Kurup captures urban loneliness and mental disorientation through dim lighting and distorted perspectives. The editing style adds a sense of fragmentation, aligning perfectly with the film’s theme of illusion.
📈 SonyLIV’s Role in Reviving Mirage
OTT platforms have redefined success for films that fail theatrically. Mirage is a prime example.
On SonyLIV, the film is gaining traction among:
- Thriller enthusiasts
- Malayalam cinema lovers
- Audiences who appreciate slow, psychological dramas
Social media discussions have started to re-evaluate the film, with many calling it “Jeethu Joseph’s most underrated work after Drishyam.”
🧩 Comparing Mirage to Drishyam: Two Sides of Jeethu Joseph
| Aspect | Drishyam | Mirage |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Family, morality, justice | Illusion, guilt, mental trauma |
| Tone | Realistic, emotional | Psychological, abstract |
| Lead Role | Mohanlal | Asif Ali |
| Narrative Style | Linear | Non-linear |
| Audience Appeal | Mass + Critical | Niche, intellectual |
| Box Office | Blockbuster | Underperformed |
| OTT Response | Consistent | Growing steadily |
This comparison shows how Jeethu Joseph continues to experiment with storytelling instead of repeating past formulas.
🎬 Why You Should Watch Mirage on SonyLIV
If you love psychological thrillers that make you think long after the credits roll, Mirage deserves your time. Here’s why:
- It’s directed by the Drishyam mastermind Jeethu Joseph.
- Strong performances by Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali.
- Engaging soundtrack and striking visuals.
- Now easily available to stream in multiple languages on SonyLIV.
- Perfect for audiences who enjoy intelligent cinema with depth and symbolism.
💬 Critics’ Take
While some critics felt Mirage lacked the emotional warmth of Drishyam, others appreciated its ambition.
- The Hindu called it “a layered experiment in perception.”
- Times of India noted that “Mirage may not entertain the masses but it challenges the viewer’s mind.”
- On social media, several film enthusiasts described it as “a slow-burn psychological puzzle.”
With its SonyLIV release, the conversation around Mirage has reignited, with new audiences appreciating its artistry.
📢 Audience Reaction on OTT
After releasing on SonyLIV, Mirage has seen a steady rise in viewership. Discussion threads on Reddit, X (Twitter), and Instagram highlight that the movie “works better when watched alone, in silence, with focus.”
Many users say the movie “feels different on the second viewing,” where small details and clues become more apparent.
In essence, Mirage is turning into a cult favorite among digital audiences — a space where Jeethu Joseph’s complex ideas can truly breathe.
🧠 The Jeethu Joseph Formula
Jeethu Joseph’s success comes from his ability to blend intense realism with emotional suspense.
From Drishyam to Mirage, his direction emphasizes:
- Realistic character behavior
- Psychological motivations
- Layered storytelling
- Slow build-up leading to revelation
Though Mirage stumbled commercially, it remains true to Jeethu’s core storytelling philosophy — cinema that provokes thought rather than offering comfort.
📽️ Malayalam Cinema’s OTT Evolution
The Malayalam film industry has adapted remarkably well to OTT platforms. Smaller, idea-driven movies are finding audiences beyond regional boundaries.
Films like Drishyam 2, Joji, C U Soon, and now Mirage are proving that digital streaming can redefine success metrics for Indian cinema.
With SonyLIV pushing regional content aggressively, Mirage’s inclusion expands its catalog of thoughtful, suspense-driven Malayalam films.
🗣️ Viewer Verdict
| Category | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Storyline | Intriguing, complex |
| Direction | Stylish, unpredictable |
| Performances | Strong and balanced |
| Music | Atmospheric |
| Visuals | Excellent |
| Overall Verdict | Worth watching on OTT |
💭 Final Thoughts
Mirage may not have worked its magic in theaters, but SonyLIV has given it the spotlight it deserves. The film’s psychological tension, thematic depth, and stellar performances make it a slow-burn experience perfect for home viewing.
For Jeethu Joseph, this OTT release represents more than just another digital drop — it’s a reminder that good stories always find their audience, even if they take time to be understood.
❓ FAQs – Drishyam Director’s Film Mirage on SonyLIV
Q1. What is Mirage about?
A1. Mirage is a psychological thriller exploring guilt, illusion, and human perception, directed by Drishyam fame Jeethu Joseph.
Q2. Where can I watch Mirage online?
A2. Mirage is now streaming on SonyLIV with multilingual options including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Q3. Who are the lead actors in Mirage?
A3. The film stars Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali in pivotal roles.
Q4. Why did Mirage fail at the box office?
A4. Due to limited marketing, competition from other releases, and a complex narrative structure, the film struggled theatrically.
Q5. Is Mirage worth watching on SonyLIV?
A5. Absolutely. The OTT release allows viewers to enjoy its psychological complexity at their own pace.
Q6. How is Mirage different from Drishyam?
A6. While Drishyam focuses on family and morality, Mirage dives into psychological and emotional illusions.
🧾 Conclusion
Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam Director’s Film Mirage on SonyLIV is more than just another OTT release — it’s a second chance for a misunderstood gem. As audiences re-evaluate it through the digital lens, Mirage may ultimately prove that great storytelling doesn’t depend on box office numbers.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, complex narratives, and bold filmmaking, Mirage on SonyLIV deserves a spot on your watchlist.
So grab your headphones, dim the lights, and prepare for a mind-bending cinematic experience — Mirage, the latest from the Drishyam director, is waiting for you on SonyLIV.
