5 years of Trance: Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya Nazim’s misfire on pseudo-prophets that showed how not to make an ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ film
The Trance movie Fahadh Faasil starred in was meant to be a bold take on pseudo-prophets and the commercialization of faith. However, five years later, it remains a cautionary tale on how not to craft a surreal, psychological drama. Despite stunning visuals and a powerhouse performance by Fahadh Faasil, Trance failed to balance its ambitious themes and storytelling.
Directed by Anwar Rasheed, the film followed Viju Prasad (Fahadh), a struggling motivational speaker who transforms into a cult leader under corporate influence. While the film drew comparisons to Hollywood’s Everything Everywhere All at Once, its execution fell flat. The screenplay lacked depth, and the chaotic narrative diluted its impact.
Unlike similar genre-defying films, Trance failed to resonate emotionally with audiences. Critics and fans debated whether its pseudo-prophet storyline was over-dramatized rather than thought-provoking. Even Nazriya Nazim’s presence couldn’t salvage the script’s inconsistencies.
Despite its flaws, Trance is still an interesting attempt in Malayalam cinema, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. However, it serves as a lesson in why thematic depth and execution matter when crafting a mind-bending experience.
Many critics compared Trance to Hollywood’s Everything Everywhere All at Once, but the Malayalam film lacked the emotional depth and coherence needed to make a lasting impact. The overuse of surrealism overshadowed the core message, making it an artistic but flawed experiment.
Even Nazriya Nazim’s presence couldn’t save Trance from mixed reviews. The screenplay failed to fully explore the dangers of blind faith, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
Despite its shortcomings, Trance Movie Fahadh Faasil starred in remains an ambitious film. It may not have achieved what it set out to do, but it’s still a significant attempt at pushing boundaries in Indian cinema.
