Let me just say it: Mirage is not your typical weekend watch — it demands attention, and it rewards patience. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the man behind Drishyam (yes, that Jeethu Joseph), this one’s a moody, layered sci-fi thriller that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Streaming now on Sony LIV, Mirage is a Hindi-language adaptation of the 2018 Spanish thriller Durante la tormenta. And let’s be real — adapting a time-loop mystery is no small feat. But Jeethu brings his trademark control and precision to the story, grounding even the trippiest moments in genuine emotion.
The plot kicks off when a woman accidentally stumbles into a bizarre time anomaly during a violent storm — a premise that sounds high-concept but unfolds in a way that’s surprisingly intimate. At its core, Mirage is a story about time, choices, and consequences — the kind that makes you question how one tiny change in the past could unravel everything you know.
Asif Ali delivers a standout performance in the lead — subtle, sincere, and compelling throughout. He avoids the trap of overplaying the more emotional scenes, choosing instead to understate his character’s growing confusion and desperation. Opposite him, Aparna Balamurali is reliably strong, bringing a grounded presence and emotional clarity to the twisty proceedings. Together, they form a believable emotional anchor in a film that could’ve easily gotten lost in its own mechanics.
The direction is tight, the screenplay is smart without being smug, and the pacing is (mostly) spot-on. Yes, there’s a slight dip in momentum midway, but the payoff in the third act more than makes up for it.
Visually, Mirage is crisp and atmospheric. The cinematography avoids flashy gimmicks and instead builds tension quietly. The score complements this, staying mostly in the background, letting silence and space do the heavy lifting when needed.
Is it perfect? Not quite. Some of the time-bending logic might require a second watch (or a quick Reddit thread). But for those who enjoy narratives that challenge you to keep up — think The Butterfly Effect or Arrival — Mirage hits all the right notes.
Final Take:
With Jeethu Joseph at the helm and anchored by compelling performances from Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali, Mirage is a slick, emotionally grounded thriller that dares to ask big questions about time, regret, and fate — without ever losing its entertainment value.
Rating: 3.5/5
