Trance (2020 film)

Trance film poster

Trance is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language psychological drama film directed by Anwar Rasheed, produced by Anwar Rasheed Entertainments. The film stars Fahadh Faasil in the lead role, with Nazriya Nazim, Dileesh Pothan, Gautham Menon, Soubin Shahir, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Vinayakan in supporting roles. The screenplay was written by Vincent Vadakkan. The story revolves around Viju Prasad, a motivational speaker and a small-time motivational trainer in Kozhikode, who undergoes a series of personal and professional upheavals, leading to a dramatic transformation into Pastor Joshua Carlton, a flamboyant preacher of a popular but controversial Christian sect.

Plot

Viju Prasad, played by Fahadh Faasil, is a struggling motivational speaker in Kozhikode, dealing with personal grief and professional failures. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is approached by a corporate entity to become Pastor Joshua Carlton, the face of a pseudo-Christian sect. As Joshua, he gains immense popularity and wealth, but his meteoric rise is fraught with moral dilemmas, psychological breakdowns, and the uncovering of a larger conspiracy.

Cast

• Fahadh Faasil as Viju Prasad / Pastor Joshua Carlton
• Nazriya Nazim as Esther Lopez
• Dileesh Pothan as Avarachan
• Gautham Menon as Solomon Davis
• Soubin Shahir as Mathew Varghese
• Chemban Vinod Jose as Isaac
• Vinayakan as Thomas

Production

The film was announced by Anwar Rasheed in 2017, marking his return to direction after a hiatus. The filming began in 2019 across various locations in Kerala, Mumbai, and Amsterdam. The cinematography was handled by Amal Neerad, and the music was composed by Jackson Vijayan.

Release

Trance was released on 20 February 2020, amidst high expectations. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Fahadh Faasil's performance, the film's visual style, and its ambitious narrative, but criticized its pacing and the handling of its complex themes.

Reception

Critics lauded Fahadh Faasil's portrayal of Viju Prasad / Pastor Joshua Carlton, highlighting his ability to convey the character's emotional and psychological depth. The film's cinematography and soundtrack also received high praise for their quality and contribution to the film's atmosphere. However, the film's narrative complexity and length were points of contention among some viewers and critics.

Themes

Trance explores themes of faith, fraud, and the commercialization of religion. It delves into the psychological impact of personal loss and the human tendency to seek solace in higher powers. The film critically examines the mechanisms behind the making of a spiritual leader in a society that is both fascinated and disillusioned by religion.