'Mirage' Review, Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali's Thriller Struggles To Meet Audiences' Expectations

When Jeethu Joseph, the man behind iconic thrillers like Drishyam and Kooman, returned with a new mystery drama, expectations were naturally high. Mirage, starring Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali, was released on September 19, 2025, promising suspense, secrets, and shocking revelations. While the film manages to keep audiences curious with its premise, early reactions suggest it struggles to hold the same grip that Joseph’s thrillers are known for.

Mirage plot overview

The story revolves around ‘Abhirami’ played by Aparna Balamurali, who embarks on a desperate search for her fiance ‘Kiran’, who vanishes under mysterious circumstances. Along the way, she is joined by investigative journalist, ‘Aswin’, played by Asif Ali, and together they attempt to untangle a web of secrets surrounding the disappearance. As the case unfolds, they encounter misleading clues, suspicious individuals, and several twists that push them deeper into unpredictable situations. While the screenplay tries to stay true to the crime-thriller template with multiple reveals and cliffhangers, audiences have pointed out that the excess of twists eventually makes the impact of the climax flatter.

Cast and crew of Mirage

The film brings together a strong team both on and off screen. Besides the leads Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali, the cast includes Hakim Shahjahan, Arjun Syam Gopan, Deepak Parambol, Hannah Reji Koshy, Sampath Raj, and Saravanan. Behind the camera, Jeethu Joseph collaborated with Srinivasan Abrol for the screenplay, based on a story by Aparna R. Tarakad. The film is jointly produced by Naad Studios, E4 Experiments, with Seven 1 Seven Productions and Bedtime Stories.

The lead actors in Mirage deliver a praiseworthy performance

Asif Ali delivers a solid performance as the investigative journalist, and manages to bring both intensity and subtle charm to his role. Aparna Balamurali plays ‘Abhirami’ with honesty and beautifully showcases vulnerability and determination. Supporting actors like Hakim Shahjahan and Deepak Parambol add credibility, though their characters don’t leave much of a lasting impression.

What works for Mirage?

The film’s strength lies in its fast-paced narrative, which wastes no time on lengthy setups and quickly immerses viewers into the central mystery. Adding weight to the story are the lead performances by Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali, which bring depth and presence to their roles, making the characters engaging even when the screenplay is not engaging enough. Satheesh Kurup’s cinematography and Vishnu Shyam’s music create a dark, suspenseful mood that enhances the thriller’s atmosphere.

What doesn’t work for Mirage?

The film stumbles in several key areas that undermine its impact. The overcrowded twists, while intended to keep viewers hooked, end up diluting the tension, and the final act ends up being predictable. This comes along with weak writing, which fails to establish strong emotional stakes or make the characters’ journey truly compelling. Adding to the disappointment, some viewers pointed out noticeable production flaws, including uneven quality and tacky visual effects, which are unusual for a film by Jeethu Joseph.

Fan’s reactions towards Mirage 

Audience reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been lukewarm at their best. While some call it a ‘decent one-time watch’, many argue it is Jeethu Joseph’s weakest thriller. Actors are being praised for their performances, but overall, the film doesn’t seem to be remarkable enough. A user commented, “Mirage dull first half, with poor writing and a cliche interval twist, “and another one said, “Asif Ali and Aparna Balamuri deliver standout performances.” A third user commented, “Easily one of Jeethu’s weakest films. The poor writing and direction show right from the start.”

Final verdict for Mirage 

Mirage is an ambitious thriller that tries to juggle too many twists and ends up losing its grip on storytelling. While the lead performances and technical polish provide some merit, the lack of emotional depth and narrative cohesion prevents it from standing among Jeethu Joseph’s celebrated works. For thriller lovers, it may be worth a single watch.

What are your thoughts about Mirage? 

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