Birthmark

“Birthmark” is a Tamil thriller drama directed by Vikram Shreedharan and featuring Shabeer Kallarakkal and Mirnaa Menon. The movie is about Indian Army “Lieutenant Daniel”, who is in the process of recovering from PTSD after having been taken captive in a war zone. His wife, “Jennifer”, is pregnant for six months and has health issues. To facilitate a natural and safe delivery, Daniel brings her to the “Dhavanthri” natural birthing village in Kerala, which is famous for its midwifery-based childbirth. The village is run by the wise and experienced Kundhavi.

Daniel and Jennifer witness a couple leaving the village with their newborn. Rather than joy, the couple looks unusually gloomy and tired. This eerie scene is forever imprinted in Daniel's mind as he and Jennifer settle into the village. As they begin making preparations for the birth of their child, Daniel struggles with his trauma, and Jennifer struggles with physical and emotional complications. Their own relationship is put to the test as they encounter their own past memories and the creepy atmosphere in the village.

“Birthmark” blends psychological tension with emotional depth and transforms it into something more than a story of giving birth. The slow unfolding of the plot and multi-layered narration turn the film into a creepy yet also reflective one. The performances, especially of Shabeer Kallarakkal, provide intensity to the narrative.The backdrop of the birthing village provides a fresh touch, rendering it both healing and mysterious. Though the movie does raise some fascinating questions regarding trauma, loss, and starting anew, its deliberate timing and its murky moments will be off-putting for some. Nevertheless, for the psychological thriller fans with a love of emotional intensity, “Birthmark” presents a captivating motion picture experience.