✅ In Whose Name? (2025) is a gripping Malayalam-language historical drama and spy thriller that delves into a compelling narrative set in post-independence India. Directed by Dr. Santhosh Lakshman, who also plays the lead role, the film explores the high-stakes world of espionage, science, and patriotism. Released on August 15, 2025, the film captivates audiences with its intricate plot, subtle performances, and atmospheric storytelling. It’s a tale of a brilliant scientist whose pursuit of knowledge and dedication to his nation put him in the crosshairs of global powers, forcing him to make impossible choices. The film stands as a testament to the quiet heroes of history, offering a thought-provoking and engaging cinematic experience.
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In Whose Name?
Director: Nico Ballesteros
Writers: Nico Ballesteros, Shy Ranje
Stars: Ye, Kim Kardashian, North West
Country: United States of America
Genres: Documentary, Music
Languages: English
Overview: Over six years, 18-year-old Nico Ballesteros captured an unfiltered portrait of Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, offering unprecedented access into the private and public life of one of the most...
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In Whose Name? (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: In Whose Name? (2025)
- Language: Malayalam
- Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be moderate for a Malayalam drama)
- Revenue: Not Publicly Disclosed (Limited release, not officially tracked)
- Runtime: 153 Minutes (2 Hours 33 Minutes)
- Release Date: August 15, 2025 (Limited Release in India)
- Genres: Drama, Thriller, Historical Fiction
- Cast: Dr. Santhosh Lakshman, Dr. Jithu S. Das, Sreelakshmi, Jayasurya, Saiju Kurup, Indrans, Rima Kallingal (cameo)
- Directors: Santhosh Lakshman
- Screenplay: Santhosh Lakshman
- Studios & Producers: S-Cube Films (Producers: Dr. Santhosh Lakshman)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via S-Cube Films -
Image via S-Cube Films -
Image via S-Cube Films
Plot Summary
“In Whose Name?” is a gripping historical spy thriller that follows Dr. Santhosh (Dr. Santhosh Lakshman), a brilliant Indian scientist working at the Indian Institute of Science during the Cold War era. His groundbreaking research on advanced communication technology attracts the attention of both Soviet and American intelligence agencies, who are desperate to gain a technological advantage. As foreign agents, including a KGB officer and an American operative, vie for his knowledge, Dr. Santhosh finds himself in a moral and patriotic dilemma. The film delves into his struggles to protect his research from falling into the wrong hands while navigating a complex web of deceit, threats, and ethical compromises. The narrative also explores his personal life, highlighting the sacrifices he and his family must make in the name of national security. With the government and intelligence services also keeping a close watch, Dr. Santhosh is forced to decide where his true loyalties lie—to his family, his career, or his nation. The film is a tense and thought-provoking tale of espionage, where the lines between friend and foe are blurred, and the pursuit of knowledge becomes a life-or-death battle.
Cast & Crew
The cast of “In Whose Name?” is led by Dr. Santhosh Lakshman, who not only directs but also stars in the lead role. His performance as the brilliant but unassuming Dr. Santhosh is a key element of the film, providing a sense of authenticity to the character’s intellectual and moral struggles. He is supported by a solid ensemble of actors who contribute significantly to the film’s dramatic tension. Dr. Jithu S. Das delivers a credible performance as a close associate, while Sreelakshmi portrays the emotional anchor of the story. The film also features notable guest appearances by established actors like Jayasurya, Saiju Kurup, and Indrans, who add gravitas and star power to the narrative in pivotal roles. Director Santhosh Lakshman‘s dual role as both director and lead actor is a notable achievement, and he effectively manages to bring his vision to life on screen. His direction is meticulous, focusing on character nuances and plot intricacies rather than just grand spectacle. The performances, while subtle, are powerful in conveying the high stakes and quiet desperation of the characters.
Critical & Audience Response
Upon its limited theatrical release in August 2025, “In Whose Name?” received a generally positive response from critics and audiences, particularly for its unique premise and grounded approach to the spy thriller genre. Critics lauded the film for its intelligent screenplay and its ability to build tension without relying on conventional action tropes. The direction by Santhosh Lakshman was praised for its meticulousness and attention to historical detail. His performance in the lead role also garnered appreciation for its authenticity and emotional depth. Audiences who appreciate a more cerebral and character-driven thriller found the film highly engaging and thought-provoking. However, some reviews noted that the film’s slow pace and reliance on dialogue over action might not appeal to viewers looking for a more high-octane spy thriller. The film’s historical context was a strong point, but the limited budget was occasionally evident in some production aspects. Despite these minor criticisms, “In Whose Name?” was considered a fresh and ambitious attempt in the Malayalam film industry, receiving praise for its unique subject matter and earnest execution.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Santhosh Lakshman brings a distinct vision to “In Whose Name?”. His direction is marked by a deliberate and methodical approach, prioritizing narrative depth over commercial appeal. He effectively crafts a tense and atmospheric thriller by focusing on the psychological and moral dilemmas of his characters. The film’s direction is mature, allowing the story to unfold at a pace that builds suspense and gives the audience time to absorb the intricacies of the plot. The cinematography by P. S. Binu is one of the film’s strongest technical aspects. Binu uses a subdued color palette and natural lighting to create a grounded and realistic visual tone that transports the audience to the 1960s. The camera work is often static, emphasizing the emotional weight of a scene, but can also be fluid during moments of high tension. The cinematography effectively captures the noir-like atmosphere of the spy genre, with a focus on shadows and a sense of unease. Together, the direction and cinematography create a cohesive and immersive world that is both historically authentic and dramatically compelling.
Music & Background Score
The music for “In Whose Name?” is composed by Arjun S. Raghunath, and his work plays a pivotal role in establishing the film’s tense and melancholic atmosphere. The background score is particularly effective, skillfully building a sense of foreboding and suspense without being overbearing. Raghunath’s score utilizes a blend of classical and contemporary sounds, with subtle, haunting melodies that underscore the characters’ internal conflicts and the film’s espionage themes. The music helps to create a feeling of constant unease, keeping the audience on edge even in quiet moments. While the film may not feature traditional song-and-dance numbers, the soundtrack is a powerful storytelling tool that complements the on-screen action. The score is a standout element, contributing significantly to the film’s overall mood and ensuring that the high stakes of the narrative are always palpable to the audience.
Visuals & Special Effects
“In Whose Name?” is a film that relies on a grounded, realistic visual style rather than extravagant special effects. The focus is on creating a convincing historical setting through authentic production design and art direction. The film’s visuals effectively transport the audience to the Cold War era, with attention to period-appropriate costumes, vehicles, and settings. The film’s use of visual effects is minimal and is primarily employed to enhance the authenticity of the historical backdrops. The lighting and color grading create a moody, noir-like aesthetic that is well-suited for a spy thriller. Instead of explosive action sequences, the film’s visual strength lies in its ability to build tension through carefully composed shots and a sense of looming danger. The film’s aesthetics are subtle but powerful, ensuring that the audience is immersed in the characters’ psychological journey rather than distracted by flashy visuals. This approach highlights the film’s dedication to its genre and its commitment to telling a story with a sense of historical accuracy.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing of “In Whose Name?”, handled by Sajith Raj, is deliberate and contributes to the film’s slow-burn pacing. The cuts are precise, allowing scenes to breathe and building a sense of methodical tension. While some viewers might find the pace slow, the editing ensures that the complex plot is easy to follow and that the audience is fully engaged in the unfolding mystery. The screenplay, written by director Santhosh Lakshman, is a major strength. It is an ambitious script that tackles a historical setting and weaves a complex spy narrative with strong emotional undertones. The dialogues are sharp and effective, conveying the high-stakes political and personal conflicts of the characters. The script successfully creates a sense of intrigue, with each scene adding a new layer to the conspiracy. Although the narrative is intricate, the storytelling is clear, which is a significant achievement for a film of this genre. The screenplay’s commitment to realism and its well-researched plot details make it a standout element of the film.
Positives / What Works
“In Whose Name?” shines with its intelligent and well-researched screenplay, which provides a fresh take on the spy thriller genre. Director Santhosh Lakshman’s commendable dual role as both director and lead actor is a highlight, with his grounded performance anchoring the film. The movie’s slow-burn tension and atmospheric storytelling are powerful, creating an immersive and suspenseful experience. The cinematography by P. S. Binu is a major asset, using a muted color palette and realistic lighting to enhance the historical setting and mood. The film’s focus on patriotism and moral dilemmas adds significant thematic depth. The performances from the entire cast, including the supporting actors, are strong and authentic, making the narrative feel believable and emotionally resonant.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While “In Whose Name?” is a strong film, it is not without its weaknesses. Its deliberate, slow pace may not appeal to all audiences, particularly those expecting a faster-paced, action-oriented thriller. The film’s limited budget is occasionally noticeable in some of the production elements, which might not live up to the visual standards of larger-scale films. Although the plot is intricate, some narrative threads could have been more deeply explored to satisfy viewers. The film’s serious and somber tone, while effective for the genre, might be emotionally draining for some. Despite the strong performances, the character of Dr. Santhosh, while a hero, is so understated that some viewers might struggle to fully connect with him on a personal level.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“In Whose Name?” is a powerful and unique contribution to the Malayalam film industry. It is a well-crafted historical spy thriller that prioritizes a strong, intelligent screenplay and character-driven drama over high-octane action. Director Santhosh Lakshman’s ambitious vision is largely successful, resulting in an immersive and thought-provoking film that explores themes of patriotism, loyalty, and morality. While its slow pace and subtle approach might not be for everyone, it is a rewarding watch for audiences who appreciate a cerebral and emotionally resonant narrative. The film’s strengths—its compelling plot, strong performances, and atmospheric direction—make it a significant and commendable cinematic effort that stands out in the genre.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 3.6 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who is the director and lead actor of the film?
The film is directed by Dr. Santhosh Lakshman, who also plays the lead role.
What genre does "In Whose Name?" belong to?
The film is primarily a Drama, Thriller, and Historical Fiction film.
