Check Mate Movie Review: Originally a Malayalam thriller, Check Mate recently premiered on ZEE5 in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. Starring Anoop Menon, Rekha Harindran, and Lal, the film attempts to explore corporate crime and betrayal but falters due to weak storytelling, lack of depth, and uninspired execution.
Check Mate Movie Review
Overview
Check Mate is a Malayalam thriller directed by Rathish Sekhar, featuring Anoop Menon, Rekha Harindran, Lal, Anjali Mohanan, and Vishwam Nair in lead roles. Released in theatres on August 8, 2024, it made its digital debut on ZEE5 on October 2, 2025, streaming in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi.
Plot
Philip Kurian (Anoop Menon), a wealthy businessman, runs a pharma company that thrives on unethical practices. His clinical drug trials cause severe health issues and even deaths, but money and influence keep controversies outside his gates.
Philip lives by a philosophy of “checkmating” anyone who stands in his way. While romantically involved with Enna (Anjali Mohanan), his close aide, he gets entangled with Jessie (Rekha Harindran). Enna cannot bear Jessie’s growing proximity to Philip, while Jessie’s former lover Vinay (Vishwam Nair) still harbors anger over her betrayal. What follows is a story of deceit, rivalry, and shifting loyalties—but the film soon deviates from its initial premise.
Check Mate Movie Review: Analysis
While Check Mate begins with a promising setup around pharma crimes and clinical trials, it quickly abandons this theme, focusing instead on personal betrayals and relationships. Unlike traditional thrillers, the narrative lacks tension, sharp twists, or suspense.
Instead of showcasing the expected “strategic moves” suggested by its title, the screenplay drifts without purpose. Subplots fail to connect with the main storyline, and the overall pace tests the audience’s patience. The weak content makes the film feel tedious and disappointing.
Check Mate Movie Review: Performances
- Anoop Menon as Philip Kurian lacks the commanding screen presence expected of a powerful antagonist.
- Rekha Harindran plays Jessie with flair but the writing undercuts her role.
- Anjali Mohanan as Enna delivers a decent performance, though her character is underwritten.
- Lal and Vishwam Nair have limited scope.
Check Mate Movie Review: Technical Aspects
- Cinematography: Average, with little visual innovation.
- Editing: Flat and ineffective in building tension.
- Background Score: Functional but not impactful.
Check Mate Movie Review: Verdict
Check Mate begins as if it would expose the dark realities of corporate pharma crimes but strays into uninspired melodrama. With no engaging twists or gripping execution, the film ends up being a disappointing thriller that struggles to justify its title.
FAQs
1. What is the movie Check Mate about?
Check Mate revolves around Philip Kurian, a corrupt pharma businessman, and how his personal and professional manipulations affect those around him.
2. Who are the lead actors in Check Mate?
The main cast includes Anoop Menon, Rekha Harindran, Lal, Anjali Mohanan, and Vishwam Nair.
3. When was Check Mate released?
The movie was first released in theatres on August 8, 2024, and later premiered on ZEE5 on October 2, 2025.
4. In which languages is Check Mate streaming?
The film is streaming on ZEE5 in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi.
5. Is Check Mate worth watching?
If you’re looking for a gripping thriller, Check Mate may disappoint due to its weak storyline and lack of suspense.
Disclaimer
This review of Check Mate is based on critical evaluation of the film’s story, performances, direction, and technical aspects. The opinions presented are for informational and review purposes only, with no intention to influence personal viewing preferences.