Storylines used for movies are inspired by real-life incidents. At times, the inspired version turns out to be stronger and more influential than the original. Sila Nerangalil is one such film that has portrayed a powerful tale of desire and a resulting murder.

Anjali is haunted by a recurrent dream, a vivid one. Each time it creeps up on her, she visualizes an assassin, who comes for her own life. Anjali is left in a Christian institution for treatment. Apart from putting her into a regular training module handled by Joe (Vincent Asokan), the head of the institution takes the help of a therapist Krishnan (Raghuvaran) to free Anjali of her fear and also to investigate the reality behind the dream. The therapist lulls her into a hypnotic sleep and makes her talk. The vulnerable young woman psychologically walks back to her distant past, narrating the incidents that occurred in her previous birth. The flashback begins with her story...

As Thamarai (Navya Nair) then, she was the wife of Chidambaram (Vincent Asokan). Thamarai was a happy woman enjoying every bit of hwer life nd marital pleasures, completely devoting herself to her husband and his family comprising his sister (Fathima Babu) and his nephew. Though every now and then, she became suspicious of the nephew's objectionable behavior and attitude, Chidambaram persistently cajoled Thamarai. Soon, influenced by his viewpoint, she too ignored her idea as a thing of her intense imagination. At that time, Thamarai was also enjoying the bliss of motherhood, pregnant with her first child.

One fine day, Chidambaram brought home a friend Madhavan (Vineeth), a famous singer. Thamarai immediately recognized him as her favourite singer. She recalled her fan mails addressed to Madhavan signed with the figure of a lotus, signifying her name. Fuelled by their common interest, the friendship grew stronger each day. On a particular occasion, when Chidambaram found his wife obliging Madhavan, his instincts misguided him. He presumed that they were involved in an affair. All of a sudden, Thamarai was murdered; friends and family pointed an accusing finger at Chidambaram.

Cut to the present situation. Thamarai is reborn as Anjali. The therapist links her dream as a reaction of an unfulfilled yearning, registered in the subconscious. Anjali identifies the killer's face as the trainer Joe's (Vincent Asokan). Her revelation puts innocent Joe, who is in love with Anjali, in deep trouble. After more intense probing, Anjali's past rises up with a vengeance rocking the old connections and revealing the truth.

Sila Nerangalil belongs to a specific genre that deals with the facts behind soul and rebirth. National award-winning director Jayaraj has handled the direction. The narrative stays faithful and true to the storyline. Vincent Asokan's performance in both roles is outstanding. Navya too, has portrayed the essence of both characters Anjali and Thamarai with distinctive degrees and nuances in performance. Vineeth as the singer too has given his best. All the sequences set in 60s are genuine in every aspect.

Camera work by Rajvel is good. Songs in Srikanth-Deva's music are excellent. All the songs are picturised in different lovely locales. Art director Muthuraj's and lyricist Vairamuthu's contributions are creditable. A thriller, Sila Nerangalil is an intriguing blend of fact and fiction.