“Officer on Duty” is a Malayalam crime thriller film that came out in 2025. It marks the first directorial project of Jithu Ashraf, who steps into filmmaking with this intense police drama. The movie features Kunchacko Boban in the lead role, playing a determined police officer caught in a complex investigation. Alongside him, actors like Priyamani, Jagadish, and Vishak Nair play important supporting roles, each contributing meaningfully to the storyline. The film combines suspense, emotional depth, and a look into the challenges faced by law enforcement.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Circle Inspector Harishankar, portrayed by Kunchacko Boban, a hot-headed and impulsive officer recently demoted due to an altercation with a superior. Assigned to the Aluva police station, Hari is tasked with investigating what appears to be a minor case of a stolen gold chain. However, as he delves deeper, he uncovers connections to a series of heinous crimes linked to his personal tragedies, including the suicide of his daughter, Nila. The investigation leads Hari into a complex web of crime, exploitation, and personal vendettas.
Direction & Screenplay
Jithu Ashraf, in his first film as a director, starts off strong by creating a serious and intense mood. He puts special focus on building the main character well, which helps the audience connect with the story early on. The first half of the movie keeps you hooked with solid investigation scenes and a growing sense of mystery. But in the second half, the film slowly shifts toward a more typical, commercial style. Some parts start to feel predictable, and this takes away a bit from the tension and excitement. While the writing is good in many places, it sometimes misses the depth needed to make the suspense fully convincing.
Performances
Kunchacko Boban: Delivers a commendable performance as CI Harishankar, portraying the character's internal conflicts and emotional turmoil with depth. His portrayal effectively captures the essence of a troubled officer grappling with personal and professional challenges.
Priyamani: Plays Geetha, Hari's wife, bringing authenticity to her role, especially in emotional sequences. Her character adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the familial strains resulting from Hari's actions.
Supporting Cast: Jagadish and Vishak Nair contribute significantly, with performances that enhance the film's overall impact. Their portrayals add layers to the story, making the investigative journey more compelling.
Technical Aspects
- Cinematography: Roby Varghese Raj captures the essence of the narrative, effectively portraying the tension and atmosphere crucial to the thriller genre.
- Music: Jakes Bejoy's background score complements the film's mood, enhancing key moments without overshadowing the narrative.
- Editing: Chaman Chakko's editing maintains a brisk pace, though certain sequences, particularly in the latter half, could have been more concise to sustain engagement.
Final Verdict
"Officer on Duty" offers a blend of crime investigation and personal drama, anchored by strong performances, especially from Kunchacko Boban. While the film excels in building initial suspense and character depth, it somewhat falters in the latter half by adhering to conventional tropes. Nonetheless, it remains a watchable thriller for those interested in crime dramas with emotional undertones.
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars and Watch This Movie on Netflix