A Gritty Thriller That Packs a Punch but Stumbles in Parts
Malayalam cinema has been on a roll in recent years, delivering some of the most compelling thrillers in Indian cinema. Officer on Duty, released on February 20, 2025, joins this impressive lineup with its intense narrative, raw performances, and a premise that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Directed by debutant Jithu Ashraf and penned by Shahi Kabir—a former police officer known for his realistic portrayal of law enforcement in films like Joseph and Nayattu—this crime drama stars Kunchacko Boban as the rugged and troubled Circle Inspector Harishankar. With a supporting cast featuring Priyamani, Jagadish, and Vishak Nair, the film dives deep into the dark underbelly of crime, trauma, and revenge. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.
A Promising Start with a Gripping First Half
Officer on Duty kicks off with a bang, wasting no time in plunging viewers into its gritty world. Harishankar, recently demoted after assaulting a senior officer, returns to duty with a chip on his shoulder and a short fuse. His first case seems mundane—a counterfeit gold chain scam—but it quickly spirals into something far more sinister. What begins as a routine investigation unravels into a web of drug trafficking, sexual assault, and revenge, stretching from Kochi to Bengaluru. The non-linear storytelling, a signature of Shahi Kabir, keeps you guessing, cleverly misdirecting the audience with twists that reveal the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events.
The first half is where the film shines brightest. It’s taut, fast-paced, and unrelenting, with a tension that builds steadily as Harishankar digs deeper. The screenplay’s ability to deceive—making you think you’re watching a serial killer thriller before shifting gears into a revenge saga—is a testament to Kabir’s skill. The rawness of the visuals, captured by cinematographer Roby Varghese Raj, complements the narrative’s dark tone, while Jakes Bejoy’s pulsating background score amplifies the dread and urgency. A standout moment is Harishankar’s panic attack upon discovering a hanging body—a scene that humanizes him and hints at the trauma lurking beneath his tough exterior.
Kunchacko Boban is the beating heart of this segment, delivering a performance that’s both commanding and vulnerable. Gone is the charming “chocolate boy” persona he’s known for; here, he’s a grizzled cop with a voice that growls and a demeanor that intimidates. His portrayal of Harishankar’s anger, guilt, and determination is pitch-perfect, making you root for him even when his actions—like violently interrogating suspects—cross ethical lines.
A Second Half That Falters but Still Delivers
If the first half is a rollercoaster, the second feels more like a slow descent with occasional jolts. Once the major reveal lands at the interval, the momentum slackens. The film shifts into a cat-and-mouse chase between Harishankar and a gang of antagonists led by Vishak Nair, who plays the menacing Christy with chilling conviction. The villains—hoodie-clad, tattooed drug addicts—are a bit stereotypical, and their motivations, while grounded in a solid backstory, feel overly cinematic at times. The pacing dips as the plot meanders through familiar territory, relying heavily on well-choreographed action sequences to keep the adrenaline flowing.
Speaking of action, the fight scenes are a highlight. The mortuary brawl, in particular, is visceral and intense, showcasing sharp editing by Chaman Chacko and a gritty realism that avoids over-the-top heroics. Yet, as the climax approaches, the film leans into formulaic tropes—a predictable showdown and a slightly contrived resolution—that dilute the freshness of the earlier portions. Some viewers might find the pre-climax lag frustrating, a sentiment echoed in online discussions where the second half is described as “average” compared to the gripping setup.
Performances and Technical Brilliance
Kunchacko Boban carries the film on his shoulders, proving once again why he’s a versatile force in Malayalam cinema. His rugged cop is a far cry from his earlier roles, and he nails the emotional complexity with ease. Priyamani, as his wife Geetha, has limited screen time but makes an impact in key scenes, especially toward the end. Jagadish delivers a solid turn as Chandrababu, a pawn in the larger scheme, while Vishak Nair and his gang (Ramzan Muhammed, Vishnu G. Varrier, and others) bring a palpable menace that fuels the tension.
Technically, Officer on Duty is a triumph. The cinematography paints a moody, unsettling picture of the criminal underworld, while the sound design—particularly Bejoy’s score—elevates the suspense. The editing, though occasionally choppy in the second half, keeps the narrative cohesive.
A Mixed Bag with a Meaningful Core
At its core, Officer on Duty is more than just a thriller—it’s a commentary on trauma, justice, and the grey areas of law enforcement. Shahi Kabir doesn’t glorify the police; he exposes their flaws and humanizes their struggles. Harishankar isn’t a flawless hero, and the film doesn’t shy away from showing how his impulsiveness contributes to the chaos. Yet, it also critiques the system and society that breed such crimes, making it a thought-provoking watch.
That said, the film isn’t without flaws. The reliance on violence against women and children as a plot device feels repetitive in the genre, raising questions about whether mainstream cinema is too comfortable exploiting these themes for shock value. The second half’s tonal inconsistencies and predictable beats also prevent it from reaching the heights of Kabir’s earlier works like Nayattu.
Final Verdict
Officer on Duty is a gripping, well-crafted thriller that showcases Kunchacko Boban at his best and marks an impressive debut for Jithu Ashraf. It’s not perfect—the second half drags, and some elements feel formulaic—but it’s a worthy addition to Malayalam cinema’s crime drama catalog. If you enjoy intense police procedurals with strong performances and a raw edge, this one’s a must-watch, preferably in theaters for the full experience. I’d rate it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars—a thrilling ride that stumbles but never crashes.
