(30)Movie Review: Officer on Duty [CBFC: U/A • 2025 ‧ 2h 17m]

"A Gripping Malayalam Crime Thriller with Intense Performances"

Officer on Duty (2025), a Malayalam crime action thriller, has taken audiences by storm with its raw intensity, compelling performances, and socially relevant themes. Directed by debutant Jithu Ashraf and penned by acclaimed screenwriter Shahi Kabir, this film delves into the dark underbelly of crime, weaving a narrative that balances action, suspense, and emotional depth. Starring Kunchacko Boban, Priyamani, Jagadish, and Vishak Nair, the movie has garnered praise for its technical finesse and gripping storyline, though it falters in parts due to commercial compromises. 

Cast & Crew:

- Director: Jithu Ashraf (debut)

- Writer: Shahi Kabir

- Producers: Martin Prakkat, Renjith Nair, Siby Chavara

- Cast: Kunchacko Boban (Harishankar), Priyamani (Geetha), Jagadish, Vishak Nair (Christy Savio), Ramzan Muhammed, Manoj K.U., Unni Lalu, Srikant Murali

- Cinematography: Roby Varghese Raj

- Music: Jakes Bejoy

- Editing: Chaman Chakko

- Action Choreography: Dhilip Subbarayan, Vicky Nandagopal

- Sound Design: KC Sidharthan, Sankaran A.S.

- Costume Design: Sameera Saneesh

- Makeup: Ronex Xavier

- Production Design: Dileep Nath 

The ensemble cast and skilled crew bring a polished yet gritty aesthetic to this Malayalam crime thriller, making it a standout in 2025’s cinematic landscape.

Introduction: 

Released on February 20, 2025, Officer on Duty is a high-octane crime drama that explores the life of a demoted police officer caught in a dangerous web of organized crime. Set against the backdrop of Kerala and Bengaluru, the film tackles heavy themes such as drug trafficking, violence against women, and systemic corruption within the police force. With a runtime that keeps audiences engaged, the movie has been lauded for its intense first half and Kunchacko Boban’s career-defining performance. Despite some narrative flaws, it has achieved commercial success, grossing ₹50 crores worldwide by February 25, 2025, and is now streaming on Netflix as of March 20, 2025. This review dives into why Officer on Duty is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers 2025 and Malayalam cinema.

Storyline/Plot:

Officer on Duty follows Harishankar (Kunchacko Boban), a hot-headed Circle Inspector recently demoted from DYSP after assaulting a superior officer. Reassigned to Aluva police station, Hari is tasked with investigating a seemingly minor case of counterfeit gold jewelry. What begins as a routine probe spirals into a chilling investigation, uncovering a vast network of drug trafficking, sex crimes, and brutal exploitation. The narrative connects to a larger crime syndicate led by the menacing Christy Savio (Vishak Nair), whose actions are fueled by a gruesome incident involving a police officer’s misconduct.

The first half is a masterclass in pacing, blending suspense, action, and emotional stakes. A pivotal scene involving a hanging body triggers Hari’s trauma, adding depth to his character. However, the second half introduces commercial elements, slowing the momentum with formulaic action and predictable twists. Shahi Kabir’s screenplay shines in exposing systemic flaws within the police force but falters in fleshing out the antagonists’ motives, painting them as one-dimensional. Despite these hiccups, the plot remains engaging, addressing socially relevant issues like violence against women and drug abuse, though some criticize its handling of sensitive themes as exploitative.

All in all, the storyline is completely in a ring format if you observe the movie in depth. This you will observe at the end of the movie when you will get to know how all the chaos started from one person (Priyamani) and ended up with a decent yet predictable climax!

Cast Performances: 

- Kunchacko Boban (Harishankar): Boban delivers a tour-de-force performance, embodying a flawed, trauma-ridden cop with raw intensity. His ability to convey anguish, rage, and determination, especially in scenes like the panic attack triggered by a corpse, makes this one of his career-best roles. Fans on X have called it a “terrific” showcase of his emotional range.

- Priyamani (Geetha): As Hari’s wife, Priyamani delivers a solid supporting performance but is underutilized. Her character lacks depth, leaving audiences wanting more exploration of her emotional journey.

- Vishak Nair (Christy Savio): Nair’s portrayal of the antagonist is chilling yet polarizing. While some praise his “demonic presence,” others find his over-the-top acting and corny dialogues cringe-worthy, diminishing the villain’s menace.

- Jagadish: The veteran actor adds gravitas to the supporting cast, delivering a nuanced performance that complements the leads. His role, though not central, is impactful.

- Supporting Cast: Ramzan Muhammed, Manoj K.U., and Unni Lalu contribute to the film’s authenticity, though the ensemble’s potential is not fully tapped due to the focus on Hari’s arc.

The performances, particularly Boban’s, are a major draw, making Officer on Duty a character-driven thriller that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Cinematography:

Roby Varghese Raj’s cinematography is a standout, capturing the gritty essence of the underworld with moody, raw visuals. Tight frames, dynamic angles, and night shots amplify the tension, especially in crowd scenes and action sequences. The mortuary fight scene, in particular, is visually striking, with clever lighting experiments that heighten the claustrophobia. While some scenes feel overly stylized, the camerawork consistently enhances the film’s immersive quality, making it a visual treat for crime thriller fans.

Photography:

The still photography by Anup Chacko and Nidad KN complements the film’s tone, with promotional images showcasing the intensity of Boban’s character and the eerie atmosphere. The posters, used under fair use guidelines, effectively build anticipation, focusing on the gritty aesthetic and Hari’s rugged persona.

Choreography:

The action choreography, crafted by Dhilip Subbarayan and Vicky Nandagopal, is a highlight. The film features three to four major fight sequences, including the standout mortuary battle, which is raw, realistic, and impeccably executed. Every punch and chase feels visceral, with Chaman Chakko’s sharp edits ensuring clarity and impact. The choreography avoids over-the-top theatrics, grounding the action in the film’s police procedural roots. Fans on X have praised the “intense” mortuary fight as a “sureshot banger.”

Musical Score:

Jakes Bejoy’s musical score is a backbone of Officer on Duty, elevating its tension and emotional depth. The background music seamlessly blends eerie silences with heart-pounding beats, creating an atmosphere of dread. Tracks accompanying action sequences and investigative moments are particularly effective, with fans noting the “pulsating BGM” as a highlight. The soundtrack, while minimal, is apt for a thriller, avoiding unnecessary songs that could disrupt the narrative flow. Bejoy’s work is consistently praised across reviews, making the score a key element of the film’s success.

Background Theme:

The background theme, also composed by Jakes Bejoy, is haunting and immersive. It underscores the film’s themes of trauma and justice, with sound design by KC Sidharthan and Sankaran A.S. adding crisp, realistic effects. Moments of suspense are amplified by the interplay of music and silence, making the audience feel the weight of Hari’s discoveries. The theme’s integration with Roby Varghese Raj’s visuals creates a cohesive, gripping experience.

VFX & Special Effects:

Officer on Duty relies minimally on VFX, prioritizing practical effects and realistic action. The special effects in fight scenes and crime sequences are subtle yet effective, maintaining the film’s grounded tone. The production design by Dileep Nath ensures that sets, from police stations to seedy hideouts, feel authentic. While the film doesn’t push boundaries in VFX, its restraint enhances the realism, aligning with the Malayalam crime drama genre’s strengths.

Final Verdict/Conclusion:

Officer on Duty is a compelling addition to Malayalam cinema’s repertoire of investigative thrillers. Jithu Ashraf’s directorial debut, bolstered by Shahi Kabir’s taut screenplay, delivers a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Kunchacko Boban’s stellar performance, coupled with top-notch cinematography, action choreography, and Jakes Bejoy’s score, makes it a theatrical experience worth savoring. However, the film’s reliance on commercial tropes in the second half and its controversial handling of sensitive themes like sexual assault prevent it from reaching the heights of classics like Nayattu. Despite these flaws, it remains a gripping watch that sparks reflection on societal issues.

Expectations/Recommendation:

For fans of crime thrillers, police dramas, or Malayalam movies 2025, Officer on Duty is a must-watch. Its intense pacing, strong performances, and technical brilliance make it ideal for theater viewing, though it’s now accessible on Netflix. However, viewers sensitive to themes of violence against women or drug abuse may find certain scenes disturbing, and it’s not recommended for children due to its graphic content. If you enjoyed films like Joseph or Kannur Squad, this movie will satisfy your craving for a gritty, emotionally charged thriller. Check it out for Boban’s performance and the mortuary fight alone!

Next Installment (if any):

As of April 2025, there is no official announcement regarding a sequel or next installment for Officer on Duty. Given its commercial success and open-ended themes, a follow-up exploring Hari’s continued journey or the crime syndicate’s fallout is plausible. However, Shahi Kabir’s tendency to craft standalone police stories suggests this may remain a one-off. Fans on X are already speculating about a potential franchise, but nothing is confirmed.

SCREEN SPEAK: (7.5/10) ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Reason for Rating:

Officer on Duty earns a 7.5/10 for its gripping first half, exceptional performances, and technical prowess, but it loses points for a formulaic second half and controversial elements.

Pros:

- Kunchacko Boban’s career-defining performance as Harishankar.

- Stellar cinematography by Roby Varghese Raj, capturing the gritty underworld.

- Jakes Bejoy’s haunting background score and immersive sound design.

- Raw, realistic action choreography, especially the mortuary fight.

- Socially relevant themes addressing systemic corruption and violence.

- Fast-paced first half with a near-perfect blend of suspense and emotion.

Cons:

- The second half feels stretched with commercial compromises and predictable twists.

- Underdeveloped supporting characters, particularly Priyamani’s Geetha.

- Over-the-top portrayal of villains, with Vishak Nair’s acting drawing mixed reactions.

- Controversial depiction of sexual assault, criticized as exploitative by some viewers.

- Minor plot holes and uneven pacing in flashback sequences.

Watch it on: Netflix