Officer on Duty

Shahi Kabir's most mainstream thriller screenplay (..thus far) largely works because of its strong performances and technical efforts. Yes, there are some usual cop movie tropes like the PTSD-induced protagonist, his family eventually coming under threat, rape-revenge-blackmail implementing baddies, and so on. But credit where it's due, this absolutely does NOT feel like a debut director's work. Jithu Ashraf (who also acts in a key role) understands the assignment and navigates the splendidly-paced screenplay in a non-linear manner, making most of the little details matter. Kunchacko Boban pulls off CI Harishankar like a seasoned veteran, letting his rugged body language do most of the heavy lifting. We learn of the character's past in a sufficiently effective flashback, and to some extent, such an evolution contributes to the physicality involved in the latter acts. The stylized gang of baddies, led by Vishak Nair, includes some interesting finds.

Roby Varghese Raj (director of Kannur Squad) is cranking the camera here, and his shaky, handheld approach works wonders for the chase and fight sequences. Chaman Chakko is now an editor in high demand, and the way he paces the film and weaves the action in between regular procedural scenes (and toys with contrasting lighting) is excellent. Jakes Bejoy uses a little too much Saw-inspired score, but he succeeds in delivering a solid soundtrack overall; a couple of soundbites are instant earworms.

Also, the women in the film (other than the victims) hold their ground. That goes for Priyamani, the two women antagonists, and even the little girl who plays Harishankar's younger daughter. A fight sequence set inside a mortuary is deliciously choreographed and shot. The final act does lose a bit of steam and reminds you of Memories, yet the film manages to keep you on edge. Though somewhat formulaic and predictable in places, I'll recommend Officer on Duty for those who enjoy intense, sporadically violent cop thrillers.

Jithu Ashraf's directorial debut, Officer on Duty, is a crime investigation thriller that revolves around various sexual as*aults, su*cides, and murders. Written by Shahi Kabir, the film starts off brilliantly, with an almost near-perfect first half that not only engages the audience but also delivers the thrill. However, while the second half still delivers, the introduction of commercial elements and a stretched screenplay prevent it from reaching its full potential. Jakes Bejoy once again delivers a brilliant score, and the music is commendable. The camerawork, editing, and sound design are also impressive.

Kunchacko Boban excels as the troubled yet diligent police officer, convincingly portraying a character disturbed by personal tragedy. Priyamani supports him well. The antagonist gang, led by Vishak Nair,does a good job, but at times, their portrayal becomes too over-the-top, veering into cliché territory. The rest of the cast performs decently. The action sequences are well-executed. The screenplay reveals the right information at the right time, though the commercial elements slightly detract from the impact. Overall,Officer on Duty is a very good thriller, though its second half follows a formulaic approach.

Nevertheless, definitely recommended.

OVERALL -6.5/10.

I was really excited about this movie, and it was surprising to learn that it was the only one certified as a hit in theaters last month. I won't say praise the screenplay much, it's not the best one from Shahi but it's still an engaging one. There were a few plotholes in the film and it could have been easily avoided.

I think ' Officer on Duty' is one of the biggest hits of Kunchak's career and he has portrayed his role properly. Recently, he has been selecting some quality scripts. Kudos to that effort.

Another highlight of this film, is the music from Jakes Bejoy. The soundtrack is very apt for a movie like this.

The production design was also okay but as mentioned above there are a few plotholes that could have been easily avoided. What I'm talking about are things that the filmmakers could have easily sorted, and everyone watching the movie would easily notice those elements.

This is how a well written story looks like, with less budget.

Officer on Duty" is an amazing crime thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The movie delivers a gripping experience, packed with intense moments, solid action, and a thought-provoking message.

Kunchacko Boban absolutely nailed his role with outstanding acting. His performance carried the film, making every scene feel real and powerful. Whether it was the action sequences, the emotional moments, or the intense confrontations, he handled it all brilliantly. This is easily one of his best performances, and he completely owned the character.

The film's storyline is not just about action and suspense; it also raises awareness about the safety of young girls, which makes it even more impactful. It sheds light on hidden criminal gangs that exist in society, adding a layer of realism to the thriller. The way the film presents this issue is both shocking and eye-opening, making the audience think beyond just the entertainment value.

From the very beginning, the movie sets a serious and intense tone, keeping you hooked till the end. The first half moves at a perfect pace, with thrilling sequences that keep building tension. However, the second half felt a little stretched at times. Some scenes could have been trimmed to make the pacing even sharper. But despite that, the overall experience remained engaging.

One of the biggest highlights of Officer on Duty is its action sequences. The fight scenes were outstanding, executed with great choreography and intensity. Every punch and move felt real, making the action sequences highly impactful. The way these scenes were shot, along with the powerful background score, gave me goosebumps. It's the kind of action that feels raw and immersive, making it even more thrilling to watch on the big screen.

Speaking of sound, the background music and sound effects were top-notch. The music played a huge role in building tension, making certain scenes even scarier. There were moments where the sound design alone added to the suspense, making you feel completely absorbed in the movie. The eerie and intense music created the perfect atmosphere for a crime thriller like this.

Overall, Officer on Duty is an amazing crime thriller that deserves to be watched in theatres. It delivers a thrilling experience with a great mix of action, suspense, and a meaningful message. Despite a slightly stretched second half, the movie keeps you engaged throughout. Kunchacko Boban's performance, the action sequences, and the gripping story make this one of his best films. If you love crime thrillers, this is a must-watch!

Villains in the movie were not convincing.

That meant the entire movie's base was shaky. However, I did watch it without batting an eyelid. So the movie does deliver.

Kunchacko has done good work. Some tough scenes to perform - well executed.

Neon Ride song does bring in some novelty.

Crux of the plot is almost silly.

Action keeps the movie going.

Some surprises here and there.

Songs were not impressive in general.

A thrill ride nevertheless. Good action choreography, camera work.

Background score was relentless. Some of the character artists have done good work. I liked the subdued acting of Kunchacko's superior officer.

It is a very good effort from the director even while there were shortcomings in terms of the script. The direction keeps the movie fast paced.