Anjaam Pathiraa

After a long time (read 'after Drishyam'), Malayalam film industry has produced yet another gem of a crime thriller. The story is about an aspirong criminologist who gets involved with the police in catching a serial killer who goes about killing policemen one by one. It is also said to be inspired by true events.

Right from the first shot itself, the director wastes no time in putting the characters & plot into motion. With each passing scene, you're drawn deeper into the mystery of the killers, who they & what do they want. The pacing is immensely good, the dialogues are realistic & crisp, the editing is superb & the background score is chilling enough. The visuals are powerful & borderline spooky at times. All the actors are in fine form & convince us enough to invest all our attention into the plot. In the first half, there literally isn't one single moment where you're not thinking 'What's next?'. Credit goes to the script writers for writing a gripping plot that keeps you engaged throughout the movie. The mystery unravels well & is quite satisfactory in the end.

The movie isn't without its cons. The regular usage of the term 'psychology' in the movie isn't validated as the director chooses not to explore much in that direction in the second half. This causes discrepancies in the thought process in the first half amd second half of the movie. Also, the second half gets a tad bit dragged because it carries the burden of revealing all the answers to the questions it raises in the first half. Apart from this, the movie is an excellent crime thriller & a MUST WATCH

I am marvelled at South's ability to churn out quality thrillers one after another. Anjaam Pathira (The Fifth Midnight) is the latest Malayalam film to be a part of this bandwagon.

The story is about a shadowy serial killer who targets Cops!!! After a string of gruesome killings, Kochi Police DCP Catherine (Unnimaya) upon the advice of ACP Anil (Jinu) ropes in criminal psychologist Anwar Hussain (Kunchako) to help them crack the case. Together they begin the hunt for the perpetrator who employs brutal and unique methods for committing the murders.

I have always believed grit is the most vital component of a thriller. The moment you lose the tempo, the story is bound to lose the edge. This is where the movie scores brilliantly. Writer Director Midhun Manuel Thomas renders a taut tale where we come across ghastly crimes, compelling scenes and sharp twists & turns at every crucial juncture. This engaging treatment which doesn't allow the tone to slack off is the movie's strongest asset. Yes there are flaws. There are certain minute details which call for an explanation (the figurine story, the burning incident hypothesis). English dialogues appeared a bit contrived. There are a few cliches which could have been avoided.

But Anjaam Pathira overall remains a riveting tale of suspense where the right elements are combined in apt proportions. There are horrific crimes, startling revelations and a good backstory. One can't help drawing a parallel to the Tamil movie Ratsasan (The Devil). While Ratsasan had a more interesting plot development, Anjaam Pathira's ending is better fleshed out.

You will love it.

Anjaam Pathiraa is a Malayalam crime thriller that stands out for its intelligent screenplay, atmospheric visuals, and compelling performances. It's a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The film revolves around Anwar Ali Khan, a cynical police officer, who is tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders. The killer, known as the 'Mathavani', leaves behind a chilling signature, making the case increasingly complex.

The film excels in character development. Anwar Ali Khan's character arc is a highlight of the film. Anwar, with his complex personality and cynical outlook, is a fascinating protagonist. His transformation from a cynical, world-weary detective to a determined investigator is both compelling and believable. The film delves deep into his psyche, exploring the toll the case takes on him. The supporting cast, including the talented Sreenath Bhasi, adds depth to the story.

The film's cinematography is a character in itself. The dimly lit streets of Kochi and the eerie undertones contribute significantly to the suspenseful atmosphere. The use of shadows and close-ups adds to the tension and creates a claustrophobic feel. Even in the daylight scenes, there's a sense of impending doom, thanks to the careful use of lighting.

The screenplay is meticulously crafted with well-placed red herrings and unexpected twists. The film avoids relying on cheap thrills and instead focuses on building a tense and psychologically charged narrative.

The music in Anjaam Pathiraa is a subtle yet powerful force. It complements the visuals perfectly, building tension and enhancing the emotional impact of the scenes. It's a perfect blend of suspenseful and atmospheric, adding depth to the overall experience. The film's sound design is equally impressive. The use of silence and subtle sound effects is employed effectively to heighten the tension.

The identity of the Mathavani is a shocking revelation. The film skillfully misdirects the audience, making it difficult to predict the killer's identity. The character's motivations, while disturbing, are presented in a way that makes them understandable, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The film's climax is both shocking and satisfying. The revelation of the killer's identity is a masterstroke, and the final confrontation is intense and gripping.

In conclusion, Anjaam Pathiraa is more than just a crime thriller. It's a film that challenges the audience to think critically about the characters and the world they inhabit. The film's intelligent screenplay, coupled with strong performances, makes it a standout in the Malayalam film industry.

This is indeed an immersive seat edger and a major game changer for Malayalam movies. From now on, probably most of the investigation/killer movies are going to be benchmarked based on this one. Pretty much everything about this movie, right from casting till direction is overly impressive. The sound design and music gets my special attention since it created a "never before" feel among Malayalam or maybe even other Indian language movies.

This is the end product of a quintessential amalgamation of all the individual and minute building blocks that makes a movie. Wonderful!