Kerala Crime Files

Whenever I watch a Malayalam thriller, i expect some kind of twists and turns that would blow ones mind. Kerala crime files is not one of them sadly.

Kerala crime files is about a murder case where the murderer is smart enough to keep the police guessing and running around for 6 long days (6 episodes). Being an investigation thriller, i expected a twist of some kind at the end but in the end i realised, there was none . It kind of disappointed me . The main reason for this is that the story is too simple and straightforward with no shock value .

Nevertheless, the series is still extremely riveting. The conversations, the clues that the police track and the subsequent roadblocks they face all account for a riveting watch . Not once will you get bored in this series. I felt it was very well paced.

Even with this pace, it manages to capture the characters of the policemen pretty well and how they have to sacrifice their family life to serve the nation . We have an officer who has a baby just born but is unable to give him time due to the case. Short glimpses of their family conversations show their longing to stay back or go on vacations but are constantly pulled back by cases. They heave a sigh and leave for their duty without complaining. Theres a mini interview scene at the end of the series where the characters explain how police life is.

Another problem with the series is that it fails to end properly. The ending is so abrupt that you feel a sudden brake being applied in your mind. The ending actually is a bit hastened. Could have been better here.

Overall, you should give this series a chance. Barring a few flaws it's a smooth engaging ride with no boring moments.

Note : There was a series in Prime named Dahaad that too was very simple with no twists as such but it can't be compared to Kerala crime files as in the former, the criminal was already known it presented the police as well as the criminal side equally , but in Kerala crime files the criminal is kept hidden so i expected a twist in the reveal (Mini spoiler that won't ruin your watch : i thought the father in law of Manoj was the criminal for a moment but he wasn't xD).

Considered to be the first official Malayalm series dubbed in all languages. Looking at the title, expected it to be some very intense drama but it lacks that intensity. It's a simple story of a murder investigation. The direction elevates the presentation but otherwise story is weak and lacks twists and turns. Climax is also very dull. A total of 6 episodes of 30 mins each. Available on Hotstar. My ratings 6/10!

Considered to be the first official Malayalm series dubbed in all languages. Looking at the title, expected it to be some very intense drama but it lacks that intensity. It's a simple story of a murder investigation. The direction elevates the presentation but otherwise story is weak and lacks twists and turns. Climax is also very dull. A total of 6 episodes of 30 mins each. Available on Hotstar. My ratings 6/10!

Positives:

• Just six episodes of ~30 minutes each. The length is almost the same as a regular Malayalam film.

• The presentation of the case and its procedural elements. The cops are regular people (not some superheroes), and the developments in the plot have a real-time feel to it.

• The performances are solid overall. This is definitely one of the better Aju Varghese efforts in recent times. I also liked the performances of supporting cast (Zhinz Shan, Lal, Navas Vallikunnu, and Sanju Sanichen especially). Given it's a procedural, the female characters are less impactful.

• Hesham's score is an important ingedient. Be it in bringing urgency, subtly underlining some of its lighter moments, and keeping us invested in the details.

• The visual style strikes a balance between being an out-and-out investigation thriller and a family drama.

Negatives:

• The writing, while detailed, is pretty ordinary for a crime thriller with not many surprises. It's clearly the direction that has elevated it to a better space.

• The last couple of episodes feel like they were stretched (just a bit) to accommodate additional suspense, even when we know the inevitable conclusion.

P. S - This somehow reminded me of DQ's "Salute" but with an actual ending.

Kerala Crime Files, Kerala's first OTT WEB SERIES, written by Ashiq Aimar, Directed by Jithin Stanislaus & Produced by Rahul Riji Nair, Star Cast Aju Varghese & Lal plays the lead role, released on HOTSTAR. Jithin Stanislaus did decent work and he was able to keep the Stars on direct track, there was no lope in between story. From start to ending the Kerala Crime Files web series, managed to keep the thril keep on going as in starting only we can understand that it's an murder mystery case, as we keep on going with the story, it's overall great work.

Aju Varghese has played S. I Manoj's role, he is dedicated to his work and he has mainted the good and decent cop reputation, his colleagues are happy with him.

Along with him LAL As C. I Kurian, being his Boss, who is media attention seeker, but he supports Aju in every way possible.

There happened to be a murder in there Station Area and S. I Manoj got appointed on the case. The murder happened in an Lodge and then the story follows around the lodge in Kochi & near by areas.

All the cast were manage to do there best with the roles they have offered.

A good on going Series.

Kerala Crime Files brings a grounded crime investigation to life with decent performances and realistic pacing. While the series starts strong and keeps you mostly engaged, the storyline feels quite average, and lacks the depth or complexity that could've made it more memorable. The characters have some dimension, and the acting is solid. The pacing is one of its strengths-it doesn't drag-but the emotional impact is limited, and there are no standout moments that stick with you. It's a decent watch if you enjoy slow-burn regional crime thrillers, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.......