The most recent Malayalam criminal thriller, Officer on Duty, begins with high hopes but leaves viewers with conflicting emotions as it goes along.
This film, which was written by Shahi Kabeer, a former police officer who is now a screenwriter, and directed by Jithu Asharef, a debutant, examines the intricacies of a troubled police officer, played by Kunchacko Boban.
Despite the intriguing investigation thriller premise, the film fails because of a poor narrative, questionable character depictions, and an excessive use of stereotypes. However, does Boban’s Does an outstanding performance keep the movie cohesive? Let’s explore to learn more.
A Captivating Beginning with Hope
The Officer on Duty seems organized and well-considered at first glance. The film kicks off with intriguing visuals, such as the protagonist’s newly printed nameplate, which hints at the protagonist’s professional identity.
This opening sequence establishes the mood for the suspenseful thriller.
However, as the film unfolds, these structures quickly fall apart as the story becomes bogged down by cliched characterizations and an inconsistent plot.
Kunchacko Boban’s troubled police officer is a complex protagonist.
One of Officer on Duty’s highlights is Kunchacko Boban’s portrayal of Hari, a troubled police officer. The actor vividly portrays a complex character whose violent tendencies and faulty morality give the story dimension.
The film does not shy away from showing Hari as imperfect, yet the script seems to justify his actions rather than providing a critical look at his behavior
Storytelling with a Weak Script Falls Short
Officer on Duty’s storytelling falls short, despite the potential of the subject. The movie starts an investigation that appears to reveal a wider network of criminal activity, such as drug trafficking, theft, sexual assault, and fake jewelry.
Some of the ‘villain’ characters, however, come across as archaic clichés, and the script finds it difficult to develop these aspects.
#These people seem to be from a different age, both in appearance and behavior, which makes the movie seem less new and more like earlier thrillers.
Tone and Pacing: A Change from Research to Retaliation
With Hari and his group pursuing clues one after another, the first part of the movie proceeds quickly. But as the story progresses, Officer on Duty turns into a revenge drama that mostly relies on stunts, brutality, and chase scenes.
This abrupt change in tone detracts from the film’s previous momentum. Despite this, the film still connects some dots, offering glimpses of the backstory of supporting characters, such as Priyamani’s role, which adds a layer of complexity
A Cast That Makes the Movie Better
The cast’s performances kept Officer on Duty interesting despite the script’s potential flaws. The character is given a human touch by Kunchacko Boban’s repertoire, which includes roles as a severe officer and a father dealing with his adolescent daughter.
In a world of chaos and motion, Jagadish’s role is particularly important since it offers a feeling of grounded realism.
The younger team, including Vishak Nair and Leya Mammen, also brings energy to the film, especially in the action-heavy sequences.
Review of Officer on Duty: Is Kunchacko Boban’s Darkest Role to Date a Misfire or a Game-Changer?
Introduction: Another Cop Drama or an Engrossing Thriller?
The way police personnel are portrayed in Malayalam cinema has changed significantly. Nowadays, practically every on-screen police officer has a difficult past; the days of perfect, morally upright officers are long gone.
This tendency is continued in Jithu Ashraf’s directorial debut, Officer on Duty, which was written by former police officer
Shahi Kabeer and starred Kunchacko Boban as Circle Inspector Harishankar, a complex yet flawed character.
However, is the movie a gripping thriller or does it become bogged down in its own intricacies?
An Exciting Beginning That Draws You in
The movie opens with a disturbing scenario in which Harishankar is brutally questioning female suspects and yelling commands at subordinates.
Curiosity is instantly piqued by his rough demeanor and dubious tactics. Whether he is a hero, an anti-hero, or something else entirely is left up to the audience’s interpretation.
Officer on Duty’s first half is incredibly captivating, with the script keeping audiences on edge. The inquiry begins with what seems to be a minor case—a phony gold chain scam—but it soon devolves into a more extensive network of criminal activity, including drug use, sexual assault, and theft.
The Strong Performance of Kunchacko Boban as a Troubled Police Officer
The portrayal of Harishankar by Kunchacko Boban is one of the movie’s strongest points.
Harishankar is incredibly defective, in contrast to the idealized honest cop; his violent inclinations and anger management problems make him both intriguing and unpredictable.
🔥 Why Boban’s performance stands out:
✔️ Plays an intense, layered character with conviction
✔️ Breaks away from his usual romantic hero image
✔️ Balances action and emotional depth effortlessly
Although there have been some excellent police officers in Malayalam cinema before, Harishankar stands out because his backstory seems natural rather than contrived.
The screenplay slowly peels back layers of his past, making the audience reassess their assumptions.
Where the Story Ends
The second half of Officer on Duty changes course, going from an investigative thriller to an action-packed revenge drama, despite the film’s exciting beginning.
🚨 What works:
✅ The screenplay cleverly misleads the audience before revealing the bigger crime network.
✅ Tension-building in the first half is executed brilliantly.
⚠️ What doesn’t work:
❌ The antagonist’s gang is stereotypical, making them feel outdated.
❌ Overuse of brutal action sequences in the latter half slows the momentum.
❌ The climax feels rushed, with certain subplots left underdeveloped.
Technical and supporting cast aspects
The supporting cast, with the exception of Kunchacko Boban, performs admirably.
With a powerful performance, Jagadish once again demonstrates his experienced status.
The function of Priyamani is important, although it should have been further examined.
Newcomers Vishak Nair and Leya Mammen bring freshness to the film.
🎶 Music & Cinematography:
🎼 Jakes Bejoy’s background score adds intensity, especially in key action sequences.
🎥 Cinematography captures the grittiness of the investigation but sometimes leans too heavily on dramatic lighting.
In conclusion, a combination of tropes and thrills
In conclusion, despite having the potential to be a compelling investigation thriller, Officer on Duty is hampered by its cliched characters and poor writing.
Though the film’s lack of depth and excessive use of genre cliches may disappoint some viewers, Kunchacko Boban’s outstanding portrayal as a conflicted police officer and the intense action scenes make it worth seeing.
It’s still worth seeing if you enjoy Boban’s acting or action-packed Malayalam thrillers.
However, you could find yourself wanting more if you’re searching for a well-written, thought-provoking novel.
Request for Response: What are your thoughts
? Does the film’s poor script become offset by Kunchacko Boban’s performance? Tell us in the comments section below!
Officer on Duty is a must-see for fans of gritty Malayalam police thrillers because of Kunchacko Boban’s outstanding performance and the gripping first half of the movie. However, the obvious villain portrayal and over-the-top action in the second half might disappoint you if you’re looking for a well-rounded crime thriller.
🎬 Conclusion: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Do you like classic, morally upright cops in crime thrillers, or would you rather watch a flawed yet intriguing police story? Please share your opinions in the comments section below!