✅ “Officer on Duty (2025)” is a gripping Malayalam crime thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of society through the eyes of a troubled police officer. Directed by Jithu Ashraf and featuring a compelling performance by Kunchacko Boban, the film explores themes of trauma, justice, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Released on February 20, 2025, it’s a tightly woven narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its intense investigation and gritty realism.

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7.6/10

Officer on Duty

Director: Jithu Asharef

Writer: Shahi Kabir

Stars: Kunchacko Boban, Priyamani, Jagadish

Plot: A demoted police inspector investigates a counterfeit jewelry racket, becoming entangled in a dangerous web of crime that puts his life at stake.

Countries: India

Languages: Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil

IMDb: View on IMDb

Officer on Duty (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Officer on Duty (2025)
• Language: Malayalam
• Budget: ₹12 crore (approx. $1.44 million USD)
• Revenue: ₹54.25 crore (approx. $6.5 million USD) worldwide
• Runtime: 137 minutes
• Release Date: February 20, 2025
• Genres: Crime, Thriller, Action Thriller
• Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Priyamani, Vishak Nair, Jagadish, Meenakshi Anoop, Eithal Evana Sherin, and others
• Director: Jithu Ashraf
• Screenplay: Shahi Kabir
• Studios & Producers: Martin Prakkat Films, The Green Room (Producers: Martin Prakkat, Renjith Nair, Siby Chavara)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Officer on Duty” introduces us to CI Harishankar (Kunchacko Boban), a police officer burdened by a traumatic past, who returns to active duty after a period of suspension. His first assignment seems innocuous enough—a case involving a stolen gold chain. However, this seemingly minor investigation rapidly unravels into a terrifying and complex network of serious crimes. Harishankar finds himself plunging into the dark depths of drug trafficking, heinous sexual assault, and brutal exploitation that stretches across state lines, from Kerala to Bengaluru. As he meticulously connects the dots, the investigation forces him to confront not only the ruthless criminals but also his own haunting memories and inner turmoil. The film follows his relentless pursuit of justice, navigating dangerous encounters and challenging ethical dilemmas, all while fighting to overcome his personal demons and bring a horrifying truth to light.

Cast & Crew

Critical & Audience Response

“Officer on Duty” was met with a generally positive reception from both critics and audiences. A significant portion of the praise was directed towards Kunchacko Boban’s intense and commanding performance, which was cited as a major driving force of the film. Critics lauded the movie’s gripping storyline, its ability to maintain tension, and its raw, realistic portrayal of a police investigation. The technical aspects, including the cinematography and background score, also received commendation for enhancing the film’s dark and gritty atmosphere. However, some criticisms emerged regarding the film’s use of familiar tropes within the crime thriller genre and its occasional reliance on depicting violence against women, which some found to be for shock value rather than narrative necessity. Despite these points, the film was largely seen as an engaging and well-executed thriller that successfully kept viewers on the edge of their seats, solidifying its position as a noteworthy entry in Malayalam cinema’s crime genre. Its strong word-of-mouth contributed to a successful box office run.

Direction & Cinematography

Director Jithu Ashraf makes a notable debut with “Officer on Duty,” showcasing a confident and engaging directorial style. He effectively builds a tense and immersive atmosphere, drawing the audience into the gritty world of the investigation. Ashraf’s direction is characterized by its no-nonsense approach, focusing on realism and the psychological toll of the crimes on his protagonist. He manages to extract powerful performances, especially from his lead, and handles the intricate plot with clarity, ensuring that the suspense is maintained throughout. For cinematography, Roby Varghese Raj delivers exceptional work. His camera work is instrumental in creating the film’s distinct visual tone. Raj employs a raw, moody palette with effective use of natural light and shadow, particularly in the darker, more unsettling scenes. The visuals are gritty and realistic, capturing the intensity of the action and the despair of the victims. His compositions enhance the feeling of claustrophobia and tension, making the audience feel deeply immersed in Harishankar’s perilous journey. The cinematography is a key strength, contributing significantly to the film’s overall impact and critical acclaim.

Music & Background Score

The music for “Officer on Duty” is composed by Jakes Bejoy, whose contribution is pivotal in elevating the film’s intense and suspenseful atmosphere. Bejoy’s background score is particularly effective, skillfully building tension during investigative sequences and amplifying the emotional weight of crucial moments. His compositions are moody and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the film’s dark crime thriller genre. The score enhances the feeling of dread and urgency without being overly intrusive, allowing the narrative to breathe while still maintaining a strong emotional current. While the film may not feature traditional song-and-dance numbers, the soundtrack is meticulously crafted to serve the narrative, underscoring the gravity of the events unfolding on screen. Jakes Bejoy’s music proves to be a strong backbone for the film, making the audience feel every high-stakes moment and deepening the overall immersive experience.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Officer on Duty” prioritizes a raw and grounded visual aesthetic, opting for realism over overt special effects. The film’s strength in visuals comes from its gritty production design and the authentic portrayal of its settings, which effectively convey the harsh realities of the criminal underworld and the lives of those affected by it. There are no extravagant CGI sequences; instead, the visual impact is generated through practical action, intense character close-ups, and the effective use of natural and moody lighting. The visual effects, when utilized, are subtle and serve to enhance the realism of the action and the severity of the situations, rather than create fantastical spectacles. This practical approach ensures that the focus remains squarely on the compelling narrative and the powerful performances. The overall visual tone aligns perfectly with the film’s serious and intense subject matter, contributing significantly to its immersive and impactful cinematic experience.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Officer on Duty,” handled by Chaman Chakko, is one of its crucial strengths, contributing significantly to the film’s brisk pace and sustained tension. Chakko’s cuts are sharp and precise, ensuring a tightly woven narrative that moves forward without unnecessary delays. The editing effectively manages the film’s 137-minute runtime, making it feel compact and engaging, and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. The screenplay, penned by Shahi Kabir, is a standout. Kabir, known for his nuanced police stories, crafts a compelling and linear narrative that is both intricate and easy to follow. The script expertly builds suspense, drawing the audience deeper into the investigation with each new revelation. While some critics noted that the film might rely on familiar genre tropes, the screenplay’s strength lies in its meticulous plotting and its ability to seamlessly connect various subplots, leading to a cohesive and satisfying conclusion. The dialogues are impactful, adding depth to the characters and their confrontations.

Positives / What Works

“Officer on Duty” excels on several fronts: Kunchacko Boban’s intense and layered performance as CI Harishankar is a major highlight, carrying the film with his raw energy and emotional depth. The gripping and well-structured screenplay by Shahi Kabir keeps the audience thoroughly engaged, building suspense effectively. Roby Varghese Raj’s gritty cinematography perfectly captures the dark and realistic atmosphere of the crime world. Jakes Bejoy’s impactful background score significantly elevates the tension and mood. The film’s tight editing by Chaman Chakko ensures a brisk pace and a compelling narrative flow. The realistic action sequences and strong supporting performances also contribute to its overall strength, making it a compelling watch for thriller enthusiasts.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While largely effective, “Officer on Duty” does have some areas that could be seen as drawbacks. Some critics pointed out that the film, despite its strong premise, occasionally falls back on familiar tropes of the police procedural and crime thriller genres, making certain plot points predictable. There was also criticism regarding the film’s depiction of violence, particularly against women, which some reviewers felt was at times sensationalized or used for shock value, rather than solely serving the narrative. While the pacing is generally good, a few moments in the narrative might feel formulaic or less original compared to its initial gripping setup. The depth of certain supporting characters could have been further explored to add more layers to the story.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Officer on Duty” is a compelling and intense Malayalam crime thriller that largely succeeds in its ambition to deliver a gripping cinematic experience. Anchored by a standout performance from Kunchacko Boban, the film is a testament to strong writing and direction from Shahi Kabir and Jithu Ashraf, respectively. Its raw, realistic approach, combined with atmospheric cinematography and a powerful background score, effectively immerses the audience in a dark and dangerous world. While it may occasionally tread familiar genre paths or face criticism for its depiction of violence, the film’s strengths in performance, pacing, and overall narrative engagement make it a highly recommendable watch for fans of gritty thrillers. It’s a well-crafted addition to the Malayalam crime genre that leaves a lasting impression.

Movie Rating

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