Movie Name: Officer On Duty
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Filmyjosh Rating: 2.75/5
Starring: Kunchacko Boban, Priya Mani, Jagadish, Vishak Nair
Director: Jithu Ashraf
Producers: Martin Prakkat, Renjith Nair & Siby Chavara
Music Director: Jakes Bejoy
Cinematographer: Roby Varghese Raj
Editors: Chaman Chakko
Related Links: Trailer
Kunchacko Boban’s latest crime thriller, Officer on Duty, which also features Priyamani in the lead, released in Malayalam on February 20 and has now been dubbed in Telugu. The film is now available on the silver screens, and here’s a review of how it fares.
Story:
Suspended Circle Inspector Hari Shankar (Kunchacko Boban) returns to his duty with a tough and intimidating persona that often puts him at odds with his colleagues. On his first day back, he’s assigned to investigate a gold chain theft. Things take a dark turn when the girl he summons to the station dies under mysterious circumstances. As Hari delves deeper into the case, he starts to connect her death to a Bengaluru cop’s suicide and the gold chain theft.
Further investigation uncovers dramatic twists, and the girl’s father accuses Hari of causing her death. Hari’s personal life is equally troubled, as his wife, Geetha (Priyamani), seeks a divorce. What led the girl to take her life? How does it tie into Hari’s own daughter’s death? How do these events link to a Bengaluru gang? The investigation unravels more, leading to a climactic showdown.
Plus Points:
Director Jithu Ashraf successfully sets the tone for a gripping crime thriller right from the start. The character development of the protagonist, Hari Shankar, and the gradual revelation of his personal trauma are well-handled. Several suspenseful and intense moments in the film keep the audience hooked.
Kunchacko Boban delivers one of his finest performances. His portrayal of Hari, particularly in the action and emotional sequences, showcases his depth as an actor. Priyamani shines in her role, bringing a believable emotional depth, especially in scenes involving family dynamics. The confrontation scenes between the hero and the antagonist are engaging and well-executed.
Minus Points:
While the film starts off with a strong premise, it struggles to maintain the suspense throughout. The screenplay, despite decent direction, sometimes lacks the necessary depth, leaving the narrative feeling shallow. Some of the scenes fail to sustain the thrill, reducing the overall engagement.
The second half feels stretched, and the film’s pacing suffers from unnecessary subplots that dilute the main narrative. The pre-climax action sequences come across as overly cinematic, lacking realism, which detracts from the film’s impact.
Technical Aspects:
Cinematographer Roby Varghese Raj excels in capturing the action sequences and key moments, adding a visual flair to the film. The editing by Chaman Chakko could have been more concise, especially in the slower sections, to maintain the flow. Jakes Bejoy’s background score effectively complements the storytelling, adding to the emotional and suspenseful moments. The film’s production values reflect high standards, thanks to the contributions of producers Martin Prakkat, Ciby Chavara, and Renjith Nair.
Verdict:
Officer on Duty combines elements of crime investigation with family emotions, particularly highlighting a father-daughter bond. However, the film struggles with maintaining intrigue throughout, as the narrative becomes less engaging due to its routine storytelling and lackluster pace. While fans of the crime thriller genre might find it watchable, the film may not appeal to those looking for a more compelling and engaging narrative.
Filmyjosh Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by Filmyjosh Team