'Officer on Duty' review: Kunchacko Boban's brash cop thriller keeps you hooked

Police stories have become a staple for Malayali audiences, and 'Officer on Duty', starring Kunchacko Boban, is the latest addition to the genre. But does it stand out among the recent wave of cop dramas? Surprisingly, yes.
CI Harishankar, played by Kunchacko, is anything but the righteous and courteous police officers we've seen in recent films. He is brash, unrelenting, and unapologetic. The film kicks off with what seems like a simple counterfeit gold case but quickly unravels into a disturbing POCSO investigation, revealing layers of deception beneath the surface.

Hari isn't your textbook hero; he doesn't hesitate to rough up suspects, even if it means hitting a woman accused in the case. And he makes no apologies for it. While the film relies on familiar tropes like the influence of drugs among youngsters, conveniently set in Bengaluru, it keeps the momentum going. But what truly sells it is Kunchacko's performance. He embodies the role so convincingly that it feels less like acting and more like watching a real cop in action.

The movie heavily emphasises the crime aspect, ensuring it gets under the audience's skin. Vishak Nair, Vishnu G. Varrier, Amit Eapen, Leya Mammen, and Aiswarya Raj bring the same kind of unsettling intensity that Sagar Surya and Junaiz VP delivered in Joju George’s directorial, Pani. Every move they make fuels that sense of frustration, and the sheer negativity they bring to their roles keeps you hooked, wanting to see how it all unfolds.

Jithu Asharef, in his directorial debut, delivers on keeping the audience engaged. However, if you are a fan of police investigation stories, you might notice similarities to other films in the genre. At times, 'Officer on Duty' echoes elements of movies like the Mohanlal-starrer 'Grandmaster', making certain plot points feel familiar.

Writer Shahi Kabir has meticulously structured the screenplay, connecting every point seamlessly. While the film doesn’t have many 'aha' moments or unexpected twists, it follows a straightforward, linear path. The strength, however, lies in its clarity and how neatly everything comes together.

The movie's first half moves briskly, so much so that the interval feels like it arrives sooner than expected. It keeps the momentum going smoothly. The second half shifts into a gripping cat-and-mouse chase, keeping the tension alive. Jakes Bejoy’s music adds to the experience, with a background score that heightens the mood and perfectly complements the investigative tone of the film.

With a solid supporting cast that includes Priyamani and Jagadish, 'Officer on Duty' has no shortage of strong performances. But it’s Kunchacko who truly commands the screen, bringing an intensity that drives the film forward. Beneath the gritty investigation, the movie weaves in a deeper theme, trauma. And Kunchacko doesn’t just play the part; he becomes it. One scene, in particular, stands out—when his character stumbles upon a hanging body, triggering a panic attack. The moment is raw and unsettling, a reminder that even the toughest people aren’t immune to the weight of their past.

The movie doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it delivers a solid, well-packaged thriller. It doesn’t go overboard and keeps things as grounded as possible. For those who enjoy a good investigative drama, 'Officer on Duty' is definitely worth a watch on the big screen.