Officer On Duty story: Following his return to duty, circle inspector Harishankar, fueled by resentment over his demotion, embarks on an investigation into a counterfeit jewelry case. His relentless pursuit and unyielding demeanor result in the tragic death of a teenager, which reawakens his own buried traumas. In the face of public outcry for accountability, Harishankar resolves to track down the gang that appears to be preying on young girls.

Officer On Duty review: The landscape of police investigation thrillers has evolved, moving away from the archetypal heroes who triumph effortlessly against adversity, particularly within Malayalam cinema. Recent contributions from scriptwriter Shahi Kabir and producer-director Martin Prakkat, through films like Nayattu, Joseph, Iratta, and Ela Veezha Poonchira, have significantly raised the bar. Consequently, when this duo collaborates with debutant director Jithu Ashraf for a police thriller featuring Kunchacko Boban, expectations soar—and for the most part, Officer On Duty meets those expectations.

Unlike many of the aforementioned films that take their time to establish the narrative and characters, Jithu’s thriller adopts a different approach. It is rare to find a film in recent memory where the first half is as captivating as that of Officer On Duty. From the moment demoted circle inspector Harishankar (Kunchacko) is introduced, the film accelerates, seamlessly transitioning from one event to the next. The portrayal of its protagonist, an agitated officer grappling with the aftermath of his demotion, adds an additional layer of intrigue. Kunchacko elevates the intensity in these moments, revealing a depth of character that has only been hinted at in previous works such as Vettah and Bougainvillea.

One might ponder how long the team can maintain this momentum, and credit is due to scriptwriters Shahi and Jithu for successfully sustaining it well into the second half. They skillfully weave in Harishankar's past traumatic experiences, linking them to the ongoing investigation centered on a drug-fueled gang that targets teenage girls and seeks vengeance for a deceased friend.

In the second half, which features several exhilarating action sequences—most notably one set in a mortuary—it becomes increasingly clear why the first half was so compelling. This approach echoes Shahi’s earlier works, which delved into the psyche of police protagonists. Kunchacko’s portrayal of Harishankar is distinct from his previous roles as a cop; he is profoundly flawed, estranged from his wife, feared by his colleagues, and reviled by the public due to his recent actions. Nevertheless, the character and narrative are crafted so effectively that the audience is able to empathize with him.

However, his quest for redemption leads the film to adopt a somewhat sensational tone, rendering the latter part of the movie somewhat predictable. The focus shifts from Harishankar's internal struggles to the gang of drug-dealing antagonists. While this shift provides a rationale for their quest for revenge, it ultimately causes the film to lean heavily on action sequences for its impact. The excitement diminishes, even as Jakes Bejoy delivers an impressive musical score for Officer On Duty.

Vishak Nair delivers a remarkable performance as Christy, the ruthless and strategic leader of the gang. He embodies the character's necessary maniacal edge with precision. Ramzan Muhammed, Jagadish, and Priya Mani also contribute effectively to their limited yet significant roles, enriching Harishankar’s personal and professional narrative.

Chamman Chakko's editing in the initial segment is sharp, while the visuals captured by cinematographer Roby Varghese Raj, who previously directed the notable cop film Kannur Squad, are particularly impressive, especially during the action sequences. The film also includes scenes depicting drug use and suicide, which may be unsettling for some viewers.

Officer On Duty verdict: Kunchacko Boban leads this gripping investigative thriller centered on a police officer confronting his inner struggles. It reveals a different facet of the actor, which is often sufficient to engage the audience. However, one might ponder whether the filmmakers could have maintained that level of intensity and complexity in the second half as well.

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