Thrillers are a special genre in films, especially when suspense, action, and emotional connect blend. Officer On Duty, with Kunchacko Boban and Priyamani, attempts to present a gripping investigation thriller. Directed by Jithu Ashraf, the film originally released in Malayalam on February 20 preceded the dubbing of the Telugu version later. Streamed on Netflix and available for watch now, let us go through the review and see whether it fulfills its promise.
Story: A Simple Theft Turns into a Complex Case
The film is about Circle Inspector Hari Shankar (Kunchacko Boban), a no-nonsense and uncompromising police officer who is recalled to duty after suspension. His no-nonsense attitude has a tendency to create friction with his colleagues, and so his return to duty becomes all the more challenging. On his first day back at the office, he receives a seemingly minor case—a gold chain snatched.
However, as Hari digs deeper, he uncovers some unexpected connections between the robbery, a girl’s death in a fatal accident, and a suicidal death of a police officer in Bengaluru. The case becomes personal when the father of the girl accuses Hari of killing his daughter. While digging deeper, he is forced to face his painful past life along with an umbrella of crime, deception, and revenge.
Who is truly responsible for these crimes? What secrets lie behind the girl’s suicide? How is it all connected to Hari’s past? The film keeps the audience engaged as the protagonist unravels the mystery.
Performances: A Powerful Lead and Strong Supporting Cast
Kunchacko Boban provides one of his finest performances in the role of CI Hari Shankar. He does justice to the intensity and aggression required of the action scenes and also displays vulnerability in the emotional scenes for the character. His ability to switch between determination, hurt, and anger provides depth to the character.
Priyamani acts good in her role, providing a good support to the lead. Vishak Nair and other actors playing the negative roles perform good, providing a good support to the suspense and intrigue of the film. Supporting cast, like Jagadish, are good in their role as well and provide the success of the whole story.
Analysis: Promising Beginning with Some Weaknesses
Director Jithu Ashraf sets the film with a gripping plot, and the audience is drawn into Hari Shankar’s life and his troubled past. The first half is gripping, with a well-crafted screenplay that creates suspense and keeps the audience engaged. The investigation scenes, along with emotional depth, make a lasting impression.
However, as the film enters its second half, it loses steam. While the villain-hero angle could have been more effective, the activities of the criminal gang, particularly the drug abusers, lack thoroughness and are even a bit unrealistic. Further, the background behind the central antagonism appears to be on predictable lines, losing the element of surprise.
Despite all these weaknesses, the film hits its high point at the climax. Hari Shankar’s emotional turmoil adds seriousness to the finale, and the final few moments make a lasting impression.
Strengths of Officer On Duty
✅ Kunchacko Boban’s fine performance – Commanding on screen and rich emotions.
✅ Engaging first half – Gripping story and nail-biting investigation.
✅ Emotionally strong climax – Emotional homecoming and satisfied ending.
Weaknesses of Officer On Duty
❌ Too violent – Some of the action scenes are too violent, and that may not be everyone’s favorite.
❌ Predictable backstory – The central mystery is solved fairly predictably.
❌ Poor villain characterization – The bad guys, particularly the addicted gang, aren’t fleshed out.
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Final Verdict: A Guilty Pleasure Thriller with Some Flaws
Officer On Duty is an ordinary crime investigation thriller aided by Kunchacko Boban’s energetic performance and a meticulously crafted first half. However, the second half is affected by predictability and less exciting villains. Though there are disadvantages with the film, the emotional maturity, suspenseful moments, and a lavish climax make the movie watchable to fans of the crime thriller.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (2.75/5)
If you enjoy detective thrillers that have a mix of action and emotional drama, Officer On Duty is a good option, even with its minor flaws. Stream it now on Netflix!
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