Jithu Ashraf makes his directorial debut with "Officer on Duty", a crime thriller that brings Kunchacko Boban back as a cop. With a screenplay by Shahi Kabir known for films like "Joseph" and "Nayattu", expectations were naturally high. The cast includes Dileesh Pothan, Kishore and a strong lineup.
The film starts on a gripping note. Officer Hari, played by Kunchacko Boban returns to duty after a long break. What seems like a routine case quickly escalates into something bigger, leading him into a world of drug trafficking, crime networks and hidden threats. The first half builds tension effectively that keeps the audience invested in the investigation. But as the story moves forward it slowly shifts into a more commercial revenge narrative. While it does not lose pace it does lose the freshness that the beginning promised.
Visually the film sticks to realistic tone. The cinematography captures the darker side of the crime world without making it look overly stylized. Jakes Bejoy’s background score works well in enhancing the mood, never overpowering the scenes. The action sequences also stays away from exaggerated heroism.
Kunchacko Boban delivers a restrained performance. He plays Hari with quiet intensity, making him feel grounded rather than being dramatic. Dileesh Pothan and Kishore provide solid support, but their characters do not get enough depth to stand out. The screenplay keeps things tight in the first half but starts following a predictable path in the latter portions.
Despite its shift towards a more familiar commercial approach, "Officer on Duty" remains engaging. The first half raises expectations and while the second half does not fully live up to them, but it still is a watchable thriller.
Rating: 7.5/10⭐️
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