Officer on Duty Review

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⭐️

Dragon Review

"Dragon" directed by Ashwanth Marimuthu and starring Pradeep Ranganathan alongside Kayadu Lohar, Anupama, Mysskin, Geroge Maryan etc. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music plays a key role in setting the tone. Visually, the cinematography, costumes, and locations look refined, but the film has its own set of flaws. Lip sync issues are hard to ignore, making it seem like dialogues were altered after shooting or the dubbing did not match up properly. The screenplay is engaging in parts but falls flat at times.  

The film carries a solid message that lies can only take us so far, but real peace comes with honesty. This idea is seen throughout the story, which is one of the stronger aspects of the writing. However the plot itself follows a typical commercial template. It has all the usual elements like larger than life moments, familiar characters portrayed in an exaggerated manner, and trending pop culture references sprinkled in to make it feel relevant.  

The performances are mostly decent, but the protagonist overacts as expected. A few other characters also go overboard, making certain scenes feel unnatural. The film tries to create an emotional connection through middle class family struggles, college drama, and romance, but these themes have been used so many times that they feel repetitive.  

There is a clear attempt to appeal to younger audiences with viral dialogues, social media humor, and trending content. This shows the desperation to connect rather than letting the story flow naturally. The protagonist clearing 48 arrears in one go is another example of stretching reality just for dramatic effect. It sets a misleading example, making it seem like students can slack off for four years and still succeed in one shot.  

The film also falls in how it handles certain moral standpoints. The protagonist confesses to cheating his way through but claims he is not a bad person because he never ruined anyone else's life for his success. Instead of taking full accountability, the film almost justifies his actions. Keerthi’s character arc is also unfairly handled. She leaves Raghavan for valid reasons, yet the film constantly shames her and frames the protagonist as the victim, which sends the wrong message.  

Despite its flaws, the film works as a casual watch. It has entertaining moments, good visuals, and engaging music. If you go in without expecting logic or depth, it might be an enjoyable experience. Otherwise it is just another sterotypical commercial film.  

Rating: 6.5/10⭐️

Identity Review

Some films pull you in with their storytelling, while others keep you hooked with their style. "Identity" does both, blending a gripping narrative with sleek visuals and strong performances. Right from the start it creates an atmosphere that feels sharp and immersive. 

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its performances. Every actor plays their role with precision, keeping things subtle and natural. There is no unnecessary drama which makes the characters feel more real. The cinematography is another standout with rich colors, well crafted frames, and attention to detail in everything from costumes to set design.

The screenplay keeps you at the edge of your seat with constant twists. Scene after scene it pulls you deeper into the mystery, raising more questions than it answers. This sense of unpredictability makes the first half especially gripping, holding your attention with its sharp storytelling.  

But as the film moves into the second half, it starts leaning into commercial elements. At first the balance works, but after a point the mass moments begin to take away from the intensity. This film had everything it needed to be an extraordinary thriller but fell short in a few places. Still it is a solid watch.

Rating: 7/10⭐️

The Lies We Live By

We are told that everything happens for a reason, that time heals all wounds and that people always get what they deserve. These words are not wisdom but they are escape routes. We repeat them because the truth is far more disturbing.

When life collapses without warning, some say it happened for a reason. People find it easier to believe that every tragedy happens for a reason rather than accepting that some tragedies have no meaning at all. A sudden death, a betrayal, or a disaster does not always teach a lesson or lead to something better. Some events do not lead to growth or redemption. They just leave scars that has no purpose.

Time heals all wounds is another lie people cling to. Time moves forward, but pain does not obey the ticking of a clock. Some wounds do not close, no matter how many years pass. People do not wake up one morning and find themselves healed. They only learn to carry the pain in ways no one else can see.

Then comes the illusion that people always get what they deserve. It is easier to believe in justice than to admit that the world does not play fair. Kind people are not always rewarded, and cruel people do not always pay. Some of the worst walk free while the best are left struggling, unheard and forgotten.

So why do we believe these lies? Because they help us sleep at night. Because they keep us sane. Because the truth, that life is unfair, that pain lingers and that some things will never make sense is harder to live with.

But maybe instead of clinging to false assurances, we should learn to accept the discomfort of uncertainty. Maybe the strength is not in believing that everything happens for a reason, but in making peace with the fact that sometimes, Things just happen.

Sympathetic but Not Empathetic

I have always felt a deep sadness when I see someone in pain. When people share their struggles, I feel bad for them and sometimes even overwhelmed by their sorrow. But no matter how much I wish, I could never really understand what they are going through, I never truly do. I sympathize but I do not empathize.  

I recognize suffering and I genuinely want people to feel better but I do not absorb their emotions the way an empathetic person does. When someone cries, I feel bad but I do not feel the same lump in my throat. When someone grieves, I offer comfort but I do not feel the burden of their loss. It is not that I do not care. I do. But there is always a distance between their pain and my emotions.  

This makes me question whether kindness is enough without emotional connection. People Sometimes assume that caring means feeling exactly what someone else feels, but maybe that is not always possible. I feel emotions strongly, but I still do not experience them the way they do. My concern is real and my intentions are honest but something in me stays detached.  

Maybe that is what separates sympathy from empathy. I care but with a certain distance. I feel for people but I do not feel with them. If emotions do not truly connect, does it change what my care is worth?

The Patriarchal Bias in Indian Cricket

The difference in naming between men’s and women’s cricket leagues recently caught my attention. The men’s league is called the IPL (Indian Premier League), while the women’s is called the Women’s Premier League (WPL). If the women’s league is called WPL, then why is the men’s league called IPL and not MPL (Men’s Premier League)? The fact that it is named IPL points to a deeper issue, which is the assumption that "Indian" automatically refers to men.

This distinction reveals a broader bias. The IPL does not need a gender label because it is automatically assumed to represent men. This pattern is also evident with the national teams where the men’s team is called the Indian National Cricket Team and the women’s team is called the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. This subtle difference implies that men are the true representatives of the nation, while women are seen as outsiders, even though both teams represent the same Nation.

Men’s cricket has long dominated, with revenue often cited as the reason for its prominence. But should that history define the future? Women’s cricket is growing, and they should no longer be kept in the shadows of their male counterparts. Women representing the same nation with equal passion deserve to be recognized as icons of national success.

This goes beyond cricket. It is also about how we define national pride and whose achievements are truly celebrated. While men’s cricket may generate more revenue, shouldn’t it be the talent and dedication of athletes regardless of gender defines success?, Why allow outdated views to determine who is worthy of representing the nation?