'Kerala Crime Files' Review: A Well-Crafted And Heart-Pounding Malayalam Thriller

'Kerala Crime Files' Review: 'Kerala Crime Files' is a captivating crime-thriller series helmed by director Ahammed Khabeer and produced by Rahul Riji Nair. The series is written by Ashiq Aimar and features a talented cast including Aju Varghese, Lal, Navas Vallikkunnu, Zhinz Shan, and more. With a total of seven episodes, each episode of the series has an approximate duration of 30 minutes.

Director Ahammed Khabeer's exceptional vision and storytelling abilities are evident in every episode of the series. The show adeptly strikes a harmonious equilibrium between the high-speed investigation and the personal journeys of the characters, ensuring that the audience becomes deeply engaged in both the case at hand and the lives of those striving to solve it.

Plot:

Following the discovery of a murdered sex' worker at a lodge in Ernakulam, Sub Inspector Manoj and his team embark on a pursuit of the suspect armed with only two leads—a phony address and a vague description of the perpetrator's face. Despite lacking any external pressures from the media or political entities to solve the case, the officers perceive it as a personal challenge to apprehend the elusive criminal and demonstrate their competence in their field.

The most captivating and engrossing television series are the ones in which the police diligently carry out their duties without relying on media attention or political influence. ‘Kerala Crime Files’ stands out as a distinct and revitalising addition to this genre, as the police, led by Sub Inspector Manoj, wholeheartedly strive to solve the case simply because it is their responsibility and the morally right thing to do. Regardless of the victim's background, in this case, a sex' worker, we witness the sincere and serious approach towards investigating the death of an innocent woman.

Cast performance:

Manoj, Aju Varghese, Lal, Navas Vallikkunnu, Zhinz Shan, and the entire cast of the show deliver exceptional performances in their respective roles. They portray characters that are convincingly multi-dimensional, existing in the ambiguous space between good and bad, and ultimately relatable.

Aju Varghese, in particular, shines as Manoj, the sub-inspector who combines a gentle demeanour with a serious approach. All the officers embody this philosophy consistently, skilfully concealing their softer sides beneath their tough exteriors, showcasing the remarkable acting prowess of the entire cast.

What works for the series?

'Kerala Crime Files' excels in its capacity to continuously intrigue the audience, leaving them in a state of suspense at every juncture. The storyline unfolds gradually, unveiling unforeseen surprises and complexities that test the investigators' mental acuity and ingenuity. The writing exhibits a sharp and astute approach, enabling viewers to engage in the process of unravelling the puzzle alongside the characters themselves.

The web series also merits acclaim for its genuine depiction of the procedural elements involved in police work. The thoroughness of the investigation, the internal dynamics among the team members, and the hurdles confronted by law enforcement in an intricate case are realistically portrayed. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the depth and authenticity of the narrative, further intensifying the audience's interest.

What doesn't work?

While 'Kerala Crime Files' effectively engages the audience through its interesting concept and skilful execution, there are instances where the pacing could have been more streamlined. Some episodes occasionally dwell on specific subplots, which, while contributing to character growth, can occasionally impede the overall narrative momentum.

Final Verdict:

All in all, 'Kerala Crime Files' is an excellent web series for fans of the crime genre. It presents a meticulously constructed narrative, along with outstanding performances and expert direction that engrosses viewers throughout.

This enthralling suburban mystery offers a deeply engaging and exhilarating journey that will leave you eagerly anticipating each subsequent episode, yearning to uncover the truth behind the perplexing facade of Shiju's fake address and delve into the motivations driving his puzzling actions.

The series can be streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.