Kunchako Boban makes a strong return with his highest selling Malayalam hit ‘Officer on Duty, which, after its feat at the box office Is now getting the maximum number of eyeballs on Netflix. In Officer on Duty, the protagonist Harishankar is introduced as a hot-headed and haughty police officer, who returns to duty after being demoted. We get a hint about his traumatic past through a phone conversation where his wife, played by Priyamani, asks him about taking medicines
To put it in a nutshell, Officer On Duty is a gripping film which revolves around a demoted police inspector who sets out to investigate a counterfeit jewellery racket, in the process himself becoming entangled in a dangerous web of crime that puts his life at stake. Written by Shahi Kabir, the film starts off brilliantly, with an almost near-perfect first half that not only sets out to engage the audience but also deliver the thrill. However, while the second half still delivers, the introduction of commercial elements and a stretched screenplay prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Kunchacko Boban is in perfect form as the troubled yet diligent police officer, convincingly portraying a character disturbed by personal tragedy. Priyamani supports him as his wife, though she has not been exploited to the hilt. The antagonist gang, led by Vishak Nair, does a fairly good job, but at times, his portrayal becomes far too over-the-top, veering into cliché territory. Jagadish proves that he is always a versatile actor.
Kunchacko Boban absolutely nailed his role with outstanding acting. His performance carries the film, making every scene feel real and powerful. Whether it was the action sequences, the emotional moments, or the intense confrontations, he handles it all brilliantly. This is easily one of his best performances, and he completely owns the character.
In general, while most Malayalam movies start slow and get interesting later, this one grabs your attention from the very first scene. With good attention to detail, a very fast paced, logical, great score, Officer on Duty is cinematic. It’s fast-paced, and with its many layers within the plot, it makes you cry, makes you angry, and in the end, leaves you satisfied. (Running time 137 minutes)
– Review by Jyothi Venkatesh
Cast of Officer on Duty:
Kunchacko Boban as DYSP/CI R. Harishankar
Vishak Nair as Christy Savio (the main antagonist)
Priyamani as Geetha, Harishankar’s wife
Meenakshi Anoop as Nila, Harishankar’s elder daughter
Jagadish as Chandrababu, a KSRTC Conductor
Eithal Evana Sherin as Minnu, Harishankar’s younger daughter
Vaisakh Shankar as DYSP Shahul Raj
Vishnu G Varrier as Sathya Mithiran
Ramzan Muhammed as Shyam Babu
Leya Mammen as Celine Joan
Aishwarya Raj as Anna Louis
Amit Eapen as Lance
Jithu Ashraf as CI Joseph Chembola, Karnataka Police
Shivajith as Soori
Unni Lalu as Praveen
Srikant Murali as ASI Venu
Muthumani as Advocate Rekha Chandrasekhar
Credits of Officer on Duty:
Production company – Martin Prakkat Films
Directed by Jithu Ashraf
Written by Shahi Kabir
Produced by Martin Prakkat, Renjith Nair, Siby Chavara
Cinematography – Roby Varghese Raj
Edited by Chaman Chakko
Music by Jakes Bejoy
