34. KANNUR SQUAD (2023)

 Language: Malayalam

Genre: Crime/ Investigation

Whether to approach a police procedural realistically or in a more cinematic manner is a constant quandary for any filmmaker making a film about the subject. With his first feature film "Kannur Squad," director Roby Varghese Raj appears to have solved this conundrum by devising a formula that blends the mass-appealing mainstream style with the rustic quality of realistic drama.

The filmmaker dedicates nearly half of the first act to establishing the world of ASI George and his team, the Kannur Squad. The film takes its time introducing the characters by showcasing their attempts to solve a crime that has no bearing on the main plot.  The majority of the time, the overall flow of the film is impacted when a substantial portion of it is not connected to the rest of the main plot. In contrast, it was a wise decision in the Kannur Squad case, as the director introduced each character and their internal conflict in the first case, as well as the specifics of the Kannur Squad.

After an affluent Kasargod resident is killed by a notorious gang, the main investigation begins. The Kannur Squad is assigned to the case, and they have only about ten days to apprehend the perpetrators. Here is where the film enters an intriguing phase, giving way to mainstream cinematic sensibilities without entirely abandoning the realism that was apparent throughout the first investigation. Additionally, the movie revisits some elements of "Theeran" in its second half, setting itself in a survival thriller-style backdrop. Additionally, as the movie approaches its climax, it loses its edge and devolves into a formulaic hero versus villain conflict, with scenes constructed so that the film functions as a star vehicle.

In terms of performances, the lead actor Mammooty gives us a solid performance as ASI George, a character who must maintain his composure while expressing a wide range of emotions. For the man, this role is a piece of cake. However, the movie's star power also becomes a liability because the producers felt compelled to include aspects that would boost the star's profile, even though the plot did not call for them. The other actors in the cast also gave strong performances that favoured their respective roles. Muhammed Rahil, the director of photography, deserves appreciation for his astute use of the topography of the areas the film traverses to enhance the overall mood of the work. Additionally, Sushin's soundtrack greatly contributes to keeping our attention throughout the film's narrative.

Although Kannur Squad is far from a flawless police procedural overall, its successful fusion of realism and mass sensibilities makes it an engaging watch. However, the final result would have been far better if the writing towards the climax had received more attention.

My opinion:  Good!!