Officer on Duty is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language crime action thriller film directed by Jithu Ashraf, marking his directorial debut. The film’s screenplay is written by Shahi Kabir. It stars Kunchacko Boban, Vishal Nair, Jagadish and Priyamani in the lead roles. The film is based on the story of a police officer Harishankar (Kunchacko Boban), who has a strong and passionate personality but is suffering from mental trauma after his daughter’s suicide. His quest begins with a small case, which leads to a series of bigger crimes, intertwined with his personal tragedy. The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with praise for its performances, story and music. The performances of Kunchacko Boban, Vishal Nair and Jagadeesh make the film special, and it has turned out to be a big hit at the box office. The film has a perfect blend of tension, action and emotional drama, making it an interesting thriller.
| Movie Name | Officer on Duty |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 20, 2025 |
| Rating | Positive reviews |
| Starring | Kunchacko Boban, Vishak Nair, Jagadish, Priyamani |
| Director | Jithu Ashraf |
| Writer | Shahi Kabir |
| Producers | Martin Prakkat, Renjith Nair, Siby Chavara |
| Music Director | Jakes Bejoy |
| Cinematographer | Roby Varghese Raj |
| Editor | Chaman Chakko |
| Production Company | Martin Prakkat Films |
| Genre | Crime, Action, Thriller |
| Running Time | 137 minutes |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Budget | ₹12 crore |
| Box Office | ₹50 crore |
Officer on Duty Story
Officer on Duty is a 2025 Malayalam crime action thriller film directed by Jithu Ashraf. The film stars Kunchacko Boban, Vishal Nair, Jagadish and Priyamani in the lead roles. The story revolves around a police officer named Harishankar (Kunchacko Boban), who is recently demoted from DySP to CI due to his short temper and impulsive nature. He is made the SHO of Aluva Police Station. One day he is informed of a minor case in which a KSRTC conductor Chandrababu tries to pawn a fake gold chain. But this minor case escalates into a chain of bigger and more heinous crimes, intertwined with Harishankar’s personal sorrows and tragedies. Harishankar’s daughter Neela’s suicide causes him to suffer from mental stress and PTSD, which leads him to express his anger in the form of violence. During the case, he encounters the abuse of Chandrababu’s daughter and her suicide, which brings back memories of the abuse of his own daughter. Slowly, he unravels a gang of crimes linked to his and Chandrababu’s families’ tragedies.
The film portrays Harishankar’s quest and his inner battles brilliantly, and its performances, story and music were praised by critics. The film’s storyline and raw, strong characters made it a commercial success.
Movie Review
Officer On Duty is a film that not only gives the audience a strong crime thriller experience but also makes them think about the corruption, justice and morality prevalent in the society. Directed by Jeetu Ashraf and written by Shahi Kabir, the film captivates the audience with its brilliant performance by Kanchacko Boban and a complex storyline. The film is based on the story of police officer Harishankar (Kanchacko Boban), who is suffering from mental trauma and PTSD. While investigating a minor case, he comes across a chain of events related to a larger crime network, which are linked to his personal tragedy.
The cinematography of the film is a major highlight, which is visually very effective. The use of light and shadow in important scenes not only makes the scene unique but also adds to the tense atmosphere of the film. Every single scene is directed with precision, keeping the attention of the audience completely on the film. The high energy and thrill experienced especially in the climax of the film is cinematically very impressive.
The story touches upon many complex themes, such as justice versus morality, the mental pressure on police personnel, and the effects of corruption in society. The film raises the question of what is the value of justice and what happens to the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to our safety. All these issues are portrayed with great sensitivity in this film, making it not just a thriller but also a serious social commentary.
Kanchacko Boban has portrayed Harishankar’s character to the fullest. He not only brings alive the spirit of sacrifice and duty as a police officer, but also brings out his personal agony and mental struggle brilliantly on screen. Vishal Nair, Jagadeesh and Priyamani have also done complete justice to their respective characters. The screenplay written by Shahi Kabir keeps the film moving, and like his earlier films like Joseph and Nayattu, this one too keeps the audience in its grip.
However, some common stereotypes are seen in the film. For instance, the portrayal of women with short hair and piercings as drug users, and men with long hair as addicts seems a bit outdated. Also, the image of Bangalore being associated with drugs seems a bit extreme, which could have been presented in a better way.
Still, Officer on Duty is a strong 5/5. Its cinematic energy, brilliant acting and storytelling make it an unforgettable experience to watch in theatres. Especially the thrill generated during the climax and the applause of the crowd resonates in the hearts of the audience for a long time.
In conclusion, this film is ideal for those who love films with a mix of crime thrillers and emotional conflict. This film is not just an entertainer but also a sensitive and thoughtful experience.
Movie Trailer
Conclusion
Overall, Officer on Duty is a brilliant crime thriller that not only thrills the audience but also makes them ponder over serious issues like justice, morality and corruption in society. Kanchacko Boban’s performance, Shahi Kabir’s strong screenplay and superb cinematography make this film a deeply effective experience. Though some stereotypes and some nuances may seem weak, the film’s acting and story make it a compelling thriller. This movie is a must-watch for crime drama lovers.
