- Release Date: 09/02/2024
- Platform: Netflix
- Cast: Tovino Thomas, Siddique, Indrans, Arthana Binu, Vineeth Thattil David
- Director: Darwin Kuriakose
“Tovino Thomas shines in a Riveting Saga of Intriguing Mysteries and Emotional Resonance”
Malayalam police procedurals are among the best that Indian cinema offers. I have watched numerous Malayalam police dramas, ranging from serious and sombre to thrilling and dramatic, and have concluded that regardless of the type of the film, Malayalam filmmakers always find a way to accentuate every aspect of the story and its treatment. The result is haunting, deeply affecting, and immensely entertaining films. While their Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu counterparts come close, the Malayalam film industry still outshines and outmanoeuvres them with considerable ease.
“Anweshippin Kandethum” is the latest Malayalam police procedural featuring one of my favourite Malayali actors, Tovino Thomas, and directed by Darwin Kuriakose, who is helming his first major feature film. The film chronicles the journey of Anand Narayanan (Thomas), an honest and sharp sub-inspector in Kottayam who is entrusted to solve not one, but two murders through the course of the film, each presenting its own challenges.
The first case involves the murder of a young girl, possibly within a monastery. The father and leader of the monastery appear to be the prime suspect, prompting Anand to act hastily as evidence points to him. However, in his haste, Anand forgets the delicate balance in the society that is maintained between people, religion, faith, and peace. He is soon halted by his superiors, who take over the case and attempt to frame someone more conducive to appeasing all communities in the area. Anand watches in disbelief as innocents are framed and brutalised. It’s only after a meeting with the victim girl’s father that he decides to unearth the truth, even at the cost of his career and well-being.
Months later, the fallout from this case comes back to haunt Anand and his team in their respective careers. He and his teammates find it increasingly difficult to deal with the prejudice of the people and the department that they have garnered due to their actions in the previous case and for challenging the status quo. However, things take an interesting turn for Anand and his team when the Superintendent of Police (Siddique) assigns them a case that has remained unsolved for the past six years. He does so because he believes that Anand and his team have the intellect and resources to solve the crime. He also believes that if solved, this case would serve as the boost Anand and his men need to regain the confidence and favour of the people and the department that they so richly deserve.
Constantly Engaging Human Drama, Coupled with A Pitch-Perfect Mood and Setting, Drives the Narrative Forward:
You would be surprised to learn that there isn’t a single action sequence in the entire 2-hour and 25-minute-long film. There are a few scenes depicting police violence against victims. The entirety of the film revolves around Anand and his team engaging in conversations, examining evidence, and observing people’s expressions and mannerisms to draw conclusions. These deductions are not presented in a hyper-edited, MTV-video style, as seen in shows like “Sherlock.” Instead, everything is deliberately toned down, rendered realistically, and slowed down for audiences to concentrate and absorb the finer aspects of filmmaking, such as mood and setting.
In one of his interviews, Anurag Kashyap famously remarked that most Hindi films do not reflect the Hindi society. They fail to address the societal issues or accurately represent its people and settings. According to him, Hindi films portray a fictionalized account of India’s people, culture, and drama, often resembling cultures alien to the country. It appears as though Darwin Kuriakose took note of Kashyap’s critique and acted upon it in the making of “Anweshippin Kandethum.” Every aspect of the film is deeply rooted in Malayali society, with a strong emphasis on how religion, societal boundaries, limitations of religion, and caste divides immensely influence people’s lives, sometimes leading to murder or even suicide.
The director adopts a “show, not tell” approach, which significantly enhances the film’s appeal, the investigation, and the underlying drama. Issues such as how one religious group is quick to accuse the police of tormenting minorities, how minority appeasement can compromise investigations, and how the entire police force can be demonized for the actions of a few are all beautifully and impactfully addressed. All of this is achieved while maintaining the mood and setting of the film, reminding viewers of how life unfolds in Kerala heartlands and addressing issues most relevant to the Kerala way of life. While I haven’t lived in Kerala myself, the verisimilitude depicted in various films and shows leads me to believe that Kerala filmmakers have succeeded in creating the most cinematically aesthetic and realistic portrayal possible without sacrificing the fun of cinematic storytelling and the liberties that come with it.
Exceptionally Gripping and Impactful Performances:
Tovino Thomas delivers yet another gripping and exceptionally impactful performance as Anand. He begins as a strong-willed and assertive police officer. The respect and power that he commands in society are depicted through the opening montage. However, after confronting the monastery and its father, we witness how quickly he is reduced to someone forced to watch helplessly as the case he brought to light becomes a political and socio-cultural event, with law enforcement’s emphasis shifting towards appeasing a certain community rather than solving the case. He is brutally undermined and insulted by his superiors. Gradually, we see him reclaim his honour and gusto through assertive actions that result from his realisation that nothing is more important to him than his duty towards the constitution of India. Thomas perfectly captures the mannerisms and characteristics of Anand, making the character increasingly likeable as the narrative progresses.
The rest of the ensemble cast, comprising some of the most talented actors in the Kerala film industry, does a fantastic job of bringing each and every character to life with sincerity, realism, and panache. It’s important to note that without their performances, the film’s story and screenplay, which heavily rely on performances for its ultimate impact, would never have reached its true potential. The realism and impact of the film are derived not only from the settings and elements incorporated by the director from Kerala society and life but also from the nuances of the performances. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the entire supporting cast of the film is responsible for turning the film into the wonderful piece of art that it is.
Thought-provoking Narrative That Intrigues and Entertain:
Intriguing mysteries that grip your attention are at the heart of any good police procedural. In “Anweshippin Kandethum,” there are two distinct cases that the protagonist is compelled to confront, each presenting a simple yet unpredictable solution. I found myself thoroughly engaged by the narrative, particularly how one aspect seamlessly led to another. The resolutions of these mysteries not only satisfied my curiosity but also resonated with me emotionally. Understanding the core characters and what drives them to certain actions made complete sense, adding depth to the drama and ultimately enhancing the film’s payoff. Additionally, the unpredictability of the perpetrators and the element of surprise they brought to the story were added bonuses that further enriched the viewing experience.
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Final Words:
“Anweshippin Kandethum” emerges as a standout example of Malayalam cinema’s prowess in crafting compelling narratives and rich characters. With Tovino Thomas delivering a stellar performance at its centre and supported by a talented ensemble cast, the film transcends the boundaries of a typical police procedural. Its intriguing mysteries, coupled with emotionally resonant resolutions, keep the audience captivated till the very end. Director Darwin Kuriakose’s deft handling of the storyline, combined with the authentic portrayal of Kerala society, ensures that “Anweshippin Kandethum” is not just a gripping thriller but also a poignant exploration of human complexities. Overall, it’s a must-watch for fans of the genre and an exemplary addition to Malayalam cinema’s repertoire.
Rating: 4/5 (4 out of 5 Stars)
The views expressed in this article are that of the reviewer and do not reflect EastMojo’s position.
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