In his directorial debut, ‘Officer On Duty’, Jithu Ashraf has most likely delivered a blockbuster thriller if the initial reviews and reactions are to go by. The Malayalam film starring Kunchako Boban and Priyamani has released in cinemas today and is getting a tremendous response.
‘Officer On Duty’ follows a demoted police inspector who investigates a counterfeit jwelery racket, becoming entangled in a dangerous world of crime that puts his life at stake.
The film is written by National Award winner Shahi Kabir who is well known for his cop stories such as those in ‘Joseph’, ‘Nayattu’ and ‘Ela Veezha Poonchira’. Kabir has delivered once again with ‘Officer On Duty’, this time with a more commercial touch. Although some people also claim that they liked his previous stories better and this one has its flaws which are covered up by other departments of the film.
The performances are equally impressive. Whether it’s Kunchacko Boban or the members of the antagonist gang in the film, everyone has delivered a stellar, power packed performance.
To top it up there is Jakes Bejoy’s pulsating background score that adds the thrill through music. Among other technical crew members, Robby Varghese Raj’s cinematography takes ‘Officer On Duty’ to next level as he makes the film nothing less than a visual feast.
Certain issues that have been raised about ‘Officer On Duty’ are the pacing of the film in certain sections, some debatable portions such as cliched motive and actions of the protagonist. But overall the deft direction makes way for a really well made crime thriller that grips you.
Overall, ‘Officer On Duty’ is claimed to be highly engaging, a gripping crime thriller that is also emotionally charged. Looks like after ‘Marco’, we have another blockbuster loading from Malayalam cinemas.