What Is the Story About?
A skull is found by the side of flowing canal water accidentally by a local fisherman. ACP Sathyajit (Prithviraj Sukumaran) is appointed in charge of the case, as rumours about the local minister’s son involvement gain buzz.
While the investigation is happening on one side, Medha (Aditi Balan), a criminal journalist, faces supernatural occurrences in her newly shifted house. Soon she starts following a trail.
How Sathyajith and Medha’s paths cross each other and what is the mystery behind the skull comprises the basic story of the film.
Performances?
Prithviraj Sukumaran looks like a million bucks playing the cop ACP Sathyajith. The physical fitness and styling are top notch without going overboard. It is as casual as it is stylish. If we leave about the exterior details and come to the ‘acting’, it is a walk in the park for the actor. It is a straightforward one-dimensional investigative police officer role, one that doesn’t demand heavy-duty dramatic skills. Prithviraj effortlessly carries the part, but that’s all about it.
Analysis
Tanu Balak directs Cold Case, an investigative thriller with a whodunit angle. The story is simple (with a bit of ghostly twist), but it is the screenplay where the real deal lies.
Cold Case brings the ‘different’ element of the investigative thriller to the fore at the start itself. The ‘Paranormal’ aspect of a murder mystery is what separates Cold Case from regular storylines in the genre.
Once the tone is set (at the start) for the things to come ahead, Cold Case gets up and running from the beginning itself. Case tracking happens at a fast pace and engagingly. It follows the formulas but keeps things crisp and sharp.
It is the paranormal element that bogs down the narrative. Not only it treads a predictable line, but it also causes a disruption in the proceedings with its flow.
The investigation, on the other hand, gains momentum with the revelation of new details. The whole block of identifying the victim is neatly done. It offers thrill and excitement in equal measures. It is also the first time where the different elements unite properly in the narrative.
The parallel investigation in the second half further adds to one enjoying the journey of the thriller. It is a satisfactory ride all the way until the time to reveal the cards arrive.
Cold Case falls flat in the end. The issue here is the ‘culprit’ rather than the execution. It leaves us with an underwhelming feeling. Still, a few details in it, like the inclusion of Covid, for example, are well done, even though it might come across as a bit far-fetched.
Overall, Cold Case is a lean and cold thriller, literally. It mixes investigative narrative with horror elements, which settle after initial hiccups. However, the finale is a let-down, making Cold Case a passable affair.
Other Artists?
Aditi Balan is apt in the role of Medha. She, too, doesn’t have big drama to do as an actor. Initially, a few moments are there highlighting the character’s vulnerability, but nothing happens later. Apart from Aditi and Prithviraj, others don’t have much scope to show their acting abilities even if it’s in limited capabilities. However, Suchitra Pillai and the small kid leave a mark in between mainly due to the sequences.
Music and Other Departments?
The music by Prakash Alex is forgettable concerning the songs. But, of course, there is only one in that regard, so not much to write home about anyway. On the other hand, the background score is effective. The sound design, in particular, is superb. The cinematography by Girish Gangadharan is neat. The editing by Shameer Muhammed is sharp for the most part.
Sreenath V Nath provides the lyrics, story, screenplay and dialogues. The screenplay is easily the highlight of all. It is smooth and slick and hooks one through to the end. The disappointment comes as part of the story when the final name is revealed.
Highlights?
Screenplay
First Half
Investigative Parts
Drawbacks?
Climax
Uneven Narrative In Parts
Weak Characterisations Barring Two Main Leads
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, For The Most Part
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Cold Case Malayalam Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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