What Is the Story About?
Newly married SI Manoj’s (Aju Varghese) plan of taking a vacation goes for a toss when a murder case comes to him. A sex worker is found dead in a hotel room. The only clue Manoj and his team have is a fake address.
The series’ basic plot is how Manoj and his team crack the case and find the culprit. The subplots include a peek into each team member’s personal life and bond as a unit.
Performances?
Aju Varghese is apt for the role of SI Manoj leading the investigation. He maintains a neat balance in portraying the character without turning it overtly heroic or alternatively making it boring. There are no real dramatic moments here, and most of the act involves him being serious and intense enough to look like a leader carrying the investigation.
Analysis
Ahammed Khabeer directs Kerala Crime Files. It is a procedural crime drama where a police unit investigates the case and finds the culprit following all the clues and leads.
It doesn’t take much time to get hooked on the proceedings. There is no looking back once the murder is revealed and the police start the investigation.
What works is the writing and the realistic setting the Malayalam film industry is known for. The actors ease into their roles and fit the world neatly. The writing further helps in engaging and taking us on the journey.
The screenplay is kept simple without too many complications. It helps in avoiding the convoluted narrative initially. However, as things progress, it gets into that zone, but it isn’t too much to take away from the experience.
Breathing space is given in the investigation without slackening the pace. Personal lives are used in this regard. They are predictable, but it helps keep things together and not let the proceedings look overstuffed.
The interpersonal equation between the team and how it advances to stand up for each other is another aspect working in the favour. The gradual growth among the unit members’ bond from start to end can’t be missed.
Given the nature of the case, it feels as if the investigation is moving in circles after a point. Things seem repetitive, but the actors and the writing hold it together, keeping it from disintegrating or making one lose interest.
The final is always critical in investigative thrillers, and it’s no different here. If one closely follows the case, the ending is a neat wrap-up to where things started. A simple case ends on a simple note without much overcomplication. It is the in-between that gives such an impression. But credit to the makers for keeping things together.
Another interesting thing to note after the end is that the whole season is a set-up for the next. It is establishing the team members who are now likely to take up the new case(s) in the coming seasons.
Overall, Kerala Crime Files works due to its writing more than the actual case. If you like investigative thrillers that are a little slow and simple in nature and don’t keep very high expectations, Kerala Crime Files is a perfect outing.
Other Artists?
Lal as Aju Varghese senior is another good choice. He brings his experience to play and enacts the part in his typical style that is simultaneously serious when necessary and provides the fun. The rest of the cast, involving the police unit cracking the case and others, is also well done.
Music and Other Departments?
Hesham Abdul Wahab’s background score is good. It is a mix of trendy techno sounds and typical music associated with such procedural crime thrillers.
Despite giving the vibe of a low-budget production, Kerala Crime Files is a technically slick and stylish product. The stylistic choices are sometimes in the face, but it doesn’t get into an entirely distracting zone. The editing and cinematography are neat. As mentioned earlier, writing is the essential factor binding the whole thing together.
Highlights?
Cast
Writing
Natural Setting
Making
Drawbacks?
Repetitive At Times
Drags A Little In Middle Portions
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Kerala Crime Files Series Review by Binged Bureau
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