Thalavan

A very neat investigation thriller that is able to be well made with nuanced while being pretty commercial. What I loved the most about the movie other than the perfect pacing of this movie is the theme that all policemen start thinking like criminals. That could raise a lot of questions but it is truly a way of thinking that would help understand and help police in general too. The way the film starts with a "Charithram Enniloode" style show and how the main story is started may not seem the best way to start the movie at first, but it works out great later. The way the film was able to move through so many characters while slowly revealing the small connections throughout was really fun to watch. The intensity brought out by the actors helped a lot too, the acting was really great across the board. The way the movie ended would've made me think they were setting up an unnecessary sequel if they hadn't started the movie they did. Because of how it began and was set up before the actual story began, it was convincing to me that there must be something more to the story even though seemingly everything was tied up. The song felt unnecessary and didn't feel like it matched with how the rest of the movie was going because it directly stood with that character at that point instead of being a spectator. There were a couple of scenes where the editing seemed off, maybe they didn't shoot it keeping the 180 rule, I just noticed that the editing seemed jarring for no reason in those scenes. But these small issues didn't really affect my enjoyment of the film. It's the better investigation movie of the year in Malayalam and I'd be interested in the sequel.

Retired DYSP Udayabhanu narrates the Cheppanamthotta case for a tv series, after being compelled by the reporter. It was a sensational case as it involved CI Jayashankar as the prime accused in the murder of a woman and his subordinate SI Karthik was made the investigation officer. With all the evidences directly pointing at Jayashankar, it is upto Karthik who actually has a rocky work relationship with Jayashankar to be neutral in order to solve the case. In the meantime, Jayashankar gets out on bail to parallely investigate the case. What do the duo reveal in their follow up, forms rest of the story.

Thalavan is indeed a captivating thriller and the investigative procedural has a neat screenplay. The first half starts with introduction of the two main characters and establishes their conflict. The murder is revealed only after this and the director succeeds in maintaining the suspense with Jayashankar getting arrested. It is pretty much an intense first half without any deviation. The second half is where the drama shifts gear with the conspiracy angle setting in and despite their differences, both Jayashankar and Karthik are made to work together. The reveal however did feel stretched too far but then that comes down to the expectations I had, after the first half. I still find it as a compelling watch due to the performances and the entire investigation segment till the third act.

Other than the 2 good characters played by Biju Menon and asif Ali , there is nothing good about this movie.

The writing is bad , shows so many complex twists and build ups to a disappointing conclusion. How ever have to say that as if Ali looks so convincing in the role of rebel sub inspector and he is proving to be a good actor

5 of us , belong to 3 generations watched this together in theater and no one was impressed.

Now sure how the promotions was so hyped that the movie is good , recent thrillers in Malayalam like Garudan was so much better.

When it released in OTT, I bet all this perspective that the movie is good will change.

With a successful run at the box office, this movie was highly anticipated, and it must be said, it was worth the wait. Two police officers of different ranks become embroiled in a case that garners significant media attention. With the clock ticking to solve the case and their lives at risk, how they handle the situation forms the crux of the story.

Director Jis Joy, usually known for his light-hearted comedy dramas, surprises with a suspense thriller-and he handles it with finesse. The story dives straight into the main plot, quickly engaging the audience. In a genre crowded with investigative and suspense films, it's hard to create one that keeps the audience guessing, but this movie does just that. In a slow yet captivating manner, the suspense is unraveled layer by layer, keeping you hooked.

Biju Menon delivers his serious role with complete conviction, as he always does. Asif Ali proves his versatility once again, brilliantly portraying a no-nonsense, righteous cop. Kottayam Nazeer, with a slight negative shade to his character, also performs well. Mia and Anusree have limited screen time and thus have nothing much to offer. Dileesh Pothan, however, appears somewhat lost, particularly during the news interview scenes.

The editing is sharp, keeping you on the edge of your seat. There are no unnecessary subplots or comedic diversions, which makes the film more relatable. Even the songs play in the background, ensuring they don't disrupt the narrative flow. The climax delivers a shocking yet logical twist, making the movie well worth your time.

No surprises here: this is a well-made thriller that deserves your attention-yet another feather in the cap for Malayalam cinema.

#pranureviews #Thalavan #ThalavanReview.

Jis joy has proved he is not only for the feel good movies, he can deal with thrillers as well. From the start to the end, the movie is very engaging and we will keep searching for that culprit. He gives us various of suspects throughout the movie. I want to mention his casting, which is brilliant and each of them perform upto the mark. This is a comeback of Asif ali, after couple of failures recently. The golden combo of Biju Menon and Asif Ali's once again proved what they are capable of. At the end, I felt like would have better if they chose someone else as the culprit. Felt like the motive behind the murder is not strong enough. But it's not too bad. After all it's a good crime thriller I have watched after a while. I recommend you to watch it in theatres, I guarantee you, you won't disappoint.