Kerala Crime Files

Positives:

• Just six episodes of ~30 minutes each. The length is almost the same as a regular Malayalam film.

• The presentation of the case and its procedural elements. The cops are regular people (not some superheroes), and the developments in the plot have a real-time feel to it.

• The performances are solid overall. This is definitely one of the better Aju Varghese efforts in recent times. I also liked the performances of supporting cast (Zhinz Shan, Lal, Navas Vallikunnu, and Sanju Sanichen especially). Given it's a procedural, the female characters are less impactful.

• Hesham's score is an important ingedient. Be it in bringing urgency, subtly underlining some of its lighter moments, and keeping us invested in the details.

• The visual style strikes a balance between being an out-and-out investigation thriller and a family drama.

Negatives:

• The writing, while detailed, is pretty ordinary for a crime thriller with not many surprises. It's clearly the direction that has elevated it to a better space.

• The last couple of episodes feel like they were stretched (just a bit) to accommodate additional suspense, even when we know the inevitable conclusion.

P. S - This somehow reminded me of DQ's "Salute" but with an actual ending.

Whenever I watch a Malayalam thriller, i expect some kind of twists and turns that would blow ones mind. Kerala crime files is not one of them sadly.

Kerala crime files is about a murder case where the murderer is smart enough to keep the police guessing and running around for 6 long days (6 episodes). Being an investigation thriller, i expected a twist of some kind at the end but in the end i realised, there was none . It kind of disappointed me . The main reason for this is that the story is too simple and straightforward with no shock value .

Nevertheless, the series is still extremely riveting. The conversations, the clues that the police track and the subsequent roadblocks they face all account for a riveting watch . Not once will you get bored in this series. I felt it was very well paced.

Even with this pace, it manages to capture the characters of the policemen pretty well and how they have to sacrifice their family life to serve the nation . We have an officer who has a baby just born but is unable to give him time due to the case. Short glimpses of their family conversations show their longing to stay back or go on vacations but are constantly pulled back by cases. They heave a sigh and leave for their duty without complaining. Theres a mini interview scene at the end of the series where the characters explain how police life is.

Another problem with the series is that it fails to end properly. The ending is so abrupt that you feel a sudden brake being applied in your mind. The ending actually is a bit hastened. Could have been better here.

Overall, you should give this series a chance. Barring a few flaws it's a smooth engaging ride with no boring moments.

Note : There was a series in Prime named Dahaad that too was very simple with no twists as such but it can't be compared to Kerala crime files as in the former, the criminal was already known it presented the police as well as the criminal side equally , but in Kerala crime files the criminal is kept hidden so i expected a twist in the reveal (Mini spoiler that won't ruin your watch : i thought the father in law of Manoj was the criminal for a moment but he wasn't xD).

Kerala Crime Files brings a grounded crime investigation to life with decent performances and realistic pacing. While the series starts strong and keeps you mostly engaged, the storyline feels quite average, and lacks the depth or complexity that could've made it more memorable. The characters have some dimension, and the acting is solid. The pacing is one of its strengths-it doesn't drag-but the emotional impact is limited, and there are no standout moments that stick with you. It's a decent watch if you enjoy slow-burn regional crime thrillers, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.......

Considered to be the first official Malayalm series dubbed in all languages. Looking at the title, expected it to be some very intense drama but it lacks that intensity. It's a simple story of a murder investigation. The direction elevates the presentation but otherwise story is weak and lacks twists and turns. Climax is also very dull. A total of 6 episodes of 30 mins each. Available on Hotstar. My ratings 6/10!

Considered to be the first official Malayalm series dubbed in all languages. Looking at the title, expected it to be some very intense drama but it lacks that intensity. It's a simple story of a murder investigation. The direction elevates the presentation but otherwise story is weak and lacks twists and turns. Climax is also very dull. A total of 6 episodes of 30 mins each. Available on Hotstar. My ratings 6/10!

First Malayalam web series , it's a decent thriller The main thread of investigation is done well , the suspense is well kept. The key thread is about tracing a suspect that is such a common man who disappears in the world . Good acting by all leading stars. Especially aju varghese and his supporting police cast named pradeep Chettan.

The main problem is that after couple of episodes the enquiry is a bit monotonous. It also looks like the police offers are is just focused on this one case comprising their life for no convincing reasons , other than they kept saying we must nab this guy no matter what.