Anjaam Pathiraa

The tense atmosphere of Anjaam Pathiraa (Fifth Midnight), thanks to the brilliant background score by Sushin Shyam and the overall production setup, is what makes it a gripping thriller worth enjoying while sitting at the edge of your seat without having the luxury to pay a visit to the washroom. Because if you choose to do so (or to get the popcorn), the intended impact will be lost. Midhun Manuel Thomas must have envisioned it that way as he wrote a mystery about a possible killer and police procedural involving the killings. More than the underlying themes that are related to crime, it is the procedural involving cops and other investigative elements (where Kunchacko Boban plays a criminologist) that keep you hooked, and makes this mystery thriller a unique affair for Mollywood consumers. There's enough going on here and with a crisp acting performance and sufficient attention to details, I can easily call Anjaam Pathiraa one of the best films to come out this year. We don't get such thrillers often. If you have the ability to pass certain forgivable issues with the plot, the dialogue delivery, and occasional mishaps involving placement and timing of humour, this is going to be a treat. TN.

Anjaam Pathiraa is a Malayalam crime thriller that stands out for its intelligent screenplay, atmospheric visuals, and compelling performances. It's a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The film revolves around Anwar Ali Khan, a cynical police officer, who is tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders. The killer, known as the 'Mathavani', leaves behind a chilling signature, making the case increasingly complex.

The film excels in character development. Anwar Ali Khan's character arc is a highlight of the film. Anwar, with his complex personality and cynical outlook, is a fascinating protagonist. His transformation from a cynical, world-weary detective to a determined investigator is both compelling and believable. The film delves deep into his psyche, exploring the toll the case takes on him. The supporting cast, including the talented Sreenath Bhasi, adds depth to the story.

The film's cinematography is a character in itself. The dimly lit streets of Kochi and the eerie undertones contribute significantly to the suspenseful atmosphere. The use of shadows and close-ups adds to the tension and creates a claustrophobic feel. Even in the daylight scenes, there's a sense of impending doom, thanks to the careful use of lighting.

The screenplay is meticulously crafted with well-placed red herrings and unexpected twists. The film avoids relying on cheap thrills and instead focuses on building a tense and psychologically charged narrative.

The music in Anjaam Pathiraa is a subtle yet powerful force. It complements the visuals perfectly, building tension and enhancing the emotional impact of the scenes. It's a perfect blend of suspenseful and atmospheric, adding depth to the overall experience. The film's sound design is equally impressive. The use of silence and subtle sound effects is employed effectively to heighten the tension.

The identity of the Mathavani is a shocking revelation. The film skillfully misdirects the audience, making it difficult to predict the killer's identity. The character's motivations, while disturbing, are presented in a way that makes them understandable, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The film's climax is both shocking and satisfying. The revelation of the killer's identity is a masterstroke, and the final confrontation is intense and gripping.

In conclusion, Anjaam Pathiraa is more than just a crime thriller. It's a film that challenges the audience to think critically about the characters and the world they inhabit. The film's intelligent screenplay, coupled with strong performances, makes it a standout in the Malayalam film industry.

This is definitely a worth watching murder mystery thriller. The thrilling tone is maintained right from the beginning till the end.

At first, some initial scenes may give an impression that the movie would become goofy as it progresses. But it doesn't. It maintains the amount of seriousness and logic one expects out of such movies.

There is absolutely no digression from the main story. No songs. No super star heroism. No melodrama.

The plot is one hell of a one. Keeps us really engaged.

Coming to acting, Kunchacko Boban did his part of a psychologist neatly. Then there is a stellar performance from Unnimaya Gopan. There are other excellent performances which cannot be told without it being spoilers.

Music really elevates the scenes and thrills to another level. The camera work was good even though it could have been made better. The editing was very good.

If there are flaws, they are all minor ones. Even though the story/plot is clearly the winner here, some parts in the beginning of the second act made the plot go slow. But it soon gets compensated as the movie goes forward. It can also be said that the last few scenes had some minor problems with logic. But it doesn't really compromise on the thrills and suspense.

Another minor problem was the character of Sreenath Bhasi. He comes as a young techie. The character is one in which Bhasi has got typecasted. His presence was mainly to give some comic relief. Such a character's presence cannot actually be justified. But it doesn't really affect the whole movie. Just a minor flaw. Maybe they didn't have the confidence to make the film without any comic relief.

The dialogues at some points felt a bit artificial. But for the most part they were good.

All these minor problems are just nitpicking. If you want to see a murder mystery thriller movie with a very good plot, you definitely need to see this.

The director that we knew and loved from the Aadu series makes a roaring comeback with Anjaam Pathiraa, a murder mystery thriller that keeps you hooked throughout. Midhun Manuel Thomas deftly combines a haunting background score with smart visuals and an in-form Kunjacko Boban to gradually build suspense and intrigue, delivering the best Malayalam crime thriller I have seen since Memories and Drishyam.

Although there are significant plot holes towards the end, the well written characters and their back stories leave you wanting for more. Loved the subtle homages to Hannibal Lecter and to the Creep series in the second half.

An engaging thriller and surely the first big hit of 2020!