Thalavan

The narrative is skillfully crafted, particularly in the first half where homicide investigation unfolds, creating several gripping moments.

However, as we transition into final segment, the plot begins to lose clarity and focus. As more details start to emerge and significant revelations surface, the storyline becomes increasingly convoluted.

This convolution is further complicated by the two main protagonists, with whom I found it difficult to connect.

This disconnect stems not only from their actions, but also from the insufficient exploration of their personal backgrounds and mental states!

A shoutout to Jis Joy for venturing outside the feel-good zone even when his last attempt at a thriller didn't work. Thalavan delivers the goods as a police procedural with plenty of characters, their details and dynamics. The first act makes you think it's yet another addition to the Malayalam Ego Clash™ universe. However, Thalavan properly gets going once the main murder plot kicks in. There's an unnecessary song and a mediocre fight sequence following it, but those are the only detractions. Asif Ali is clearly in fine form here, and once again proves his mettle as a performer when he dons the police uniform. Biju Menon is solid too, and since we've already seen him and Asif work together as leads before, their efforts here come across as no surprise. The same goes for much of the supporting cast (ft. Dileesh Pothan, Jaffer Idukki, Miya George, Anushree, etc.), even in instances of weakly written dialogue.

Deepak Dev's musical score makes you invested in the proceedings, though I'd have placed the Thalavan theme song at a different point within the film. The key antagonist gets a meaty arc and a well-established motive, though I wish Jis had exhibited greater finesse in the final reveal. From a writing standpoint, there are several decoys thrown at us. If you're a longtime thriller buff, you should be able to distinguish between an actual lead and a decoy without much fuss. Though this isn't a film with a lot of guns and fist-fights, they could've still done a better job with the stunts. Nonetheless, with all its flaws, the film is worth a watch on the big screen.

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.

Well written investigation thriller ; good performances of all the actors , especially Asif Ali is fierce and Biju Menon also gave strong performance!

Script by newcomers Anand Thevarkkat & Sarath Perumbavoor with sharp direction by Jis Joy is the backbone of the movie with splendid BGM work by deepak dev, cinematography is nice and other technical department done a neat work !!!!

Solidly crafted twist and turns and engaging narration from thew start to a very good ending make Thalavan is must watch movie in theatre!

Go for this if you love good crime investigative Movies !!!

My rating 8.8.

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.