Officer on Duty Review: Kunchacko Boban in His Most Intense, Massiest Role in an Anxiety-Inducing Thriller

Film: Officer on Duty

Director: Jithu Ashraf

Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Priyamani, Jithu Ashraf, Jagadish, Vishak Nair

Writer: Shahi Kabir

Cinematography: Roby Varghese Raj

Music: Jakes Bejoy

Production: Martin Prakkat Films & The Green Room

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Runtime: 137 minutes

OTT Release: Netflix (expected March 20, 2025)

One doesn’t go into a film written by Shahi Kabir expecting to feel good. Having said that, Officer on Duty, which reunites the writer with actor Kunchacko Boban and marks the directorial debut of Jithu Ashraf (one of the Nayattu actors), takes a slightly more mass-oriented approach while retaining Kabir’s signature investigative thriller depth. This approach allows its grey-shaded protagonist, Harishankar (Kunchacko Boban), to step into the mass-hero mode—but only after making us truly understand the kind of man he is.

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A Gripping Tale of Crime and Redemption

When Harishankar is introduced as a demoted Circle Inspector, notorious for his unsparing interrogation tactics, we immediately sense that we’re about to witness something special. A seemingly small case of a missing gold chain leads to a shocking series of events, dragging Harishankar into the depths of a sinister crime network. What begins as a simple investigation soon spirals into a deadly game involving drug trafficking and sex rackets, bringing heavy casualties and twists that redefine the entire narrative.

This “more than meets the eye” method has been a defining quality of Shahi Kabir’s scripts (Joseph, Nayattu), and Officer on Duty is no exception. The screenplay masterfully unravels a web of crime while keeping the audience hooked. The villains—led by Vishak Nair—are crafted with enough menace to evoke strong emotions, making the high-stakes action sequences even more rewarding.

Kunchacko Boban’s Powerhouse Performance

At the heart of the film is Kunchacko Boban’s astonishingly convincing portrayal of Harishankar. The actor, once known for his chocolate-boy image, delivers one of his career-best performances, reminiscent of his raw and intense role in Ariyippu. His character is not just driven by duty but by deep-seated trauma, which the film explores with depth and nuance. When the reasons behind his brutal approach to crime-solving are revealed, we find ourselves sympathizing with him, understanding that perhaps we too would react the same way under similar circumstances.

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A Technically Sound Thriller

Cinematographer Roby Varghese Raj (Kannur Squad) enhances the storytelling with visually compelling shots that reflect Harishankar’s mental state. The subjective framing immerses us in his world, making us feel his paranoia, anger, and resolve. Jakes Bejoy’s score, while not his best work, effectively complements the film’s intensity, building tension at crucial moments.

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Jithu Ashraf’s directorial approach leans more toward the commercial side, a departure from the restrained styles of Joseph and Nayattu. While some might argue that this film doesn’t reach their level, it was never meant to. Each film written by Shahi Kabir carries a unique directorial vision, and Officer on Duty embraces a mass-thriller tone without losing its emotional core.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Thriller

Despite some over-the-top moments—like Harishankar miraculously getting up after a brutal beating—the film delivers a thoroughly satisfying experience. The high-intensity climax, in particular, leaves the audience cheering, proving that Officer on Duty successfully blends mass appeal with gripping storytelling.

Watching this film feels like someone grabbing your throat and squeezing just enough for you to breathe—but in the end, instead of punishment, you’re rewarded with a deeply satisfying cinematic experience. If you love investigative thrillers with hard-hitting performances, Officer on Duty is a must-watch. Catch it in theaters now or wait for its OTT release on Netflix, expected around March 20, 2025.