At the heart of the film is Kunchacko Boban, delivering what could be his most compelling performance yet. If you’ve known him as the charming, affable hero, prepare to see him in a completely different light. Here, he doesn’t just portray an emotionally disturbed, demoted cop—he embodies him. His performance is raw, immersive, and so intensely real that you’ll feel his pain as if it were your own.
Boban plays a disgraced officer haunted by a past so dark that even he struggles to unravel it. Living in the shadows of guilt and rage, his life takes a dramatic turn when a routine investigation into a counterfeit jewellery racket leads him down a far more sinister path. As he digs deeper, what seemed like a straightforward case spirals into something dangerously personal. How far will he go to confront the truth—and will he survive it?
Priyamani’s performance perfectly complements Boban’s, adding emotional depth that elevates the film. While he wrestles with inner turmoil, her character’s strength and vulnerability provide a powerful contrast, making her an indispensable force in the narrative. Her nuanced portrayal ensures she stands out in what is otherwise a male-dominated story.
Director Jithu Ashraf’s debut is nothing short of impressive. His neo-realistic approach blends psychological depth with a taut, slow-burn investigation. The measured pacing keeps you on edge, never quite sure where the story is headed. Roby Varghese Raj’s cinematography is striking, capturing tension through shadow-filled frames and close-ups that expose the characters’ inner struggles. The action sequences are grounded and visceral, avoiding exaggerated stunts in favour of realism.
One of the film’s most striking moments comes during the antagonist’s reveal. The camera closes in, capturing their eyes bathed in a fiery yellow-orange glow, burning with rage, while the rest of their face disappears into pitch-dark shadows. This masterful use of chiaroscuro intensifies the sense of unease, making you feel their malice, anger, and pain rather than just witnessing it.
Shahi Kabir’s screenplay is another standout element, weaving crime and psychological complexity into a deeply affecting narrative. The script delves into the protagonist’s internal struggle, guiding the audience through a cathartic experience of fear, pity, and tension. The emotional weight is as gripping as the physical action.
The film also tackles sensitive themes, including POCSO-related content, refusing to shy away from discomfort. Instead, these elements are used to deepen the narrative, pushing it beyond a standard crime investigation. It is a challenging watch, forcing viewers to confront harsh realities, but that’s precisely what makes it so powerful.
Visually, Officer on Duty is a masterpiece. From symbolic weather patterns to distorted reflections, the use of space and light enhances the film’s tense atmosphere. The sound design further amplifies the psychological intensity, immersing you completely in its world.
Yet, as gripping as the film is, it isn’t without its flaws. A few outdated stereotypes creep in, reminiscent of ’90s television tropes. Women with short hair and piercings? Obviously, rebellious and troubled. Men with long hair? Clearly, battling addiction. And Bangalore, once again, stereotyped as the “drug capital.” These elements feel lazy and outdated, though they don’t significantly detract from the film’s impact. While they might make you cringe momentarily, the gripping storytelling and stellar performances keep you invested.
The title Officer on Duty feels oddly generic for such a raw and unpredictable thriller. It’s the cinematic equivalent of naming Jaws “Shark in the Water”—too conventional for a film this intense.
That said, Officer on Duty is a relentless, emotionally charged crime thriller that pulls you into its unflinching world. Kunchacko Boban’s standout performance anchors the film, while its haunting visuals and sharp storytelling linger long after the credits roll.
