Jithu Ashraf’s “Officer on Duty” plunges viewers into the harrowing underbelly of crime, a world rife with violence, drugs, and the systematic abuse of women and children. At its core, the film follows Senior Officer Hari, portrayed by Kunchacko Boban, as he navigates a complex investigation that spirals into a nightmarish network of exploitation. While technically proficient and undeniably tense, the film struggles to break free from the well-worn clichés of the crime thriller genre, raising uncomfortable questions about the continued reliance on the suffering of women for dramatic impact.
Direction
Jithu Ashraf delivers a relentlessly paced thriller, maintaining a tight grip on the narrative. The film’s momentum is relentless, leaving little room for reflection. However, this focus on speed sometimes sacrifices character depth and nuanced storytelling.
Screenplay
Shahi Kabir’s screenplay, known for its realistic portrayal of police officers and their psychological burdens, once again delves into the mental toll of law enforcement. Hari’s traumatic past, revealed through unsettling flashbacks and panic attacks, humanizes the character, contrasting sharply with the typical macho cop archetype. Kabir’s tendency to incorporate disturbing scenes, reminiscent of his previous works like “Joseph” and “Nayattu,” adds a layer of unsettling realism. However, the film’s reliance on familiar tropes, particularly the exploitation of women’s suffering, raises concerns about the narrative’s ethical implications.
Cinematography
Roby Varghese Raj’s cinematography effectively captures the gritty realism of the underworld. The raw, moody visuals enhance the film’s dark atmosphere, immersing the audience in the bleakness of the criminal landscape.
Acting
Kunchacko Boban delivers a powerful performance as Hari, showcasing his range as an actor. He embodies the character’s internal conflict, seamlessly transitioning from ruthless aggression to vulnerability. Boban’s portrayal of a cop grappling with trauma is particularly compelling, elevating the film beyond a simple action thriller. Vishakh Nair and his gang provide a chilling portrayal of the film’s antagonists, embodying the predatory nature of the criminal underworld. Priyamani, as Hari’s wife Geetha, is unfortunately underutilized, leaving the audience wanting more depth to her character.
The film’s technical prowess, including Jakes Bejoy’s atmospheric score, Chaman Chakko’s sharp editing, and Sankaran A.S’s immersive sound design, contributes to its overall impact. However, the film’s relentless pace, while creating tension, also sacrifices character development and narrative depth. The film’s reliance on violence against women as a central plot device, while undeniably disturbing, raises questions about its ethical implications. While “Officer on Duty” is a gripping and well-crafted thriller, it ultimately falls short of its potential due to its adherence to familiar genre conventions and its exploitation of female suffering.