Kannur Squad movie review: Mammootty’s police procedural is solid, yet lacks freshness

Starring Mammootty, Azees Nedumangad, Rony David and Shabareesh Varma in key roles, the movie narrates the tale of a quartet of police officers collectively known as the Kannur Squad. Inspired by a real-life police unit bearing the same name, originally formed by former Kannur SP S Sreejith to expedite case resolutions, the film features only four cops and two specific cases they tackled during the period spanning from 2007 to 2017.

The movie kicks off by introducing the four cops: Assistant Sub Inspector George (Mammootty), constables Jayakumar (Rony) and Shafi (Shabareesh), and their driver Jose (Azees) as they embark on a mission to apprehend some criminals hiding in a forest area near the Kannur-Virajpet border. While Roby provides Mammootty with an impressive intro, he ensures it aligns with the plot and avoids excessive fan service.

This sequence serves to introduce the main characters to audiences while also emphasising that they are not superhuman police officers. However, a common problem seen in several recent Malayalam films, including RDX, surfaces here too, where makers excessively use quick cuts in action scenes, seemingly to increase excitement. Unfortunately, as in other movies, this approach backfires here as well, making it feel overly staged and manufactured.

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After successfully resolving this case, the squad stumbles upon another one and tackles that too, enhancing their already impressive track record. However, as the team operates on an as-needed basis, its members return to their respective police stations once their duties are fulfilled. Years later, they reunite when a wealthy and politically influential man is murdered at home by five unidentified assailants, with his family members brutally attacked in the process. The remainder of the film revolves around the Kannur Squad’s investigation into this case.

Although the movie maintains a solid pace in its first half, the transitions between scenes lack smoothness, causing a somewhat disjointed viewing experience due to the absence of a natural flow. Simultaneously, the dramatic elements, especially those depicting the characters’ emotions and family relationships, fail to strike a chord due to their superficial and conventional portrayal. The film leans on the same typical drama elements found in many other cop movies here too, and hence lacks freshness.

While the crime scenes are depicted as bloody and brutal, the makers have carefully avoided overwhelming the audience with sheer remorse. They’ve struck the right balance, emphasising the severity of the crimes enough to fuel the determination of the police officers. The first half of Kannur Squad concludes on a powerful note, leaving the viewers craving more, especially as the upcoming part unfolds outside of Kerala, presenting additional challenges for the team.

In the latter half of the film, the police encounter more challenges, ranging from language barriers to uncertainty about where to investigate. While the movie effectively sheds light on these obstacles, ensuring a seamless progression of their investigation without relying on luck, the emotional aspects don’t quite resonate here too. The tension between two squad members, stemming from a previous issue, occasionally surfaces but lacks a lasting impact. Additionally, these elements might remind viewers of Khalid Rahman’s Unda (2019), another procedural featuring Mammootty.

Although Kannur Squad struggles to build tension, it compensates with well-executed normal moments. While certain narrative elements bear a resemblance to Rajeev Ravi’s Kuttavum Shikshayum (2022), the makers have tried to distinguish their work by incorporating some commercial elements like slow-motion sequences, powerful background music, and an intense action scene, which have had a positive impact.

However, it needs to be mentioned here that despite all of these, the film’s similarities to earlier procedural movies remain striking throughout and it manages to avoid being a complete replica only by a hair’s breadth, thanks to its making and the performances. The villains are also like familiar old wines in well-worn bottles.

Though Mammootty delivers a subtle and nuanced performance, a quality he has consistently displayed in his recent films, it lacks freshness, especially since this marks his second consecutive role as a police officer after his appearance in B Unnikrishnan’s Christopher earlier this year. While his rendition of George is quite different from his Kuttan in Puzhu (2022), another cop role, certain traits from Christopher are noticeable in Kannur Squad. Mammootty’s action sequences are also lacklustre, failing to deliver any impactful movements or moments.

Azees Nedumangad, on the other hand, excels in his portrayal of driver Jose. His adept handling of subtle moments and the way he embodies the character will leave a lasting impression on viewers, showcasing his potential for even more remarkable performances. His background in comedy proves advantageous when delivering certain desperate dialogues and yet, he seldom compromises the gravity of the narrative at any juncture with this.

While Rony David’s usual stiffness in his performance is evident here as well (and no, it’s not just because of the character’s demeanour), Shabareesh Varma’s Shafi doesn’t go beyond being a mere presence throughout.

On the technical side, Muhammed Rahil’s cinematography is impressive, and Praveen Prabhakar’s editing shines, except when it comes to the fight sequences, where the issue also lies in how they were choreographed. Unfortunately, Sushin Shyam’s music doesn’t make a significant contribution to the film.

In short, Kannur Squad is undoubtedly a solid police procedural that unfolds at a measured tempo, avoiding excessive dramatisation. However, its notable resemblances to earlier films within the same genre prevent it from being truly fresh.

Kannur Squad movie cast: Mammootty, Azees Nedumangad, Rony David, Shabareesh Varma
Kannur Squad movie director: Roby Varghese Raj
Kannur Squad movie rating: 3 stars