Kerala Crime Files review: A tightly-woven police procedural

Directed by Ahammed Khabeer, who previously helmed films such as June and Madhuram, Kerala Crime Files (KCF) centres around the murder of a sex worker at a lodge and the subsequent police investigation that unfolds.

Set in Kochi in 2011, the series wastes no time in establishing the atmosphere and quickly grabs the viewers’ attention with the main plot. The story kicks off when the receptionist of a local lodge discovers the body of a sex worker in one of the rooms. Led by Circle Inspector Kurian Avaran (Lal) and Sub-inspector Manoj Sreedharan (Aju Varghese), a team of five police officers springs into action to nab the culprit. However, they are armed with limited information — a name, “Shiju,” and a false address, “Parayil Veedu, Neendakara,” which was provided by the suspect at the lodge. Despite it being a low-profile case with no external pressure, the determined cops invest all their efforts into solving the increasingly intricate puzzle. Even after facing countless obstacles and dead ends, they persistently pursue the investigation, as the culprit has been skillfully deceiving everyone with a fabricated address for several years.

KCF, bankrolled by Rahul Riji Nair under the banner of First Print Studios, delivers an enthralling experience right from the start, thanks to its tightly-woven script that remains focused without trying to bite off more than it can chew. Despite following an episodic storytelling approach, the creators wisely refrain from adding unnecessary elements that could disrupt the smooth flow of the narrative and the investigation process. As one of the characters points out “due to the victim being a sex worker, the case is considered low-profile,” there aren’t many nail-biting moments in KCF. However, writer Ashiq Aimar deserves praise for effectively sustaining the viewers’ excitement throughout, as even a minor misstep could have derailed the story irreparably. 

The portrayal of the victim and other sex workers in KCF deserves commendation as the makers treat them with respect, deviating from the way such characters have been traditionally depicted in Malayalam cinema. However, there is a slight setback in the portrayal during the climax, where the dialogues lack careful consideration. If the makers had noticed and rectified this flaw, KCF could have gained recognition for its compassionate portrayal of sex workers. 

While the ending punches of two episodes may seem forced and included for the sake of it, the narrative effectively balances them out by seamlessly connecting them with the beginnings of subsequent episodes, thus averting any potential disaster.

Furthermore, though KCF offers glimpses into the personal lives of the investigating officers, it never ventures beyond a certain point, ensuring that it remains true to its genre.

The casting in KCF is undeniably one of its main strengths, particularly when it comes to the portrayal of the investigating officers. Aju Varghese, known for his comedic roles, ensures a noteworthy performance as the composed and diligent SI Manoj, showcasing his versatility. Lal, on the other hand, delivers a solid and compelling portrayal of the superior officer who not only supports his team but also grapples with personal struggles while piecing together the puzzle. Zhinz Shan once again demonstrates his exceptional talent in bringing supporting characters to life with remarkable precision. Notably, Navas Vallikkunnu, Sanju Sanichen, and Devaki Rajendran also shine in their respective roles, adding further depth to the ensemble cast.

While director Ahammed Khabeer occasionally incorporates stylistic elements commonly seen in Indian web series, particularly in the crime genre, he successfully maintains the intended tone of the script without succumbing to unnecessary clichés. Instead of introducing extravagant elements that could have turned the story into a shoddy thriller, Ahammed astutely adheres to the police procedural tone of the script. However, there are moments where the excessive use of a blue tint becomes somewhat bothersome.

Jithin Stanislaus’s cinematography deserves special recognition as he skillfully captures the essence of the narrative, demonstrating great care without going overboard, allowing the show to unfold at its own pace. Once again, music director Hesham Abdul Wahab proves his exceptional talent, particularly evident in KCF’s memorable title theme that will linger in the minds of viewers until a worthy opponent emerges. The contributions of production designer Prathap Raveendran and editor Mahesh Bhuvanend are also noteworthy, adding to the overall excellence of KCF. All these elements combined make KCF a remarkable entry for the Malayalam industry into the realm of web series headlined by streaming giants.

In short, Kerala Crime Files effectively engages viewers by skillfully depicting its content, even though it has a straightforward plot and follows a narrative that doesn’t rely too much on edge-of-the-seat moments. It manages to capture attention by presenting its elements with precision and finesse.

Kerala Crime Files cast: Aju Varghese, Lal, Zhinz Shan, Navas Vallikkunnu, Sanju Sanichen, Devaki Rajendran
Kerala Crime Files director: Ahammed Khabeer
Kerala Crime Files rating: 3.5 stars