“Officer on Duty” is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller directed by Jithu Ashraf in his directorial debut. The film stars Kunchacko Boban as CI Harishankar, a strict and hot-headed police officer, and Priyamani as Geetha. Jagadish, Srikant Murali, and Vishak Nair are in the supporting cast. The movie, which came out in theaters on February 20, 2025, follows Harishankar as he investigates a number of horrific crimes, beginning with a complaint about a man trying to mortgage a fake gold chain.
Through this case, he discovers connections to his tragedy. Shahi Kabir’s screenplay is complemented by the cinematography of Roby Varghese Raj and the music of Jakes Bejoy. Critics have lauded Kunchacko Boban’s intense portrayal of Harishankar, though some reviews suggest the film, while gripping, adheres to familiar genre templates.
Following its theatrical run, “Officer on Duty” is slated for digital release on Netflix, with an expected streaming date around March 20, 2025. The film offers a compelling narrative that intertwines crime investigation with personal vendettas, set against the backdrop of contemporary urban challenges.
Release Date
“Officer On Duty” was released theatrically on February 20, 2025. The movie, produced by Martin Prakkat Films and The Green Room, quickly gained attention due to its intense storytelling and strong performances.
Following its successful theatrical run, the film is expected to make its digital debut on Netflix, tentatively scheduled for March 20, 2025. This will allow a broader audience to experience the gripping tale from the comfort of their homes.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Circle Inspector Harishankar, a dedicated and no-nonsense police officer stationed in Kochi. After being demoted, he stumbles upon what seems to be a minor counterfeit jewelry racket. However, as he digs deeper, he finds himself entangled in a vast network of organized crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and corruption within the police force.
Harishankar’s relentless pursuit of justice soon puts his life and his family in grave danger. With adversaries both inside and outside the system, he must navigate this treacherous landscape while staying faithful to his duty.
Detailed Storyline
The movie begins by establishing CI Harishankar as a strict, ethical officer who follows the law to the letter. He lives a seemingly peaceful life with his wife, Geetha, and their young daughter, Nila. However, things take a dark turn when he starts investigating a case involving fake gold jewelry.
As he delves deeper, he uncovers disturbing connections between local criminals and influential figures involved in money laundering, drug trade, and sex trafficking. What seemed like a simple case turned into a labyrinth of deceit, with Harishankar realizing that some of his colleagues might be working against him.
The movie follows his journey as he fights against corruption, protects his family, and risks everything to bring justice to the victims of these crimes. The suspense builds as he faces threats from ruthless gangsters and betrayal from unexpected places. The climax delivers a gripping showdown that highlights the sacrifices made by officers who truly stand by their duty.
Cast and Characters
“Officer On Duty” features a talented cast that brings the story to life with powerful performances.
- Kunchacko Boban as CI Harishankar – The determined police officer who takes on a dangerous crime syndicate.
- Priyamani as Geetha – Harishankar’s supportive wife who becomes a pillar of strength during his struggle.
- Jagadish as Chandrababu – A key suspect in the fake jewelry case who holds crucial information.
- Vishak Nair as Christy Savio – One of the masterminds behind the criminal operations.
- Ramzan Muhammed as Shyam Babu – A young man caught up in the criminal network.
- Vaisakh Shankar as DySP Shahul Hameed – Harishankar’s superior, whose motives remain ambiguous.
- Unni Lalu as Praveen – A loyal colleague who helps Harishankar in the investigation.
- Meenakshi Anoop as Nila Hari – Harishankar’s daughter, whose safety is compromised as the case unfolds.
- Anju Abraham as Chithra – A character with unexpected connections to the crime world.
Direction and Production
“Officer On Duty” marks the directorial debut of Jithu Ashraf, a filmmaker who previously worked as an assistant director on hit films like Action Hero Biju and Udaharanam Sujatha. The screenplay is written by Shahi Kabir, who is known for crafting realistic and hard-hitting police dramas.
The film is produced by Martin Prakkat, Renjith Nair, and Siby Chavara under the banners of Martin Prakkat Films and The Green Room. The production team has ensured that the movie maintains a high level of authenticity, drawing inspiration from real-life police investigations.
Cinematography and Music
The visual storytelling is enhanced by the work of Roby Varghese Raj, whose cinematography beautifully captures the raw and gritty reality of crime-infested Kochi. The city is portrayed as both a vibrant metropolis and a dangerous underworld.
The music, composed by JJakeBejoy, adds to the tension and emotional depth of the film. The background score amplifies the suspense, making every twist and turn more intense.
Themes and Social Commentary
“Officer On Duty” explores several relevant themes:
- The Ethical Struggles of Law Enforcement – The film showcases the dilemmas faced by honest police officers who must navigate corruption within their ownks.
- Impact of Crime on Society – The story highlights how organized crime affects ordinary citizens, from trafficking victims to families of law enforcement officers.
- Moral Ambiguity – Not all characters are purely good or evil, reflecting the complexity of real-world crime and justice.
Review and Critical Reception
Critics have praised “Officer On Duty” for its thrilling narrative and powerful performances.
- The Week rated the film 4/5 stars, calling it a “haunting investigative thriller that maintains realism while engaging mainstream audiences.”
- Times Now awarded it 3.5/5 stars, describing it as a “well-crafted thriller that, despite using familiar tropes, delivers an engaging cinematic experience.“
- The Times of India gave it 3/5 stars, appreciating its gripping storyline but critiquing the use of excessive violence in some scenes.
Audience Feedback
Viewers have lauded Kunchacko Boban’s portrayal of CI Harishankar, noting his intense and commanding screen presence. The film’s blend of suspense, action, and emotional depth has resonated with audiences. However, some have pointed out the inclusion of certain clichés and a desire for more innovative plot developments.
Where to Watch
Following its theatrical run, “Officer On Duty” is slated for digital streaming on Netflix, with availability starting from March 20, 2025. This allows a broader audience to experience the film’s gripping storyline and performances from the comfort of their homes.
Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the release date of “Officer On Duty”?
The film was released in theaters on February 20, 2025.
Who directed “Officer On Duty”?
The movie marks the directorial debut of Jithu Ashraf.
Who are the prominent cast members?
The film stars Kunchacko Boban as CI Harishankar and Priyamani as Geetha. The supporting cast includes Jagadish, Vishak Nair, and Srikant Murali.
What is the plot of “Officer On Duty”?
The story follows CI Harishankar, a strict and hot-headed police officer investigating a counterfeit jewelry racket. What begins as a routine case escalates into a complex web of crime, intertwining with Harishankar’s personal life and past tragedies.
How have critics received the film?
“Officer On Duty” has garnered positive reviews, with critics praising Kunchacko Boban’s intense portrayal of Harishankar. Some reviews note that while the film is gripping, it adheres to familiar genre templates.
Is there an official trailer available?
Yes, the official trailer was released on February 14, 2025, offering a glimpse into the film’s intense narrative and character dynamics.
Who composed the music for the film?
The musical score for “Officer On Duty” was composed by Jake Bejoy.
What is the runtime of the movie?
The film has a runtime of 137 minutes.
Where can I watch “Officer On Duty” after its theatrical release?
Following its theatrical run, “Officer On Duty” is slated for digital release on Netflix, with streaming expected to begin around March 20, 2025.
Who are the producers of the film?
Tartin Prakkat, Renjith Nair, and Siby Chavara will produce the movie under the banner of Martin Prakkat Films.
Conclusion
“Officer on Duty” is a gripping crime thriller that blends intense police investigation with a profoundly personal vendetta. Directed by Jithu Ashraf, the film features a power-packed performance by Kunchacko Boban as CI Harishankar, a cop with a troubled past. The screenplay, penned by Shahi Kabir, keeps audiences engaged with unexpected twists and a haunting narrative. With substantial technical aspects, including Jake Bejoy’s music and Roby Varghese Raj’s cinematography, the film has been praised for its realism and tension-filled sequences. While some critics feel it follows familiar thriller tropes, the film’s execution and performances elevate it.