Cast: Mammootty, Azeez Nedumangad, Roby Varghese Raj, Shabareesh Varma

Directed by: Rony David Raj

After setting the cash registers at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam movies of the year, Kannur Squad has finally released on Disney Hotstar. To put it simply, Kannur Squad is a police procedural drama, but what makes it stand out from the rest of the police procedural dramas out there? Allow me to explain.

Also Read: Best Malayalam Movies on Hotstar

Kannur Squad Beyond the Investigation Thriller

Despite the 2.40 hours of runtime, there is no turning back from the moment you start watching Kannur Squad. We are thoroughly invested in the journey of the four cops who are on a hunt to find the culprits of a cold-blooded murder. Their journey, starting from Kannur, extends to Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and beyond, making the film an engrossing road movie.

What stood out for me in Kannur Squad is how the highlight of the film is not the “whodunit” part of the story, but the journey of these police officers, led by George Martin (Mammootty), across the terrains of our country with little to no resources to support them. Yet, their steadfast commitment to their job never falters. In this journey, we also get a glimpse of the stories of each of these officers and their struggles with the highly demanding yet low-paying job.

The makers of Kannur Squad have successfully added the right dose of human touch to the film, which stays with the viewer, getting them emotionally invested in the story. The plight of the victims, the stories of the police officers, and their struggle to find the murderers against the limited government machinery—everything strikes a chord. Imagine, if we are able to develop feelings for a police car! That’s a job well done there in creating the emotional sentiments.

Mammootty Ups the Game!

Shining at 72, Mammootty is in a league of his own. While Kannur Squad may just be a space filler in his impressive filmography, his enthusiasm to give a solid performance and experiment with films inspires me every time. The year started with Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam for Mammootty, a remarkable performance that left us all wide-eyed. That was the presence and charm this man brought to the screen. With one more hyped project coming release (Kathaal by Jeo Baby), Mammootty has truly owned 2023. I’m honestly excited to see what he has in store for us next year.

Mammootty has also produced this film through his production house, Mammootty Kampany. Apart from experimenting with movies, his commitment to promoting new filmmakers is truly inspiring. He doesn’t rely on his superstardom for the film’s success but on the vision of the filmmaker helming the project. And for that, Mammootty has all my respect.

All the actors, regardless of their screen time, have done justice to their characters. A special mention here to Azeez Nedumangad, who plays Inspector Jose Skaria in Kannur Squad. Unlike other actors, Azeez started his career on TV with comedy reality shows and today is confidently sharing screen space with one of the greatest actors ever known. The guy has come a long way and deserves more roles like these.

One standout scene, where the squad confronts death in a village, is nothing short of mind-blowing. The suspenseful stunt leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering how the characters will navigate the seemingly inescapable situation. It was one of the best scenes in the film for me. Kannur Squad strikes a harmonious chord, blending realistic storytelling with commercial appeal quite seamlessly. It successfully captures the essence of a police procedural drama while offering a refreshing perspective on the challenges faced by law enforcement. For those seeking a cinematic experience that transcends the ordinary, Kannur Squad is undoubtedly the right mix of intrigue, emotion, and adventure.

As of now, Kannur Squad is the sixth-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.