Another murder mystery movie? Before you leave a tired sigh, wait.

Murder mysteries are a genre that’s been explored time and again, often leaving audiences jaded with predictable twists. So, when a new entry like Golam arrives, it’s natural to approach it with a sense of weariness. But dismissing Golam as just another whodunit would be a disservice, for despite its flaws, it brings a freshness to the table.

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Golam Plot Summary

Golam sets the stage with an Agatha Christie-inspired plot, immediately invoking the classic murder mystery vibe. The story revolves around a small office, with no more than fifteen employees. One seemingly ordinary day, the monotony of their routine is shattered when their Managing Director, Isaac John (played by Dileesh Pothan) is found dead in the bathroom. What appears at first glance to be a tragic accident quickly spirals into a complex investigation led by ASP Sandeep, who is convinced there’s more to the death than meets the eye. Next what follows is a journey through suspicion, hidden motives, and the ultimate revelation of the murderer, all wrapped in the intrigue of a tightly-knit community where everyone seems to have something to hide.

What Golam gets right

In a genre where it’s challenging to stand out, Golam manages to carve its niche, primarily due to its refreshing plot. The pacing is commendable as well, with the film not overstaying its welcome. It concludes in a timely manner, a relief in a genre that often falls into the trap of unnecessary elongation.

The music, too, deserves a nod. It’s one of the elements that elevates the tension and drama in Golam, making key moments more impactful. The background score is thoughtfully composed, weaving seamlessly into the narrative and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the film.

Elements that could have elevated Golam

However, Golam is far from perfect, and its shortcomings are hard to ignore. The most glaring issue lies in its casting. A murder mystery often hinges on the strength of its characters, particularly the investigator. Here, Golam falters. The hero of Golam, ASP Sandeep, portrayed by Ranjith Sajeev, is intended to be the film’s standout character—a sharp, intuitive cop whose mind works in ways others can’t comprehend. Unfortunately, Ranjith’s performance doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set by the script. His expressions often fall flat, and his lack of charisma makes it difficult to buy into the idea that he is this extraordinary detective capable of seeing what others miss. The character’s depth is hinted at but never fully realized, which leaves a significant void in the narrative.

The film’s climax, a crucial aspect of any murder mystery, is another area where Golam stumbles. As the story races towards its conclusion, the plot becomes increasingly convoluted. There’s a sudden influx of information, making it difficult for the audience to keep track. Instead of building up to a satisfying resolution, the film’s ending feels rushed and overly complicated, causing the tension to dissipate rather than peak.

Another misstep is the use of clichéd cinematic devices, such as lightning strikes during key moments. This trope, often used to heighten drama, feels out of place in Golam, adding an unnecessary layer of artificiality. Additionally, the character played by Siddique, while crucial to the plot, inadvertently makes the mystery easier to solve for the audience. The suspense sort of ends there, only leaving the question of how the murderer committed the crime.

Will there be Golam 2?

Golam ends with a hint at a possible sequel. The question is: Do we want one? The answer depends largely on whether the team behind Golam can learn from the missteps of this installment. If a sequel were to bring in a more seasoned cast and a tighter, more coherent storyline, then it could very well be a welcome addition.

If you are wondering where to watch Golam on OTT, it is streaming now on Amazon Prime.