Officer on Duty Review (7.0/10): Boban Anchors a Gritty Jewelry Racket Hunt

This Officer on Duty review starts with a simple question: can a modest-sounding fake-jewelry case carry a full-length crime thriller? Directed by Jithu Ashraf and written by Shahi Kabir, this 2025 Malayalam film says yes, mostly. It leans on a strong lead performance and a steady, grounded tone.

Officer on Duty Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Officer on Duty plot centers on Harishankar, a police inspector who has been demoted and now has to prove himself again. His new assignment is an investigation into a counterfeit jewelry racket. It looks like routine work, but the deeper he goes, the more dangerous the people behind it appear.

The film is a procedural at heart. It follows leads, interviews and small discoveries rather than relying on constant spectacle. That gives the first act a patient, curious rhythm that pulls you into the case.

It is an action and crime film, but the action serves the investigation, not the other way around.

What Works in Officer on Duty

The biggest strength is the premise. Fake jewelry is an unusual crime-thriller hook, and it gives the story a real-world feel that many bigger, louder films lack.

The film also keeps its hero human. Harishankar is a man with something to prove, not an invincible superstar cop, and the stakes feel personal.

A few other highlights:

• A clear investigative structure that is easy to follow

• A runtime of 134 minutes that mostly earns its length

• A grounded tone that suits the crime material

If you like Jithu Ashraf's style of steady, character-first storytelling, you will feel at home. For more in the genre, browse our Crime movie reviews.

Officer on Duty Cast and Performances

The Officer on Duty cast is led by Kunchacko Boban as Harishankar. He plays the role with weary determination, and his restraint makes the character believable. He carries the film.

Priyamani plays Geetha and adds warmth and credibility to the story. Jagadish appears as Chandrababu, while Vishak Nair plays Christy Savio, Ramzan Muhammed plays Shyam Babu and Vaisakh Shankar plays Shahul Hameed. The ensemble gives the investigation a lived-in feel.

No one overplays their part, which keeps the tension steady and the world credible.

Where Officer on Duty Stumbles

The film's measured pace will not suit everyone. Some stretches of investigation feel familiar, and viewers who want constant set pieces may drift during the middle.

The central idea is also stronger than some of its genre conventions. You have likely seen the demoted-cop-with-something-to-prove arc before, and the film does not always find a fresh angle on it.

At 134 minutes, a little tighter editing would have sharpened the momentum. These are small complaints, though, rather than deal-breakers. If you want a faster pulse, our Action movie reviews page has plenty of louder options.

Is Officer on Duty Worth Watching?

Yes, Officer on Duty is worth watching if you enjoy grounded crime thrillers with a strong lead. It will not reinvent the genre, but it delivers a well-acted, engaging case with real stakes.

Audience reception backs this up: the film holds a 7/10 average on TMDB from 47 votes, a small sample but a positive one. Our own score matches that.

It was released in India on 20 February 2025 in Malayalam. For another recent crime-adjacent pick, see our take on Flight Risk. You can also check the film's IMDb page for more details.

Who Will Enjoy Officer on Duty

• Fans of Kunchacko Boban and Malayalam crime thrillers

• Viewers who like procedural investigations over non-stop action

• Anyone looking for a grounded, character-led cop story