“Officer on Duty” stands as a riveting 2025 Indian Malayalam crime thriller that delivers a gripping edge-of-your-seat experience. Directed by debut filmmaker Jithu Ashraf and penned by Shahi Kabir, this thought-provoking film follows DYSP/CI R. Hari Shankar, a demoted police inspector investigating a seemingly simple counterfeit jewelry case that spirals into dangerous territory. The movie packs intense moments while raising awareness about the safety of young girls in society.
Meet the principal cast of “Officer on Duty”
The hero and his family
Kunchacko Boban completely owns the role of DYSP/CI R. Hari Shankar, a hot-headed officer demoted after assaulting an IPS superior. His outstanding acting performance carries the film as he portrays a man battling PTSD following his daughter’s suicide after sexual exploitation. Whether handling action sequences or emotional confrontations, Boban delivers powerfully, making every scene feel real.
The family unit includes:
- Priyamani brilliantly portrays Geetha, Hari’s supportive wife
- Meenakshi Anoop plays Nila, the tragically lost elder daughter
- Eithal Evana Sherin embodies Minnu, the younger daughter
The antagonists
Vishak Nair nails the role of Christy Savio, the main antagonist whose gang targets women as revenge against those who contributed to their previous arrest. His character adds a layer of realism to the thriller, shedding light on hidden criminal networks that exist in society. The way the film presents this issue proves both shocking and eye-opening.
Supporting cast members and their roles
The solid supporting ensemble enhances the storyline substantially:
| Actor | Character | Role Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Jagadish | Chandrababu | KSRTC Conductor whose imitation gold chain case triggers the investigation |
| Vaisakh Shankar | DYSP Shahul | Key police officer in the investigation |
| Raj Vishnu G Varrier | Sathya Mithiran | Connected to the counterfeit jewelry racket |
Other impactful performers include Ramzan Muhammed as Shyam Babu, Leya Mammen portraying Celine Joan, and director Jithu Ashraf himself appearing as CI Joseph Chembola. The supporting cast creates the perfect atmosphere for this crime thriller.
Production team behind “Officer on Duty”
Directorial and writing team
Jithu Ashraf’s directorial debut showcases tremendous promise, while Shahi Kabir’s screenplay keeps audiences hooked till the end. The production team includes:
- Siby Chavara, Renjith Nair, and Martin Prakkat as producers
- A creative vision that balances entertainment with social commentary
- A storyline that moves at the perfect pace with thrilling sequences building tension
Technical crew
The film’s technical aspects deserve special mention. Roby Varghese Raj’s cinematography captures the intensity of each punch and move with raw realism. Chaman Chakko’s editing, despite some stretched scenes in the second half, maintains engagement throughout. Jakes Bejoy’s powerful background score proves top-notch, giving goosebumps during key moments and making certain scenes even scarier.
Released theatrically on February 20, 2025, and streaming on Netflix from March 20, the film grossed ₹50 crores worldwide, cementing its status as a must-watch for those who love crime thrillers.
