Officer On Duty Review: Watch or Skip?
1. Gripping Narrative Structure
The first half`s domino-effect storytelling, where a seemingly minor case unravels into something bigger, keeps the audience hooked in the investigation.
2. Flawed but Compelling Protagonist
Harishankar is no typical hero. His flaws and struggles, brought to life by Kunchacko Boban`s nuanced performance, make him a uniquely compelling character.
3. Technically Polished
Roby Varghese Raj`s cinematography, Chaman Chakko`s editing, and Jakes Bejoy`s evocative background score enhance the film`s tense atmosphere and narrative.
4. Strong Performances
Kunchacko Boban delivers a standout performance as the broken but determined Harishankar. Vishak Nair`s chilling portrayal of the antagonist also leaves a mark.
5. Genre Conventions and Tropes
While the film attempts to be different, it still relies on familiar thriller tropes, including the "women in refrigerators" trope, weakening its originality.
6. Underdeveloped Characters
Beyond Harishankar, other characters, especially the women, lack depth and serve primarily as plot devices or victims, hindering the film`s emotional impact.
7. Uneven Emotional Execution
Despite a serious subject matter, the film struggles to fully explore its emotional potential, leaving key moments feeling underdeveloped and less impactful.