Cold Case

Prithviraj's movie sets a high expectation bar but few scenes make the story flat. Lack of gripping screenplay brings down the movie depict a detailed investigation. Overall it's a one-time watchable movie.

Debutant director Tanu Balak has braved the constraints thrown up by Covid 19 to deliver an entertaining if overstretched thriller with the right amounts of chills and suspense. Prithviraj Sukumaran stars as ACP Sathyajith, a dedicated cop set to unravel the mysterious murder of an unknown woman whose skull is found on a riverside. In a parallel track, journalist Medha, played by a splendid Aditi Balan looks to solve a personal mystery of her own as her new rented house appears to be haunted by a vengeful spirit. The two engaging tracks running parallelly till they inevitably close paths render an immediate curiosity in the mind of the viewer and the director manages to hold your attention till the climax. Although overlong at 2 hours and 19 minutes, the cinematographer-turned-director hooks you with expertly shot sequences and suspenseful sound design which are backed up by ace performances. Prithviraj is restrained and nuanced in his portrayal of a sophisticated cop while Aditi Balan steals the show with the same gusto that made us fall in love with her in Aruvi (2016). The suspense is quite guessable but the way they get there is still well portrayed and engaging. Recommended. A fine hybrid thriller with equal amounts of horror and investigative prowess.