‘Cold Case’ Malayalam movie review: A hybrid genre film

Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Aditi Balan and others

Direction: Tanu Balak

Producers: Shameer Muhammad, Jomon T. John, Anto Joseph

Music : Prakash Alex

Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan, Jomon T. John

Editor: Shameer Muhammed

Release date: June 30, 2021

Thoughtybrain.com Rating: 3/5

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s latest film ‘Cold Case’ has hit Amazon Prime recently. As per the makers of the film, this is supposedly the first hybrid genre film which has the mix of both horror and thriller elements. So, let’s see whether it stands upto the expectations or not.

Synopsis:

The film starts with some paranormal activities happening in the house. After this, a fisherman finds a decayed human skull in the local pond and complains to the police. After the initial procedures, the case gets handed over to the local ACP Satyajith(Prithviraj). Simultaneously, some horrific and mysterious situations happen regularly in the house of divorcee Medha Padmaja(Aditi Balan) who has a small daughter to take care of. How these happenings are related to the case being handled over by ACP Satyajith and how the mystery gets revealed and resolved forms the rest of the story.

Actors’ Performance:

As usually, Prithviraj Sukumaran is stunning as ACP Satyajith and his screen presence makes a lot of difference in the film. Aditi Balan as a divorcee is also superb. The child who played the role of Aditi’s daughter is impressive. All others are adequate in their respective roles.

Technical Departments:

The film struggles mainly with the screenplay. Though the core concept of mixing two genres is impressive, the film lacks the grip which is a must in these kind of movies. Story wise, it is good. Director Tanu Balak should have taken care to make things simple. There are unnecessary sub plots in the film which obstruct the flow of the proceedings.

Coming to other departments, special mention should go to music director Prakash Alex. His background score is the highlight of the film. Cinematography is neat. Editing is below average as there is a scope to chop atleast 15mins off the run time.

Positives:

Lead Actors’ performances

Cinematography

Negatives:

Screenplay

Unnecessary Sub plots

Highlights:

Background score

Hybrid genre

Analysis:

The film starts off promisingly with a series of paranormal activities going on in a big house and a human skull found in the pond. But it fails to keep the same tempo throughout the run time. The not so necessary sub plots have eaten off the otherwise a good hybrid genre film. Having said that, the natural performances of the lead actors and the main suspense point somehow keeps the audience still engaged in the film. But the artificial climax ruins the expectations of the audience a bit. However, considering the hybrid genre of the film, it is still a good watch. Since it’s available free for Amazon Prime subscribers, it’s a good buy however.

Final verdict:

A hybrid genre film