Released on OTT platforms on June 20, the second season of ‘Kerala Crime Files’, directed by Ahmed Kabir, embarks on a slow-paced yet intricate manhunt for the missing CPO Ambili Raju. Unlike the straightforward investigation in Season 1, this installment attempts to weave a more complex narrative, though it often meanders into confusion.
Ahmed Kabir, known for his passion for investigative thrillers, delves deep into not just the procedural aspect of crime-solving but also the emotional and personal struggles of the police force. The season opens with a visually arresting scene set in a museum, where a dog squad’s performance resonates powerfully with the viewers’ emotions. It’s a testament to Kabir’s skill in marrying emotion with narrative tone.
As the story unfolds, it initially grabs attention with intriguing elements. However, what begins as a promising thriller gradually slows into a sluggish roller-coaster. The central plot is set in a Trivandrum police station that is shaken by internal corruption — officers colluding with criminals, leading to several transfers. Among them is CPO Ambili Raju, who mysteriously disappears, triggering a tense investigation.
The newly assigned officer begins to unravel secrets about Ambili Raju’s past, particularly his connection with a man named Ayyappan — a relationship that becomes the axis around which the narrative revolves. Officer Noble’s methodical efforts to uncover the link between Ambili and Ayyappan add intrigue to the story, keeping the audience mildly engaged.
One of the more innovative storytelling choices is the backstory involving the dog squad. These canines, portrayed in a near-silent narrative role, offer some of the season’s most thrilling and emotionally resonant moments. Their presence is woven into the investigation in a manner that is both fresh and symbolic.
Yet, despite these occasional high points, the series ultimately falters under the weight of a predictable and disjointed screenplay. What could have been a gripping investigative drama falls back on familiar tropes and uninspired execution. Beyond a few compelling scenes, much of the series leaves viewers unfulfilled and disengaged.
The main flaw lies in the writing — a lack of narrative coherence and the absence of depth in storytelling. The complexity intended to elevate the plot ends up muddling it instead. For a story of this nature, rich in potential for layered character arcs and investigative tension, the detailing is disappointingly shallow.
In the end, ‘Kerala Crime Files’ Season 2 is a visually and emotionally ambitious project that bites off more than it can chew. While it aims to stand apart with its character-driven narrative and atmospheric tension, it falls into the routine mold of crime thrillers — compelling in fragments, but lacking the sustained impact needed to truly thrill.