This weekend marks the arrival of several new Malayalam films on OTT platforms, catering to the diverse tastes of movie lovers. One of the standout releases is 'Identity', directed by Akhil Paul and Anas Khan. This action thriller showcases the talents of Tovino Thomas and Trisha Krishnan, presenting viewers with a gripping narrative filled with intrigue and power-packed performances. Set against the backdrop of crime and investigation, 'Identity' has quickly become the talk of the town.
'Identity' follows the story of Haran Shankar, played by Tovino Thomas, who is not only a part-time martial artist but also grapples with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The film takes off when crime strikes the city and Haran finds himself entwined with the investigation. An eyewitness with photographic memory becomes the focal point of the case, and the investigating officer seeks Haran's expertise due to his unique talent for sketching, which he acquired from his artist mother. The combination of high-stakes drama and well-choreographed action sequences ensures 'Identity' captivates its audience.
Despite some criticism aimed at the film's second half for its complicated narrative, many viewers believe 'Identity' is worth watching, particularly for thriller enthusiasts. Its availability on the ZEE5 OTT platform makes it easily accessible for audiences eager to indulge over the weekend.
Other Malayalam films hitting the OTT scene this week include 'Pani', Joju George's directorial debut, which explores themes of vengeance and personal conflict. 'Pani' features Joju George alongside powerful villains who disrupt the protagonist's idyllic life, compelling him to fight back. This action thriller is available on Sony LIV and is drawing attention for its engaging storyline.
For those who enjoy suspenseful narratives, 'Sookshmadarshini' within the same category is also worth checking out. This film features Basil Joseph and Nazriya Nazim and employs Hitchcock-style storytelling, complete with unexpected twists and turning points. Available on Disney Plus Hotstar, 'Sookshmadarshini' offers puzzle-like experiences at every turn.
If you're interested in indie films, Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine as Light' may be more of your speed. This gentle drama has made its mark by being the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Payal’s film can be watched on Disney Plus Hotstar, screening noteworthy performances and promising storytelling.
Adding to the diverse lineup, the thriller 'Anand Sreebala' debuted this week on Manorama MAX and Amazon Prime Video. Focused on Anand, portrayed by Arjun Ashokan, this film tackles mental health challenges as he aims to become a police officer. Through mystery and personal battles, Anand’s story opens discussions on psychological effects stemming from childhood tragedies.
Finally, there’s the action-comedy 'Rifle Club', directed by Aashiq Abu and slated to stream on Netflix. Set in the nostalgic backdrop of the 1990s Wayanad forests, the film tells the tale of Malayalam film star who seeks guidance at a rifle club. The stakes rise when his cousin inadvertently becomes embroiled with gangsters, leading to chaotic yet humorous situations.
With the myriad of options available, this weekend is ideal for Kerala movie buffs to explore the rich narrative array presented by Malayalam cinema. From gripping thrillers like 'Identity' to heartwarming indie films, this week’s OTT releases deliver quality storytelling for viewers across the spectrum.