The much-anticipated Malayalam crime-thriller Officer on Duty, starring Kunchacko Boban, is now available for streaming on OTT platforms. Directed by Jithu Ashraf in his directorial debut, the gripping thriller initially hit theaters on February 20, 2025, and has since attracted significant attention from audiences.
Made with a budget of ₹12 crore, Officer on Duty has grossed an impressive ₹50 crore worldwide, marking it as the highest-grossing Malayalam film in 2025, surpassing Asif Ali’s Rekhachithram. The film began streaming on Netflix on March 20, 2025, making it accessible in multiple languages including Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.
Netflix confirmed the release with a post that reads, “Puthiya officer etheetund, stand in line and salute. Watch Officer on Duty on Netflix, out 20 March in Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada #OfficerOnDutyOnNetflix.” The film runs for about 2 hours and 17 minutes, providing a thrilling experience for viewers.
The plot centers around a tough and angry police inspector, Harishankar, who is demoted from Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) to Circle Inspector (CI). The story unfolds when he receives a complaint about Chandrababu, who attempts to mortgage a fake gold chain. This case leads him into a web of horrific crimes linked to his own tragic past. As Harishankar delves deeper into the investigation, he must navigate numerous challenges while confronting the mastermind, Christy, who warns him to abandon the case. However, Harishankar’s relentless pursuit of justice showcases his determination.
The film features Kunchacko Boban in the lead role as Harishankar alongside Priyamani, who plays his wife, Geetha. The cast is supported by notable actors including Jagadish, Vishak Nair, Aadukalam Naren, Vaisakh Shankar, Vishnu G. Warrier, Ramzan Muhammed, Leya Mammen, Aishwarya Raj, and many others who contribute to an impactful narrative.
Touted as a commercial success, Officer on Duty was well-received by both critics and the audience. The film's performances, particularly Kunchacko Boban’s portrayal of Harishankar, garnered praise. Renowned critic Baradwaj Rangan remarked, “Kunchacko Boban gives a strong central performance in Officer on Duty, and the technical departments pitch in, too. But the writing remains superficial.” Despite the critique, audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the interconnected storytelling and the riveting screenplay.
One social media user tweeted, “#OfficerOnDuty - Another Golden Stuff From Malayalam Cinema, ScreenPlay Awesome 👏 That Interconnection Is Just Amazing & Unexpected, While Revealing Is Just MindBlowing… BgM - #JakesBejoy Miratti Vitrukaapla.. Worth Watching Guys.” Such comments highlight the film's impact, particularly within the Malayalam cinema landscape, known for its compelling narratives and character-driven stories.
Moreover, the cinematography by Roby Varghese Raj and editing by Chaman Chakko added to the film's overall presentation, while Jakes Bejoy composed the stirring background music, further enriching the viewing experience. The screenplay, written by Shahi Kabir, is noted for its compelling narratives that resonate well with the audience.
The film's production was handled by Martin Prakkat Films, with producers Martin Prakkat, Renjith Nair, and Siby Chavara backing the project. Their efforts culminated in a film that not only entertains but also delves into significant societal issues intertwined with Harishankar's personal struggles.
As the film now streams on Netflix, it represents a significant milestone in Kunchacko Boban’s career. Reflecting on this journey, he stated in a previous interview, “I do believe my performance in Officer on Duty is my best ever. It’s only when I consciously decided to experiment unabashedly that I found real success.” His words illustrate the fresh direction his roles have taken in recent years, shedding light on a more nuanced and complex portrayal.
With Officer on Duty now widely available on Netflix, audiences can dive into this gripping thriller and experience the hardships and triumphs of Harishankar as he navigates through crime, personal loss, and the quest for justice. This film indeed sets a noteworthy benchmark in Malayalam cinema, reaffirming the industry's prowess in creating captivating and thought-provoking stories.
