The Malayalam film industry continues to shine, and the latest proof is the crime thriller Officer On Duty, which has captivated audiences since its release on February 20, 2025. Directed by Jithu Ashraf and featuring popular stars Kunchacko Boban and Priyamani, the film was written by celebrated writer-director Shahi Kabir. Produced by Martin Prakkat Films and The Green Room, the movie has been making waves not just at the box office but also with its recent acquisition by streaming giant Netflix.
On its opening day, Officer On Duty earned approximately ₹1.25 crore, according to Indian box office tracker Sacnilk. The film experienced remarkable growth, with day two collections estimated at ₹1.7 crore and day three reaching as high as ₹2.8 crore. With total earnings currently standing at ₹6.49 crore over the first four days, industry experts predict the film will continue to see increased ticket sales as audience buzz builds, especially considering its gripping storyline and positive reviews from critics.
The film follows Harishankar, a demoted Circle Inspector portrayed by Kunchacko Boban, as he navigates treacherous waters investigating fake gold jewelry. The narrative not only showcases his struggles against criminals but also explores the personal risks involved, enhancing the thriller aspect of the film. The strong support from co-stars, including Priyamani and Jagadish, adds to the film's gripping plot, which critics have described as “mostly glowing” (reported by Koimoi).
Filmmakers are optimistic, as the film's budget was reported at ₹12 crore, meaning it has already recovered about 47.9% of its costs, with hopes of crossing the breakeven point of ₹6.25 crore soon. Industry insiders believe Officer On Duty could outperform Kunchacko Boban's previous release, Bougainvillea, which earned ₹8.65 crore over similar timeframes.
Aside from box office numbers, another highlight for Officer On Duty is its acquisition by Netflix shortly after its theatrical release. With this deal, the streaming platform adds another successful South Indian film to its line-up, continuing its strategy to cater to diverse Indian audiences. Although Netflix hasn’t confirmed a specific release date, it’s anticipated to premiere on the platform around March 20, 2025, based on the standard one-month window between theater and OTT releases (reported by OTTPlay).
With Netflix previously launching major titles such as Pushpa 2 and Daaku Maharaaj, the acquisition of Officer On Duty signifies the increasing trend of popular regional films gaining recognition and access to broader audiences through streaming platforms.
Officer On Duty's legacy as both a box office success and its forthcoming availability on Netflix reinforces the significance of Malayalam cinema as it gains momentum nationally and internationally. The thrilling plot, combined with highlighted performances and production quality, positions the film as one of the key releases of early 2025.
The film has captivated hearts and minds, indicating the potential for more regional films to carve their niche across various viewing platforms. With the ever-evolving dynamics of film consumption, the success of Officer On Duty may serve as encouragement for filmmakers to continue pushing creative boundaries and cater to the tastes of diverse viewers.
Overall, the audience can look forward to sharing the suspenseful experience of Officer On Duty on Netflix, with its gripping narrative promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.