Tovino Thomas and Trisha shine in "Identity," but does their thriller deliver on suspense and depth?
The new Malayalam thriller "Identity," directed by the duo Akhil Paul and Anas Khan, dives headfirst through layers of suspense, identity, and intrigue. Released on January 2, the film showcases Tovino Thomas as Haran Shankar—a skilled sketch artist—and Trisha Krishnan as Alisha, the key witness embroiled in a deadly game of deception.
Set against the backdrop of crime investigation, the story initially revolves around Police Officer Allen (played by Vinay Rai), who rescues Alisha after she witnesses a violent crime. The plot thickens when it’s revealed Alisha suffers from prosopagnosia, a cognitive condition rendering her unable to recognize faces. This creates compelling tension as Haran, Allen, and Alisha’s pasts intertwine, leading to unpredicted outcomes.
Critics have lauded the film's technical craftsmanship, emphasizing its gripping storytelling and high-octane action sequences. Akhil George’s cinematography captures the gritty realism of the narrative, and Jakes Bejoy's score effectively builds emotional resonance, drawing audiences deep within the film's gripping experience.
Despite the evident passion for filmmaking, the director duo has been criticized for overloading the screenplay with too many subplots and details. The ambition of intertwining various aspects—from the workings of witness protection programs to the psychology of face recognition—felt cumbersome at times, leading some viewers to feel detached from the core story.
"Identity" is not without its moments of brilliance. There are thrilling sequences, particularly the climactic one set within the aircraft, showcasing innovative action and strategic dynamics. Yet, alongside these highs, reviewers pointed out logical inconsistencies and writing conveniences—such as characters serendipitously finding themselves together at pivotal moments—that detracted from the overall experience.
Performances also diverged across the critique spectrum. While Tovino brings intensity and depth to his role, and Rai’s portrayal of the steadfast officer helps anchor the narrative, Trisha's character has been described as underwritten. Critics argue her role lacks substance, showcasing less development compared to her male counterparts, which diminishes her impact on the story.
The film's pace has drawn mixed responses; the first half speedily establishes tension, but pacing issues arise during the final act. Some reviewers felt the conclusion, albeit satisfying, lingered unnecessarily, which affected the film's pacing. Yet the unpredictability of the plot, with twists and turns keeping audiences guessing, has been praised. A few critics noted influences akin to Christopher Nolan's storytelling style, laden with clever psychological plays.
Interestingly, "Identity" has stirred conversations about its adaptation of contemporary themes within Malayalam cinema. With the industry increasingly embracing thrillers, this film positions itself as both reflective of and transformative for the genre. Critics see potential for sequels or follow-up works to resolve the unanswered questions, hinting at the filmmakers’ broader vision.
Overall, "Identity" serves as both entertainment and aspiration. It wrestles with grand ambitions, layered storytelling, and production quality never before seen within the Malayalam film industry. Reviewers awarded the film between 2.5 and 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting its entertainment value, alongside the caveat of certain narrative threads requiring refinement.
Whether audiences gravitate toward Tovino Thomas’ performance and the action-packed sequences remain to be seen, but many agree the film offers something fresh for fans who appreciate the mix of thriller and action genres. Despite its flaws, "Identity" sets the stage for future Malayalam cinema to push boundaries—of identity, storytelling, and genre expectations.