Kerala Crime Files – Season 1
Director: Ahammed Khabeer; Writer: Ashiq Aimar
Cast: ju Varghese, Lal, Sanju Sanichen, Navas Vallikkunnu, Zhinz Shan, Devaki Rajendran, Ashwathy Manohar, Rooth P. John (featured roles), plus other supporting actors
Kerala Crime Files – Season 1 introduces viewers to a sleek, realistic crime procedural set in Kochi in 2011. Across six taut, approximately 30‑minute episodes, the story begins when a receptionist discovers the body of a murdered sex worker in a lodge room. With minimal leads—only a common alias (“Shiju”) and a false address (“Parayil Veedu, Neendakara”)—a determined team of six police officers led by CI Kurian Avaran (Lal) and SI Manoj Sreedharan (Aju Varghese) meticulously unearths the truth without external pressure or sensationalism. The HinduThe Indian ExpressIndia Today
Director Ahammed Khabeer and writer Ashiq Aimar avoid melodrama in favor of grounded tension and layered character work. The script emphasizes the humanity and lives of the officers—ranging from newlywed livelihoods to parenthood and hierarchical pressures—while also addressing society’s indifference toward marginalized groups such as sex workers. This makes the procedural both emotionally resonant and socially mindful. News18+14The Hindu+14India Today+14
Visually, the series benefits from crisp cinematography by Jithin Stanislaus and a subtle but effective score by Hesham Abdul Wahab. The editing and pacing maintain audience engagement throughout, with well-placed hooks at episode ends that make binge‑watching seamless despite the short runtime. Reddit+6Jiostar+6Wikipedia+6
Performances anchor the series—Aju Varghese, known for comedy, delivers a thoughtful portrayal of SI Manoj, while Lal brings gravitas as the seasoned CI. The secondary cast, including Sanju Sanichen, Navas Vallikkunnu, Zhinz Shan, and Devaki Rajendran, lend depth and realism, turning everyday police work into engaging drama. Asianet Newsable+12Popcorn Reviewss+12The Hindu+12
Some viewers noted that the narrative loses momentum slightly near the climax, and the final reveal may feel predictable. However, many agreed the solid writing and immersive inquiry make the journey compelling. For a Malayalam OTT debut, Kerala Crime Files sets a high bar in quality and storytelling. Popcorn ReviewssRedditThe Hindu
In short: a finely crafted police procedural that balances engaging mystery with empathetic character arcs—delivering a measured yet impactful crime story.
Kerala Crime Files – Season 1 introduces viewers to a sleek, realistic crime procedural set in Kochi in 2011. Across six taut, approximately 30‑minute episodes, the story begins when a receptionist discovers the body of a murdered sex worker in a lodge room. With minimal leads—only a common alias (“Shiju”) and a false address (“Parayil Veedu, Neendakara”)—a determined team of six police officers led by CI Kurian Avaran (Lal) and SI Manoj Sreedharan (Aju Varghese) meticulously unearths the truth without external pressure or sensationalism. The HinduThe Indian ExpressIndia Today
Director Ahammed Khabeer and writer Ashiq Aimar avoid melodrama in favor of grounded tension and layered character work. The script emphasizes the humanity and lives of the officers—ranging from newlywed livelihoods to parenthood and hierarchical pressures—while also addressing society’s indifference toward marginalized groups such as sex workers. This makes the procedural both emotionally resonant and socially mindful. News18+14The Hindu+14India Today+14
Visually, the series benefits from crisp cinematography by Jithin Stanislaus and a subtle but effective score by Hesham Abdul Wahab. The editing and pacing maintain audience engagement throughout, with well-placed hooks at episode ends that make binge‑watching seamless despite the short runtime. Reddit+6Jiostar+6Wikipedia+6
Performances anchor the series—Aju Varghese, known for comedy, delivers a thoughtful portrayal of SI Manoj, while Lal brings gravitas as the seasoned CI. The secondary cast, including Sanju Sanichen, Navas Vallikkunnu, Zhinz Shan, and Devaki Rajendran, lend depth and realism, turning everyday police work into engaging drama. Asianet Newsable+12Popcorn Reviewss+12The Hindu+12
Some viewers noted that the narrative loses momentum slightly near the climax, and the final reveal may feel predictable. However, many agreed the solid writing and immersive inquiry make the journey compelling. For a Malayalam OTT debut, Kerala Crime Files sets a high bar in quality and storytelling. Popcorn ReviewssRedditThe Hindu
In short: a finely crafted police procedural that balances engaging mystery with empathetic character arcs—delivering a measured yet impactful crime story.