John Luther

Story: Devikulam Police Station SI John Luther is a committed police officer, who even risks his life for policing. During an interrogation, he suffers ruptured eardrums and hearing loss. Will he be able to complete an investigation which he had to leave halfway?

Review: When it comes to family, John Luther is never on time. But as a cop, he is committed, sharp and precise. Nothing can stop this 'Super Cop' from doing his duty.

Jayasurya once again showcases an exemplary performance through his portrayal of Devikulam SI John Luther, who suffers from hearing loss after damaging his eardrums during a crime investigation. Like in Christopher Nolan's Memento, where Leonard Shelby suffers short-term memory loss, our protagonist sets out to complete a case which he had to leave halfway due to injury.

The dark thriller is intriguing and gripping with a series of mysterious missing cases in the Devikulam jurisdiction. Debutant filmmaker Abhijit Joseph, who has also written the film, has decently crafted a movie that appeals to crime and investigative-thriller fans. Cinematographer Roby Varghese Raj has captured the enigmatic beauty of the high ranges creating eerie moments in the minds of the viewers. Colour grading and Praveen Prabhakar's editing have to be mentioned for upping the excitement. However, certain elements in the movie, including the music, reminiscences recent films like Anjaam Pathiraa and Rakshasan that had set a new trend in thriller movie narration.

It would be remiss to not mention that the film has also been influenced by the stereotypical casting and character backgrounds that Malayalam cinema has been following since ages. We see affluent and upper caste heroes and underprivileged villains with typical character features in this movie. At a time when we are consciously trying to bring caste, colour, race and regional inclusivity, here we see the movie once again reinforcing the imageries of people with negative shades, mental health and unexplored areas of the high ranges.

The actors, including Deepak Parambol and Sivadasan Kannur, have done their part well. Sidhique once again played the cliched 'cool-dad' with ease. Women characters remain relegated to wives, mothers and sisters like in every other 'hero-centric' film.

On the whole, John Luther is a dark thriller that would make the Jayasurya fans happy as he fills the screen with his handsomeness, latest trending attires and impressive performance.

- Anjana George