Thundu

Thundu is an Action Hero Biju-style look at the lives of policemen, with some comedic incidents strung together. But this film is not about tackling complaints or petitions, instead it takes a behind the scenes look at what happens in the station and among policemen. And ultimately, there is no nanma (goodness or humanity) in the characters or situations, which is something most filmmakers try to bring in.

Biju Menon plays Baby, a civil police officer, who unwittingly always seems to get into trouble. Adding to his problems is rival policeman Shigin, played by Shine Tom Chacko, who is junior to him in service, but has passed department tests to become a senior CPO. The film is basically a narration of how the issues developed between them. Finally, after Shigin slights him at the station once, Baby decides to attempt the departmental test, hoping to get the upper hand.

Biju Menon has a natural comedic style, which does not require much physicality unlike the usual Malayali humour actors, but here, he seems to have pulled back on the energy, perhaps because he plays a more mature character.

The film’s non-linear storytelling gets so long and confusing that it’s only much later you realise that you are still being told about an old incident. On the whole, Thundu offers a bit of novelty in the cop story genre and has some humorous moments, but it lacks a compelling story.

Also troublingly, the film has negative depictions that are wrapped in humour to make them seem okay. At least some sections of the audience might not appreciate it.