‘Iratta’ to ‘Mumbai Police’: Unconventional twists in suspense thrillers

In the world of Malayalam investigation thrillers, it's common to end the story by catching the main villain, usually with a surprising twist to reveal their identity, which keeps the audience engaged. This pattern is evident in films like the Sethurama Iyer CBI series and 'Memories.' Nevertheless, there are also some thrillers that go beyond these conventions and deliver unique and unexpected twists, much like the twists in foreign films such as 'Incendies' and 'Old Boy.' Although such films may not have worked wonders at the box office, it leaves an indellible mark in the hearts of the audiences due to its dare attempt. Here, let's delve into a few of the Malayalam films that has unconventional narratives and ending.

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'Mumbai Police,' featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran, might not have been a box office hit, but its unconventional ending has kept cinephiles discussing it for years. The twist of the main investigative officer turning out to be the film's antagonist is a common trope, but the writers, Bobby and Sanjay, added an extra layer by revealing that the lead character, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran, is a homosexual, and the entire crime motive is based on this revelation. 'Mumbai Police' undoubtedly stands out as one of the best crime thrillers in Mollywood with its unconventional ending.

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Joju George's 'Iratta' is the latest addition in Mollywood to feature an 'Old Boy' style twist at the end, which is certainly not intended for those with a weak heart. Directed by Rohit MG Krishnan, the plot revolves around a police officer's death, triggering a spine-tingling quest for the truth that is intertwined with his estranged twin and their complex history.

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While VK Pavithran’s classic 'Utharam' may not fit the typical mould of an intense investigation thriller, it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful narrative. The story follows Balu, a journalist who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth after his best friend's wife tragically takes her own life. As Balu delves deeper into the mystery, he unravels a shocking revelation from a decade ago, when she was a victim of a gang-rape incident and subsequently gave birth to a child named Immanuel. This revelation turns the storyline into a captivating thriller that sets it apart from the usual fare in the genre.

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Mammootty's suspenseful drama film 'Munnariyippu' stands out as one of the finest cinematic pieces with an unconventional and haunting ending. Directed by Venu Isc, the story revolves around Raghavan, a prisoner convicted of a double homicide who continues to reside in jail even after serving his term. His life takes a dramatic turn when Anjali, a journalist, embarks on a mission to craft a feature story about his life. The film keeps the audience captivated with its intriguing narrative and concludes with an ending that lingers long after the credits roll.

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