Kammattam Review: A fair police drama that’s worth a one-time watch

Malayalam OTT platforms celebrate Onam this year with their very first festive release,

Kammattam

, a six-episode police procedural drama led by Sudev Nair. Released on Uthradam day, the series unravels the mysterious murder of Samuel Oommen (played by Jeo Baby) and follows SHO Antonio George as he discovers that what initially appears to be a routine hit-and-run case is actually tied to a complex financial scam inspired by true events in Thrissur.From the outset, Kammattam hooks viewers with a gripping murder mystery, raising compelling questions of Who? What? Why? The first three episodes skillfully introduce layered storytelling and characters, drawing audiences into the investigation. However, as the series progresses toward its climax, the narrative becomes tangled with an overload of villains, diluting the central murder mystery and causing confusion.While the series aims to be a classic procedural, it misses opportunities to deepen character engagement. A closer look into SHO Antonio George’s personal life or the victim’s background could have added emotional weight and connection, beyond the routine police investigations. Additionally, some lapses in realism such as the inconsistent handling of crime scene evidence suggest a lack of thorough research, which may pull discerning viewers out of the experience.The potential for a standout plot twist involving the victim’s son is sadly underutilized, lost amidst a hurried rush to the finale. Such subplots, had they been explored more fully, could have elevated the story’s impact significantly. The series missed the chance to give viewers enough time or space to piece together the mystery or make their own guesses, as most twists and revelations were quickly handed over through character dialogues rather than being gradually uncovered.

On the technical front, Kammattam shines. The cinematography deserves special praise, with several visually striking scenes—like Antonio framed dramatically against a warm-lit partition—that add cinematic flair. The background score grows more engaging as the series progresses, complementing the mood effectively. Editing is generally sharp, with smooth transitions and cuts, though some slow-motion shots feel unnecessary, and a few episodes drag slightly, suggesting the story might have been stretched to fit the episode count.Sudev Nair delivers a solid performance as SHO Antonio George, but a deeper exploration of his character would have helped viewers connect with him more personally. Still, Antonio stands out as one of Sudev’s better roles to date. The supporting cast, especially director-turned-actors Ajay Vasudevan and Jeo Baby, along with Akhil Kavalayoor, Arun Sol, and Jordy Poonjar as compelling villains, deliver notable performances. Jins Bhaskar also impresses as a fellow police officer.Direction by Shaan Thulasidharan, known for the feel-good film Dear Vappi is commendable, especially considering the series was completed in just 11 days. This speaks volumes about the team’s potential to create impactful content in the future.The Verdict:Kammattam is a decent, one-time watch for fans of police procedurals. While it doesn’t quite match the depth and thrills of predecessors like Kerala Crime Files, it offers enough intrigue and strong technical elements to hold your attention. The director’s vision, captivating cinematography, and villainous performances make it a promising start and indicate great potential for future projects.