Movie review | Pet Detective: A fun mix that almost finds its rhythm

Malayalam cinema has explored a wide range of genres. Detective stories, animal-centred movies, edge-of-the-seat thrillers, quirky comedies, and hyperlink films. Debut director Praneesh Vijayan, ambitiously tries to bring all these flavours together in a single, entertaining package in 'Pet Detective'. Though uneven in parts, result is an interesting attempt that manages to keep the audience engaged.

Sharafudheen is Tony Jose Alula, who takes over his father’s investigative agency and begins his career as a ‘pet detective’. What starts as a light-hearted gig soon turns into a high-stakes case involving international smugglers and a mysterious kidnapping. The film follows a familiar quest-driven pattern but adds its own eccentric touches along the way.

Sharafudheen, delivers a lively performance with his signature blend of humour and charm. But Tony’s character arc falls flat times. In one scene, he is introduced as the new, well-reputed pet detective in town. But the story then jumps abruptly to the central plot without showing how he earned that reputation. There are no defining moments that establish his skills or justify the 'hype'. Renji Panicker, as Tony’s father Jose Alula, gets a well-written backstory presented through a brief animated sequence, a refreshing touch. Anupama Parameswaran's role, however, adds little to the plot, while Vinay Forrt’s performance and timing help land some of the jokes effectively.

Despite its promising setup and fun cameos, the screenplay occasionally juggles too many balls at once. A few subplots could have been tighter, and the brisk pace at times feels rushed, leaving viewers barely enough time to catch their breath. The dialogues are engaging, though many jokes feel dated.

On the technical front, the cinematography team delivered solid work. The camera team effectively captured the chaotic yet hilarious climax, balancing the quirkiness. It also added flair to the fight sequences, making them more engaging. However, compared to Anend C Chandran’s previous films like ‘Bheeshma Parvam’, ‘Helen’, and ‘Premam’, this one feels a tad bit ordinary. 

With a hint of Mexican influence mentioned in the beginning of the movie, the visuals carry a warm colour tone. 

Rajesh Murugesan delivers a dynamic and stylish score that perfectly complements and elevates the film’s key scenes. The action sequences, though not entirely seamless, benefit greatly from the film’s energetic score.

Overall, Pet Detective is a film with heart and ambition. It may not hit every mark, but its quirky tone, capable performances, and technical finesse make it a pleasant watch. For a film that sets out to do so much, it succeeds in being an enjoyable ride, with a few surprises along the way.