‘Pathirathri’ review: Navya Nair, Soubin Shahir make an engaging cop pair in Ratheena PT’s thriller

What makes a police procedural truly compelling? A gripping plot, an intriguing case, and the way the investigation unfolds. While Malayalam cinema has produced its share of memorable cop stories, recent years have seen a surge in intense, character-driven police dramas, thanks in part to filmmakers like Shahi Kabeer. 'Pathirathri' is a strong addition to this trend, offering yet another police drama that tries to delve deep into the lives of the men and women behind the khaki.

The story follows two police officers, Sub-Inspector Jancy Kurian (Navya Nair) and Hareesh (Soubin Shahir), who are assigned to night patrolling duty, though they don’t see eye-to-eye. In a way, Ratheena PT’s directorial effort bears some similarities to Shahi Kabeer’s recent movie Ronth. While in ‘Ronth’, Dileesh Pothen’s character looks down at his junior’s inexperience, here Hareesh’s anger towards Jancy, a capable police officer, is harboured by his own failed marriage. Jancy’s personal life is far from easy, she grapples with an emotionally distant husband who has no hesitation in leaving her alone in an empty home as he sets off in search of his own path.

Ratheena, by delving into the personal struggles of a police officer, reminds us that those behind the uniform also lead complex lives beyond the khaki. It is also interesting how she manages to add a fresh layer to the genre, by exploring the dynamics between a male and female police officer in the line of duty. Bollywood has featured compelling male-female police duos in series like 'Mardaani,' but such portrayals remain rare in Mollywood. Do Jancy and Hareesh remain friends? Do they seek companionship or love even as they fight their loneliness?

Ratheena, along with writer Shaji Maarad, who co-wrote 'Ela Veezha Poonchira', succeeds in keeping the audience engaged in the first half, introducing a set of intriguing characters who land in the police net due to their misdeeds. The nutmeg thief, while seemingly minor, serves a dual purpose: highlighting Jancy’s strength as a police officer and providing comic relief amidst the thriller’s tension.

However, Jancy’s character begins to lose focus and impact in the second half, a disappointing shift that undermines what could have been strong, consistent writing. For example, Navya's character who portrayed an underlying strength in the first half, is reduced to someone who exhibits signs of stress and fear, due to the unforeseen circumstances in her life. While Navya’s portrayal of Jancy remains compelling, her potential is limited by the writing, and she is gradually sidelined as the narrative progresses.

Some of the characters, including the DySP Suresh Menon, played by Achyuth Kumar, his daughter Athmiya, Sunny Wayne’s character Ansar Ali, are unfortunately one-sided, pulling down the film’s potential, while Jancy’s husband Felix (Shabareesh Varma) is present only for convenient storytelling. The overabundance of plot elements in the latter half of the movie dilutes the emotional core, leaving the film feeling scattered and disengaging.

Jakes Bejoy, who is now a brand of his own after delivering back-to-back hits with films like ‘Thudarum’, ‘Narivetta’ and ‘Lokah’, delivers some generic tracks this time, unlike the trendy numbers like ‘Minnal Valla’. The cinematography by Shehnad Jalal (known for his work in ‘Bramayugam’) skillfully amplifies tension and fear in critical scenes.

Ratheena PT, known for her impressive directorial debut Puzhu, attempts a completely different genre with her sophomore effort. Though she succeeds in parts, the movie could have been elevated further with stronger writing.