Ratheena’s Paathirathri, starring Navya Nair and Soubin Shahir, attempts to explore the moral and emotional greys of two police officers entangled in a night gone wrong. Despite its promising setup and solid performances, the film struggles with predictable writing, underwhelming tension, and missed emotional depth — resulting in a watchable yet uninspired crime drama.
Story & Direction
Set in the misty backdrop of Idukki, Paathirathri follows Sub-Inspector Jancy and Civil Police Officer Hareesh, two colleagues on a tense night patrol. When they witness something they fail to report, the repercussions begin to spiral, intertwining their professional duty with their troubled personal lives.
Director Ratheena, who made an impactful debut with Puzhu, returns with the intent to deliver a grounded crime thriller. However, Paathirathri lacks the narrative tension or freshness that the genre demands. While the premise has promise, the film unfolds in a predictable manner, relying on convenient turns and familiar tropes seen in recent Malayalam police procedurals.
The investigation, which should have been the film’s core, feels mechanical. By the time the mystery unravels, the audience is already ahead of the story — and the eventual twist lands without the emotional or dramatic punch it needs.
Performances
Navya Nair gives her character, Jancy, a strong presence, especially in emotionally vulnerable moments. Yet, the lack of subtle writing often leaves her oscillating between restraint and overt dramatics. Soubin Shahir plays Hareesh with controlled realism, though his character lacks layers that could have made his performance more memorable.
Supporting actors like Achyuth Kumar, Ann Augustine, and Sunny Wayne deliver effective performances within limited space, but many characters feel underwritten. Harisree Ashokan and Indrans appear more as fillers than integral contributors to the plot.
Writing & Screenplay
Written by Shaji Maarad, the screenplay touches on the themes of guilt, morality, and human frailty — yet never weaves them tightly into the crime narrative. The emotional subplots feel detached from the central investigation, resulting in a disjointed flow. The dialogues often explain more than they should, draining the impact of key moments.
While the attempt to blend personal turmoil with professional crisis is commendable, the transitions lack organic buildup. The film’s emotional beats — especially between Jancy and Hareesh — arrive abruptly, without adequate development.
Technical Aspects
Cinematographer Shehnad Jalal captures the nightscape of Idukki with moody frames that lend the film its atmospheric tone. However, Jakes Bejoy’s background score rarely heightens the suspense or emotion. The sound design and pacing, too, fail to generate the sense of urgency a thriller demands.
Costumes and production design are handled neatly, but editing could have trimmed several redundant scenes that slow the narrative.
Verdict
Paathirathri had the right ingredients for an engaging procedural — a moral dilemma, capable leads, and a moody setting. Yet, what unfolds is a safe and formulaic thriller that doesn’t fully trust its audience’s intelligence. Despite flashes of emotional intent, it never rises above mediocrity.
Bullseye Rating:★★★ (3/5 stars)
Paathirathi is currently in cinemas.
