A Night in Uniform – A Story Beyond Crime and Justice
Ronth, directed by Shahi Kabir, is not your typical police thriller. Instead of high-octane chases or explosive confrontations, the film unfolds quietly over a single night, drawing us deep into the emotional and ethical labyrinth of two police officers on patrol. With its raw realism and sharply written character arcs, Ronth explores not just the duties of the uniformed men, but the human weight they carry behind the badge.
The Premise – One Night, Two Officers, Countless Shades of Grey
Set during a night patrol, Ronth follows senior cop Yohannan (Dileesh Pothan) and rookie Dinanath (Roshan Mathew) as they navigate a series of seemingly disconnected incidents across a small Kerala town. These moments—whether dealing with drunk drivers, domestic quarrels, or troubled teens—are not major in the scheme of traditional movie plots, but under Shahi Kabir’s direction, each incident contributes to a powerful, interconnected narrative that examines the cost of being a police officer in a flawed system.
Beyond Procedural – A Tapestry of Emotions and Realities
Shahi Kabir, a former police officer himself, fills the film with lived-in authenticity. The bribe taken to fix a jeep, the moral dilemma of dealing with repeat offenders, or the subtle shift in tone during conversations—everything adds to the nuanced world-building. The characters are not just symbols of law and order; they are men burdened by trauma, duty, and survival instincts.
Ronth deliberately avoids glamourizing the police force. Instead, it presents a grounded take—similar to films like Nayattu and Action Hero Biju, but far more introspective in its rhythm and tone. While Action Hero Biju darted between chaos and calm with bursts of humour, Ronth remains rooted in a somber, thought-provoking realism.
Performances – Real, Raw, and Remarkably Balanced
Dileesh Pothan delivers one of his finest performances as Yohannan, embodying a world-weary officer whose moral compass has been tested one too many times. His portrayal is restrained yet layered—effortlessly switching between empathy, frustration, and cold professionalism.
Roshan Mathew plays Dinanath with a fresh vulnerability, capturing the idealism and confusion of a newcomer still learning the ropes. His interactions with Yohannan form the emotional core of the film, evolving from friction to mutual respect in believable and organic ways.
Cinematic Language – Grit in Every Frame
Cinematographer Manesh Madhavan steers clear of stylized visuals, opting instead for handheld, close-range shots that heighten the tension and realism. The sound design effectively reinforces the quiet intensity of night patrolling, though the background score occasionally overextends certain scenes. Even so, the technical aspects largely complement the grounded storytelling.
A System on Trial – Subtle But Unflinching
Shahi Kabir does not aim to preach, but Ronth clearly critiques a broken system where survival often trumps idealism. The script masterfully conveys how even the most principled officers are nudged into moral compromises. A particularly striking line towards the climax distills the film’s message: there’s a difference between being a policeman and understanding policing.
Final Verdict – A Quietly Powerful Drama That Deserves Attention
Ronth is a well-crafted, emotionally resonant police drama that doesn’t rely on clichés or sensationalism. With stellar performances, a tightly written screenplay, and sharp socio-political undercurrents, the film succeeds in humanizing the khaki without glorifying it.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Ronth is a must-watch for those who appreciate layered storytelling, realistic character studies, and Malayalam cinema that challenges the norm — though its understated and morally complex climax may not resonate with everyone.