Hotstar’s Kerala Crime Files made history as the first Malayalam original series on the platform, and while its debut season had the first-mover advantage, it felt like a conventional film stretched into a series format. With season two, however, director Ahammed Khabeer and writer Bahul Ramesh (of Kishkindha Kaandam fame) evolve the show into a genuinely gripping and emotionally complex crime drama that thrives on subtlety, structure, and narrative depth.
A Smarter, Subtler Season
The second season moves the action to Kaniyarvila Police Station in Trivandrum, now under a new set of officers after the previous team was transferred over corruption links. As the new team settles in, they stumble upon the mysterious disappearance of Ambili Raju, one of the transferred officers. What unfolds is a layered investigation that steadily builds suspense without ever spoon-feeding the audience.
Where the first season struggled with artificial cliffhangers and undercooked subplots, Season 2 excels with a smarter script. The non-linear narrative, used with precision rather than distraction, keeps the viewer alert but not confused. There’s a deliberate pacing to how the mystery unfolds, and the emotional undercurrents are revealed through well-placed character studies rather than dramatic monologues.
A Psychological Thriller in Disguise
Much like Kishkindha Kaandam, Bahul Ramesh uses the framework of a whodunit to tell a more introspective, human story. The character of Ambili Raju, in particular, is given a haunting backstory that becomes central to the show’s emotional weight. Other characters, too, are fleshed out meaningfully, creating a spectrum of personalities who all feel real and worth investing in.
The series also employs an unusual narrative motif—dogs—to subtly guide the plot at key moments. Far from being a gimmick, each canine presence is thematically tied into the story’s arc, adding an unexpected but effective layer to the investigation.
Unconventional Casting Pays Off
Casting continues to be a standout aspect of the franchise. Indrans, as Ambili Raju, delivers a deeply internalized performance that’s far removed from his comedic roots. Harishree Ashokan, in a grey, world-weary role, is another revelation. Their interactions—often wordless, emotionally charged—are a reminder of the sheer talent they possess beyond slapstick. That they once shared screen space in Punjabi House only makes their restrained chemistry here more fascinating.
Supporting performances from Renjit Shekar, Sirajudheen, Fara Shibla, Sanju Sanichen, Noorin Shereef, and Jeo Baby enrich the ensemble, each adding unique texture to the investigation.
A Fitting Climax That Lingers
While Season 1 wrapped up with procedural finality, Season 2 leaves a more emotional impact. The climax might be rooted in tragedy, but it ends with a moment of dual smiles—two characters on opposite ends of the moral scale—offering a poignant reflection on justice, loss, and resilience. It’s a quiet, resonant payoff that elevates the entire series.
Final Thoughts
Kerala Crime Files Season 2 is a rare sequel that improves in every department: storytelling, characterization, tone, and thematic richness. It respects the intelligence of its audience and trusts its performers to convey more with less. In a growing landscape of Indian crime series, this one stands out for its craft, restraint, and emotional depth.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Verdict: A must-watch for lovers of character-driven thrillers that go beyond just solving a case.
