Thalavan: Jis Joy’s Crime Thriller Receives Mixed Reviews from Critics

Director Jis Joy’s latest venture, ‘Thalavan,’ has sparked a wave of contrasting critiques from film critics upon its release. Known for his repertoire of feel-good films, Joy’s foray into the crime thriller genre with ‘Thalavan’ starring Asif Ali and Biju Menon is a notable departure from his usual style.

The narrative of ‘Thalavan’ unfolds in the fictitious town of Cheppanamthotta, following the lives of two police officers, CI Jayashankar (Biju Menon) and SI Karthik Vasudevan (Asif Ali). The plot thickens when a woman’s body is discovered on Jayashankar’s house terrace, setting off a chain of events that unravels the dynamics within the local police department.

Retired police officer Udhayabanu (Dileesh Pothan) serves as the storyteller, recounting the gripping tale of Jayashankar and Karthik’s investigation, which unfolds in flashback mode to the year 2019. However, the execution of the flashback scenes has been a point of contention among critics, with many noting abrupt transitions and lack of character depth.

One of the major criticisms directed at ‘Thalavan’ is the stilted and artificial dialogue penned by Jis Joy himself, which failed to resonate with the audience. Additionally, the screenplay by Anand Thevarkkat and Sarath Perumbavoor falls short in infusing the much-needed thrill and excitement into the narrative, leaving viewers wanting more.

Despite the shortcomings in character development and dialogues, the performances of Asif Ali and Biju Menon in their respective roles as Karthik Vasudevan and CI Jayashankar have been applauded for their conviction and intensity. However, the repetitive nature of Biju Menon’s cop portrayals is a cause for concern, hinting at a need for versatility in his future roles.

Technically, ‘Thalavan’ shines in certain aspects, with Sharan Velayudhan’s cinematography offering glimpses of brilliance despite constraints. Director Jis Joy’s venture into the crime thriller genre showcases potential, albeit with room for improvement in scriptwriting and character exposition. Deepak Dev‘s music, though inconsistent, delivers a standout title track that adds a spark to the film’s closing moments.

Overall, ‘Thalavan’ stands as an ambitious attempt by Jis Joy to break away from his traditional storytelling style. While the film grapples with flaws in pacing and character development, it sets the stage for Joy’s evolution as a filmmaker willing to explore new territories beyond his comfort zone.