INTELLIGENT INDIA

Film Critic Analysis by Bipin Sasi In the cinematic landscape of Malayalam cinema, “Identity” directed by Akhil Paul and Anas Khan emerges as a significant entry for 2025, blending action, crime, and thriller elements into a narrative that aims to leave audiences both puzzled and exhilarated. Starring Tovino Thomas, Trisha Krishnan, and Vinay Rai, “Identity” attempts to navigate through the complexities of human identity, deception, and the pursuit of justice. Plot Overview: The film opens with a chilling premise: a murder witnessed by a journalist, Alisha (Trisha Krishnan), whose subsequent accident leads to her suffering from prosopagnosia (face blindness), adding a unique twist to the investigation. ACP Allen Jacob (Vinay Rai) and sketch artist Haran Shankar (Tovino Thomas) dive into this labyrinthine case, where each clue unravels further layers of intrigue and deception. Performances: Tovino Thomas delivers a compelling performance, embodying Haran with a mix of vulnerability...

‘Criminal Justice: A Family Matter’ Review: Pankaj Tripathi’s Madhav Mishra Shines in a Twisty, Emotional Courtroom Saga

As the opening notes of Criminal Justice: A Family Matter hit the screen on JioHotstar on May 29, 2025, I settled in, ready for another round with Advocate Madhav Mishra, the unassuming lawyer who’s become a household name. Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of this small-town legal eagle has been the beating heart of Criminal Justice since its debut in 2019, and Season 4, subtitled A Family Matter, proves why he’s the glue holding this franchise together. Directed by Rohan Sippy and produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios, this eight-episode legal thriller delivers a potent mix of suspense, moral dilemmas, and Tripathi’s signature charm—though it doesn’t always escape the weight of its own ambitions. A Complex Case with High Stakes Season 4 thrusts Madhav Mishra into his most intricate case yet: a high-profile murder mystery involving Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), a Mumbai-based doctor accused of killing his girlfriend, Roshni Saluja (Asha Negi). The tra...

Film Review: Nunnakuzi by Basil Joseph

Basil Joseph, known for his innovative approach to Malayalam cinema (Minnal Murali, Godha), returns with Nunnakuzi, a deeply personal and evocative exploration of familial bonds, identity, and the passage of time. With his signature blend of humor, heart, and a touch of fantasy, Basil once again manages to create a narrative that resonates emotionally while maintaining mass appeal. Plot and Setting Nunnakuzi follows the journey of Manu (played by an understated yet powerful Tovino Thomas), a young man who returns to his native village after years of working abroad. His return is not just a homecoming but also an emotional rediscovery of his roots, triggered by an ancient family ritual called "Nunnakuzi." The ritual, steeped in mystery and village lore, forces Manu to confront long-buried secrets about his family's past and his role in it. The film masterfully weaves together flashbacks, village folklore, and the inner struggle of a man caught between modernity...