Director: Roby Varghese RajStory: Muhammed Shafi
Screenplay: Rony David Raj & Muhammed Shafi
Production House: Mammootty Kampany

Rating: 4/5

Kannur Squad is a crime thriller depicting the police procedural. The story revolves around four police officers who works as a
Crime squad. The squad is led by George Martin [Mammootty] and his team Jayan [Rony David], Jose(Azees) and Shafi (Shabareesh Varma).

In the beginning the squad is waiting for someone who is a primary tip who holds the key to a group of criminals at the Kannur-Virajpet border, which is set there.

Their journey into their investigation’s methodology begins there. The Kannur squad is renowned for having the most efficient investigative techniques.  

The director tried to implement an exceptional method of storytelling that would challenge the movie curve, but that is not the catch. Sunny Wayne, a journalist on a mission to write a story on policemen, shares the official introduction of the squad immediately following the first sequence of their crime file. It is through him that we understand the story isn’t like any other police narrative, but this time the character promises an entirely distinct tale.

The story is based on the true event that happened in the Kannur-Kasargod crime squad, portraying two stories in particular.
One is the brief segment shown during the first 30 minutes of the sequence, and the second is the subject of the entire film. The film’s momentum gradually picks up after the first 25 minutes.

The squad is on the verge of disbanding following an extended incident that sabotaged one of the members’ credibility, but then they were assigned to investigate the murder of a prominent political figure in Kasargod.

And the entire script that follows is an absolute cinematic documentary of the police procedurals. 

Direction
There are a couple of words of commendation that should be stated about this, cinematographer-turned Rony Varghese Raj’s directorial debut.

However, it was apparent that there had been a few challenges transitioning from the storyboard to the visual motion. The transition to videography – motion needed some easiness, which may cause bewilderment in some audiences. However, as it is referred to as a procedural film drama, it can be given the benefit of the doubt.
 
Casting
It was encouraging to see several unpopular actors receive consideration, even when they didn’t perform up to par.

Mammootty, the national award winning actor doesn’t require an introduction, with passing years comes experience and to a master performer brings in dedication. For his age and genre taken into consideration, Mammotty gave a spectacular performance.

Mammootty appears in several of the chases and fights because the script demands so, for which he has executed a remarkable work.
 
Speaking about other characters, they have put in a lot of effort, but they still need some finishing and shifts from one emotion to other, so if you intend on buying tickets in the hopes of seeing some outstanding acting lessons, be prepared to be let down because the cast and crew seemed to have no concern about acting perfection. Also, Vijay Raghavan and Kishore did a strong support role.
 
The recounting of many stories and their creation received significant attention in the movie. It was a good attempt to make a procedural documentary vibe more cinematic by focusing on how brutality may be applied on screen.
 
Cinematography and colour grading
It is obvious that the team worked collaboratively to set the mood, light, and post-production work. It appeared that the crew had an excellent grasp of how the atmosphere should be set.

The Mexican movie won’t be the same without the dreary yellow tint and without the blue tint of smarmy swamp the vampire movies wouldn’t be the same,  just as the team has worked hard enough to reinstate the trend of colour grading for the subject focused.

Psychology
Applause should also be given for including shrewd psychological facts that can never be deceived. Certain instances like inclusion of blue lights and criminal psychology is closely scrutinised and an attempt to study body languages.  
 
Music
Sushin Shyam’s music has a credible background score that makes up for the absence of tension in the movie. However, there was some Bheeshma Parvam influence in the music of the Kannur squad as well; this was likely due to his note of flair.
 
What to expect?
This movie isn’t for you if you’re seeking for a mainstream crime thriller because it focuses more on the real challenges and struggles a dedicated team of Kerala Police faces while working to crack a tricky case.
The story was able to live up to expectations thanks to an unconventional storytelling technique.

The highlights of this film’s subject, which additionally enhances the crime scenes by reducing the underperformance of certain players presented, and more than the  plot; it is the method, challenges, cultural differences in the criminals, and it is the sacrifices that benefit the film.

Although there isn’t much thriller to the crime, but undoubtedly can experience a good adrenaline rush during the revelations and chasing scenes.