Most police films in Indian cinema feature superhuman cops. Kannur Squad does not. In this Kannur Squad review, we look at Roby Varghese Raj’s 2023 directorial debut — a grounded procedural in which Mammootty leads a small, under-resourced police team on a long, exhausting manhunt across India. It became a surprise hit and one of the most respected Mammootty films of recent years.
Quick Verdict
- Rating: 4/5
- Best for: fans of realistic crime investigations.
- Highlights: Mammootty’s understated leadership, the team dynamic, Sushin Shyam’s score, the climax.
- Minor flaw: the villains are thinly developed.
Table of Contents
Kannur Squad: Movie Details
| Director | Roby Varghese Raj |
|---|---|
| Writers | Muhammed Shafi, Rony David Raj |
| Cast | Mammootty, Kishore, Rony David Raj, Azees Nedumangad, Shabareesh Varma, Vijayaraghavan |
| Music | Sushin Shyam |
| Production | Mammootty Kampany |
| Release date | 28 September 2023 |
| OTT | Disney+ Hotstar (now JioHotstar) |
Story (No Spoilers)
ASI George Martin (Mammootty) leads a special squad of officers in Kannur known for solving tough cases. When a powerful man is murdered in Kasaragod and political pressure mounts, the team is given a near-impossible deadline to catch the culprits. With limited funds, no official vehicle and constant interference, the four officers set off on a journey across several states, following thin leads and relying on old-fashioned police work.
The film is inspired by the real experiences of Kerala police investigation teams, which gives it an authentic feel.
Why the police procedural format suits it
A police procedural focuses on how a case is solved rather than on a hero’s personal glory. That format suits this story well. Every step — tracing a phone, finding a witness, convincing a reluctant local officer — is a small victory, and the audience follows the investigation alongside the squad rather than waiting for a fight scene.
Mammootty as George Martin
Mammootty plays George as a calm, experienced leader rather than an action hero. He is a man who takes responsibility for his team, absorbs pressure from his superiors and makes tough decisions quietly. It is a mature, restrained performance that fits the film’s realistic tone perfectly.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Rony David Raj, who co-wrote the film, Azees Nedumangad and Shabareesh Varma make the squad feel like real colleagues — tired, funny and loyal. Tamil actor Kishore brings gravitas as a senior officer.
Kannur Squad Review: Realism and Craft
The film’s greatest strength is its attention to procedure. We see the squad sleeping in cheap lodges, arguing over expenses, asking local police for favours and cross-checking phone records. The tension builds from logistics and fatigue rather than shootouts — until a terrific climactic confrontation that feels earned.
Sushin Shyam’s background score adds urgency, and the cinematography captures dusty highways and small towns across India convincingly. It is a debut that announced Roby Varghese Raj, previously a cinematographer, as a director to watch.
The film was produced by Mammootty Kampany, the banner behind bold recent projects such as Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Rorschach and Kaathal – The Core. Backing a debut director with a grounded police procedural fits that pattern of taking measured creative risks.
Themes: Duty, Dignity and the System
The film is quietly critical of how the system treats its lower-ranking officers. The squad is expected to deliver results under political pressure, yet must beg for travel money and borrow vehicles. Their frustration is never turned into speeches; it simply shows up in tired faces and tense phone calls.
Dignity is the other key idea. George Martin is not a senior officer, and the film makes clear that his rank limits his authority. What earns him respect is his integrity and the loyalty of his team. That gives the story an emotional core beyond the chase.
It also treats teamwork as heroism. No single officer solves the case alone. Each member contributes something, whether a hunch, a local contact or plain stubbornness, which makes the final success feel shared.
Pacing and structure
The first act sets up the crime and the squad’s reputation quickly. The long middle stretch, built around travel and dead ends, is where the film is most realistic and occasionally slow. The final act shifts gears into a tense confrontation, rewarding viewers who stayed patient.
How It Compares With Similar Malayalam Films
| Film | Year | Common ground |
|---|---|---|
| Action Hero Biju | 2016 | Everyday police work shown realistically |
| Nayattu | 2021 | Ordinary cops caught under political pressure |
| Officer on Duty | 2025 | Grounded investigation with a flawed lead officer |
For more films in this space, browse our guide to Malayalam movies based on true stories.
Rating Breakdown
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Screenplay | 4/5 |
| Mammootty’s performance | 4.5/5 |
| Ensemble | 4/5 |
| Climax | 4.5/5 |
| Villains | 3/5 |
What works and what doesn’t
- Works: grounded investigation, team chemistry and a satisfying climax.
- Doesn’t: the antagonists lack depth, and a few stretches in the middle feel repetitive.
Who should watch it?
Anyone who enjoys realistic crime stories will love it. It pairs well with Nayattu and Officer on Duty. See our list of the best Malayalam thriller movies and our Mammootty movies guide.
Viewing tips
Pay attention to the early briefing scenes, as names and locations introduced there matter later. Subtitles are useful because the dialogue mixes Malayalam with Hindi and other languages as the team travels. The climax has some violence, so it suits teenagers and adults rather than young children.
Final Verdict
To conclude this Kannur Squad review: it is a refreshingly honest police film that celebrates ordinary officers doing extraordinary work. Mammootty’s measured performance and the film’s realism make it one of the best Malayalam procedurals.
Cinemas Diary Rating: 4/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kannur Squad based on a true story?
It is inspired by real experiences of a Kerala police investigation squad, though the story is dramatised.
Where can I watch Kannur Squad?
It streams on JioHotstar (formerly Disney+ Hotstar).
Who directed Kannur Squad?
Roby Varghese Raj made his directorial debut with the film.
Is Kannur Squad an action film?
Not really. It is a police procedural first, with most of its tension coming from the investigation. The action is concentrated in the final act.
Who composed the music for Kannur Squad?
Sushin Shyam composed the background score.
Who produced Kannur Squad?
It was produced by Mammootty Kampany, Mammootty’s own production banner.
What rating does this Kannur Squad review give?
We rate it 4 out of 5.
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