Review
From the opening moments of 'Ronth,' director Shahi Kabir establishes a suffocating atmosphere that never lets up. This 2025 crime drama follows two patrol officers through a single, relentless night shift where every radio call crackles with potential danger and every silent moment between partners simmers with unspoken tension. What begins as routine patrol duty gradually unravels into a psychological exploration of duty, trauma, and the fragile bonds between those who protect society while barely holding themselves together. The film masterfully uses its 121-minute runtime to build pressure like a slowly tightening vise, making viewers feel every strained heartbeat alongside its protagonists. Kabir's direction demonstrates remarkable restraint, allowing scenes to breathe and tensions to mount organically rather than relying on explosive set pieces. The cinematography captures the eerie beauty of nighttime urban landscapes, where shadows conceal as much as they reveal, while the sparse, effective score amplifies the pervasive sense of unease. 'Ronth' succeeds not as an action-packed police thriller but as a character study set against the backdrop of systemic pressure, asking difficult questions about what happens when the protectors are as broken as the world they patrol.
Pros
- ✓Exceptional lead performances that convey volumes through subtle gestures and loaded silences
- ✓Masterful atmospheric tension-building through deliberate pacing and immersive sound design
- ✓Authentic portrayal of police work's psychological toll without romanticizing the profession
- ✓Intelligent screenplay that trusts audience to connect emotional dots rather than spelling everything out
Cons
- ✗Deliberate pacing may test patience of viewers expecting conventional thriller beats
- ✗Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped compared to the richly drawn protagonists
- ✗Thematically heavy approach occasionally borders on oppressive without narrative relief
'Ronth' is a triumph of atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth that elevates the police drama genre. While its deliberate pacing and intense focus on character over plot may not satisfy viewers seeking action-packed thrills, those willing to engage with its challenging themes will find a remarkably nuanced exploration of trauma, partnership, and institutional pressure. Director Shahi Kabir demonstrates impressive control over tone and pacing, creating an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The central performances by Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew are career highlights, delivering masterclasses in restrained, emotionally resonant acting. At its core, 'Ronth' understands that the most dangerous calls officers face aren't always the ones involving weapons, but those that force confrontation with their own humanity. This is intelligent, adult-oriented cinema that respects its audience while delivering genuine emotional impact. Highly recommended for viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas with substance and style.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of character-driven crime dramas, psychological thrillers, and atmospheric cinema; viewers who appreciate nuanced performances over explosive action; audiences interested in police procedurals with emotional depth
⭐ Standout Elements
The extraordinary chemistry between the two lead actors, who convey a complex partnership history through glances and silences; the film's immersive sound design that makes the patrol car feel like both sanctuary and prison; Shahi Kabir's confident direction that maintains tension through restraint rather than spectacle
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents exceptional filmmaking that deserves your attention.
