Anweshippin Kandethum

Anweshippin Kandethum delves into two murder cases investigated by an honest and straightforward police officer named SI Anand and his team.

It begins with Anand's return to duty after a short and unexpected suspension, only to be thrust into the heart of a complex mystery. Then it moves to flashback.

The flashbacks reveal Anand's journey into the police force, guided by his retired police officer father, Narayana Pillai. Anand is posted as the Sub Inspector at Kottayam police station. His first case involves the disappearance of a Christian girl, Lovely Mathan. During the investigation, Anand finds out that Lovely often frequented a nearby vicarage. Anand reaches the vicarage to question the priest but his investigations is resisted by parishioners. Considering the religious angle of the case and religious sensitivities, Anand is removed from the investigation and DYSP Alex, a corrupt officer leads the investigation. With the help of some of his subordinates, forensic experts, and his superior officer, SP Rajagopal, he manages to complete the investigation unofficially. When he arrests the culprit and bring him to the court, the culprit escapes from the police custody and commits suicide by jumping in front of a running train. Anand and his team are suspended from duty for their oversight and negligence by a helpless Rajagopal who actually understood what really happened, but had no other way.

Back to the present, Rajagopal assigns Anand to investigate an open murder case of a young woman called Sridevi. The investigation begins at Cheruvally, and is thwarted by villagers and village leaders who were at the receiving end of police brutality when the murder was first investigated. Anand concludes that Raveendran Nair, a retired police constable who was giving them a brief introduction on the murder, killed Sridevi as she and his son Sudeep's were in love and he wanted to separate them. Anand ultimately exposes Nair who was driven by a sense of family honor. However, before they arrest him, Nair hangs himself to death.

After successfully closing the case, Anand and his small team clear their name and are allowed to return to work.

A critic from The Times of India wrote that "Anveshippin Kandethum offers a gripping narrative and compelling performances, it prompts reflection on the recurring theme of crimes against women in Malayalam cinema thrillers".^[8] A critic from The Indian Express wrote that "director Darwin and writer Jinu manage to ensure that they don’t lose viewers’ attention at any point, as the film seldom deviates its focus from the crimes by introducing unnecessary drama".^[9] A critic from The Hindu wrote that "Anveshippin Kandethum is an engaging entertainer with a gripping narrative, despite being slow in parts".^[10] A critic from Hindustan Times wrote that "Anweshippin Kandethum is director Darwin Kuriakose’s debut film and he has managed to deliver a decent crime thriller in his first attempt".^[11]

• Anweshippin Kandethum at IMDb