The growing craze for suspense thrillers is evident in the Malayalam movie Officer on Duty, hailed as one of the best of 2025.
The producers made the Malayalam movie Officer on Duty, which has become popular on OTT, on a budget of about Rs 12 crore. It has a strong rating of 7.6 on IMDb and is gaining popularity due to its compelling tale. The movie, released on February 20, 2025, has earned an astounding 53.89 crores globally and become a box office hit.
Short description of the movie ‘Officer on duty’
Jithu Ashraf is the director of the 2025 Malayalam-language crime thriller Officer on Duty. In the movie, Kunchacko Boban plays Circle Inspector Harishankar, a feisty cop who the department demoted from his position as Deputy Superintendent of Police for attacking a
The Aluva police station assigns him a job, where a small-scale incident involving a fake gold necklace plunges him into a maze of criminal activity and psychological distress.
As Harishankar digs deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a string of related incidents that force him to confront his own past. The story interweaves themes of drug use, violence, and abuse—especially against women and children. Kunchacko Boban’s riveting acting and the film’s dramatic storytelling have garnered accolades.
In the movie, Priyamani plays Harishankar’s wife, Geetha, who is crucial to the drama that develops. Actors like Sreenivasan, Indrans, and Raghunath Paleri are among the supporting cast members who greatly enhance the film’s authenticity and depth.
Officer on Duty is a notable debut in modern Malayalam film, thanks to its unvarnished depiction of social issues and nuanced character interactions. Furthermore, the film’s realistic portrayal of complex themes sets it apart from other contemporary releases.
OTT Platform and the movies
Thanks to OTT services, movies can now be seen by people all over the world, regardless of location or culture. As a result, films have a much wider reach and can connect with diverse audiences globally.
Without the limitations of conventional movie releases, filmmakers can present their work to audiences around the globe. For local films that could not otherwise get international recognition, this is extremely beneficial.
OTT channels are particularly beneficial to regional films like Officer on Duty, as they provide a platform for films that might otherwise go unnoticed in theaters. Consequently, these platforms help such films gain the recognition they deserve. Streaming services enabled minor genres to flourish and be discovered globally, helping the film reach a wider audience with its compelling plot and critical acclaim.
OTT platforms give filmmakers an affordable option for distributing their work. Officer on Duty had a budget of about Rs 12 crore, and it was able to recover its investment without incurring the hefty expenses of traditional theatrical releases via streaming on over-the-top (OTT) channels. In addition to helping the filmmakers, this also ensures that the film remains accessible to a larger audience.
A wonderful example of how OTT platforms can revitalize a movie and increase its appeal even months after its original release is Officer on Duty.