Zee5’s inaugural Malayalam original series, Kammattam, generated buzz prior to its release when director Shan Thulasidharan disclosed that it was filmed in just 11 days. While this may seem like an impressive achievement, the rushed production is evident in nearly every scene. The final product appears hurried, underdeveloped, and far from the captivating crime thriller it aims to be. The series begins with Samuel Umman (Jeo Baby) on his scooter before he meets with an accident. Inspector Antonio George (Sudev Nair) quickly determines that this is no mere accident but something darker. What ensues is a swift investigation into fraud connected to a cooperative bank. However, the rapid pace undermines the narrative.
Story developments occur too quickly, characters are glossed over, and viewers are given insufficient time to grasp the seriousness of the situation. In contrast to well-crafted Malayalam crime dramas like Kerala Crime Files, Kammattam lacks in-depth character exploration. Police officers are depicted simply as uniformed figures without personal storylines, making it difficult for viewers to engage with or care about their experiences. The premise of being “inspired by true events” hints at significance but ultimately feels like an unfulfilled promise. The potential of cooperative bank fraud resulting in multiple murders is never fully explored, leaving the story disjointed and unfulfilling.
From a technical perspective, cinematographer Prakash Velayudhan and editor Ratheesh Mohanan maintain a rapid pace, but it often prioritizes style over substance. The background score by 4 Musics sometimes enhances the atmosphere but frequently feels overpowering. Although performances by Sudev Nair and Jeo Baby are commendable, the supporting cast does not leave a lasting impression, diminishing the overall effect. In the end, Kammattam appears to be more focused on quick completion than on delivering a compelling narrative. Its hurried execution, lack of emotional resonance, and inconsistent storytelling hinder its ability to distinguish itself in a genre where Malayalam cinema has previously set high standards.
Despite its potential, Kammattam is a half-finished thriller that raises doubts about whether production speed is worth the sacrifice of narrative quality. It may be worth watching out of curiosity, but it fails to meet the expectations associated with Malayalam crime thrillers.