
Kerala Crime Files Season 2 OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Aju Varghese and Lal's Malayalam series
Kerala Crime Files Season 2 OTT Release Date: After the strong buzz around its debut season, Kerala Crime Files is back with a second round, and this time, the mystery cuts deeper. Titled Kerala Crime Files: The Hunt for CPO Ambili, Season 2 is all set to premiere on June 20, 2025, on JioHotstar. It will stream not just in Malayalam but also in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
The first season that set the tone
When Kerala Crime Files dropped its first season last year, it didn't come in with a lot of noise. But what worked in its favour was how quietly gripping the narrative turned out to be. Directed by Ahammed Khabeer, the story followed the investigation into the murder of a sex worker found dead in a shady lodge. The only clue? A fake ID left behind with the name Shiju.
No melodrama, no heroism, just six grounded episodes that focused on the step-by-step police investigation, handled by SI Manoj (played by Aju Varghese) and his superior, played by Lal. It won praise for its realistic portrayal of crime-solving and the kind of quiet tension that stays with you.
What's new in Season 2?
This time, the case hits closer to home. The storyline revolves around the sudden disappearance of a police officer, CPO Ambili Raju, and the chain of events that unfold when his team sets out to find him. Veteran actor Indrans plays Ambili, and though he's missing for most of the series, his presence, or rather, absence, becomes the emotional core of the narrative.
The returning cast includes Aju Varghese, Lal, Sanju Sanichen, and Navas Vallikunnu, but the big new addition this season is Arjun Radhakrishnan, who takes on the role of SI Noble, the cop leading the hunt. If Arjun's name rings a bell, that's because he was seen in projects like Rocket Boys, Ullozhukku, and Kannur Squad, known for taking up intense roles that require a lot of emotional range. The supporting cast also gets a boost with actors like Harishree Ashokan, Noorin Shereef, Shibla Fara, and Jeo Baby.
Who's behind it?
Ahammed Khabeer again directs Kerala Crime Files Season 2. The writing this time is handled by Bahul Ramesh, the same writer behind Kishkinda Kaandam, which was appreciated for its quirky tone and sharp dialogues. Before the official release, the team has planned a special screening in Kochi on June 18 for members of the film fraternity and media. The series will follow a weekly drop format and is expected to have 6 to 8 episodes, similar to its first run.
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