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Kerala Crime Files Season 2 review: Aju Varghese and Lal return in a sequel that's just as gripping as Season 1, if not better

Kerala Crime Files Season 2 review: Creating a sequel to a series that has impressed viewers is no easy task. It becomes even more challenging when it's planned as an episodic sequel. Although the characters and, to an extent, the setting and tone, may remain the same as the first part, the new installment is built entirely from scratch. It's almost like restarting a race from the starting line after having already run half the track. In the case of Kerala Crime Files Season 2, director Ahammed Khabeer has attempted something similar, completely setting aside the story and hangover of 'Shiju, Parayil Veedu, Neendakara' (the case explored in Season 1) to focus instead on the 'Search for CPO Ambili Raju'. Unlike Season 1, where we were introduced to the central crime in the very first sequence, Kerala Crime Files (KCF) Season 2 takes its time to settle into its world, brilliantly resisting the urge to push viewers to the edge of their seats at the earliest opportunity itself. Throughout the show, writer Bahul Ramesh and director Ahammed Khabeer maintain a steady tempo in the unravelling of the story, and, as a result, the investigation that forms its core. Unlike typical recent mystery films/shows that rely on constant twists and adrenaline-fueled moments to keep audiences on their toes, Kerala Crime Files Season 2 progresses at the deliberate pace set by Bahul and Ahammed at the outset itself, allowing the story to develop organically. Without overt exposition, Kerala Crime Files Season 2 introduces and gradually fleshes out its characters, revealing enough about them through their actions and reactions rather than spoon-feeding the viewers all the time. From the moment we meet CPO Ambili Raju (Indrans), we are given fragments to piece together to understand who he is. Despite being just a CPO at the fictional Kaniyarvila station, Ambili commands significant influence, even over anti-social elements and criminals, thanks to his fearlessness and supposed straightforward nature. But when a departmental reshuffle begins, thus transferring officers with questionable records and illicit ties to other stations, Ambili learns he, too, might be affected. However, before any official communication reaches him, he mysteriously disappears, prompting the newly appointed SHO Kurian Avaran (Lal) and SI Noble (Arjun Radhakrishnan) to launch an investigation. As the case unfolds, the officers make more and more startling revelations about Ambili, thus creating suspicions among them that his ex-wife's current husband, Ayyappan (Harisree Asokan), an ex-convict, might be involved in his disappearance. As the probe crosses district borders, Kurian's former colleague Manoj Sreedharan (Aju Varghese), now stationed in Ernakulam district, also steps in. The remainder of the show follows their efforts to unravel the mystery behind CPO Ambili Raju's disappearance. The strength of Kerala Crime Files Season 2 lies in the brilliant way Bahul Ramesh has crafted the narrative, stripping it of unnecessary commercialisation. Take the cliffhangers at the end of each episode, for instance. The first five episodes, out of a total of six, end on intriguing and compelling notes, yet none of them feels contrived. This is mainly because Bahul has deliberately avoided manufacturing hooks just for the sake of suspense. Instead, he has elevated key moments in the narrative organically, prompting viewers to move on to the next episode out of genuine curiosity, creating in them a sense of eagerness to piece together the puzzle and uncover the full picture. Though the script has not reached the spellbinding heights of his work in Kishkindha Kaandam (2024), Bahul ensures that the audience remains emotionally invested, not just in the investigation, but in the broader story and the dramatic aspects too. This is particularly effective because most of the new characters are exceptionally layered and have grey shades as well, and Bahul has completely avoided conveniently painting them in black or white. His skill in crafting strong character arcs, without rushing, and allowing them ample space to unfold naturally is evident here as well. Not just Ambili or Ayyappan, but even supporting characters like Jaismon (Sirajudheen Nazar), the Aashraya Dog Retirement Home in-charge (Jeo Baby) and Dr Raveena (Shibla Fara) are developed with care, without resorting to forced moments just to establish the multiple facets of their characters. However, the one area where Bahul has, unfortunately, stumbled is in the characterisation of Noble, who feels oddly disconnected from the otherwise layered narrative, as if a flat character was plucked from another story and inserted into this one. For example, right from the beginning, we're repeatedly told that Noble is into sports and was a volleyball player. This detail is mentioned multiple times. But in all honesty, it never becomes relevant to the narrative. Although this is his first posting in law and order, the script fails to meaningfully explore his inexperience, rendering the early detailing somewhat pointless. Instead, he's presented for the most part as a capable, though inexpert, officer who rarely makes mistakes. That said, Bahul refrains from giving even Noble any 'superpowers' to draw conclusions out of thin air. He ensures that the officers, much like in real life, unravel each clue slowly, building the investigation step by step. Simultaneously, the way Bahul and Ahammed have shaped the show's narrative and visual language is so effective that, even though we never actually see what happened to Ambili Raju in the end, we are still able to clearly grasp the full picture, thanks to how essential details are woven in at just the right moments. However, if you ask me whether it answers every doubt, I wouldn't give it a full thumbs-up. This season too reinforces the feeling that Ahammed Khabeer truly knows these officers and this setting, as if he has worked alongside them in real life. However, unlike Season 1, where we also witnessed characters at their most vulnerable, Kerala Crime Files Season 2 reserves such emotional depth mostly for the newly introduced ones. As a result, those like Kurian and Manoj come across as flat, and only those viewers who've seen the first season will understand their layers. Those who started watching the show from Season 2 might feel these characters lack depth. Lal and Aju, much like in Season 1, deliver brilliant and precise performances, as if the characters never actually left them. While the writing doesn't offer them the same breadth and depth as the previous installment, both actors still do a splendid job in their respective parts. Arjun Radhakrishnan, whose earlier work included some stiff and manufactured performances (most notably the jarring one in Identity), shows significant improvement here, slipping smoothly into the skin of Noble. Though his dialogue delivery occasionally comes off as too rigid, he compensates for it with his subtle and effective body language. Veterans are veterans for a reason, and Indrans and Harisree Asokan prove that here. Not only do they excel in their respective roles, but when they share the screen in a flashback scene at Ayyappan's home, their chemistry is electric; an example of two masters at work. At several moments, even their glances communicate more than what pages of dialogue could have. At the end of Episode 6, as the credits roll, Kerala Crime Files Season 2 acknowledges the dogs who played key roles in the show. Had the makers not done that, it would have been a serious disrespect. These canine buddies, particularly Simba (Terry), Jo (Robby) and Honey (Tippu), deliver such convincing performances that it's impossible to believe that they aren't professionals. While the new season is technically solid, just like the first, there are moments when Jithin Stanislaus' cinematography and Srik Varier's colouring (an issue present in Season 1 as well) feel artificial. Several close-up shots appear amateurish, and the unnecessary delay in ending some random shots, for dramatic effect, detracts from the viewing experience. Hesham Abdul Wahab's score, though largely good, occasionally feels tonally mismatched, making the show veer towards a motivational drama vibe that doesn't align with the narrative. Kerala Crime Files Season 2 cast: Aju Varghese, Lal, Arjun Radhakrishnan, Indrans, Harisree Asokan, Jeo Baby Kerala Crime Files Season 2 director: Ahammed Khabeer Kerala Crime Files Season 2 rating: 3.5 stars Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More