Anveshanam

Anveshanam, directed by Prasobh Vijayan, is a riveting Indian drama thriller film released in 2020. The film, against the backdrop of the vibrant city of Kochi, unravels a unique narrative style that emphasizes the unravelling of a puzzle. With a captivating storyline, skilled performances, and skilled direction, Anveshanam deploys the art of suspense and mystery to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Jayasurya, Shruti Ramachandran, and Vijay Babu deliver compelling performances in the film. Jayasurya, in the role of Aravind, takes centre stage in the intense narrative. He is the devoted father and husband whose tranquil life is disrupted by a mysterious phone call. On the other hand, Shruti Ramachandran, portraying Kavitha, stands as the harrowed mother losing her grip over a situation that's spiralling. For Vijay Babu, as Inspector Asif, it's a race against time to solve a case that has more twists and turns than a winding road.

The narrative begins when a happy family is thrown into disarray. One night, Aravind and Kavitha find their son in a critical state at their home in the middle of the night. They rush him to a nearby hospital, where he remains in a coma. This incident, seemingly an accident, soon turns into a puzzle that begins to raise suspicions among the hospital staff and the inspector Asif who is leading the case.

The plot blooms seamlessly in the confinement of a hospital, visualizing the external chaos that ensues along with the internal turmoil each character undergoes. Emotionally engaging sequences and unexpected developments continue to keep the audience guessing, wondering if it is indeed a mere accident or if there's more to it. While the narrative abounds with tension and suspense, it also explores themes of trust, deception, and fear.

The storytelling uses flashbacks effectively to give depth to the characters and their relationships with each other, aiding to understand their actions in the present. The clever writing and direction make the ordinary occurrences seem suspicious, and the suspense escalates with every passing scene, giving the film a distinct spine-chilling aura.

The performances of the talented cast in Anveshanam remain one of the major highlights. Jayasurya impresses with a genuinely heartfelt performance, easily transitioning through a range of emotions. There's fear, guilt, helplessness, anguish, everything subtly portrayed, adding a layer of credibility to his character. Shruti Ramachandran delivers a fine performance, managing to evoke sympathy and suspicion simultaneously. Meanwhile, Vijay Babu, with his stern voice and rugged look, fills the screen with his cop aura and portrays his upright and dutiful character convincingly.

The film also benefits from the effective use of the soundtrack and cinematography. The film’s background score, composed by Jakes Bejoy, is minimalist yet impactful, enhancing the suspense, emotion, and thrill in the narrative. Cinematography by Sujith Vassudev captures the intricacies of the story, adding a realistic and immersive experience.

What gives Anveshanam its heart is not just the suspense that's carefully built. It is the emotional undercurrents and exploration of complex human relationships that add depth to the narrative. The suspense is not just an element but seamlessly integrated into the story, making it a much more than just a thriller.

Anveshanam crafts a gripping tale that goes beyond the boundaries of the conventional thriller. It keeps the audience in constant anticipation, keeping them wondering about what's going on. The movie also leaves room for viewers' interpretation, making them sit and contemplate long after it ends. Anveshanam is a well-crafted psychological suspense drama that is sure to engage and entertain. It's a powerful film with a layered narrative and ‘whodunit’ element that keeps the viewer on tenterhooks till the end. Above all, its execution with sensitivity and humanity at its core makes Anveshanam a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience.