Malayalam cinema consistently sets the bar high for investigative thrillers, and the latest addition, Dridam, arrives with significant anticipation. Presented by the acclaimed Jeethu Joseph and directed by his protege Martin Joseph, Dridam explores the life of a young police officer navigating a series of grisly murders and a mysterious heist in a remote forest village.
Dridam, currently streaming on Jio Hotstar, is a crime thriller featuring Shane Nigam as a sincere officer solving complex crimes in a remote forest town. While the film’s pacing feels deliberate and occasionally slow during the investigation, it is anchored by realistic performances and a stunning, high-stakes climax that makes the journey worthwhile.
‘Dridam’ Review: Is the Shane Nigam Starrer Worth Watching?
The story follows Vijay (Shane Nigam), a young man from Palakkad who joins the police force to fulfill his parents’ wishes. His first posting takes him to a small, forest-adjacent village, where he is welcomed by a close-knit group of seasoned officers. However, the peace is shattered when bodies with identical, fatal head wounds are discovered in the forest, coinciding with a massive robbery at a local finance company run by Shaji. As Vijay dives into the investigation, he must determine if these crimes are linked and navigate the challenges of a remote setting.
Direction and Storytelling
Director Martin Joseph attempts to mirror the methodical, grounded style of his mentor, Jeethu Joseph. The film focuses heavily on the procedural elements of police work. While the intent to create a realistic investigative atmosphere is clear, the screenplay struggles with pacing. The first hour and a half feel somewhat sluggish, as the narrative takes its time introducing suspects and police routines. The story finally gains significant momentum during the pre-climax, shifting the tone into high gear.
Performances
The strength of Dridam lies in its ensemble cast. The actors portraying the police officers deliver refreshingly realistic performances, making their camaraderie and investigative process feel authentic. Shane Nigam leads the film with a subtle, sincere performance that keeps the audience grounded as the plot unfolds.
Technical Aspects
Visually, the film is a treat. The cinematography captures the lush, dense beauty of the forest locations, which prevents the slow pacing from feeling dull. The background score is effectively atmospheric, elevating the tension when needed, and the editing remains clean throughout.
Dridam Review: Final Verdict
Dridam is a classic case of a film where the payoff is worth the patience. While the investigative buildup is slow-moving, the final 30 minutes offer a genuinely unpredictable and gripping climax. If you enjoy procedurals where the situation dictates the morality of the characters, Dridam is a solid watch that redeems its initial pacing with a sharp finish.
FAQs on Dridam Review
1. Is Dridam worth watching? Yes, if you enjoy investigative thrillers. While the middle portion is slow, the climax is unique and worth the wait.
2. Where can I stream Dridam? Dridam is currently streaming on Jio Hotstar in multiple languages.
3. What is the central plot of Dridam? The movie follows a young police officer, Vijay, as he investigates a series of brutal murders and a major robbery in a remote forest village.
4. Does Jeethu Joseph act in the movie? No, Jeethu Joseph serves as the presenter, bringing his signature style to the project.
Disclaimer on Dridam Review
This review is based on the viewer’s personal perspective and analysis of the film. Opinions may vary. We do not support piracy; please watch the movie only on official streaming platforms.