Ronth Movie Review: A Gripping Malayalam Police Drama That Explores Duty and Disillusionment

Ronth: A Grounded Cop Drama

The Malayalam film industry, often celebrated for its realistic storytelling and nuanced character portrayals, has delivered yet another gem with Ronth (2025), directed by Shahi Kabir. This police procedural drama starring Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew takes viewers on an intense journey through a single night of patrol duty unraveling the complexities of human nature, systemic pressures and moral dilemmas. With its raw and thought-provoking narrative Ronth has quickly become a standout in the realm of Malayalam cinema earning praise for its stellar performances atmospheric cinematography and layered storytelling.

A Night That Changes Everything

Ronth a colloquial Malayalam term for night patrol duty centers on two police officers Sub-Inspector Yohannan (Dileesh Pothan) and his junior Civil Police Officer Dinanath (Roshan Mathew). Set in the small town of Dharmashala, Kannur, the film unfolds over the course of a single night during the Christmas season. The narrative follows an episodic structure depicting the officers’ encounters with various incidents from minor disputes to more complex cases that challenge their perspectives and decisions.

The story begins with Yohannan in police custody for a suspected murder setting a tense tone. Through a series of flashbacks we witness the events of the night that led to this moment. Yohannan a seasoned and jaded officer is hardened by years in the force while Dinanath is a rookie idealistic yet grappling with personal trauma. Their differing worldviews create a dynamic interplay as they navigate their patrol duties handling cases that range from routine to morally ambiguous.

As the night progresses seemingly trivial incidents snowball into larger consequences echoing Shahi Kabir’s signature storytelling style. The film masterfully weaves these episodes into a cohesive narrative, revealing the personal struggles of the officers and the toll their profession takes on their lives. Without relying on over-the-top action or melodrama Ronth delivers a slow-burn thriller that keeps viewers engaged with its emotional depth and suspenseful pacing.

Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew Shine

One of Ronth’s greatest strengths is its powerhouse performances. Dileesh Pothan known for his versatility, delivers a career defining portrayal as Yohannan. His grizzled demeanor and subtle expressions convey the weight of a man shaped by years of navigating the murky realities of policing. Pothan’s ability to balance Yohannan’s cunning pragmatism with moments of vulnerability particularly when his personal tragedies are revealed adds immense depth to the character.

Roshan Mathew, as Dinanath, is equally compelling. He portrays the rookie cop with a mix of enthusiasm, naivety and suppressed anger making Dinanath relatable and human. Mathew’s performance evolves as the night wears on reflecting his character’s growing disillusionment and inner conflict. The chemistry between Pothan and Mathew is electric with their contrasting personalities driving the film’s emotional core.

The supporting cast including Krisha Kurup as Dinanath’s wife, Lakshmi Menon in her debut role as a vlogger and actors like Sudhi Koppa Arun Cherukavil and Nandan Unni deliver memorable performances. Each character no matter how brief their screen time contributes to the film’s rich tapestry adding layers to the narrative.

Themes and Social Commentary: A Mirror to Reality

Ronth stands out for its introspective take on the lives of police officers moving beyond the glorified portrayals often seen in mainstream cinema. Shahi Kabir a former civil police officer himself draws on his experiences to craft a story that feels authentic and unflinching. The film explores several themes, including:

• The Human Cost of Policing: Ronth highlights the emotional and psychological toll of police work. Both Yohannan and Dinanath grapple with personal struggles exacerbated by their demanding roles from Yohannan’s strained personal life to Dinanath’s battle with past trauma.

• Moral Ambiguity: The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the grey areas of law enforcement. Scenes like a senior officer accepting a bribe to let off an inebriated priest involved in an accident underscore the compromises officers make, reflecting systemic flaws.

• Systemic Pressures: Ronth subtly critiques the institutional pressures that shape police behavior showing how the system influences decisions and erodes idealism.

• Mental Health and Trauma: The narrative delves into post-traumatic stress and its long-term impact particularly through Dinanath’s character offering a poignant commentary on mental health in high-stress professions.

While some critics have pointed out problematic tropes in Shahi Kabir’s work such as subtle anti-Dalit undertones these elements are not overt in Ronth. However they warrant discussion as they reflect the complexities of portraying societal issues in cinema.

Direction and Writing: Shahi Kabir’s Signature Style

Shahi Kabir, known for his work on films like Joseph, Nayattu and Ela Veezha Poonchira, brings his trademark realism to Ronth. His experience as a former police officer lends authenticity to the narrative with meticulous attention to detail in depicting the nuances of patrol duty. Unlike conventional police procedurals Ronth adopts an episodic structure reminiscent of Abrid Shine’s Action Hero Biju but with a darker more introspective tone.

Kabir’s direction is understated yet powerful allowing the story to unfold organically. He avoids flashy techniques, focusing instead on character-driven storytelling. The script is tightly woven with each incident serving a purpose in building the characters and advancing the plot. The use of foreshadowing, particularly the early mention of a murder keeps viewers hooked while Kabir’s skillful misdirection ensures the climax remains impactful despite its predictability.

Technical Brilliance: Cinematography, Sound and Music

Ronth excels in its technical aspects elevating the storytelling to new heights. Manesh Madhavan’s cinematography is a standout capturing the gritty atmosphere of a small-town night patrol. The use of dim lighting, tight shots in the patrol vehicle and wide-angle views of Kannur’s streets creates a palpable sense of immersion. The pre-Christmas setting with its festive yet eerie ambiance adds to the film’s mood.

Anil Johnson’s music complements the narrative perfectly moving seamlessly between tense, understated tracks and emotionally resonant melodies. The score enhances the film’s highs and lows without overpowering the story. The sound design is equally impressive, with ambient noises like the hum of the patrol jeep distant Christmas carols and the bustle of nighttime streets adding to the realism. Viewers on platforms like Reddit have praised the sound design for its anxiety-inducing effect making it a key element of the film’s immersive experience.

A Unique Yet Familiar Narrative

Ronth draws comparisons to Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day (2001) with its focus on two cops with contrasting personalities navigating a single night. However Ronth distinguishes itself with its grounded approach and emphasis on conscience avoiding the sensationalism of its Hollywood counterpart. Within Malayalam cinema it shares similarities with Action Hero Biju but leans into a darker more dramatic tone. Fans of Shahi Kabir’s previous works like Nayattu or Joseph will find familiar themes of moral complexity and systemic critique though Ronth feels more introspective and character-focused.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Perspective

Strengths:

• Authentic Storytelling: Shahi Kabir’s real-life experience as a police officer shines through, making Ronth a raw and relatable depiction of law enforcement.

• Powerful Performances: Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew deliver nuanced layered performances that anchor the film.

• Technical Excellence: The cinematography sound design and music create an immersive experience.

• Emotional Depth: The film’s exploration of trauma, duty and disillusionment resonates deeply with viewers.

Weaknesses:

• Slow Pacing: The slow-burn narrative may not appeal to viewers seeking fast-paced action.

• Predictable Climax: Some audiences found the climax rushed or predictable due to subtle foreshadowing.

• Problematic Tropes: A few critics noted subtle anti-Dalit undertones which could spark debate about representation.

Why Ronth Stands Out in Malayalam Cinema

Malayalam cinema has long been known for pushing boundaries moving away from the stereotypical “mass” heroes of films like Bharathchandran IPS to more realistic portrayals as seen in Joseph. Ronth continues this evolution offering a grounded introspective look at police life. Its focus on character development coupled with Shahi Kabir’s authentic storytelling makes it a standout in the genre. For viewers who appreciate thought-provoking narratives over action-packed spectacles Ronth is a rewarding experience. Ronth is currently available on OTT platforms like JioHotstar making it accessible to a wider audience.

A Must-Watch for Fans of Realistic Cinema

Ronth is a testament to the power of Malayalam cinema to tell stories that are both universal and deeply rooted in local realities. Shahi Kabir’s direction combined with stellar performances from Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew crafts a police drama that is as haunting as it is thought-provoking. While its slow pacing and predictable climax may not suit all tastes its emotional depth, technical brilliance and authentic portrayal of police life make it a standout film of 2025.

For those seeking a gripping character-driven story that explores the human side of law enforcement Ronth is a must-watch. Its ability to balance suspense, drama and social commentary ensures it will linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll.