The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang Review: A Quirky, Chaotic, and Captivating Malayalam Gangster Saga

The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang

Malayalam cinema has been making waves in the Indian entertainment industry with its bold storytelling, innovative narratives and exceptional talent pool. Among the latest gems to emerge from this vibrant industry is The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang (also known as Sambhava Vivaranam Naalara Sangham) a six-episode Malayalam web series directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Krishand. Premiering on SonyLIV on August 29, 2025 this gangster comedy-drama has quickly garnered attention for its unique blend of dark humour socio-political commentary and a fresh take on the gangster genre. Set in the fictional city of Thiruvanchipuram a thinly veiled version of Thiruvananthapuram the series follows the misadventures of a group of five childhood friends who spiral into a life of crime delivering a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

A Tale of Ambition, Crime and Dark Humour

The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang revolves around a group of five friends from the slums of Thiruvanchipuram: Arikuttan (Sanju Sivaram) Kanji (Sreenath Babu) Maniyan (Shambhu) Althaf (Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju) and Moonga (Sachin Joseph) the latter being a person with dwarfism which gives the gang its quirky name. The story unfolds through a non-linear narrative primarily through flashbacks narrated by an older Arikuttan in 2018 to a writer Maithreyan (Jagadish) who is tasked with penning the gang’s biography. The title “4.5 Gang” originates from Maithreyan’s tongue-in-cheek remark counting Moonga as “half a person” setting the tone for the series’ irreverent humour.

The series begins with the group’s seemingly innocent ambition to organise their local temple festival a dream rooted in their desire to earn respect in their community. However a small incident at school spirals into a series of chaotic events pulling them into the world of petty crime. From milk smuggling to controlling the flower trade for temples the gang’s journey is marked by small victories heartbreaks and a relentless pursuit of power. Their path is fraught with rival gangs corrupt policemen and betrayals all woven into a narrative that balances dark humour with moments of poignant emotion.

What sets the series apart is its refusal to glorify the gangster lifestyle. Instead it mocks the futility of chasing power and respect through crime using Arikuttan’s unreliable narration to question the authenticity of his “legendary” tale. The story is layered with socio-political commentary reflecting the gritty realities of Kerala’s capital city while maintaining a playful almost satirical tone. The series draws parallels with iconic gangster films like Gangs of Wasseypur Vada Chennai and City of God but it carves its own niche with its distinctly Malayalam flavour and Krishand’s signature storytelling style.

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

One of the standout aspects of The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang is its ensemble cast which brings together some of the finest talents from Malayalam cinema’s independent space. Sanju Sivaram delivers a powerhouse performance as Arikuttan the gang’s de facto leader and narrator. His ability to portray both the swagger of a young thug and the reflective melancholy of an older man is remarkable making Arikuttan a complex and relatable character.

Sreenath Babu shines as Kanji a volatile and unpredictable character whose psychopathic tendencies add an edge to the narrative. Shambhu as Maniyan and Sachin Joseph as Moonga bring depth to their roles with each character getting a well-defined arc that highlights their individual struggles and dreams. Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju as Althaf complements the group dynamic adding a layer of camaraderie and vulnerability.

Veteran actor Jagadish steals the show as Maithreyan the biographer whose witty exchanges with Arikuttan provide some of the series’ most memorable moments. His performance is a masterclass in understated humour blending cynicism with curiosity as he navigates the gang’s exaggerated tales. The supporting cast including Indrans Prasanth Alexander Vishnu Agasthya and Rahul Rajagopal delivers consistently strong performances with each actor bringing authenticity to the Trivandrum slang and the gritty world they inhabit.

The female characters played by Darshana Rajendran Santhy Balachandran and Zarin Shihab are somewhat underutilised a point noted by some critics. Darshana Rajendran’s Remani introduced later in the series leaves a lasting impression as a vengeful figure but her screen time is limited. Santhy Balachandran and Zarin Shihab both talented actors are relegated to archetypal roles which is a minor disappointment given their potential. However their performances are compelling and there’s hope for more substantial roles in a potential second season.

Direction and Writing: Krishand’s Signature Style

Krishand known for his critically acclaimed films Aavasavyuham and Purusha Pretham brings his unique vision to The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang. His direction is bold and unapologetic blending metafiction dark humour and socio-political commentary into a cohesive narrative. The series is a testament to his ability to take a familiar genre and infuse it with originality making it both accessible and intellectually stimulating.

The writing, credited to Krishand and Rahul is one of the series’ strongest assets. The non-linear storytelling interspersed with comic panel frames and creative transitions, keeps the audience engaged while adding a playful edge to the grim subject matter. The dialogue is sharp and laced with irony with lines like Arikuttan’s quip about “nepotism” in prison drawing laughs even in tense moments. The series also pays homage to classic cinema with references to The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and its famous line “When the legend becomes fact print the legend” underscoring the theme of exaggerated storytelling.

Krishand’s use of metaphors mythological references and wordplay adds layers to the narrative making it a treasure trove for viewers who enjoy decoding subtext. However the series is not without flaws. Some subplots feel overcooked and the pacing can be uneven particularly in the early episodes which take time to hook the audience. Additionally the reliance on an unreliable narrator leaves some questions unanswered though this aligns with the series’ metafictional approach.

Technical Brilliance: Cinematography, Music and Editing

The technical aspects of The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang are nothing short of spectacular. Cinematographer Vishnu Prabhakar captures the gritty yet vibrant essence of Thiruvanchipuram with visuals that range from bustling marketplaces to dimly lit criminal hideouts. The use of comic panel frames and dynamic camera work adds a distinctive aesthetic making the series visually engaging.

The music composed by Sooraj Santhosh and Varkey is a highlight blending folk, rock and metal influences to create a soundtrack that complements the narrative’s shifting tones. From light-hearted comedic sequences to intense action scenes the score enhances the emotional impact of each moment. The editing by K Sasikumar is crisp with seamless transitions between timelines that maintain narrative coherence despite the complex structure.

The art direction by Hamza and makeup by Arshad Varkala deserve special mention for their attention to detail bringing authenticity to the series’ depiction of Kerala’s socio-cultural landscape. The colour grading by Arjun adds a polished finish making every frame visually striking.

Themes and Social Commentary

At its core The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang is a story about ambition survival and the consequences of chasing power in a world governed by chaos. The series deftly explores themes of class disparity with the gang’s “C-class” status in the criminal hierarchy serving as a metaphor for their marginalised existence. Krishand weaves in socio-political commentary highlighting the rampant organised crime in Kerala’s capital and the moral ambiguities of survival in a cutthroat environment.

The series also critiques the glorification of gangster culture using humour to deflate the myths of power and respect. Arikuttan’s constant bickering with Maithreyan about “smoothing out” his story underscores the idea that history is often a constructed narrative shaped by those who tell it. The inclusion of real-world references such as the fictionalised names of Thiruvananthapuram and Kanniyakumari grounds the story in a relatable context while adding a layer of satire.

Why You Should Watch The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang

The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang is a must-watch for several reasons. First it offers a fresh take on the gangster genre blending dark humour with emotional depth in a way that feels both innovative and rooted in Malayalam cinema’s storytelling tradition. Second the performances particularly by Sanju Sivaram and Jagadish are outstanding making every character memorable. Third Krishand’s direction and the technical craftsmanship elevate the series to a level comparable to international gangster epics.

The series is also a testament to the growing quality of Malayalam web content proving that regional cinema can compete with global standards. While it has minor flaws such as underdeveloped female characters and occasional pacing issues these do not detract from its overall impact. For fans of Krishand’s previous works or those looking for a quirky thought-provoking series The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang is a delightful addition to SonyLIV’s growing library.

A Must-Watch Malayalam Web Series

The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang is a triumph of storytelling, blending crime comedy and companionship into a narrative that is both chaotic and captivating. Krishand’s signature style coupled with stellar performances and top-notch technical execution makes this series a standout in the crowded OTT space. While it may not be perfect its ambition wit and emotional resonance make it a worthy watch for anyone seeking quality entertainment.

As Malayalam cinema continues to push boundaries The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang is a shining example of the industry’s ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether you’re drawn to its dark humour layered characters or socio-political commentary this series is sure to leave a lasting impression. Stream it on SonyLIV or OTTplay Premium and join the quirky chaotic world of the 4.5 Gang.