Storyline
Haran Shankar (Tovino Thomas), an eccentric and talented sketch artist, is enlisted by Karnataka police CI Allen Joseph (Vinay Rai) to assist in a murder investigation. Guided by witness Alisha (Trisha), Haran sketches the suspected murderer’s portrait, but the revelations that follow complicate the case further. The film dives into themes of identity, revenge, and deception, with numerous twists to keep the audience guessing.
Review and Analysis
Strengths:
- Tovino Thomas: His portrayal of the quirky, introverted Haran Shankar is impressive, making it hard to imagine anyone else in the role. His performance anchors the film and adds intrigue to the narrative.
- Action Sequences: The climactic fight scene on a flight, choreographed by Yannick Ben, stands out. Featuring a female contract fighter in a well-executed and gender-neutral action sequence, it offers a refreshing take on high-octane combat.
- Technical Brilliance: Akhil George’s cinematography and Chaman Chakko’s editing create a polished visual experience, elevating the overall quality of the film.
Weaknesses:
- Overloaded Twists: The movie’s premise and initial twists are engaging, but the story becomes overly convoluted as it progresses. The barrage of over-the-top twists diminishes emotional connection with the characters, leaving the audience disengaged.
- Missed Potential: Despite an intriguing core idea, the film’s attempt to overcomplicate the narrative overshadows its potential as a compelling revenge thriller.
- Underutilized Talent: While Tovino, Vinay Rai, and Trisha deliver solid performances, talented actors like Arjun Radhakrishnan are relegated to minor roles, leaving their potential untapped.
Performances
- Tovino Thomas: Shines as the eccentric Haran Shankar, making his quirks and intensity believable.
- Vinay Rai: Brings style and gravitas to his role as CI Allen Joseph.
- Trisha: Delivers a competent performance as Alisha, though her character could have been better developed.
- Supporting Cast: Aju Varghese and Vishak Nair perform well, but the limited screen time for Arjun Radhakrishnan is disappointing.
Verdict
Identity starts strong with an intriguing premise and stylish execution but falters under the weight of excessive twists and an overcomplicated narrative. While Tovino Thomas and the action sequences stand out, the film ultimately struggles to maintain audience engagement. It’s a decent watch for fans of psychological thrillers, but it doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5/5)