Anand Sreebala Review: A Riveting Crime Thriller Anchored By The Power Of Story (Image-Instagram/nomorevishnu)

Police stories are the season’s favorite now in Malayalam. Anand Sreebala, directed by debutant Vishnu Vinay, is another addition to the masterfully crafted recent crime thrillers from Malayalam. The movie starring Arjun Ashokan, Saiju Kurup, Sangita, Azees Nedumangad, Indrans, and Aparna Das, among others, is not a typical police investigation story, but with a small tint of civilian participation in the process. With the absorbing performance as Anand Sreebala, a brilliant mind who has a knack for finding loopholes in police investigations and solving them, Arjun Ashokan has added another feather to his long list of acting CV.

(Spoiler alert) An LLB student dies in Kochi, and the police initially conclude the case as a suicide, quickly closing the investigation. However, the student’s parents, dissatisfied with the outcome, demand a deeper probe. Meanwhile, a media house, eager for higher TRPs, decides to pursue the case further. Anand Sreebala is added to the investigation team to uncover new details.

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Soon after, the police reopen the case. Tensions rise when the investigation officer and Anand Sreebala come at loggerheads after the latter appears on TV criticizing police inaction during a TV show. This sparks a rivalry, with both teams conducting parallel investigations. As the story unfolds, they race to uncover the truth behind the student’s mysterious death.

Such a story would have been so sluggish if the writer had chosen to approach the movie without the character detailing of Anand Sreebala. The same would have been there if the motive for the crime was carelessly executed. Thus the screenplay emerges as the saving grace. It makes sure the characters are properly introduced.

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The other actors are also perfectly cast in Anand Sreebala, especially those who are appearing in the smaller roles. Take Azees Nedumangad, for example. After his notable performance in Vaazha, Azees comes in at the last scenes and steals the show, same as Indrans, whom you see only for a small part. Sangita, on her return to mainstream after a break, marks a notable presence as Sreebala, the ‘ghost’ of Anand’s mother who follows him as his sixth sense. Though, in an ideal world, the presence of such a thought would attract a lot of questions, things are okay for many in this story.

Vishnu Vinay, son of famous director Vinayan, is also promising as a debutant director. He makes sure that the movie is made with proper care and control.

Timeline verdict: Anand Sreebala by Vishnu Vinay is another addition to the brilliant police movies that have happened in Malayalam recently.

Anand Sreebala Crew:

Director: Vishnu Vinay
Writer: Abhilash Pillai
Music: Ranjin Raj
Cinematography: Vishnu Narayanan

Cast: Arjun Ashokan, Saiju Kurup, Sangita, Azees Nedumangad, Indrans, Aparna Das, Siddique, Indrans, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Aju Varghese, Abin K, Malavika Manoj, Kottayam Naseer, Sshivada