The Malayalam film industry continues to experiment with the investigative crime genre and the latest addition to this list is Dridam. Directed by debutant filmmaker Martin Joseph Tharakunnel who happens to be a longtime associate of master director Jeethu Joseph the movie promises a gritty realistic police procedural. Following its theatrical run in May the film has officially debuted on JioHotstar on June 12 2026 making it a hot topic for weekend streaming.

Starring the versatile Shane Nigam in an uncharacteristic law enforcement avatar Dridam tries to balance traditional investigative beats with psychological tension. While the narrative occasionally walks down a familiar path the final act completely changes the game. Here is a detailed breakdown of what works and what falls flat in this newly released crime mystery.

The Plot Set Up Shaking A Peaceful Town

The story kicks off by introducing us to Vijay Radhakrishnan played with earnest dedication by Shane Nigam. Vijay is a newly appointed and ambitious Sub Inspector who receives his very first posting at what appears to be a quiet peaceful rural police station. For a young officer looking to settle into the department it seems like the ideal stress free assignment. However the tranquility of the scenic locality is shattered almost instantly.

A sequence of chaotic events begins to unfold starting with a sudden bank robbery. Things quickly take a darker turn when scattered human remains are discovered buried within the jurisdiction. With public panic rising and intense political pressure mounting from senior police officials Vijay is handed a strict deadline of just seven days to solve the baffling murder mystery. The narrative effectively shifts gears from a slow slice of life drama into a ticking clock investigative thriller.

Performance Analysis Shane Nigam Leads An Able Ensemble

Shane Nigam carries the weight of the film on his shoulders. Known mostly for his intense youth centric roles or casual next door neighbor characters playing a police officer is a significant shift for the actor. He convincingly portrays the initial naivety of a rookie officer who is completely out of his depth but slowly transitions into a calculated investigator. His performance anchors the film even when the screenplay slows down.

The supporting cast provides solid backup to the narrative structure:

• Shane Nigam as the determined Sub Inspector Vijay Radhakrishnan

• Shobi Thilakan delivering a powerful authoritative performance that commands attention
• Manchu Manoj making an impactful special appearance that adds substantial value
• Krishna Prabha and Sanya Fathima anchoring the emotional subplots of the town

• Nandan Unni and Dinesh Prabhakar offering reliable supporting acts as local individuals

Direction And Technical Aspects Striking Visuals With Stale Writing

Being a student of Jeethu Joseph director Martin Joseph clearly understands how to maintain tension in a closed room investigation. He establishes the atmospheric dread of the rural landscape beautifully. The cinematography handled by P M Unnikrishnan captures the contrasting beauty of the quiet town and the gruesome reality of the crime scenes. The background score composed by Sreerag Saji also works well to keep the viewers mildly engaged during conversational scenes.

The major flaw lies in the writing by Jomon John and Linto Devasia. For the majority of the second act the screenplay falls back on predictable tropes seen in countless police procedurals. The pacing drops significantly as the characters run around in circles chasing predictable leads and dealing with generic departmental politics.

The Climax Salvages An Uneven Experience

What saves Dridam from becoming an entirely forgettable affair is its incredible final twenty minutes. Just when the audience begins to think they have figured out the entire mystery the writers throw a massive curveball. The climactic twist is exceptionally well hidden and highly unpredictable.

This satisfying resolution completely recontextualizes the flimsy concepts presented earlier in the film. While it does not erase the cliches and the slightly stale narrative progression of the middle portions it provides a solid rewarding punch that will leave thriller fans pleased.

Final Verdict A Decent Weekend Watch On OTT

Dridam is far from a perfect investigative masterpiece. It suffers from uneven narration and occasionally relies too heavily on excessive dialogue. However for audiences looking for a decent mystery to solve over the weekend the film offers enough entertainment value. Thanks to a brilliant performance by Shane Nigam and a stellar final twist it is a worthy addition to your JioHotstar watchlist.