Kerala Crime Files 2: After the compelling success of its first season — which followed a murder investigation in a lodge and the chase for a faceless, nameless suspect — Kerala Crime Files returns with another intriguing case in its second season. Now streaming on OTT, Season 2 delivers a layered, slow-burning thriller that dives deep into the complexities of a missing person case and the silent struggles within the police department.
The new season begins with a curious incident: a theft at a museum, during which a police dog behaves unusually. Around the same time, a sincere and respected constable, Ambuli Raju (Indrans), mysteriously goes missing. Amid growing public criticism of the police department — plagued by allegations of corruption, bribery, and internal mismanagement — Ambuli’s disappearance sends shockwaves. As officers are being transferred in large numbers, the loss of such an honest man raises uncomfortable questions.
The case is handed over to CI Kurian (Lal) and SI Noble (Arjun Radhakrishnan), who soon find themselves grasping at straws. The only lead? A blue rayon car with a wrong registration number. The investigation kicks off with this lone clue and takes the team into the lives of those connected to Ambuli, including Ayyappan, a man living in a police dog shelter, and Jaisman (Sirajuddin Nazar), both of whom become crucial to the puzzle.
While most actors may be unfamiliar to Telugu audiences (apart from veteran actor Lal), the performances are strikingly grounded. Indrans brings a quiet gravitas to Ambuli Raju — a man whose absence leaves a larger-than-life impact. The series effectively builds intrigue around his character: What influence did he wield? Was he hiding something? Why did he vanish? Was it a murder? These are not just questions for the police, but for the audience too.
As the investigation deepens, tensions rise. The police explore multiple angles — Ambuli’s financial troubles, possible settlements, and Ayyappan’s involvement. At one point, the narrative suggests that Ambuli needed ten lakhs for an urgent issue, leading Ayyappan into criminal territory. Both disappear shortly after — and each episode builds suspense around this central mystery.
It’s true that the first few episodes can feel slow, even repetitive. The investigation hits multiple dead ends, and there’s a sense of narrative drag. But that’s also what mirrors real police work — frustrating, uncertain, and often fruitless for long stretches. The final two episodes, however, reward patient viewers with an intense and satisfying payoff. The twist — where the case is ultimately solved with the help of a police dog — is not only clever but thematically rich.
Unlike traditional crime thrillers, Kerala Crime Files 2 touches on deeper issues: the toll of duty on personal lives, the emotional strain on police officers, and the systemic dysfunction within the force. These human layers add weight to the narrative. Notably, the series avoids dramatic elevations or stylized sequences. There are no background score gimmicks — just a realistic, subdued tone that maintains authenticity.
In contrast to Season 1 — which reconstructed the crime scene in its climax — Season 2 leaves the actual murder and body disposal to the imagination. This decision may not satisfy every viewer, but it aligns with the series’ understated storytelling style.
From naturalistic cinematography and a gripping screenplay, to tight editing and well-written dialogues, the technical aspects are on par with Mollywood’s high standards in crime storytelling. The dubbing work also deserves praise for retaining the original flavor while making it accessible to wider audiences.
Lal stands out with his mature, restrained portrayal of CI Kurian.
Arjun Radhakrishnan as SI Noble and the senior constable who accompanies him both deliver solid performances.
Indrans (Ambuli) and Sirajuddin Nazar (Jaisman) are especially memorable for their authenticity.
Even minor characters from the first season return, adding continuity and richness.
Kerala Crime Files Season 2 may come across as slow and repetitive in the beginning, but it transforms into a compelling, thoughtful thriller as it progresses. It isn’t a flashy or sensational series, but it respects its audience’s intelligence and patience. If you’re a fan of realistic police procedurals that reflect the grit and frustration of actual investigations, this is a series worth watching.
Not a masterpiece — but certainly not a waste of time.
Rating: 2.5/ 5
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