Malayalam cinema has built a reputation for giving the cop thriller genre a grounded, deeply human twist. And Ronth, the latest addition to that list, continues the tradition with grit and restraint. Directed by Shahi Kabir and starring Roshan Mathew and Dileesh Pothan, Ronth premiered in theatres on June 13 to strong reviews and is now streaming on JioHotstar. Its OTT release on July 22 has sparked fresh conversations, drawing both admiration and curiosity from new viewers.
The film unfolds over a single night, focusing on two policemen with wildly different worldviews and temperaments. Sub-Inspector Yohannan, played by the always reliable Dileesh Pothan, is a man of experience and silence. Dinanath, the young cop portrayed by Roshan Mathew, is eager, conflicted, and emotionally raw. What begins as a routine patrol shifts into something more unpredictable and emotionally charged as they confront personal demons, street-level chaos, and moments that blur morality.
On its OTT debut, Ronth has found an audience that appreciates nuance over noise. Viewers are praising its tight storytelling, lack of over-dramatization, and the raw, observational quality that Malayalam thrillers often excel at. The chemistry between Mathew and Pothan has especially struck a chord. Many have highlighted how the film doesn't rely on action sequences or big reveals but instead builds tension through human conflict, atmospheric soundscapes, and the oppressive weight of the night.
But Ronth isn’t without its share of criticism. Some audiences new to Malayalam cinema have called it slower than expected or even “overhyped,” especially given the buildup from its theatrical buzz. The film’s final act, which takes a deeply tragic turn, has also divided opinion. While some call it bold and heartbreaking, others feel it wraps things up too decisively, leaving little space for interpretation.
Still, Ronth stands as an important film not because it tries to impress with scale or spectacle, but because it commits fully to its world. The alleys, the uniforms, the silences, and the uneasy dialogues all work together to create a mood that lingers long after the credits roll. And for fans of Malayalam cinema, this is yet another reminder of how storytelling thrives when it trusts its characters over its plot.
Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting it after theatres, Ronth is a film that asks for your patience and rewards it with emotional honesty. It may not be everyone's idea of a thriller, but for those who seek realism with depth, it delivers a lot more than hype.
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