Ronth review: Dileesh Pothan, Roshan Mathew drive this grim, layered cop drama

India Today

18-06-2025

People often tend to base their perception of the police on the limited interactions they have had and the media exposure from the news and movies. Shahi Kabir's Malayalam film 'Ronth' offers a rendition of a cop's life that is much more layered in a story that takes the audience into the depths of police experiences, specifically those who carry the responsibility on the ground on a day-to-day basis.advertisement'Ronth', which translates to patrol, stars Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew as SI Yohannan and CPO Dinnath, two officers from the Dharmasala police limits in Kannur, Kerala. The two officers, a duo of an experienced cop and a fresher who is six months into the job, head out on night duty for their patrol. The cases they encounter while on patrol in the rural areas of Kerala, the personal stakes involved, social commentary and more, offer a deeper insight into the lives of these cops and also form the plot of the film.Shahi Kabir, as a writer, has written five cop dramas, including 'Ronth', and his brilliance in the genre is very evident, as his stories carry a rich sense of authenticity enriched by his real-life experience as a police officer. 'Ronth' has a very immersive screenplay that transports viewers into the patrol vehicle with two central characters and offers a third-person view into the struggles of the job, more like a ridealong experience.advertisement
Shahi Kabir's second directorial following 2022's 'Ela Veezha Poonchira', 'Ronth' also highlights the problems of the police, both professionally and personally. While avoiding any sort of theatrics, the director maintains a rustic tone to emulate the raw style of storytelling. However, while the ideas and execution of scenes are top-notch throughout the film, the choices made towards the climax - which seems quite Shakespearean - could make for a tiring viewing experience due to the emotional drain it causes. Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew carry the film with their performances. Pothan, as the senior inspector carrying over 18 years of experience, delivers a nuanced performance that beautifully adapts to every situation his character encounters, showcasing his range as an actor. Roshan Mathew, as a rookie officer, is always on the edge, leaving the audience with a lot of emotions by the end of the film. The duo - their banters, disparity in moral standpoints, and overall chemistry - is the key anchor point of the film.Technical departments, specifically music and cinematography, enhance the film and play an important role in making it impactful. Like a steroid booster, cinematography and music complement the story and performances. Cinematography by Manesh Madhavan captures the beauty of Kerala as well as the intensity of the situations the two leads face. Anil Johnson's music - background score specifically - is effective and adds depth to the scenes. Sync sound and sound design by Arun Asok and Sonu KP also deserve a special shoutout.advertisementThe film's impact is quite emotionally draining. As the story progresses, by the midpoint of the second half, one might feel that this night is too long. A sense of fatigue may creep in as the experiences and emotional toll the lead characters endure are shared with the viewer. As mentioned above, the ridealong experience is real.'Ronth' stands out for its grounded storytelling, restrained yet powerful performances, and an unflinching gaze into the everyday realities of police work. Shahi Kabir doesn't rely on heroism or high-octane action to make his point - instead, he allows the silence, the stillness, and the emotional weight of the job to speak for itself. With a lived-in authenticity and a slow-burning narrative, the film may not cater to all sensibilities, but for those willing to sit with its quiet intensity, 'Ronth' leaves an impact and you have been warned!3.5 out of 5 stars for 'Ronth'.