A high-concept thriller
“Anomie”
– Review
Zaara Philip (Bhavana), is a sharp forensic expert whose life is shattered when her younger brother, Ziyan (Shebin Benson)—who was struggling with severe psychological trauma—goes missing and is later found dead.
While the police dismiss it as a suicide, Zaara uncovers a disturbing pattern: several other young people with similar mental vulnerabilities have died under mysterious circumstances.
Joining her is ACP Mohammed Ghibran (Rahman), a disgraced officer looking for professional redemption.
Together, they pursue a killer whose motives are rooted in a bizarre, almost philosophical obsession with the state of consciousness at the moment of death.
Debutant director Riyas Marath shows a strong command over visual style and atmosphere. He avoids the “over-the-top” action usually found in cop dramas, opting instead for a cold, clinical approach that suits a forensic-led investigation.
The film is most effective in its first hour as it meticulously builds the mystery.
However, the screenplay becomes slightly bloated in the second half, and the “high-concept” scientific explanation provided for the killer’s motive is a bit of a stretch.
In an “author-backed” role, Bhavana is excellent. She portrays Zaara’s grief and professional coldness with a balanced dignity, anchoring the film even when the plot wavers.
As the flawed ACP Ghibran, Rahman brings a weathered, weary energy that works well for a man seeking a second chance. His chemistry with Bhavana as they piece the puzzle together is credible and grounded.
Shebin Benson is haunting as the troubled brother, while Vishnu Agasthya and Binu Pappu provide solid support, helping to flesh out the procedural world.
Cinematographer Sujith Sarang is one of the film’s biggest stars. Using a recurring palette of clinical blues and warm yellows, he gives the movie a sleek, international look that elevates the production value significantly.
Known for his intense scores, Harshavardhan provides a pulsing, atmospheric background that maintains the tension, though it occasionally overpowers the more subtle emotional beats. Rest of the technical aspects of the movie are good as well.
