Prithviraj delivers in a stylish thriller that values mood Over mass moments
“I, Nobody”
– Review
Director Nisam Basheer, known for his knack for suspense, returns with ‘I, Nobody’, a crime thriller that attempts to blend mystery, action and emotional drama. The film sets up an intriguing premise and keeps viewers invested for a major part of its runtime, but an uneven second half prevents it from becoming the gripping thriller it aspires to be.
The story revolves around a seemingly ordinary man who becomes the prime suspect in a high-profile bank robbery. As he struggles to prove his innocence, the investigation uncovers unexpected twists, forcing the audience to constantly question what is real and who can be trusted. Rather than relying on a straightforward narrative, the film gradually reveals crucial pieces of the puzzle, making mystery its biggest strength.
Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers another assured performance, stepping away from larger-than-life heroics to portray a vulnerable and emotionally layered character. His restrained approach works well for the film, and he convincingly carries the emotional weight of the narrative. Even when the screenplay falters, his screen presence keeps the audience engaged.
Parvathy Thiruvothu once again proves why she is among Malayalam cinema’s finest performers, bringing depth and conviction to her role. Vijayaraghavan, Ashokan, Nandhu and Hakkim Shahjahan offer dependable performances and fit naturally into the film’s realistic world. None of the supporting characters feel out of place, and together they add credibility to the unfolding investigation and emotional conflicts.
On the technical front, ‘I, Nobody’ scores consistently. Dinesh Purushothaman’s cinematography enhances the film’s tense atmosphere with striking visual compositions and effective use of lighting. Jakes Bejoy’s background score complements the suspense without becoming intrusive, while the sound design elevates several key sequences. The action choreography is grounded and believable, avoiding unnecessary exaggeration, and the editing maintains a steady rhythm for most of the first half.
Where the film loses some of its impact is in the writing after the interval. The first half builds anticipation with confidence, but the narrative becomes increasingly complicated as it progresses. While the twists are ambitious, not all of them land effectively, and the climax lacks the emotional and dramatic payoff that the setup promises. Several critics have echoed similar views, praising the film’s opening portions while noting that the latter half doesn’t maintain the same intensity.
‘I, Nobody’ is not a conventional commercial entertainer, nor does it try to be one. It is a thriller that prioritises mood, mystery and character over mass moments. Although it doesn’t entirely fulfil its potential, the film remains an engaging watch thanks to its performances and strong technical craftsmanship.
‘I, Nobody’ is a well-mounted investigative thriller that benefits from Prithviraj’s understated performance, solid support from the ensemble cast and polished technical execution. Despite an inconsistent second half, it offers enough suspense and intrigue to satisfy viewers who enjoy slow-burning crime dramas over formulaic action films.
Rating: 3.6 out of 5
