Directors Akhil Paul and Anas Khan, known for their debut film Forensic, have once again brought a unique take on criminal investigations in their sophomore film, Identity. While Forensic introduced the role of forensic science in solving crimes, Identity expands the narrative to explore an array of intriguing themes, including the role of sketch artists, witness protection programs, and a rare medical condition that affects face recognition. These topics, each with the potential for their own film, are packed into one narrative, but unfortunately, the result is an overstuffed and incoherent story.
The central theme of the film revolves around identity—its fluidity and its manipulation. The story follows a criminal who traps innocent girls by concealing his real identity, disappearing into the digital realm. The investigation into this character involves multiple key players, including a witness, a cop, and a sketch artist. Identity plays with the identities of these characters, leading to many twists and turns that keep the audience guessing.
The film, however, falters in its execution. Much of the crucial information is delivered through monologues and voiceovers, depriving the audience of the joy of connecting the dots themselves. While Shammy Thilakan, a veteran actor, delivers these lengthy narrations with conviction, the overreliance on exposition weakens the overall impact. Key moments designed to elevate the tension feel forced, and the balance between mystery and revelation is disrupted.
Despite these flaws, there are moments of brilliance. The sequence within an aircraft, where the protagonist must thwart an attack, is gripping, with the tension maintained throughout. The action sequence that follows is one of the best in recent Malayalam cinema, showcasing the film’s ambition and high standards.
The film also touches on the government’s witness protection program, which adds a layer of depth to the plot. However, this concept is not fully explored, leaving the audience wanting more. The film’s structure hints at future installments, but as a standalone piece, Identity does not offer a complete experience.
Tovino Thomas, in the role of Haran, plays the character with a controlled and stiff body language, reflecting his character’s trauma and obsession with perfection. His performance is solid, especially in the fight sequences, though his character’s emotional range is limited. Trisha, as the witness, has little to do, while Vinay Rai shines in a more nuanced role.
In the end, Identity offers a buffet of fresh ideas, but with many of them underdeveloped or left unfinished. While it showcases ambition and an eagerness to explore new territory, it ultimately feels like a collection of half-cooked dishes rather than a satisfying whole. If the filmmakers had focused on one or two key ideas, it could have been a much more impactful film. As it stands, Identity is an intriguing but flawed attempt at tackling complex themes in the thriller genre.
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