Kammattam Review: A Gritty Crime Thriller Rooted in Betrayal

When ZEE5 Global announced its first-ever Malayalam original, Kammattam, expectations were understandably high.

Malayalam cinema has long been praised for its ability to balance realism with powerful storytelling, and the arrival of a Malayalam-language series on a global OTT platform marks a big step forward.

Directed by Shan Thulasidharan and produced by 23 Feet Productions, Kammattam dives deep into betrayal, corruption and moral conflict.

Inspired by the real-life bank scam in Kerala’s Thrissur, the six-part series is as much about crime as it is about human desperation.

At its centre is CI Antonio George, played with commanding authority by Sudev Nair, whose investigation into a suspicious death exposes a chilling web of secrets.

A Gritty, Layered Story

From the opening moments, Kammattam sets a raw and grounded tone.

The suspicious death of planter Samuel Umman (Jeo Baby) sparks Antonio’s suspicions, setting the stage for a narrative that refuses to play out in straight lines.

Each episode peels back a new layer, exposing the rot beneath seemingly ordinary lives.

Themes of money, betrayal and desperation intertwine with the murder mystery, giving the series a broader social context.

While the show takes its time to build momentum, the slow burn eventually pays off.

By episode three, the interrogation of Sarath (Akhil Kavalayoor) escalates the tension, pulling viewers into a gripping sequence of twists and revelations.

Francis, played superbly by Arun Sol, emerges as a complex figure whose financial desperation leads him down a dangerous path. His performance captures the tragic human cost of greed and moral compromise.

Performances That Elevate the Narrative

Sudev Nair’s Antonio George stands tall as a detective who commands authority while allowing his team members their moments to shine.

His sharp presence keeps the story anchored, even when the investigation moves at a hurried pace.

Supporting roles by Jins Baskar, Ajay Vasudev, and others add depth to the ensemble, though certain secondary characters, such as Samuel’s wife and daughter, could have benefited from greater development.

Francis, however, is the standout.

His descent from financial struggles to theft and murder is depicted with nuance, making him more than just another antagonist.

The show also makes a point of highlighting that even the victim, Samuel, carried flaws, particularly in his reaction to caste-related issues.

By refusing to paint its characters in black and white, Kammattam reflects the moral grey areas of real life.

Strengths and Shortcomings

What makes Kammattam compelling is its grounded approach to crime.

Unlike more stylised thrillers, it relies on realism and human emotion, which heightens the impact of its twists.

The penultimate episode delivers one of the most chilling revelations, tying together threads of corruption and betrayal.

That said, the pacing is uneven.

The first two episodes move cautiously, and the quick jumps between clues in the investigation may feel rushed to some.

Still, this structure could be seen as a reflection of the pressures placed on the police.

Character-driven though it is, the series could have invested more time in fleshing out the personal lives of Samuel’s family, which might have made the stakes even more personal.

A Milestone for Malayalam Storytelling on OTT

Beyond the series itself, Kammattam represents a significant cultural milestone.

Lloyd C Xavier, ZEE5’s Business Head for Malayalam and Tamil, described the launch as “more than just a strategic move; it’s a cultural and emotional milestone for us”.

Sudev Nair said: “Kammattam has been one of my career’s most challenging and rewarding journeys.

“The character I play demanded emotional depth and honesty in portraying human behaviour’s silences, fears, and contradictions.

“Stories like these linger long after the cameras stop rolling, and I’m proud it has found its home as ZEE5 Global’s first Malayalam original.

“For me, Kammattam marks a turning point where our stories, deeply rooted in Kerala yet universal in appeal, will reach audiences across India and the world.

“I believe viewers will not only be gripped by the suspense but also resonate with the real emotions at its heart.”

Director Shan Thulasidharan added: “When I began shaping Kammattam, I knew it wasn’t just about narrating a crime; it was about peeling back the layers of silence, betrayal, and morality that lie beneath a chilling real-life incident.

“Bringing that vision to the screen required a platform that values authenticity and emotional depth, and I couldn’t have asked for a better home than ZEE5 Global.”

Kammattam is not a flawless series, but its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings.

Its raw tone, layered narrative, and standout performances make it a compelling addition to the growing landscape of Indian crime dramas.

By grounding itself in real incidents and moral complexities, it sets itself apart from formulaic thrillers.

Kammattam is well worth the time of viewers looking for a crime thriller that grips not just with suspense, but with emotional truth. The series is currently streaming on ZEE5 Global.