Kammattam Review: When Zee5 decided to step into the Malayalam OTT space, expectations were naturally high. Their debut series, Kammattam, comes with the weight of being a first impression, and it delivers a thriller woven out of greed, betrayal, and murder. The word kammattam itself means a mint, or a place where coins are made, which makes it a fitting title for a story rooted in financial crime and the rot hidden inside a seemingly ordinary co-operative bank in Kerala.
A Dark Story of Greed and Betrayal
Directed and written by Shan Thulasidharan, Kammattam is inspired by a real-life case of financial fraud. What begins as a simple investigation into a hit-and-run accident soon unfolds into a much darker tale. Plantation owner Samuel Oommen’s (Jeo Baby) death is not an accident at all, but a calculated murder that slowly exposes the massive scam at the heart of a local co-operative bank.
The series creates a brooding, tense atmosphere, where ordinary people reveal just how far they are willing to go when money is involved. What makes it disturbing is not just the crimes themselves, but the fact that the perpetrators could be anyone’s neighbours, relatives, or friends people who, without hesitation, turn on one another when greed takes over.
Sudev Nair’s Commanding Performance
At the center of the storm is Sudev Nair as the quiet yet sharp cop Antonio George. Watching him work through the puzzle feels like watching the gears of a well-oiled machine in motion. He rarely raises his voice, but his calm confidence, piercing eyes, and that knowing smile when he catches culprits in their lies create an unforgettable presence.
Sudev’s Antonio doesn’t rely on flashy action or heavy dialogues. Instead, he brings depth through restraint, and his performance becomes the backbone of the series. Malayalam cinema and OTT platforms should certainly take note—this is an actor who deserves bigger and bolder roles.
The Narrative Style and Pacing
Kammattam unfolds slowly at first, with nearly three and a half episodes spent on setting the stage. Unlike many police procedurals that show every step of the investigation, director Shan takes a different approach. Instead of walking the audience through the evidence, the revelations come through Antonio’s interrogations, which means surprises often land when we least expect them. Just when you think you’ve guessed the story, Antonio uncovers something new, pulling you right back into the mystery.
The short runtime each episode lasting about 20 minutes keeps the tension tight but also means that several characters feel underdeveloped. Apart from Samuel Oommen and Francis, most remain flat, defined only by their hunger for money. Whether this was a deliberate choice or a limitation of the format, it leaves the viewer wishing for a little more depth.
The Mood and Visuals
Visually, the series sticks to a dark, somber palette that matches its grim subject matter. The cinematography adds weight to the story, reinforcing the feeling that this is a world where shadows hide dangerous secrets. At times, the bleakness can feel heavy, but it serves its purpose it reminds us that greed corrodes even the most ordinary lives.
Final Verdict
Kammattam is not without its flaws. The pacing may feel uneven, and the brevity of episodes sometimes robs characters of nuance. Yet, despite these shortcomings, the series works as a thriller. Its unsettling atmosphere, sharp turns, and above all, Sudev Nair’s standout performance, make it worth watching.
Zee5’s first Malayalam original might not be flawless, but it shows promise for what Malayalam OTT can achieve. If you’re looking for a crime drama with grit and a lead performance that lingers long after the credits roll, Kammattam deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Disclaimer: This review is based on the currently available episodes of Kammattam. Opinions expressed are subjective to the viewing experience and may vary for individual viewers.
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