Thalavan (transl. Chief) is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by Jis Joy and written by Anand Thevarkkat and Sarath Perumbavoor. The film stars Biju Menon and Asif Ali, with Miya George, Anusree, Dileesh Pothan and Kottayam Nazeer in supporting roles.^[2][3][4]

The film was released on 24 May 2024. It received positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success at the box office.^[5]

The film begins with retired DYSP Udayabhanu, who has transitioned from his police career to hosting a popular television show where he narrates real-life crime stories from his past. The central plot kicks off when Udayabhanu reluctantly decides to cover the infamous "Cheppanamthotta Case," a case that had shocked the community and involved two police officers, Circle Inspector Jayashankar and Sub-Inspector Karthik.

The narrative flashes back to the events leading up to the case. Karthik, known for his righteous approach, releases a man named Manu Das, who was caught in an attempted murder case but claimed it was an act of self-defense. This decision causes tension within the police department, especially with Jayashankar, a seasoned and more pragmatic officer. Their professional relationship is further strained when Manu Das is rearrested, adding layers of complexity and mistrust between them.

As the story unfolds, Jayashankar finds himself in the midst of a personal nightmare. He discovers the lifeless body of Ramya, the wife of a man he had previously arrested, on his terrace. Despite having no evidence directly linking him to the crime, Jayashankar is arrested and charged with her murder. This shocking development sets off an intense investigation that puts both Jayashankar and Karthik's principles and careers to the test.

Throughout the film, the audience is taken through a series of twists and turns as hidden truths and long-buried secrets come to light. The investigation uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and personal vendettas, forcing both officers to confront their own moral compasses and the dark side of the justice system.

The climactic resolution of "Thalavan" not only brings closure to the "Cheppanamthotta Case" but also provides a poignant commentary on the ethical dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement. It is a story of honor, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice, making it a must-watch for fans of intense and thought-provoking crime dramas.

• Biju Menon as CI Jayashankar, later DYSP
• Asif Ali as SI Karthik Vasudevan, later CI
• Miya George as Sunitha, Jayashankar's Wife
• Sujith Shankar as Joshy
• Anusree as Ramya, Joshy's Wife
• Dileesh Pothan as DYSP Udayabhanu, Jayashankar's Colleague and Friend
• Ansal Palluruthy as Sinto Sunnychan
• Joji John as ASI Venu
• Shankar Ramakrishnan as SP Hemanth Ram IPS
• Ranjith as Home Minister T.K.Raghavan, Karthik's Uncle
• Kottayam Nazeer as CPO Reghu
• Jaffar Idukki as Allappan
• Dinesh Prabhakar as Vinayakan
• Tessa Joseph as Anagha
• Bilas Chandrahasan as ASI Shivadasan
• Lali Marikkar as Karthik's Mother
• Anand Bal as Benny
• Renjith Shekhar as CPO Haris
• Nebish Benson as Arun Shivadasan

Director Jis Joy, who has previously worked with actor Asif Ali in four films signed the actor again, this time with actor Biju Menon.^[6] Debutants Anand Thevarkatt and Sharath Perumbavoor were given opportunity as screenplay writers.^[7][8] Arun Narayan, who had earlier produced Eesho and Chaaver decided to produce the film with Sijo Sebastian.^[9] Actors Miya George, Dileesh Pothan and Shankar Ramakrishnan were signed for key roles.^[10] Biju Menon was signed as a natural choice for the cop, as he had done many cop roles earlier in his career.^[11] The director, Jis Joy, claimed Thalavan as his most successful film in terms of canvas.^[12][7][4]

Thalavan released on 24 May 2024, received generally positive reviews.^[13]Swathi P Ajith of On Manorama gave a positive review praising the film as a well-crafted investigative thriller with strong performances from the leads.^[5] Vivek Santhosh of The New Indian Express also gave a positive review rating the movie 3/5.^[14] Writing for The Hindu, S.R.Praveen praised the film for its intriguing plot but felt it fell short of its potential.^[15] In contrast, Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave a negative review; remarking "Jis Joy's film suffers from poorly crafted dialogues, a weak script that fails to elevate the film and abrupt shifts in tone between a police procedural and a crime thriller that detract from the overall experience."^[16]

After the release of the film, the Director Jis Joy stated that if the audience like the film, it will have a sequel.^[17] During the success meet of the film, the makers announced that the film will have a sequel titled Thalavan 2.^[18]

• Thalavan at IMDb