The Malayalam content streaming on OTT platforms received widespread acclaim across the country during the pandemic. However, one format that the industry’s artists and technicians had been hesitant to explore was web series. Nevertheless, there has been a shift this year, and director Ahammed Khabeer’s “Kerala Crime Files” leads the way as Disney+ Hotstar’s first original web series in Malayalam.
Malayalam actors Aju Varghese and Lal have been cast in the lead roles for the series. Disney+ Hotstar has already given the green light to four more web series, making it crucial to gauge the audience’s interest in this upcoming venture. “Kerala Crime Files: Shiju, Parayil Veedu, Neendakara” is based on true events and boasts an intriguing premise that has found success in other languages.
The web series was released on Disney+ Hotstar on June 23, 2023. Alongside Malayalam, it will also be available to stream in other languages such as Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. This marks the first-ever web series in Malayalam to be streamed on an OTT platform.
The plot hinges on a true case from the previous decade. It follows a group of five cops led by SI Manoj as they try to investigate the death of a sex worker in a lodge. Their sole lead is a forged address, and the series follows their investigation. Ashiq Amar, who previously penned the script for “Madhuram,” wrote the series’ script, which was directed by Ahammed Khabeer.
Rahul Riji Nair, known for his work in “Kho Kho” and “Dakini,” serves as the show runner. The team drew inspiration from a group of policemen who were honoured with the Kerala Police badge of honour in 2012. The series, classified as a police procedural crime thriller, comprises of six episodes.
When asked about his OTT debut, Aju Varghese, who portrays a police officer in the series, stated that the platform does not affect the actor in him. He also expressed that the rise of OTT platforms is creating new opportunities for moviegoers.
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