Anjaam Pathiraa
From the vibrant landscape of Malayalam cinema emerges "Anjaam Pathiraa"— a crime thriller that gripped audiences with its dark narrative and chilling premise. This isn't just another police procedural; it delves into the psychology of crime, inspired by real-life notorious cases that still haunt Kerala. Prepare to unravel a sinister plot where justice itself becomes a twisted game. Anjaam Pathiraa is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful Malayalam crime thriller known for its intricate, multi-layered plot. The film draws chilling inspiration from real-life serial killer cases and police corruption in Kerala, giving it a profound, unsettling authenticity. A consulting criminologist must decipher a complex pattern of brutal killings targeting police officers, leading to a shocking revelation of motives and masterminds.
AI Summary
From the vibrant landscape of Malayalam cinema emerges "Anjaam Pathiraa"— a crime thriller that gripped audiences with its dark narrative and chilling premise. This isn't just another police procedural; it delves into the psychology of crime, inspired by real-life notorious cases that still haunt Kerala. Prepare to unravel a sinister plot where justice itself becomes a twisted game.
- Anjaam Pathiraa is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful Malayalam crime thriller known for its intricate, multi-layered plot.
- The film draws chilling inspiration from real-life serial killer cases and police corruption in Kerala, giving it a profound, unsettling authenticity.
- A consulting criminologist must decipher a complex pattern of brutal killings targeting police officers, leading to a shocking revelation of motives and masterminds.
The Fifth Midnight
Released in 2020, "Anjaam Pathiraa" — meaning 'The Fifth Midnight' — quickly established itself as a landmark Indian crime thriller. Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas and starring Kunchacko Boban, the film captivated critics and audiences alike, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of its year.
Echoes of Reality
What truly sets "Anjaam Pathiraa" apart is its haunting connection to real-life criminal cases. Elements of the plot, including characters like 'Psycho Simon' and 'Ripper Ravi,' were directly inspired by notorious incidents in Kerala, adding a chilling layer of realism to the fictional narrative.
Enter Anwar Hussain
Our protagonist, Anwar Hussain, is no ordinary detective. A brilliant psychologist, he works as a consulting criminologist for the Kochi City Police, brought in by his friend ACP Anil Madhavan. His unique insight into the criminal mind will be crucial in the dark days ahead.
The First Victim
The chilling spree begins when DYSP Abraham Koshy is abducted. His corpse is later discovered in a gypsum field, his eyes and heart horrifyingly eviscerated. Autopsy reveals a hypnotic drug, Zolpidem, in his system, but no signs of a struggle — a perplexing detail that hints at the killer's cunning.
A Pattern Emerges
Days later, a second police officer vanishes. His body is found in the police station's own backyard, alongside a small, symbolic Lady Justice figurine. The killer is sending a clear, unsettling message, escalating the urgency for the investigation.
Anwar quickly realizes the Lady Justice figurine isn't new — forensic photos confirm a similar artifact was left at the first crime scene. The killer had deliberately hidden it. Further compounding the mystery, CCTV footage from the station had been expertly tampered with, suggesting the culprit is also a skilled security hacker.
To combat this unseen digital adversary, Anwar enlists the help of a young hacker named Andrew. Meanwhile, DCP Catherine devises a plan to lure the killer out, deploying officers in pairs. But the killer is always one step ahead.
The Wolf's Shadow
During a patrol, Catherine's driver, Paulson, is kidnapped. Footage from his scooter's camera shows a man in a wolf mask, accompanied by another's voice, indicating a team at work. The horror culminates when Paulson's body is chillingly delivered to Anwar's own home, inside a refrigerator box.
A Trail of Decoys
A fingerprint leads the team to a cocaine dealer, Shameer Abdulla, but they find only his mummified corpse. It's another dead end, another decoy. However, a breakthrough comes when Anwar accidentally spots a tiny signature imprinted on one of the Lady Justice figurines.
The signature belongs to Sudhakar Devalokam, the sculptor. He recounts making five such figurines for two men who, in a cruel twist, blinded him after delivery. This revelation solidifies Anwar's theory: there are two more murders yet to come, completing the set of five figurines.
The Fourth Target
True to Anwar's prediction, CI Sharathchandran is abducted after a violent struggle at his home. Along with another figurine, a fidget spinner is found. His body is later discovered on a Kochi Metro train, dropped by a mysterious woman. The stakes are raised, and DCP Catherine is replaced by ACP Prakash Seetharam.
Unmasking the Method
Anwar pieces together a crucial detail: Sharathchandran regularly took Tenormin, a counter-drug for Zolpidem. This leads to a horrifying theory — the killer injects victims with Zolpidem, then hypnotizes them for abduction. Sharathchandran's struggle was likely due to the Tenormin's effect, making his hypnosis incomplete.
The fidget spinner is another key. Anwar remembers seeing a similar one in a police file for a known homicidal psychopath and hacker named Simon, who was reported dead in a prison explosion. Andrew, the hacker, later confirms Simon's distinct cross-dressing style, identifying him as the 'woman' on the metro train.
A Deceptive End
Just as Anwar makes these connections, he's informed that Simon and his partner Aravindan's bodies have been found, along with a suicide note confessing to all the murders and the final figurine. But Anwar is deeply unconvinced, sensing this is yet another elaborate decoy to halt the investigation.
The True Mastermind
Sudhakar, the sculptor, calls Anwar. A man has asked him to create a sixth figurine, made for his personal satisfaction. From a painting based on Sudhakar's daughter's description, Anwar identifies him as Dr. Benjamin Louis, a psychologist whose books Anwar himself often recommends.
Benjamin's foster parent, Sudhevan, reveals the dark truth: as a teenager, Benjamin's sister Rebecca was impregnated by a priest, Bennet Franko. When their father reported the crime, corrupt officers SI Anil and Constable Sharathchandran framed him, accepting a bribe from Bennet. Rebecca was sent away, and their father tragically committed suicide in prison.
Anwar now understands: the initial three murders were random, carefully planned misdirection. The real targets were Sharathchandran and Anil, the corrupt officers responsible for Benjamin's family tragedy. He races to warn Anil, but finds only his deserted car.
The Final Confrontation
Following footage from a nearby quadcopter, Andrew traces Benjamin's van to a pig farm. Anwar and two officers intercept Benjamin just before he can kill Anil. A brutal fight ensues, with Benjamin overpowering them all. Catherine arrives just in time to save Anwar, leading to Benjamin's arrest.
Unraveling All Threads
Benjamin remains silent, his motives locked away. But Anwar makes another deduction: the burnt corpse misidentified as Simon's in prison was actually Bennet's, the priest responsible for Rebecca's trauma. The plot is deeper than anyone imagined.
During transit to court, Benjamin is tragically killed in a 'fake encounter' by his escort officers. Simultaneously, a young woman visits Anil at his apartment. When Anwar arrives moments later, he finds Anil dead. As she leaves, Anwar calls out, 'Rebecca?' She turns, a fleeting gaze, and vanishes — the final, chilling reveal of the true, vengeful accomplice.
Behind the Scenes
Production for "Anjaam Pathiraa" began in mid-2019, with Kunchacko Boban leading the cast under Midhun Manuel Thomas's direction. The director emphasized that this film would be a stark departure from his previous works, a promise he certainly delivered on.
Sound and Vision
The film's haunting atmosphere was greatly enhanced by Sushin Shyam's compelling score, which he not only composed but also programmed and arranged. Shyju Khalid's cinematography added another layer of suspense and visual depth, making the dark narrative truly immersive.
Reception and Legacy
Released on January 10, 2020, with a 'U/A' certificate, "Anjaam Pathiraa" was an instant hit. Critics widely praised it as a "well-crafted mystery" and "crafty thriller," highlighting Midhun Manuel Thomas's direction and Kunchacko Boban's nuanced performance. It later premiered on Surya TV and was dubbed into Telugu and Hindi as 'Midnight Murders' and 'Police Story,' expanding its reach.
The film wasn't just a critical darling; it was a box office phenomenon. Earning over ₹50 crore worldwide, it became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2020, demonstrating its immense popularity both domestically and overseas, with strong showings in the UAE, US, Canada, and Australia.
An Unsettling Influence
In a truly disturbing turn, "Anjaam Pathiraa" was cited as an inspiration in a real-life murder case. In 2022, a 23-year-old pharmacist named Vishnupriya was murdered, and the perpetrator confessed that the film had influenced his actions. This dark reflection of art on life underscores the film's powerful, albeit unsettling, impact.
The Story Continues...
Given its overwhelming success, it's no surprise that a sequel was announced. On January 10, 2021, director Midhun Manuel Thomas confirmed "Aaram Pathiraa" — 'The Sixth Midnight' — hinting that the chilling saga is far from over.
Article
Anjaam Pathiraa
Anjaam Pathiraa (transl. The Fifth Midnight) (promoted as Midnight Murders outside Kerala and Internationally) is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film written and directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas. The film stars Kunchacko Boban, Sharaf U Dheen, Sreenath Bhasi, Unnimaya Prasad, Jinu Joseph and Abhiram Radhakrishnan. Sushin Shyam composed the music, while Shyju Khalid was the cinematographer.
Anjaam Pathiraa was dubbed in Telugu and Hindi as Midnight Murders and Police Story and was released on Aha and Goldmines Telefilms. The film received positive reviews from critics where it went on to emerge as the highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2020. Following the film's success, Midhun Manuel Thomas has announced a sequel titled Aaaram Pathiraa (transl. The sixth midnight).
Parts of the plot were based on real events: such as the Psycho Simon character was taken from the 2017 Nanthancode massacre where a psychopathic son killed his entire family; and Ripper Ravi character is based on Ripper Chandran, a notorious serial killer in Kerala during late 1980s.
Plot
Anjaam Pathiraa
Anwar Hussain is a psychologist who works as a consulting criminologist in Kochi City Police on the special recommendation of his friend ACP Anil Madhavan. One night, DYSP Abraham Koshy is abducted and his corpse is left in a gypsum field with eyes and heart eviscerated. The investigation is headed by DCP Catherine. The autopsy report shows zolpidem presence in the body, but no signs of coercion. In a few days, a second police officer goes missing, his body is found in the backyard of the police station, along with a Lady Justice figurine.
Anwar finds a similar artefact in the previous crime scene from the forensic photos. Autopsy results are the same as previous. The station's CCTV footage has been tampered, indicating the killer is also a security hacker. Anwar employs hacker Andrew for cyber investigation. Catherine implements a plan to lure the killer in which two officers should pair and patrol the night at 100-meter distance. During duty, Catherine's driver Paulson is kidnapped, where his scooter's camera footage shows a wolf-masked man and another man's voice, indicating they work as a team. Paulson's body is delivered to Anwar's house in a refrigerator box.
The fingerprint of a cocaine dealer named Shameer Abdulla is found. They track him to a cottage where they find his mummified corpse. It was a decoy. Anwar accidentally discovers a signature imprinted on the figurine, which turns out to be that of its sculptor, Sudhakar Devalokam. On questioning, Sudhakar explains that he made five such figurines for two men, who blinded him after he delivered it. From that, Anwar deduces there will be two more murders. On another day, CI Sharathchandran is abducted after a struggle at his home, where in addition to the figurine, they also find a fidget spinner. His body is dropped in a Kochi Metro train by a woman. With that, Catherine is replaced with ACP Prakash Seetharam.
Sharathchandran had regularly taken a prescription drug named Tenormin. Anwar theorises that the killers inject hypnotic drug Zolpidem in victim's body somehow before kidnapping and hypnotize them for taking away; Tenormin is a counter-drug against Zolpidem, so Sharathchandran's hypnosis was unsuccessful, hence the struggle. Anwar recalls seeing a photo of a similar spinner in the police file for a homicidal psychopath and hacker named Simon. While Simon is recorded dead during an explosion in prison, Anwar is not convinced. Andrew recognises Simon as the one who cross-dressed as the woman on the train.
Anwar reports his findings but is informed that Simon and his crime partner Aravindan's bodies were found that morning with a suicide note confessing to the murders left along with the last figurine. Anwar is unconvinced and believes it is a decoy to stop the investigation. Anwar is called by Sudhakar after a man comes to his workshop for a sixth figurine which he made for his personal satisfaction. He has made a painting based on his daughter's description. Anwar identifies him as psychologist Dr Benjamin Louis since he always recommends his psychology books for referring when he goes to be a guest lecturer to psychology colleges. From Benjamin's foster parent Sudhevan, Anwar learns that when Benjamin was a teenager, his sister Rebecca was impregnated by a priest named Bennet Franko.
When their father Louis reported the crime, SI Anil and Constable Sharathchandran framed him for assaulting his daughter after taking a bribe from Father Bennet. Rebecca was placed in a distant convent, and their father committed suicide in prison. Later, Benjamin went to the United States for higher studies and came back. Anwar deduces that the first three murders were random and the actual targets are Sharathchandran and Anil. He goes to warn Anil but finds only his deserted car. From a nearby quadcopter, Anwar finds footage of Benjamin's van, Andrew traces it to a pig farm.
Anwar and two officers intercept Benjamin before he can kill Anil. Benjamin knocks them down and chokes Anwar, but is saved by Catherine. Benjamin is arrested. On questioning, Benjamin does not disclose his motive. Anwar deduces that the burnt corpse misidentified in prison as Simon's was actually Bennet's. While in transit for presenting him in court, his escort officers kills Benjamin in a fake encounter. At the same time, a girl visits Anil at his apartment. Anwar enters when she leaves and finds Anil dead. He realises that the girl killed him. Through the window, Anwar calls her Rebecca, to which she turns back, looks at him and leaves.
Production
Anjaam Pathiraa
On 24 June 2019, it was reported that Kunchacko Boban would star in Midhun Manuel Thomas' next directorial and filming was said to begin by late July. Sharaf U Dheen, Unnimaya Prasad, Sreenath Bhasi, Jinu Joseph, Jaffar Idukki and Assim Jamal were also confirmed in the cast, and Sushin Shyam and Shyju Khalid will be the composer and cinematographer, respectively. Midhun said that the film is entirely different from his previous films. The film was formally launched with a pooja ceremony on 17 July 2019. Principal photography began on 1 August 2019, also revealing the title.
Music
Anjaam Pathiraa
The film score is composed, programmed, and arranged by Sushin Shyam.
Release
Theatrical
The film was released on 10 January 2020. The film was passed with 'U/A' certificate from Central Board of Film Certification.
Home media
The film was premiered on 10 April 2020 in Surya TV
Reception
Critical response
Sajin Shrijith of The New Indian Express rated 4 out of 5 and called it "an efficient, well-crafted mystery" and said that it is "director Midhun Manuel Thomas' best work so far." Litty Simon of Malayala Manorama rated 3.5 out of 5 stars calling it "a crafty thriller from Kunchacko & Co." and "Anjaam Pathiraa will definitely make you restless. It is an excellent theatrical experience. In the film which villain is so complicated and line is multilayered from usual genre which thrills you always." Deepa Soman of The Times of India awarded 3 out of 5 and wrote that it was "a decently engaging crime thriller." and appreciated Kunchacko Boban's performance stating that he "gives the right demeanour to Anwar Hussain, as do the rest of the cast." Writing for The News Minute, Cris called it "a neatly-packed thriller" and added that "the film moves fast, not wasting time on a song or even a line too many, with noticeable performances and negligible flaws." Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion South wrote "In the end, Anjaam Pathiraa turns out to be one of those films that takes a hot-button issue and expects us to care simply because it takes that issue up. The drama is undernourished, the thrills are feeble".
Box office
The film was both commercial and critical success. In the overseas opening weekend, the film grossed US$713,243 from 78 screens in the United Arab Emirates (the best opening of that weekend), US$48,487 (₹34.48 lakh) from 30 screens in the United States, US$6,081 (₹4.33 lakh) from 2 screens in Canada, and A$28,605 (₹13.89 lakh) from 3 screens in Australia. It earned US$19,857 (₹14.2 lakh) in Canada in two weeks, £28,714 (₹26.78 lakh) in the United Kingdom in three weeks, A$85,285 (₹40.98 lakh) in Australia in four weeks, and US$116,759 (₹83.36 lakh) in the US in five weeks. It is the highest grossing Malayalam film of 2020 which collected over ₹50 crore from Worldwide box office
Real Life Influence
Anjaam Pathiraa
Vishnupriya, 23 year old pharmacist at a private hospital in Panur, was murdered at her house on 22 October 2022 by Shyamjith during the trial he confessed that murder was inspired from the film.
Sequel
Anjaam Pathiraa
A sequel titled Aaram Pathiraa was announced by Midhun Manuel Thomas on 10 January 2021.