Ronth wins applause upon OTT release, but some netizens slam ‘problematic’ film after Nayattu

After scripting successful cop stories with Officer on Duty, Nayattu and Joseph, filmmaker Shahi Kabir once again returned to the genre for his second directorial, Ronth. The latest Malayalam cop film, which stars Roshan Mathew and Dileesh Pothan, had its OTT premiere on July 22, 2025, drawing more reactions from the netizens. While a majority of the audience is lavishing praise on the director, some netizens have found it to be problematic, drawing comparisons with his earlier Nayattu.

Ronth draws negative reaction too

Ronth, which opened to mostly positive reviews upon its theatrical debut, started streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium from Tuesday. The much-awaited OTT premiere also led to more positive reactions but the naysayers have also made a strong case against the slow burn film, which follows two cops as they deal with various law and order situations during their patrolling duty.

Also read: Ronth movie review: Shahi Kabir’s grounded cop drama echoes Training Day with a conscience  

Netizens, who were impressed with the film, lauded the filmmaker for narrating an engaging story in a realistic way. Lead actors DileeshPothan and Roshan Mathew also won praise for their ‘brilliant’ performance.

But one netizen took a strong objection to the film, terming it misleading and problematic. The X user also cited his previous movies Nayattu, and Officer on Duty, stating that "it’s high time people start calling you out for your consistent anti Dalit narratives." 

Nayattu, the 2021 Malayalam movie starring JoJu George, Kunchako Boban, and Nimisha Sajayan, was also the topic of much discussion over the portrayal of Dalit community

Certain other netizens were not happy with the ending, saying that the climax ruined the film for them.

Shahi Kabir's films

Shahi Kabir, who was earlier part of the police force, has penned several cop movies in Malayalam. His movies are generally noted for their realistic portrayal of the police force, and also for highlighting their human side. He penned films such as Joseph, starring Joju George, and the 2025 hit film Officer on Duty, starring Kunchacko Boban, Priya Mani, Jagadish and others. All films revolve around cops but also focus on their personal side. In Ronth too, the cops are shown as battling their personal traumas and fears, while trying to give their full attention to their duty.