Anomie Review: Bhavana-Rahman's thriller is well-made but with moments in which the plot falters

Anomie Story - Forensic expert Zara Philip is determined to learn the truth behind her brother's death. Several similar 'suicides' are discovered as a result of her inquiry. Will Zara and Ghibran, the officer in charge, be able find the person responsible for all of this and why they are doing it?

Anomie Review - Anomie's creative style and investigative thriller plot had created adequate anticipation among fans of this genre. However, in terms of delivering the satisfaction of watching a good thriller, it is questionable whether the makers have been able to live up to these expectations. Even though there are points when the story falters, they have not sacrificed the film's technical quality which is the only appealing point of this Riyas Marath directorial. The movie manages to create a formulaic plot that is largely predictable while having all the necessary components of a passable thriller.

Forensic expert Zara Philip is determined to learn the truth about her brother's death as she thinks Ghibran, the investigating officer, is handling the case carelessly. Several "suicides" with similarities are discovered as a result of her study. While Ghibran tries to do the same to save his reputation, she continues her investigation in search of closure. The main plot points of the movie are whether they can identify the murderer and the reason for all of the murders.

As the case's truth gradually comes to light, the narrative has been structured to incorporate suspense and psychological complexity. Somehow, the film's emotional thread falls apart at some points, failing to connect with the audience and keeping them engaged. Viewers' expectations of discovering a psychopath or a regular serial killer with a tragic past or some sort of mental illness will be dashed by the idea of the film's climax that is employed, which is undoubtedly rather novel and may also come as a surprise. The technical excellence of the film, which includes some visually stunning views and colour grading, is undoubtedly its strongest point.

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Although the filmmakers have not compromised on style throughout, they have struggled to produce a well-written narrative. While the first half proceeds quickly, the second half takes a backseat and gradually reveals the truth while using common decoys to mislead viewers. In a nutshell, it becomes a one-time watchable thriller that examines the "equation of death" because of all these flaws. 

Rahman and Bhavana both do a fantastic job portraying the emotional struggle that each of their character experiences. Rahman's stylish performance lends some substance to the "angry police officer" stereotype. Other good performances were lend by Shebin Benson, Vishnu Agasthya and Arjun Lal. Another outstanding aspect of the movie is its sound design, yet it seems out of proportion to the lacklustre plot. 

Anomie Verdict - Bhavana and Rahman's most recent thriller is excellent technically, but it lacks emotional depth in places.