Anand Sreebala Review: Arjun Ashokan Shines in Vishnu Vinay’s Promising Debut

India, with its vast population of over 140 crore, frequently witnesses mysterious deaths. Many such cases either remain unresolved, are hastily closed, or take years to conclude in courtrooms. Kerala is no exception, and Anand Sreebala, the debut film by director Vishnu Vinay, revolves around one such tragic case.

The film follows Merin Joy (played by Malavika Manoj), whose death is initially ruled a suicide until Anand (Arjun Ashokan), an aspiring police officer, uncovers shocking new evidence.

This film draws inspiration from the 2017 Mishel Shaji case, in which an 18-year-old CA student was found dead in the Kochi backwaters. By taking the investigation further than the real-life case, the movie offers its own resolution while inviting discussions on the ethical boundaries of storytelling.

A Haunted Investigator and His Quest for Truth

Anand, the son of former head constable Sreebala (Sangeetha), still struggles with PTSD stemming from her death, which he witnessed as a child. Though his condition doesn’t disrupt his daily routine, any mention of his mother triggers intense emotional responses.

Anand copes by imagining his mother as a guiding presence, a concept reminiscent of Dexter, where the protagonist interacts with his father’s manifestation.

His girlfriend, Sreebala (Aparna Das), works as a journalist hosting a true-crime show. When she decides to cover Merin’s case, Anand joins her. Using his keen observation, he determines that Merin’s death wasn’t a suicide but a murder.

Their public revelation pressures law enforcement to reopen the case, much to the irritation of the investigating officers. Anand’s determination to find justice jeopardizes his dream of becoming a police officer, but he remains steadfast, driven by his mother’s memory and his mentor Issac (Siddique).

Missed Opportunities in an Intriguing Narrative

While Anand Sreebala presents an exciting premise, its execution falters. Anand’s vulnerability and anxiety introduce an unconventional investigator, but the film soon reverts to familiar thriller tropes, diluting its uniqueness.

The imagined presence of Anand’s mother is a missed opportunity. Introduced effectively as a psychological device, her role is reduced to being a passive observer, offering little beyond initial intrigue.

The decision to pair her appearances with whimsical background music feels misplaced, undermining the seriousness of her influence on Anand’s psyche.

Other characters suffer from similarly inconsistent development. Sreebala starts as a confident and resourceful journalist but is relegated to performing menial tasks for Anand. Issac frequently mentions a life-changing incident from his police career, but the lack of elaboration renders it meaningless.

Saiju Kurup’s portrayal of the lead investigator hints at a layered character who could have been a formidable obstacle for Anand. Unfortunately, this potential remains untapped, with the character serving primarily as a vehicle for exposition.

Standout Performances and Emotional Depth

Despite its narrative flaws, Anand Sreebala benefits from its cast’s performances. Arjun Ashokan shines in the titular role, delivering a nuanced portrayal of Anand’s emotional and psychological struggles.

A particularly moving scene sees him pleading with his mother’s apparition not to abandon him, a moment that poignantly reflects his unresolved grief.

Sangeetha lends gravitas to her role as Sreebala, though her character is underwritten. Aparna Das and Saiju Kurup deliver commendable performances despite the limitations of their roles. Meanwhile, Aju Varghese and Azees Nedumangad leave an impression with brief but impactful appearances.

Ethical Questions in Fictionalizing Real Events

The film’s narrative closely mirrors the Mishel Shaji case. In reality, Mishel’s death was ruled a suicide, with a suspect charged with abetment. However, her family continues to question this conclusion.

Earlier this year, they sought a CBI investigation, which the Kerala High Court denied, instead directing the Crime Branch to address gaps in the case diary.

By presenting Merin’s death as a murder and portraying fictional characters resembling real-life individuals, the film raises ethical concerns. The decision to reimagine a real case in this way prompts questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers when drawing from real events.

Technical Merits and Flaws

Visually, the film excels in parts. Vishnu Narayanan’s cinematography stands out, particularly during an action sequence, while Kiran Das’s editing supports the narrative flow. However, Ranjin Raj’s inconsistent music score detracts from the experience, veering between distracting and adequate.