Salute

Salute is a Malayalam-language crime thriller film, directed by Rosshan Andrrews and written by Bobby-Sanjay starring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role as a cop. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan under his banner Wayfarer Films. The film was scheduled for a theatrical release on the occasion of Pongal in January 2022, but was indefinitely postponed later due to the rise of Omicron cases in India. Later, It was announced that the film would be skipping the theatrical release and decided for a direct-to-streaming release on SonyLIV.

Expectations

Expectations are created by certain combinations. Here, too, the weight of hope is heightened by such a combination. The audience is looking forward to the magic that always happens, when the best Malayalam screenwriters Boby-Sanjay join director Roshan Andrews. And after Kurup‘s huge success, Dulquer, there is no better reason to raise expectations.

What works

An investigation thriller, which doesn’t deviate from the core story. No unwanted romance or songs, it’s a full fledged investigation. The plot is intriguing, the acting is exceptional, and personally the conclusion is pretty haunting. 

What not works

Some coincidences help the story to move forward. It pulls the salute backwards as a realistic investigation thriller. Slow narration is also a drawback. The climax gives the audience a mixed feel.

Technical side

Trademark detailing from the Bobby-Sanjay, engaging right from the start. Roshan Andrews‘s flawless making is impressive. Cinematography and editing is good. Jakes bejoy‘s back ground score is apt for the mood.

Bottomline

Fairly engaging investigation thriller that misses woww factor..