Ahammed Khabeer's crime drama series, 'Kerala Crime Files,' presents a complex narrative that revolves around the murder of a prostitute named Swapna at the Grand Tourist Hotel. The show follows a team of police officers led by S.I. Manoj as they navigate the challenging investigation to apprehend the murderer, a man named Shiju. While the series aims to explore various themes such as police work, misogyny, and societal issues, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and impactful narrative.

One aspect that the show focuses on is the concealment of Shiju's identity, leading to an anti-climactic reveal. This approach may be interpreted as an attempt to emphasize that dangerous individuals like Shiju can appear ordinary. However, the execution of this concept feels lackluster and fails to offer any groundbreaking insights. The notion that killers can live among us is not a novel idea, as it has been explored in real-life cases and in numerous movies and shows. Therefore, the show's attempt to convey this message appears redundant and unremarkable.

Furthermore, 'Kerala Crime Files' seeks to address the issue of abusive and misogynistic behavior towards sex workers. It attempts to challenge societal stigma by asserting that sex work is a valid profession deserving respect. However, the series falls short in fully exploring this theme, as the female characters, aside from Constable Sindhu, are portrayed as victims or marginalized figures with limited agency. The potential for a more nuanced and empowering portrayal of women is neglected, leaving viewers questioning the show's stance on the matter.

The series briefly touches on the challenges faced by police officers in maintaining personal relationships due to their demanding jobs. However, it fails to develop this concept further, leaving it unresolved and disconnected from the main storyline. The limited exploration of female officers' roles and their absence in investigative work raises questions about gender biases within the police force, but the show does not delve into this issue in a meaningful way.

It is apparent that the creators of 'Kerala Crime Files' intend to humanize the police officers in a sympathetic light. However, when considering the real-life instances of police brutality and misuse of power, the portrayal of these "heroes" becomes problematic. The show's focus on their achievements and self-congratulation disregards the urgent need for introspection within the police system. Instead of offering a critical examination of law enforcement, the series perpetuates a narrative that may attract individuals with an unhealthy fascination with police work.

In the final episodes, S.I. Manoj and his team ultimately apprehend Shiju. The breakthrough comes when they discover Shiju's relationship with a woman named Sisily, leading them to locate him at a police canteen in Angamaly. However, the show misses an opportunity to delve into Shiju's psyche, opting for a rushed conclusion rather than exploring the motivations and complexities of the character. This decision undermines the potential for a deeper understanding of the psychology behind such crimes, leaving viewers with a sense of dissatisfaction.

Despite its flaws, 'Kerala Crime Files' boasts technical excellence in terms of its editing, cinematography, production design, and performances. The show's aesthetic consistency and attention to detail are commendable. However, its storytelling approach, which prioritizes glorifying police work over addressing significant social themes, hinders its impact.

In conclusion, 'Kerala Crime Files' offers technical prowess but falls short in delivering a compelling and socially conscious narrative. The series touches upon important issues such as misogyny, abuse, and the challenges faced by sex workers but fails to explore them in a meaningful or thought-provoking manner. While the show may have its merits, there are other copaganda movies and shows that handle similar themes more effectively. It is ultimately up to the viewers to decide whether they wish to invest their time in watching the forthcoming season of 'Kerala Crime Files.'