After delivering the psychological thriller ‘Rorschach’, director Nisam Basheer returns with another edge-of-the-seat entertainer. This time, however, he swaps psychological horror for a grounded crime thriller that explores how an ordinary man's life can spiral out of control in the blink of an eye. 

Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Parvathy Thiruvothu, ‘I, Nobody’ blends suspense, family drama and action into a technically accomplished package. While it loses a bit of steam in the latter portions, the film remains an engaging watch powered by confident filmmaking and strong performances.

Familiar premise told with refreshing restraint

The story follows Rajeevan, a government employee leading an ordinary, peaceful life with his family. That normalcy is shattered after he witnesses something he should never have seen, pulling him into a dangerous web of crime, accusations and survival.

The central idea isn't entirely new, but the way Nisam Basheer unfolds it makes all the difference. Instead of rushing towards action, the narrative patiently builds tension, allowing viewers to understand the characters before throwing them into increasingly dangerous situations.

The film constantly asks an intriguing question: how far can an ordinary man go when pushed to his limits? Rather than turning Rajeevan into an invincible action hero, the screenplay keeps him grounded, making his struggles feel authentic.

Direction and screenplay

The first half is undoubtedly where ‘I, Nobody’ is at its strongest.

The screenplay steadily layers the mystery while maintaining a consistent sense of tension. Every sequence feels purposeful, with the story gradually sliding into chaos without ever feeling forced. The measured pacing allows the suspense to develop organically, making the eventual twists far more effective.

The interval block deserves special mention. It serves as an excellent payoff to the carefully constructed first half and raises the stakes significantly, ensuring the momentum carries well into the opening portions of the second half.

What the characters delivered

One of the film's biggest strengths is Prithviraj Sukumaran's performance.

As Rajeevan, he delivers a remarkably restrained and believable portrayal of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. There are no exaggerated heroic moments or larger-than-life dialogues. Instead, his performance is built on vulnerability, fear and quiet determination..

Parvathy Thiruvothu, who has previously starred with Prithviraj in ‘Ennu Ninte Moideen’ and ‘Koode’, brings warmth and emotional stability to the story. Her performance gives the film its emotional grounding.

The young actors playing their daughters are equally impressive. Particularly the younger child, whose natural screen presence steals several moments without trying too hard.

Technical excellence

Technically, ‘I, Nobody’ is among the finest-crafted Malayalam thrillers in recent times.

The cinematography is outstanding, featuring slick visuals and imaginative camera work that enhance both the suspense and emotional moments. Every frame looks polished, giving the film an almost international aesthetic without losing its rooted identity.

The action choreography is another major highlight. The fight sequences are staged with precision and realism, making them exciting without becoming overly stylised.

Composer Jakes Bejoy once again proves why he remains one of Malayalam cinema's most dependable musicians. His background score constantly amplifies the tension and emotional weight of the scenes without overpowering them.

The film also incorporates several Hindi songs that contribute to its stylish mood. Although the songs themselves are enjoyable, a few placements feel slightly disconnected from the emotional rhythm of certain scenes.

What doesn't work

If the first half is tightly controlled, the second half is where the screenplay becomes a little less consistent.

The film remains engaging throughout, but it introduces multiple new narrative threads that don't always receive equally satisfying payoffs. Some twists work well, while others feel more convenient than surprising.

A few logical gaps begin to surface as the story moves towards its climax. Certain supporting elements, including some political subplots, don't contribute significantly to the overall narrative and could have been trimmed without affecting the core story.

None of these issues significantly weaken the film, but they prevent it from reaching the exceptional heights promised during its opening hour.

Rating: 3.5/5