Luke McWilliams gives his review of the 2021 crime thriller, Kurup, starring Dulquer Salmaan and Indrajith Sukumaran.

Deputy Superintendent of police, Krishnadas (Indrajith Sukumaran) is packing up his office after 30 years on the force. While Krishnadas is celebrating his retirement and many achievements, an officer spots a sole book left in the office which details notes on the life and investigation of India’s most wanted fugitive: Sukumara Kurup (Dulquer Salmaan).

The movie is an Indian Malayalam-language epic crime-thriller that spans the 1960s, ‘70s and 2000s. Based on the true life and crimes of fugitive Kurup, it is shot and scored like Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario; beautifully rich and desaturated colour grading accompanied by deep cello and plunging violin strings. After being introduced to the charming and playful larrikin signing up to India’s Airforce, Kurup slowly becomes constrained by his new surroundings; his burning ambition and rebellious nature forcing him to operate outside the law. Kurup undergoes a change in mood and becomes obsessed with finding anonymity and the freedom to achieve easy success, leading to the first of his long list of crimes.  

Like Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful 8, the story is told in a non-linear fashion with no stone left unturned. We flash back and forward, exploring singular events from multiple perspectives. Twists and turns abound at a comfortable pace due to the movie’s generous playtime. The strong cast play their rounded characters fully, none more so than Shine Tom Chacko as the chilling villain, Pilla.

Verdict: An enthralling crime epic covering a fascinating character in the vein of Villeneuve and David Fincher. 4 stars.

Viewed at Dendy Canberra.

• Luke McWilliams | themovieclub.net

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