Ronth

 

Ronth is another solid film from the Malayalam industry. The word Ronth means "patrol," and the movie follows two police officers—one a seasoned veteran, the other a rookie—as they patrol the city over the course of a single night.

We often hear that the police patrol the streets at night to ensure our safety, but we rarely think about what they actually go through during those hours. This film gives us a realistic, grounded look at what a night on patrol can involve. I had no idea so much could happen in just one night. It really made me appreciate how important their presence is for keeping the peace.

The movie is directed by Shahi Kabir, who won a National Award for his screenplay for Nayattu. I learned that he actually served as a police officer before becoming a writer and director. That background clearly reflects in his work—his stories about police life feel honest, grounded, and human. Unlike the typical commercial portrayals where police officers are shown as larger-than-life heroes, Shahi shows them with their vulnerabilities, as real people. His attention to the little details stands out, and maybe that’s because he’s lived that life himself. I also liked his previous film Officer on Duty, which is streaming on Netflix.

It’s quite rare and refreshing to see a former police officer turn into a storyteller and bring such authenticity to the screen.

Ronth not only shows what actually happens during a police patrol, but also explores the personal struggles these officers face in their own lives. Despite everything they’re going through, they still show up and do their duty.

Dileesh, who plays the senior officer, completely inhabits the role. He doesn’t act the character—he lives it. Roshan Mathew, who plays the rookie, is a familiar face from earlier films and does a great job too.

The music is good, the editing is sharp, and the cinematography is excellent. Like most Malayalam films, it’s shot entirely on real locations, which adds to the realism.

With movies like Ronth, there’s not really a "story" in the conventional sense—it’s more about experiencing the lives of these two officers. So it’s best watched without expecting big twists or turns. That said, I didn’t really like the ending. It’s shocking, yes, but it didn’t quite sit well with me.

Still, Ronth is yet another gem from the Malayalam film industry.