Abraham Ozler is a Malayalam crime thriller released in 2024. It was directed and co-produced by Midhun Manuel Thomas. The script was written by Randheer Krishnan. The movie features Jayaram in the lead role. Supporting actors include Mammootty, Anaswara Rajan, Arjun Ashokan, Saiju Kurup, and others. The story revolves around ACP Abraham Ozler investigating a serial killer. The murderer, called the "Birthday Killer," leaves cryptic clues at each crime scene.

The film was officially announced on May 19, 2023. Shooting began a day later, on May 20, 2023. The production team chose multiple locations for filming. These included Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Idukki, and Wayanad. Principal photography wrapped up on November 14, 2023. The music for the film was composed by Midhun Mukundan. Theni Eswar handled cinematography, while Shameer Muhammed managed the editing.

The movie was initially scheduled for release on December 25, 2023. However, the release was postponed to January 11, 2024. Critics had mixed opinions about the film. They praised the performances, direction, music, and cinematography. The script, however, received criticism. It became the highest-earning film of Jayaram’s career.

Plot Overview

The story begins with a tragedy in ACP Abraham Ozler's life. A fake police call lures him away from home. During this time, his wife Aneesha and daughter Jenny are brutally murdered. Vineeth, the killer, seeks revenge for a past arrest. He admits to the gruesome crime. He claims to have dismembered the bodies and buried them in a forest. However, due to heavy drug use, he cannot remember the exact location. Ozler is devastated. The absence of closure haunts him deeply.

Three years later, Ozler is still dealing with the trauma. He suffers from insomnia and hallucinations. Despite this, he investigates a series of murders. He works closely with SI Divya Sreedharan and Sijo T. Venu. The murders are connected to the "Birthday Killer." Two suspects emerge. One drives a pickup truck, while the other poses as a surgeon. Clues lead to Krishnadas, a former child singer. Krishnadas lost his voice due to a botched surgery.

Ozler uncovers a dark history tied to the victims’ parents. Shivakumar, Selvaraj, Xavi Punnoose, and Alexander Joseph were friends in medical college in 1989. They were involved in an accident, after which they drifted apart. As the investigation progresses, Krishnadas is captured. He is caught while attempting to kidnap Alexander. Meanwhile, Xavi is abducted.

The truth about the past begins to surface. Alexander was a brilliant medical student. Xavi, jealous of his skills, sabotaged him. Shivakumar despised Alexander for dating Suja Jayadev, a student he admired. Selvaraj, a drug addict, was exposed by Alexander and dismissed from college. The trio conspired against Alexander, leading to his suspension. They orchestrated an attack, leaving him in a coma. Suja, heartbroken over Alexander's condition, took her own life.

Years later, Alexander regained his memory. A TV program featuring Krishnadas triggered his recollections. Together, they planned their revenge. The murders were a calculated act to punish those who wronged them.

In the present, Xavi shows no remorse when confronted. A surprising twist occurs at his autobiography launch. Xavi collapses and dies. Forensic evidence reveals that Alexander had poisoned him. Meanwhile, Shivakumar is found dead in his car. Selvaraj’s life spirals downward as his wife leaves him.

Ozler’s journey doesn’t end here. On a visit to Vineeth in prison, he encounters Alexander. Alexander cryptically mentions “Bone Residue.” This suggests unresolved truths about Ozler’s family. Ozler realizes the weapon used in the murder lacked evidence of bone residue. Vineeth challenges him to uncover the real story.

Director: Midhun Manuel Thomas

Writer: Randheer Krishnan

Starring: Jayaram, Jagadish, Senthil Krishna

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10