Dridam Review: Shane Nigam’s Thriller Finds Its Strength in the Final Act

After its theatrical release earlier this year, Dridam has now made its way to OTT platforms, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the Malayalam mystery thriller. Directed by Martin Joseph Tharakunnel, the film stars Shane Nigam in the lead role and attempts to blend crime investigation, suspense and psychological tension into a gripping narrative.

While the film delivers a rewarding climax, its predictable storytelling and uneven execution prevent it from reaching the heights expected from a compelling mystery thriller.

Movie Details

Film: Dridam
Genre: Crime Thriller / Mystery
Director: Martin Joseph Tharakunnel
Cast: Shane Nigam, Shobi Thilakan, Nandan Unni, Dinesh Prabhakar, Kottayam Ramesh, Saniya Fathima, Krishna Prabha
Writers: Jomon John, Linto Devasia
Streaming Platform: JioHotstar
Indya Story Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Story Overview

The film follows Vijay Radhakrishnan, a newly appointed police officer who arrives at a seemingly peaceful station located in a scenic hill region.

Initially, the posting appears routine, with only minor disputes among local residents disturbing the area’s tranquility. However, circumstances change dramatically when a series of disturbing crimes begins to unfold.

As criminal activity escalates and pressure mounts from senior authorities, Vijay finds himself racing against time to uncover the truth behind multiple interconnected incidents before the situation spirals further out of control.

What Works in Dridam

A Climax That Delivers

The strongest aspect of Dridam is undoubtedly its climax.

Despite the film’s uneven build-up, the final act introduces revelations that successfully elevate the overall narrative. The concluding twist is handled effectively and manages to surprise viewers who may have expected a more conventional resolution.

For mystery-thriller enthusiasts, the payoff in the closing moments offers enough intrigue to justify staying invested through the slower portions of the film.

Shane Nigam’s Earnest Performance

Shane Nigam brings sincerity to the role of Vijay Radhakrishnan.

His portrayal captures the uncertainty and inexperience of a young officer thrust into a challenging situation. Through subtle body language and restrained expressions, he effectively communicates the character’s vulnerability and determination.

Several supporting actors also contribute respectable performances that help maintain the film’s atmosphere.

What Doesn’t Work

Familiar Storytelling Tropes

One of the biggest issues with Dridam is its reliance on familiar genre conventions.

The film frequently falls back on well-worn thriller formulas, making several developments feel predictable. As a result, much of the suspense loses its impact before the climax arrives.

Inconsistent Screenplay

The narrative struggles to maintain momentum throughout its runtime.

Several sequences feel unnecessarily prolonged, slowing the pace and reducing the urgency that a crime thriller typically requires. The screenplay often takes detours that add little to character development or plot progression.

Weak Character Writing

Many characters remain underdeveloped, making it difficult for audiences to emotionally connect with their journeys.

The dialogue also lacks depth in key moments, with several conversations feeling repetitive and overly stretched.

Limited Technical Impact

From cinematography to background score, the technical aspects of the film are serviceable but rarely memorable. While they support the story adequately, they do not significantly enhance the overall viewing experience.

Performance Review

Shane Nigam

Shane Nigam emerges as the film’s primary strength.

Even when the screenplay falters, he remains committed to the role and succeeds in portraying a believable young officer dealing with increasingly complex circumstances.

Supporting Cast

The supporting ensemble delivers competent performances, though few characters are given enough depth to leave a lasting impression.

While the cast performs their respective roles effectively, the script does not provide standout moments that allow them to fully shine.

Final Verdict

Dridam is a thriller with an interesting payoff but an inconsistent journey.

The film succeeds in creating curiosity surrounding its central mystery and rewards patient viewers with a satisfying climax. However, its predictable narrative structure, underdeveloped characters and sluggish pacing prevent it from becoming a truly memorable crime thriller.

For viewers who enjoy investigative dramas and don’t mind a slow build-up, Dridam may still be worth a watch on OTT. Those looking for a highly original or tightly crafted thriller, however, may find the experience somewhat underwhelming.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Watch if: You enjoy slow-burn crime mysteries with twist endings.
Skip if: You’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with innovative storytelling and strong character depth.

Why Dridam Is Trending on OTT

Since arriving on streaming platforms, Dridam has attracted attention from viewers who missed its theatrical run. Shane Nigam’s presence, combined with the film’s mystery-driven premise, has helped it gain visibility among Malayalam cinema fans.

While opinions remain divided, many viewers agree that the film’s final reveal remains its most compelling feature.