Name: Dridam
Director: Martin Joseph Tharakunnel
Cast: Shane Nigam, Shobi Thilakan, Nandan Unni, Dinesh Prabhakar, Kottayam Ramesh, Saniya Fathima, Krishna Prabha
Writers: Jomon John, Linto Devasia
Rating: 2/5
Dridam, featuring Shane Nigam in the lead role, hit theatres on May 8, 2026, and has now made its way to OTT platforms. Directed by Martin Joseph Tharakunnel, the film attempts to blend mystery and suspense but struggles to maintain momentum for much of its runtime.
The Story
The film revolves around Vijay Radhakrishnan, a newly appointed police officer who is posted to a quiet hill station known for its peaceful atmosphere and lack of major criminal activity. What initially appears to be a comfortable assignment soon turns into a nightmare when a series of disturbing crimes begin surfacing in the region.
As lawlessness spreads and pressure mounts from all directions, Vijay finds himself racing against time to uncover the truth and restore order before the situation spirals further out of control.
What Works
Although the film takes a while to find its footing, it manages to deliver a rewarding payoff in its closing moments. The climax stands out as the strongest aspect of the narrative, offering a twist that remains largely unpredictable until it unfolds.
Shane Nigam brings sincerity to his role and convincingly portrays a young officer learning to navigate the challenges of the job. His performance adds credibility to the character, while several supporting actors contribute adequately to the proceedings.
What Doesn’t Work
The biggest issue with Dridam is its inconsistent storytelling. The narrative often feels uneven and lacks the tension required to keep viewers fully invested. While the ending provides some redemption, the journey leading there is weighed down by familiar tropes and predictable situations.
The dialogue is another weak point. Several scenes feel unnecessarily stretched, slowing down the pace and making certain portions difficult to stay engaged with. Character development is also limited, leaving most of the supporting cast without memorable arcs or emotional depth.
From a technical standpoint, the film offers little that stands out. Neither the visuals nor the overall presentation leave a lasting impression.
Performances
Shane Nigam delivers a committed performance and does his best to elevate the material. He effectively captures the innocence and inexperience of a rookie officer, though the screenplay often prevents the character from reaching his full potential.
The rest of the ensemble cast provides competent support, but no individual performance truly rises above the material to leave a significant mark.
Final Verdict
Dridam is a watchable thriller that benefits greatly from its final act. However, the lack of originality, uneven pacing, weak dialogue, and underdeveloped characters prevent it from becoming a compelling mystery drama. While casual viewers may find enough intrigue to stay invested until the end, the film falls short of delivering the freshness and excitement expected from the genre.
