Forensic (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Forensic is a 2020 crime thriller directed by Anas Khan and Akhil Paul, starring Saiju Kurup as Xavier John Kattokkaran, Mamta Mohandas and Tovino Thomas. It runs 2 hours 14 minutes and earned $269,095 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 63/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 14m (134 min)
- Directors
- Anas Khan and Akhil Paul
- Original language
-
Malayalam
- Studio
- Juvis Production
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Forensic About?
The premise of Forensic without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A forensic analyst and an investigating officer team up to pursue a brutal serial killer while attempting to solve one of the most well-known cold cases within their departments. Their investigation delves into a disturbing series of crimes, demanding precision and expertise to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Forensic Cast & Characters
Saiju Kurup leads the cast as Xavier John Kattokkaran, with Mamta Mohandas as Rithika Xavier and Tovino Thomas as Samuel John Kattookkaran. Directed by Anas Khan and Akhil Paul; 21 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Anas Khan
- Co-director Akhil Paul
- Saiju Kurup as Xavier John Kattokkaran
- Mamta Mohandas as Rithika Xavier
- Tovino Thomas as Samuel John Kattookkaran
- Mohan Sharma as John Kattookkaran
Also Starring in Forensic
· 17 more- Prathap Pothan Dr. Jayakumar Menon
- Anil Murali Kurian
- Giju John Dr. Alphonse Kurian
- Renji Panicker Abdul Wahab
- Devi Ajith Burma Colony Victim's Mother
- Rajesh Hebbar Burma Colony Victim's Father
- Dhanesh Anand Ubaid Ahmed
- Reba Monica John Shikha Damodar
- Anjali Aneesh Upasana Malavika's Mother
- Srikant Murali SP Isaac
- Rony David Raj ACP Dano Mammen
- Balaji Sarma Dr. Jayan Krishna
- Ramu Rajeev Madhavan, Commissioner of Police
- Lukman Avaran Vinod
- Anwar Shereef C.I Murali Mohankumar
- Thennal Abhilash Malavika Das
Show all 21 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Lali P M Mother
More from Anas Khan and Akhil Paul
One more film directed by Anas Khan and Akhil Paul: Identity.
Forensic Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in sensory experience (78) and weakest in story & flow (48).
Forensic Echo Score Breakdown
Forensic delivers a solid sensory experience anchored by a compelling background score and striking visual moments, while its narrative structure falters in the latter half. Reviewers consistently praised the music and occasional cinematographic flair, yet highlighted plot inconsistencies and pacing issues that dilute tension. Performances by the leads are generally commendable, though supporting roles feel underutilized. The film offers enough intrigue to merit a viewing for thriller enthusiasts, but mixed execution across key elements results in an overall moderate reception.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 62
The film’s visual and technical craftsmanship shows variability, with moments of strong cinematography and crisp editing juxtaposed against a generally mediocre aesthetic. Critics noted that the opening sequences exhibit effective camera work, while the second half suffers from clichéd set‑pieces and uninspired stunt choreography. Production design aligns with genre expectations but lacks distinctive flair. Consequently, the artistic execution is uneven, delivering occasional highlights amid broader stylistic shortcomings.
- Character & Emotion 68
Acting performances form a relative strength, especially the leads whose portrayals anchor the investigative narrative. Reviewers complimented the chemistry between the protagonists and highlighted nuanced moments in the first half. However, supporting characters receive limited development, and occasional unevenness in delivery reduces overall emotional impact. The character work succeeds in establishing a credible central partnership, though peripheral roles remain under‑utilized, tempering the film’s emotional resonance.
- Story & Flow 48
Narrative cohesion deteriorates after the initial setup, with critics pointing to plot loopholes, unrealistic motivations, and a convoluted second half. While the premise and early twists generate intrigue, pacing slows and the climax offers only an average resolution. The screenplay attempts to balance forensic detail with thriller elements, yet inconsistencies in logic and a rushed denouement undermine sustained engagement. Overall, the story provides a promising framework that is weakened by uneven execution.
- Sensory Experience 78
The auditory landscape and visual style emerge as the film’s most consistent assets. Reviewers highlighted an effective, sometimes jarring, background score that heightens tension, along with vivid color palettes and dynamic camera movement that enhance mood. Sound design complements action sequences, and occasional visual flourishes elevate key investigative moments. Despite minor irregularities, the sensory components collectively reinforce the thriller atmosphere, delivering a compelling experience that stands out within the genre.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Rewatch potential is moderate, with the film offering initial intrigue and a strong first half that may reward repeat viewings for genre aficionados. Nonetheless, narrative inconsistencies and a less satisfying latter half reduce the incentive for multiple screenings. The engaging sensory elements and occasional plot twists provide some replay value, yet the overall unevenness limits lasting appeal. Consequently, the film remains a one‑time or occasional revisit rather than a definitive repeatable experience.
Forensic Plot Summary
What happens in Forensic from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
A disturbing pattern of child-killer murders unfolds in Thiruvananthapuram, drawing attention to a hidden psychology thatavoids easy explanations. In a chilling prologue, a young boy is shown vandalizing the remnants of slaughtered animals, an act that his father harshly disciplines, setting the stage for a fractured family history that will surface years later. As the boy grows, the story turns toward a calculated killer who moves with unsettling ease through spaces designed for children, all while leaving investigators with few motives and more questions. The investigation lands in the hands of Rithika Xavier [Mamta Mohandas], an ACP who relentlessly pursues a serial pattern even when the trail grows murky.
Full summary
The whole story of Forensic, scene by scene
Forensic Box Office
Forensic grossed $269,095 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$269.1K
- International
- $269.1K
How Well Do You Know Forensic?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which city do the child-killer murders take place in the movie?
Forensic Also Known As
5 alternative titles, including “கடைசி நொடிகள்” and “Kadaisi Nodigal”.
- Also known as
-
- கடைசி நொடிகள்
- Kadaisi Nodigal
- 法醫追兇
- Судмедэксперт
- 法医追凶
Seen Forensic?
Forensic FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Forensic, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Forensic?
Forensic runs 2 hours 14 minutes (134 minutes).
When was Forensic released?
Forensic was released on February 28, 2020.
Who directed Forensic?
Forensic was directed by Anas Khan and Akhil Paul.
More films by Anas Khan Who is in the cast of Forensic?
Forensic stars Saiju Kurup as Xavier John Kattokkaran, Mamta Mohandas as Rithika Xavier and Tovino Thomas as Samuel John Kattookkaran, among 21 credited actors.
How much did Forensic make at the box office?
Forensic grossed $269,095 worldwide.
Does Forensic have a post-credit scene?
No. Forensic has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Forensic in?
The original language of Forensic is Malayalam.
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