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Crime thriller

Forensic (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Forensic (2020) movie poster

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.

worldwide gross
$269.1K
Echo Score
63
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Forensic (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 14m (134 min)
Directors
Anas Khan and Akhil Paul
Genres
Crime , Thriller
Original language
Malayalam
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Forensic

· 17 more
Show all 21 cast members
From the directors

More from Anas Khan and Akhil Paul

One more film directed by Anas Khan and Akhil Paul: Identity.

Ratings

Forensic Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in sensory experience (78) and weakest in story & flow (48).

63 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Forensic Box Office

Forensic grossed $269,095 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$269.1K

International
$269.1K
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In which city do the child-killer murders take place in the movie?

Details

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?

FAQ

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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