Watch Grandmaster

Grandmaster is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language thriller film directed by B. Unnikrishnan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala for UTV Motion Pictures. The film stars Mohanlal in the lead role, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Priyamani, Narain, Anoop Menon, Babu Antony, and Roma Asrani among others. With its gripping narrative and stylized execution, Grandmaster weaves an intricate tale of suspense, crime, and redemption.

Set in the metropolitan cityscape of Kochi, the story revolves around Chandrasekhar, played by Mohanlal, who is an esteemed officer of the Indian Police Service. Once a vigorous and top-notch detective specializing in solving complex criminal cases, Chandrasekhar has now been assigned as the head of the newly formed Metro Crime Stopper Cell, a desk job far from the excitement of field investigations. The transformation from a dynamic field officer to a cubicle-bound strategist has left him emotionally distant, grappling with personal issues, including a strained relationship with his estranged wife Deepthi, portrayed by Priyamani, who herself is a respectable legal professional.

The monotony of Chandrasekhar’s career is shattered when a cruel sequence of events rattles the city. A series of seemingly unconnected murders, all of them with a peculiar signature left by the killer, sets off a manhunt that revitalizes Chandrasekhar’s dormant investigative instincts. As he delves deeper into the case, Chandrasekhar starts to discern a pattern that the killer is basing the murders on the game of chess, with each move calculated to taunt and challenge the police force.

What ensues is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where Chandrasekhar must not only match wits with a cunning adversary, but also confront the demons of his past. The murders prove to be personal, and the stakes rise as the killer begins to strike closer to home, making the chase deeply personal for Chandrasekhar. His dedication to the job and his uncanny detective instincts serve as both a boon and a bane in his life.

The title “Grandmaster” is a reference to the highest title a chess player can achieve and serves as a metaphor for the masterful criminal mind that Chandrasekhar is trying to apprehend. This title also echoes Chandrasekhar’s own mastery in the art of detection and strategy, emphasizing the cerebral nature of the dual unfolding within the narrative.

Director B. Unnikrishnan's movie is as much a psychological thriller as it is a crime story. Through the film, there is a vivid exploration of the human psyche, both of the hunter and the hunted. The thoughtful editing and tight pacing keep the audience on edge, while the moody cinematography reinforces the film's brooding atmosphere. Complementing the visuals is a haunting background score by Deepak Dev that elevates the suspense and provides an immersive experience for viewers.

Mohanlal's performance as Chandrasekhar is central to Grandmaster’s appeal, as he expertly portrays a man who is intelligent, resourceful, and flawed. His nuanced act captures the essence of a seasoned officer weighed down by his past but invigorated by the thrill of the chase. Priyamani's portrayal of Deepthi contributes layers to the narrative, adding emotional depth and complexity to the film. The dynamic between Chandrasekhar and Deepthi is not just about their professional rivalry but also their personal reconciliation.

Supporting cast members also deliver strong performances, from Narain’s portrayal of a junior officer learning from Chandrasekhar’s experience, to Babu Antony's appearance that adds another dimension to the story's intrigue. Each character serves to enrich the narrative tapestry, providing pieces to the puzzle that Chandrasekhar must solve.

Grandmaster also broaches themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the ability of individuals to change their fate. The film’s masterful blend of thrilling action, complex characters, and a well-constructed plot ensures that it stands out in the genre of crime thrillers. Engaging for both fans of the genre and new viewers alike, it keeps the audience guessing until the end, proving to be an intelligent entertainment package.

As a testament to its success, Grandmaster was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences upon release. Its fusion of raw emotion with unyielding suspense makes it a captivating watch. The film remains a well-crafted offering in Malayalam cinema, showcasing the prowess of one of its most celebrated actors, Mohanlal, and a well-knitted cinematic experience from the director B. Unnikrishnan.