ഇനി എത്ര ദൂരം

 

RONTH: INTERPLAY OF POWER AND POWERLESSNESS

     We made rules to balance the system and if the system itself malfunctions and overpowers rules, we may have to stand jaw-dropped, being helpless and victimised. The Malayalam movie Ronth (2025), written and directed by Shahi Kabir, reflects the silent struggles of the personal and professional life of police officers in general and two police officers in specific. Unlike the usual action, thrill and heroic aura packed plots, this movie brings out the slow-burning human stories blending subjectivities and objectivities of being law enforcers compressing the dilemmas of night patrolling into a single night of duty. The film encourages viewers to reform their perspectives and views on justice, power and being a part the system unable to question back.

    The central contest of the movie is the opposing ethics of its two protagonists: Sub-Inspector Yohannan, played with such a brilliance by Dileesh Pothan, and Civil Police Officer Dinanath, performed by Roshan Mathew. Yohannan, fatigued and disenchanted by years of service, embodies a man who lost faith and trust in the corrupted system. Dinanath, in contrast, portrays a younger, idealistic voice—that still believes in justice, compassion and system. Their night policing slowly becomes a philosophical drive, where occurrence—whether a chit chat, a problematic scenario, a rhythmic silence, or even a glance at each other—adds next layer of meaning to the conflict between innocence and experience.

    The movie showcases, on one hand, the police force is shouldered to maintain the law, to handle authority, and to ensure safety of the civilians. On the other, officers are mere individuals—susceptible, confused, and often powerless against the heaviness of the rotten system. In this sense, Ronth becomes not merely a film about police officers but about the human condition itself, especially when caught between survival and morality.

    The script is minimal and the writer hasn’t relied on bombastic dialogues or dramatic circumstances to drive the narrative forward. Instead, the writing thrives on silence, pauses, and subtle expressions. The conversations between the officers feel spontaneous, yet they carrying immense weight down the surface. The brave decision to build the entire story within the span of a single night is particularly effective, as it heightens claustrophobic atmosphere and deepens the emotional weariness of the characters.

    Acting is the sure shot which took the movie to the heights. Dileesh Pothan’s Yohannan is a masterclass in restraint, as he embodies a man who has silently surrendered to the compromises of the system. Roshan Mathew, in contrast, breathes freshness and conviction into his role, his youthful sincerity offering a stark counterpoint to his senior’s cynicism. Together, they represent not only two generations of police officers but also two conflicting philosophies of life—one shaped by bitter experience and the other by unyielding belief.

    However, the film had its own challenges too. Its thoughtful pacing and lack of conventional entertainment elements may test the patience of viewers who seek a typical action packed police thriller. Moreover, the abrupt and unsettled ending may feel worrying, leaving the audience with a sense of incompleteness. Yet, these are not flaws in the traditional sense; rather, they are conscious artistic choices designed to reflect the unfinished struggles and unanswered questions that define the reality of policing and even our lives too.

    As a social document, Ronth is pregnant with a strong message as it compels the viewers to vision beyond the uniform and recognize the human being inside it. This film shatters the binary representation of police officers in the mainstream expressions as corrupt figures misusing their power or as heroes enforcing the law, in turn presents them as ordinary individuals got caught in a labyrinth of work pressures, moral upheavals, and failures of the system itself. By doing so, it widens the debate on justice, law and order to address the mental and emotional topsy-turvy state of those who are expected to protect it.

    In conclusion, Ronth emerges as a rare film that goes beyond the boundaries of conventional police dramas. It does not attempt to glorify the police force or demonize it, but instead places its characters in the fragile space between duty and humanity. The film’s refusal to give easy answers is its greatest strength, for it mirrors the ambiguity and incompleteness of real life. Ultimately, the film’s impact lies in its quiet intensity and its insistence on realism. By combining strong performances, a tightly written script, and an uncompromising vision, Ronth proves that Malayalam cinema continues to lead the way in producing thought-provoking works that challenge societal norms. It is a film that stays with the viewer, lingering like an echo, urging us to think not just about the characters on screen but also about the systems and struggles that shape our collective existence.

     Nasila Jasmin

      Assistant Professor of English

     Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Keezhattur, Perinthalmanna.