Malayalam cinema has a unique knack for telling grounded, character-driven stories, and Ronth is a solid example of that. Written and directed by Shahi Kabir — the mind behind films like Joseph and Nayattu — Ronth (which translates to “Patrol”) explores the human side of two police officers through one long night on duty. After its theatrical run in June 2025, the film is all set to for a OTT release , in multiple languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada.
With a realistic approach to storytelling and minimal melodrama, Ronth relies on strong performances and authentic writing to bring the audience into the world of cops who must navigate both external threats and inner conflict.
About the Movie
Set over a single night, Ronth tells the story of veteran Sub-Inspector Yohannan (played by Dileesh Pothan) and rookie cop Dinanath (Roshan Mathew), who are out on a routine night patrol in Kerala. But this shift turns into anything but ordinary. As the two officers move from one situation to another — accidents, disturbances, moral grey zones — we slowly begin to understand who they are behind the badge.
While the senior officer seems jaded and practical, the young constable still believes in doing what’s right. Their perspectives often clash, creating quiet but powerful tension throughout the night. What makes Ronth stand out is its honest portrayal of the day-to-day struggles of policemen. Whether it's accepting a bribe to fix a broken jeep or dealing with internal guilt, the film doesn’t judge its characters. Instead, it shows their humanity.
The second half peels back deeper layers of both men, especially Yohannan’s character. We begin to see how experience, disillusionment, and the system itself shape the choices these officers make. As dawn breaks, the film leaves you with questions, thoughts, and a sense of melancholy — much like a night on patrol might.
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Audience Response & Reviews
Ronth has received positive feedback from viewers for its tight screenplay and realistic approach. Many have compared it to films like Nayattu and Action Hero Biju, though Ronth is more grounded and emotionally layered. The performances of Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew have been widely praised, especially for the chemistry and contrast between their characters.
The screenplay is episodic in structure but never loses momentum. Viewers appreciated how each scene, though seemingly standalone, builds up toward a cohesive and impactful ending. The conversations between the two leads reveal more about them than action ever could. The climax has divided opinions — some felt it was a bit rushed — but most agree it stays true to the film's tone.
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Director Shahi Kabir’s background as a former cop adds an extra layer of authenticity to the script. Small details — like how funds are managed for damaged police vehicles, or the unspoken rules of senior-junior relationships — come from a place of lived experience. It's these nuances that set Ronth apart from your usual police dramas.
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Ronth OTT Streaming Details
- OTT Platform: JioHotstar
- Streaming Date: July 22, 2025
- Languages: Malayalam (original), with dubs in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada
- Genre: Police Procedural / Crime Drama
- Director: Shahi Kabir
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a grounded, thought-provoking film with stellar performances, Ronth is worth your time. It's not just about crime or justice — it’s about people behind the uniform. With its authentic treatment and emotionally rich storytelling, Shahi Kabir once again proves that he's one of the finest voices in Malayalam cinema.
- OTT Weekly Releases: July 14-20 | July 7-13 | Other dates
