Identity: Twists, Thrills & Tovino!

Identity: Twists, Thrills & Tovino! - My quick take on Malyalam movie “Identity” (Zee5)

The dynamic duo of Tovino Thomas and directors Akhil Paul & Anas Khan reunite after their successful Forensic, delivering yet another mind-bending thriller. Malayalam cinema has truly mastered the art of twist-filled storytelling—thank you, Drishyam, for setting the benchmark! Identity hooks you with exemplary cinematography and a plot that unfolds masterfully, keeping you guessing at every turn. Tovino is in top form yet again, while Trisha looks ravishing in a sedate yet impactful role.

A special shoutout to the writing team for the creative use of the word identity throughout the plot—be it the identity of characters, the identity of the murderer, or even the identity of complex medical conditions. Take a bow! The way a very intricate medical condition is simplified for a layperson’s understanding is commendable.

However, the action sequences lean into Marco and Rifle Club territory, feeling a bit too ‘filmy’ for an otherwise sharp thriller. And while the first half sprints ahead with gripping twists, the momentum dips after the villain’s reveal, meandering longer than necessary—a tighter edit could have made it even sharper.

Identity is available in all South Indian languages on OTT, but surprisingly, they missed out on Hindi. That said, the subtitle quality is good enough to keep you hooked.

With its relentless twists, sharp writing, and stylish execution, Identity remains a binge-worthy ride. Available on Zee5—watch it, but don’t blink, or you might miss a twist!