The Malayalam web series Kerala Crime Files is back with its second season, The Search for CPO Ambili Raju, streaming on JioHotstar from June 20, 2025. Directed by Ahammed Khabeer and written by Bahul Ramesh, this crime thriller dives into a twisty new case with a fresh cast and a bolder vibe. After a solid first season in 2023, does Season 2 deliver? Spoiler: it’s a big step up and a binge-worthy treat for crime drama fans. Here’s the lowdown in a natural, no-frills take.
The Plot: A Missing Cop and a Tangled Mystery
Set in Thiruvananthapuram’s Kaniyarvila police station, Season 2 throws us into a mess: 12 officers are suspended for shady ties to criminals, and one, CPO Ambili Raju (Indrans), has gone missing. A blood-stained phone in a drainage ditch sparks a tense investigation led by rookie SI Noble (Arjun Radhakrishnan), with returning cops SI Manoj (Aju Varghese) and CI Kurian (Lal) backing him up. What starts as a search for Ambili unravels into a web of corruption, betrayal, and secrets that stretch beyond Kerala.
Unlike Season 1’s straightforward murder case, this one juggles multiple threads—think cryptic burial sites and severed fingers in dumps—keeping you hooked with clever reveals. The trailer promised a “shadowy game behind closed doors,” and the show delivers a gritty, psychological ride.
What Works: Sharper, Grittier, and Packed with Heart
Season 2 takes everything good about the first season and cranks it up. The writing, by Bahul Ramesh (fresh off Kishkindha Kaandam), is tight and layered, trusting you to piece things together. The non-linear storytelling and cliffhangers make each 30-minute episode fly by, begging you to hit “next.” No scene feels wasted, and the pacing keeps you on edge.
The cast is a knockout. Arjun Radhakrishnan owns SI Noble, blending rookie nerves with quiet grit. Indrans, as Ambili Raju, brings a haunting depth to his limited screen time, while Harisree Ashokan surprises in a gruff, serious role far from his usual comedic gigs. Aju Varghese and Lal, as Manoj and Kurian, evolve nicely—Manoj’s calmer, more seasoned, and Kurian’s still the sharp, media-savvy boss. The ensemble, including Noorin Shereef, Shibla Fara, and Jeo Baby, rounds out the story with real heft.
Jithin Stanislaus’s cinematography nails Kerala’s moody vibe, from rural stations to sketchy urban corners. Hesham Abdul Wahab’s score adds a chilling edge, and Mahesh Bhuvanend’s editing keeps things crisp. A standout is the emotional thread of Ambili’s bond with a police dog—it’s sweet, human, and never feels forced.
What Doesn’t: Small Speed Bumps
It’s not perfect. The first couple of episodes take a minute to find their groove, starting slower than the rest of the season. Director Ahammed Khabeer has said they focused more on the case than the cops’ personal lives, which might bum out fans who loved Season 1’s character moments. A few plot bits, like a quirky stray dog theory, feel a tad out there, and the finale, while solid, could’ve gone bigger with a classic Malayalam thriller twist.
Why It Shines
Kerala Crime Files Season 2 nails the balance of grit and heart. It skips cheap thrills for a real look at police work—flawed systems, tough choices, and all. Using tools like Google Maps and actual investigative tactics makes it feel grounded, while emotional beats, like Ambili’s ties to his “bad guys” team, hit you right in the feels. It’s not just about solving the case; it’s about trust and loyalty in a messy world.
Final Verdict: A Binge You Won’t Regret
Kerala Crime Files Season 2 is a bold, gripping leap forward for Malayalam web series. It’s darker, smarter, and more ambitious than Season 1, with a killer cast and a story that keeps you glued. A few slow patches don’t derail the ride. If you’re into crime dramas that respect your brain and tug at your heart, this is your weekend plan. Indrans, Arjun, and Harisree Ashokan make it a must-watch.
Rating: 4/5 Stars