Read the full review of Salute (2022), a Malayalam crime thriller starring Dulquer Salmaan. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews and streaming on SonyLIV, this police procedural explores justice, guilt, and integrity within the force.
Introduction: Dulquer Salmaan in a New Avatar
Salute is a 2022 Malayalam-language crime thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews and written by the acclaimed duo Bobby-Sanjay. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan under his banner Wayfarer Films, the movie marks a departure from Dulquer’s romantic and dramatic roles, placing him squarely in the gritty shoes of a conflicted cop. Released directly on SonyLIV on March 17, 2022, Salute offers a grounded and slow-burn investigation drama that stands apart from commercial cop thrillers.
With sharp writing, tight visuals, and a performance-driven narrative, the film attempts to explore the inner battles of a police officer caught between duty and conscience.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Dulquer Salmaan plays Sub Inspector Aravind Karunakaran, a sincere officer whose conscience begins to trouble him after a grave miscarriage of justice. During an early investigation, Aravind and his team, led by his elder brother and senior officer DySP Ajith Karunakaran (played by Manoj K. Jayan), frame an innocent man for a high-profile murder case due to mounting pressure and lack of leads.
Years later, guilt consumes Aravind. After voluntarily taking a break from the force, he returns—not to protect, but to expose. Driven by remorse and a need for redemption, Aravind reopens the case unofficially to hunt down the real killer, even if it means going against the police department.
Performances: Dulquer’s Subtle Intensity
- Dulquer Salmaan delivers one of his most restrained yet powerful performances. As Aravind, he internalizes guilt and frustration without melodrama. His character arc from passive compliance to active defiance is believable and well-paced.
- Manoj K. Jayan is excellent as Ajith, the embodiment of system loyalty and professional pride. His contrasting ideology with Aravind forms the film’s emotional and moral conflict.
- Diana Penty, in her Malayalam debut, has limited screen time but holds her own as Aravind’s romantic interest and moral anchor.
- Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Saniya Iyappan play supporting roles that flesh out the narrative’s emotional texture, though they aren’t central to the thriller aspects.
Direction & Screenplay: A Fresh Take on the Cop Genre
Rosshan Andrrews, known for his stylish direction in films like Mumbai Police and Kayamkulam Kochunni, crafts Salute with a realistic tone and deliberate pacing. This isn’t a high-octane action thriller with shootouts and punch dialogues—it’s a cerebral cop drama about institutional failure and ethical reckoning.
Bobby-Sanjay’s screenplay avoids sensationalism and instead builds tension through layers of bureaucracy, cover-ups, and personal guilt. The nonlinear narrative—switching between past and present—adds a compelling rhythm to Aravind’s journey.
Technical Aspects: Visually Grounded & Tightly Edited
- Cinematography by Aslam K. Purayil is grounded and functional, enhancing realism rather than visual spectacle. Urban backdrops, interrogation rooms, and quiet highways are shot with subtlety and purpose.
- Editing by A. Sreekar Prasad keeps the 143-minute runtime engaging. The flashbacks are integrated seamlessly, and the slow-burn narrative is never allowed to become dull.
- Background Score by Jakes Bejoy supports the thriller’s brooding tone. While not overly memorable, the score complements the film’s mood, especially in moments of silent tension.
Themes & Depth: Justice vs. Loyalty
At its core, Salute is a meditation on conscience, guilt, and the price of institutional loyalty. The film highlights how police departments sometimes prioritize closure over justice and how the system often shields itself from accountability.
Unlike glorified cop dramas, Salute shows a fallible protagonist who owns up to his past mistakes. Aravind is not out for revenge or redemption in the traditional sense—he simply wants to do what’s right, even if it comes at great personal cost.
What Works
- Dulquer Salmaan’s mature performance
- A realistic take on police investigations
- Sharp writing by Bobby-Sanjay
- Minimalist yet effective direction
- The moral dilemmas and character-driven narrative
What Could Have Been Better
- Pacing may feel slow for mainstream audiences
- Limited screen time for supporting female characters
- The climax, while satisfying, avoids sensationalism, which may not appeal to all viewers
Audience Reaction & Critical Reception
Upon release, Salute received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike for its grounded storytelling and nuanced approach to the cop genre. Dulquer’s performance was widely praised, along with the film’s writing and moral core.
However, some viewers expecting a commercial thriller with traditional action sequences and mass moments found the film underwhelming.
Final Verdict
Salute is a mature, well-crafted crime thriller that emphasizes ethics over heroics. It’s a slow-burn narrative that avoids flashy sequences for a more realistic portrayal of police work. Dulquer Salmaan shines in this subdued role, proving his range once again. For fans of thoughtful crime dramas and character-driven narratives, Salute is a must-watch.
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 8/10