Kerala Crime Files 2: A Solid Upgrade To Season 1? Indrans, Harisree Ashokan Outshine The Crime Saga

The highly anticipated sequel to Kerala Crime Files, titled The Search for CPO Ambili Raju, has finally arrived on OTT. The second season was released on June 20, 2025, and reviews are pouring in, with early impressions mostly positive. Starring actors Arjun Radhakrishnan, Harisree Ashokan, Aju Varghese, Laal and Indrans, the crime thriller is earning positive reviews across social media platforms for its gripping storytelling and impressive performances. 

About the plot of Kerala Crime Files 2

Kerala Crime Files 2: The Search for CPO Ambili Raju is the second season of the Malayalam crime thriller that dives into a fresh round of mystery, shaking the Kerala police force. The story, set in Thiruvanthapuram, revolves around the sudden and unexplained disappearance of a civil police officer, Ambili Raju (played by Indrans). 

While Season 1 explored a murder mystery, the sequel takes a more emotionally grounded approach to focus on the inner workings of the police force. The latest instalment to the series delves into police investigations and the personal bonds between the officers involved in it. 'Senior Inspector Noble' (played by Arjun Radhakrishnan) is the rookie officer who leads the investigation. AI Noble and his team work through the puzzle, and a trail of mystery gradually unfolds.

Kerala Crimes Files 2 X reviews

Audiences and critics have taken to social media to express their opinions about the layered portrayal of characters and the slow suspense build-up in Season 2. Viewers are calling this compact six-episode season a ‘solid upgrade’ to Season 1, especially given the depth and complexity of the characters played by Indrans and Harisree Ashokan. Arjun Radhakrishnan’s portrayal of the young, earnest investigator has also resonated with fans for its authenticity and restraint.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), users have been praising the impressive performance of the ensemble cast, along with the screenplay and visuals of Bahul Ramesh. One user wrote, “#KeralaCrimeFilesSeason2 – VERY GOOD ONE. 6 Episodes with Very Good Making & Writing. Performances from Each Cast were So Good. Ending Was a Cliché-Breaking One, But IMO should Specify More About The Incident & Felt Like They Left it Without Completing It. TOTALLY GOOD 3.8/5.” Another tweet highlighted the performances of Indrans and Harisree Ashokan and wrote:

“#KeralaCrimeFilesSeason2 is a solid upgrade on all aspects with an effectively poignant core. Bahul Ramesh's screenplay and visuals after the banger Kishkindha Kaandam! While Arjun Radhakrishnan was impressive as always, it was Indrans & Harisree Ashokan who stole the show!”

While most feedback has been glowing, some users left mixed reviews for the latest season, claiming that despite the stellar acting, the storyline of Season 2 fizzled down towards the end. Some also noted that the climax felt slightly rushed or incomplete, but again, it overshadows the overall quality of the show. One user review read:

“#KeralaCrimeFilesSeason2 starts with a spark, but that fire slowly fades by the end. Technically, it sounds better than S1. Performances were fine & the short runtime makes it quick binge material. Overall a watchable one, somewhere btw abv avg & decent. #keralacrimefiles”

What are the critics saying?

Kerala Crime Files 2 has been received well by critics. Contrary to the first season, which involved the investigation of a sex worker’s murder, critics praised the second season for its ambitious and grounded plot as the team investigates the mysterious disappearance of CPO Ambili Raju. 

The Times of India praised the sequel to the cop thriller as a ‘must-watch’, citing the overall direction of Ahammed Khabeer, cinematography and background score. The Hindu has praised the season for trading a ‘fresh path’, with the plot moving at an engaging pace where there’s ‘always the possibility of something more’. As of now, Kerala Crime Files 2 stands at an IMDb rating of 7.2 stars out of 10.

Final verdict

Overall, Kerala Crime Files Season 2 has successfully delivered a well-crafted, engaging, and thought-provoking crime drama that surpasses its first season. With its stellar cast, realistic storytelling and just the perfect amount of technical polish, this could be a worthwhile binge for crime genre fans.

Kerala Crime Files Season 2 is available to stream now on Jio Hotstar. Will it be on your watchlist this weekend?

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