A debutant director. A gripping police procedural. A second half that apparently blew everyone’s minds. Shane Nigam’s Dridam hit theatres on May 8, 2026, and the early audience reactions on X (formerly Twitter) are painting a very encouraging picture for Malayalam crime thriller fans.
Dridam — Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film | Dridam |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Lead Actor | Shane Nigam |
| Director | Martin Joseph Tharakunnel (debut) |
| Genre | Mystery Crime Thriller |
| Release Date | May 8, 2026 |
| Supporting Cast | Mathew Varghese, Dinesh Prabhakar, Nandan Unni |
| Audience Rating | 3/5 (early reviews) |
What Is Dridam About?
Dridam follows the story of SI Vijay Radhakrishnan, a young police officer whose first posting in a quiet rural hill station turns chaotic after multiple bodies are discovered. As tensions rise, he must solve the case while simultaneously investigating a local bank robbery under a strict deadline. Inc42 Media
It’s the kind of premise that hooks you immediately — a rookie cop, a tranquil setting turned sinister, and a ticking clock. First-time director Martin Joseph Tharakunnel clearly had a strong grip on the material from day one.
What Is Twitter Saying About Dridam?
The word-of-mouth from early audience members is largely positive, with the second half receiving particularly strong praise across the board.
One viewer rated the film 3 out of 5, calling it watchable with a mediocre first half but an engaging second half. They noted that while the climax was somewhat predictable, its presentation was impressive, also praising the background score, casting, and saying crime-thriller fans would enjoy it — with an even better OTT response likely ahead. Inc42 Media
Another netizen described Dridam as yet another strong thriller from Mollywood by a debutant director, calling the first half decent and the second half outstanding, while appreciating Shane Nigam’s performance and describing it as a film they loved. Inc42 Media
A third viewer described it as a solid thriller ride that kept audiences hooked throughout, praising the engaging screenplay, twists, suspense, and emotional moments, adding that the director maintained intensity effectively until the climax and that Shane Nigam delivered a superb performance throughout. Inc42 Media
A fourth viewer appreciated Shane Nigam’s neat performance, called the first half decent and the second half stronger with twists and suspense, and ultimately described Dridam as a good watch overall. Inc42 Media
For more Malayalam film reviews and South Indian cinema updates, head to TechnoSports.
Should You Watch Dridam?
The consensus is clear — Dridam is not a perfect thriller, but it is a genuinely engaging one. If you can sit through a relatively slow first half, the second half payoff and Shane Nigam’s committed performance make it well worth the ticket. For OTT viewers, it could be an even bigger hit once it drops on a streaming platform.
This is also a remarkable achievement for first-time director Martin Joseph Tharakunnel — earning solid audience responses in the ultra-competitive Malayalam thriller space is no small feat.
