Rubber estate owner Samuel has died. Unfortunately for the ones who wish his demise to be regarded as an accident, inspector Antonio George arrives on the scene.
A clue leads to the possible perpetrator of what is clearly a murder. But when that man too turns up dead, Antonio (Sudev Nair) and his team realise that a bigger game is afoot.
The trail leads into several directions. There’s the co-operative bank where Samuel (Jeo Baby) has borrowed money against his property. The bank clerk Sarath (Akhil Kavayaloor), the bank’s board member Pappan (Jordi Poonjar) and Samuel’s employee Francis (Arun Sol) are among the suspects. So is Samuel’s son Ebin (Kalfan).
Malayalam cinema has a long tradition of police procedurals that rely on the dogged footwork and sharp brainwork involved in solving cases. This faith in a forensic approach has carried over to web series, of which Kammatam is a gripping exemplar.
Kammatam is inspired by actual events. The series is based on a story by Shihabudeen K and a script by Sanjith RS, Sudheesh Sugunanandan and Jos Thomas Polackal. Directed by Shan Thulsidharan, the show is laser-focused on the police investigation.
From start to finish, the makers follow Antonio and his team as they pick their way through a thicket of lies and half-truths. By watching closely and listening carefully, Antonio draws dazzling links between seemingly unconnected pieces to make sense of the entire puzzle.
Among the themes that emerges is misguided loyalties. Characters pay a steep price for maintaining friendships that rest on favours given and taken. A feudal culture in which masters and servants occupy fixed positions is another factor.
The twists are swift over six crisp episodes. While Antonio works with a team, which includes Das (Jins Baskar), the inspector is the clear leader of the pack.
Heavily muscled and menacing, with a chilling smile, Antonio is not to be trifled with. Nor is his watertight investigation – a point that Kammatam ably makes.
