Dridam Movie Review: Shane Nigam starrer’s climax salvages an otherwise cliche-filled and stale thriller

Dridam, starring Shane Nigam in the lead role, was released in theatres on May 8, 2026. Directed by Martin Joseph Tharakunnel, the mystery thriller is now available for streaming online.

If you are planning to watch the movie this week, here's the Pinkvilla review.

The Plot

Dridam follows Vijay Radhakrishnan, a newly recruited officer who takes charge of a station nestled in the hills, where life appears bright and peaceful. Apart from occasional scuffles among locals, the station has no significant history, making it an ideal posting for a newcomer easing into the gritty world.

Soon enough, Vijay's worst nightmares come true as a series of gruesome incidents are reported one after another in the locality. With illegal activities on the rise, his efficiency is immediately called into question, and he must solve the cases before it's too late.

What works for Dridam

Dridam is built on a rather flimsy concept and uneven narration, but the climax delivers a level of satisfaction that elevates the overall experience. The film relies heavily on its climactic twist, which remains difficult to predict until the very end.

Moreover, Shane Nigam convincingly portrays the naivety of his character through his body language and performance. Several supporting actors also deliver reasonably satisfying performances.

Watch the trailer:

What doesn’t work for Dridam

The film struggles primarily due to its inability to find a consistent rhythm in its storytelling. While the screenplay eventually pays off in the climax, the journey leading up to it is filled with clichés and an underwhelming tone.

One of the film's biggest drawbacks is its weak dialogue writing. Many conversations drag on unnecessarily, causing the film to feel tedious at times. The characters themselves come across as shallow and underdeveloped, which further hampers the viewing experience.

Additionally, the film's technical aspects fail to leave a lasting impression.

The Performances

Shane Nigam does his best with the material he is given. While he successfully captures the essence of an amateur officer, the screenplay works against him, making it difficult for the character's emotions to resonate with viewers.

Apart from him, the ensemble cast delivers a mixed bag of performances, with none standing out strongly enough to make a lasting impact.

The Verdict

Despite its shortcomings, Dridam has enough going for it to keep an average viewer mildly engaged. However, the freshness and originality a mystery thriller requires to fully captivate its audience are largely missing, which affects the overall experience even on OTT platforms.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity.

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