Brahminy kite) is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film[2] directed by Arun Varma in his directorial debut, written by Midhun Manuel Thomas and produced by Listin Stephen.
The film features Suresh Gopi and Biju Menon leading an ensemble supporting cast including Siddique, Jagadish, Abhirami, Divya Pillai, Thalaivasal Vijay, Major Ravi, Dileesh Pothan, and Nishanth Sagar.
In the film, Harish Madhav (Suresh Gopi), a police officer, and Nishanth Kumar (Biju Menon), a college professor, face-off in a legal battle over a student brutal rape case.
Garudan was released in theatres on 3 November 2023 to positive reviews from critics and emerged as a commercial success, becoming the seventh highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2023.
A college student named Theresa Philip is sexually assaulted, and DCP Harish Madhav is assigned to investigate the case.
Harish plans to use his retirement funds for his son Vijay's education and decides to live a peaceful life with his wife Sreedevi.
Harish tells about Nishanth's role in Suni's growth as a wealthy businessman named Sunil Kumar and how he used the witnesses to acquit the case.
But, Nishanth finds Haritha in place of Neethu and realises that it was all planned by Harish, IG Cyriac Joseph and Varghese Cherian to trap him and to bring out his killing obsession.
The court tasks the Kerala Police with further investigation, declares Nishanth the accused, and orders Nari Suni, Murugan, and others to be included as co-accused.
[5] Later, through Listin Stephen, Jinesh and Arun approached Midhun Manuel Thomas, who became part of the script, made changes and rewrote it.
[13] The filming began with a pooja ceremony in the presence of Abhirami, Thalaivasal Vijay, Midhun Manuel Thomas, Listin Stephen and Major Ravi.
[14] Major Ravi lit the Nilavilakku first and gave the first clap, while the film's story writer, Jinesh M, performed the switch-on.
[25] The songs and background score are composed by Jakes Bejoy in his third collaboration with Magic Frames, following Jana Gana Mana and Kaduva in 2022.
"[40] Gopika Is of The Times of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Arun Varma's Garudan is a perfect dose of everything for Malayali audiences who go to theatres with not much hope now.
"[41] Vignesh Madhu of Cinema Express gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Pitted against each other in equally prominent roles, seasoned performers Suresh Gopi and Biju Menon keep us on the edge of our seats.
"[42] Hari PN from Koimoi gave the film a satisfactory rating and stated "Garudan emerges as a commendable addition to the legal thriller genre, weaving a gripping narrative anchored by stellar performances".
"[43] Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Garudan is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air for viewers inundated with mindless thrillers that have dominated our industries in recent times.
"[44] Neelima Menon of OTTPlay gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "You might guess how Garudan a tense investigative thriller, will unravel.
"[45] S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote, "If Garudan manages to keep on flying, it is only due to the strength of the story at its core, although one wishes things were a bit more convincing.
"[46] Princy Alexander of Onmanorama wrote, "Though the screenplay by Jinesh and Midhun Manuel is good, there are some weak moments in the film.