A van accident on the outskirts of Chennai claims the lives of three women and a man. Police officer Adithya Madhavan suspects there’s more to the case than what meets the eye and begins his investigation. Meanwhile, Gouri Kishan, who works as a doctor at a private hospital, notices some strange and disturbing activities happening around her workplace. How these two separate incidents eventually connect forms the core of “Others.”
Director Abin Hariharan attempts to blend sensitive social issues like medical malpractices, gender discrimination, and the struggles faced by the transgender community within a thriller backdrop. The intention is commendable and gives the film a unique identity.
Adithya Madhavan, in his debut, fits naturally into the role of a determined cop and carries the serious tone of the film well. Gouri Kishan delivers a convincing performance as a doctor torn between duty and morality. Supporting actors Anju Kurian and Munishkanth play their parts neatly. Aravind Singh’s cinematography adds depth, especially in the night sequences, while Ghibran’s music enhances the mood — though it occasionally feels a bit heavy.
The first half of “Others” moves briskly, with investigation scenes that, despite being slightly stretched, manage to hold attention through engaging moments. The second half takes a more intense turn, raising the stakes and emotions. However, the climax, though ambitious in merging the villain’s reveal with a social message, ends up being somewhat problematic — unintentionally portraying the transgender angle in a way that feels insensitive.
Conceptually, “Others” is strong. It touches upon relevant social issues and pushes the audience to think, even if the screenplay could’ve been sharper. As a debut attempt, Abin Hariharan shows promise and confidence in tackling a daring subject.
Overall, “Others” is a moderate yet meaningful watch — a mix of social awareness and thriller elements. Don’t expect too much, but it’s definitely worth a one-time watch for its intent and message.
Rating: 3.25/5