Kerala Crime Files

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} {{Use Indian English|date=December 2023}} {{confuse|The Kerala Story}} {{Infobox television | image = Kerala Crime Files.png | genre = Crime drama Police procedural | creator = Ahammed Khabeer | writer = Ashiq Aimar (Season 1) Bahul Ramesh (Season 2) | director = Ahammed Khabeer | starring = Aju Varghese Lal | music = Hesham Abdul Wahab | editor = Mahesh Bhuvanend | camera = Single-camera | cinematography = Jithin Stanislaus | country = India | language = Malayalam | num_seasons = 2 | num_episodes = 12 | runtime = 30 minutes | company = First Print Studios (Season 1) Monkey Business (Season 2)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files 2 : പുതിയ കേസുമായി 'കേരള ക്രൈം ഫയൽസ്' എത്തുന്നു; വെബ് സീരീസിന്റെ രണ്ടാം സീസൺ പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചു|url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/ott-latest-updates-kerala-crime-files-season-2-announced-malayalam-thriller-web-series-start-streaming-very-soon-184084|access-date=2024-02-13 |website=Zee News India Malayalam|date=13 February 2024 }}</ref> | producer = Rahul Riji Nair (Season 1) Ahammed Khabeer Jithin Stanislaus Hassan Rasheed (Season 2) | network = JioHotstar | first_aired = {{Start date|2023|06|23|df=yes}} | last_aired = present  }}

'''''Kerala Crime Files''''' is an Indian Malayalam-language crime drama streaming television series directed by Ahammed Khabeer<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-15 |title=Kerala Crime Files teaser: Lal and Aju Varghese promise an intense police procedural |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kerala-crime-files-teaser-lal-and-aju-varghese-promise-an-intense-police-procedural-8610857/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and written by Ashiq Aimar<ref>{{Cite web |title='കേരള ക്രൈം ഫയൽസ്- ഷിജു പാറയിൽ വീട്'; വെബ് സീരീസുമായി ഹോട്ട്‌സ്റ്റാർ {{!}} ടീസർ |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/kerala-crime-files-shiju-parayil-veedu-teaser-hotstar-specials-aju-varghese-lal-web-series-1.8560325 |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=Mathrubhumi|date=15 May 2023 }}</ref> starring Aju Varghese<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files Malayalam web series from disney hotstar teaser out now will start streaming soon {{!}} Kerala Crime Files: ഒരു സെക്സ് വർക്കറിന്റെ കൊലപാതകം; ഉദ്വേഗം നിറച്ച് കേരള ക്രൈം ഫയൽസ് ടീസർ {{!}} Movies News in Malayalam |url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/kerala-crime-files-malayalam-web-series-from-disney-hotstar-teaser-out-now-will-start-streaming-soon-139403/amp |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=zeenews.india.com}}</ref> and Lal<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files Media News, Latest Kerala Crime Files Stories From BMI |url=https://bestmediainfo.com/search |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=www.bestmediainfo.com}}</ref> in lead roles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Intense first look poster of 'Kerala Crime Files' hints at a gritty crime drama |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/04/22/kerala-crime-files-first-look-poster-aju-varghese-lal-web-series.html |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref> The series was released on JioHotstar. The first season ''Kerala Crime Files - Shiju, Parayil Veedu, Neendakara'' was released on 23 June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files starring Aju Varghese and Lal teaser is out now! The first ever series from Malayalam expects to be thriller |url=https://stagescreening.blogspot.com/2023/05/kerala-crime-files-starring-aju.html |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=STAGE SCREENing |language=en}}</ref> The second season ''Kerala Crime Files 2 - The Search for CPO Ambili Raju'' released on 20 June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files 2: Makers' drop another trailer showing a police team's inquiry into a senior cop suspect|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kerala-crime-files-2-makers-drop-another-trailer-showing-a-police-teams-inquiry-into-a-senior-cop-suspect/9966521959465|access-date=2025-06-14 |website=OTTPlay|date=2025-06-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Kerala Crime Files' returns with season 2; Check out the trailer|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/malayalam/kerala-crime-files-returns-with-season-2-check-out-the-trailer/articleshow/121467341.cms|access-date=28 May 2025 |website=The Times of India|date=28 May 2025}}</ref> The second season serves as the second installment of Bahul Ramesh's ''Animal Trilogy'' preceded by ''Kishkindha Kaandam'' (2024) and followed by ''Eko'' (2025).<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 November 2025 |title=‘Eko’ trailer promises another mind-bending mystery; Dinjith Ayyathan expands his ‘Animal Trilogy’ |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/eko-trailer-promises-another-mind-bending-mystery-dinjith-ayyathan-expands-his-animal-trilogy/articleshow/125360718.cms |access-date=21 November 2025|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The third season of the series is in development.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 December 2025 |title=JioHotstar Announces South Slate With Heartbeart S3, Good Wife S2, Vijay Sethupathi Starrer Kaattaan And Roadies Telugu Debut|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/web-series/jiohotstar-announces-south-slate-with-heartbeart-season-3-good-wife-season-2-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-kaattaan-and-roadies-telugu-debut-article-153269427 |access-date=9 December 2025 |website=Times Now|language=en}}</ref>

== Plot == ===Season 1=== A team of six policemen led by Sub-Inspector Manoj is on a chase to solve a murder in a suburban lodge room, with just one clue - a fake address, Shiju, Parayil Veedu, Neendakara, from a lodge register.

This story takes place in 2011. It all begins when the receptionist at a local lodge discovers the dead body of a sex worker in one of the rooms. Circle Inspector Kurian Avaran (Lal) and Sub-inspector Manoj Sreedharan (Aju Varghese) from the Ernakulam North Police Station lead a team of five police officers who are determined to catch the person responsible. But their only clues are a name, "Shiju," and a fake address, "Parayil Veedu, Neendakara," given by the suspect at the lodge.

===Season 2=== Set in 2024, the second season follows SI Noble, who is newly assigned to a remote police station at Kaniyarvila in rural Thiruvananthapuram. He was accompanied by Inspector/SHO Kurian Avaran and team. His first case takes a mysterious turn when a civil police officer (CPO), Ambili Raju, suddenly goes missing shortly after being transferred under suspicious circumstances linked to his questionable associations. As Noble investigates further, the case widens in scope, uncovering secrets about Ambili's behaviour towards public and his hold. The series unravels the mystery behind Ambili Raju's disappearance while highlighting how Noble and his team navigate through layers of hidden truths to bring justice.

== Cast == ===Main Cast (Season 1 & 2)=== *Aju Varghese as SI (Season 1) / Inspector (Season 2) Manoj Sreedharan *Lal as CI <ref group="note">CI stands for ''Circle Inspector of Police''.</ref> (Season1) / Inspector <ref group="note">It stands for ''Inspector of Police'' and Station House Officer.</ref> (Season 2) Kurian Avaran *Navas Vallikkunnu as CPO Sunil <ref group="note">CPO stands for ''Civil Police Officer'', a designation used for constables working in local police.</ref> *Sanju Sanichen as CPO (Season 1) / SI (Season 2) Vinu *Zhinz Shan as SCPO Pradeep<ref group="note">SCPO stands for ''Senior Civil Police Officer''.</ref>

===Season 1=== *Sreejith Mahadevan as Shiju *Ansal Ben as Union Shiju *Aji Alok as Karim Ikka *Ashwathy Manohar as Athira *Devaki Rajendran as Lathika *Rooth P. John as Swapna *Harishankar as Sarath *Jeevan Baby Mathew as Afzal *Dr. Nidhinya Anil as WCPO Sindhu *Stijo Chemmessery as Tea Shop Owner *Prabhakumar as ACP *Abin Paul as Eloor SI *Pradeep Joseph as Edappally SI *Akhil Raj as Neendakara A.S.I. *Roopesh KV as Venjaramoode SI *Pragesh Raj as Palarivattom SI *Jinu Anilkumar as CCTV Officer *Madanan Babu as Athira's father *Rajeev Thomas as Athul *MD Rajmohan as Old Husband *Mini S.K. as Old Wife *Abhilash K. as BSNL Officer *Akshay T. as Sainu *Anoop Raghavan as Ashraf *Ponnachan as Party Secretary *Vinod Thomas as Biju *Jose Praveen as Peter *Prem Prakash as Devassy *Baiju Bala as Jacob *Feby as Sisily

===Season 2=== *Arjun Radhakrishnan as SI Noble *Indrans as CPO Ambili Raju *Harisree Asokan as Ayyappan *Renjith Shekhar as CPO Praveen Chandran *Noorin Shereef as Stephy *Fara Shibla as Dr. Raveena *Jeo Baby as Aashraya Incharge *S. P. Sreekumar as Prasannan *Binu Dev as Aji Vellayani *Suresh Kumar as ASI Shaju *Ramesh Menon as Sudhi *Prashanth Madhavan as Reji *Nitheesh as Ernakulam Central Inspector *G.Sabu as Advocate Dineshan *Sudheer Babu as CPO Subash *Sanosh Murali as CPO Justin *Saji Thulasidas as Jose *Harish as SP Thiruvananthapuram Rural *Bilas Nair as DYSP Murali Krishnan *Gopan Ramachandran as Dileesh *Rishikesh as Photographer *Sona Abraham as Dr. Celin *Sirajudheen Nazar as Jaismon *Rahul Shanmughan as Jaismon's *Jijoy Rajagopal as Babu K9 squad incharge *Manjusree as Rema *Soorya S Kurup as Chandra *Ancy as Vijila *Shibu as Prasannan's Brother In Law *Amrutha as Sunil's wife *Raya Fathima as Sunil's daughter '''Dogs''' *Simba as Terry *Mask as CCTV Dog *Honey as Tippu *Jo as Roby

== Episodes ==

{{Series overview

| color1 = 9C2A5D | link1 = #Season 1 | episodes1 = 6 | released1 = {{Start date|2023|6|23}}

| color2 = 99CCFF | link2 = #Season 2 (2025) | episodes2 = 6 | released2 = {{Start date|2025|6|20}}

}}

===Season 1===

{{Episode table |background=#9C2A5D |overall= |season= |title= |director= |directorR= |writer= |writerR= |aux2R= |airdate= |airdateR= |episodes={{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 1 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Title = Crime Scene | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Ashiq Aimar | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|06|23}} | ShortSummary = Swapna, a sex worker, is found dead in a lodge in Kochi. Inspector SHO Kurian and Sub Inspector Manoj of Eranakulam North Police Station begins investigation.

| LineColor = 9C2A5D

}}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 2 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Title = Mahazar | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Ashiq Aimar | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|06|23}} | ShortSummary = The police officers learns that only the Receptionist have seen the culprit. With the help of Receptionist, Investigation team tries to sketch the culprit.

| LineColor = 9C2A5D

}} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 3 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Title = Detection | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Ashiq Aimar | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|06|23}} | ShortSummary = Swapna’s roommate, Lathika, reveals about the meeting of Shiju. The S.I Manoj connects dot after she tells about the cruelty of Shiju

| LineColor = 9C2A5D

}}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 4 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Title = Findings | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Ashiq Aimar | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|06|23}} | ShortSummary = The Police strengthen their search for the culprit. They searches every lodges in Kochi after finding out Shiju have practice of meeting sex workers in such places

| LineColor = 9C2A5D

}}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 5 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Title = Evidence | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Ashiq Aimar | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|06|23}} | ShortSummary = The investigators learn more about Shiju from various places he had worked on. They root out to explore Shiju’s path

| LineColor = 9C2A5D

}}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 6 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Title = Charge Sheet | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Ashiq Aimar | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|06|23}} | ShortSummary = Kurian, Manoj and their team had been chasing Shiju for 6 days, but how can a man hide if his love is genuine.

| LineColor = 9C2A5D

}} }}

===Season 2=== {{Episode table | background = #99CCFF | overall = | season = | title = | director = | directorR = | writer = | writerR = | aux2R = | airdate = | airdateR =

| episodes =

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 7 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Title = Shuffle in the Capital | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Bahul Ramesh | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2025|06|20}} | ShortSummary = A sudden police department shake-up sets the stage of an unexpected convergence of officers Kurian, Noble and Ambili Raju, but Ambili goes missing. | LineColor = 99CCFF }}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 8 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Title = Ambili-Ayyappan Puzzle | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Bahul Ramesh | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2025|06|20}} | ShortSummary = As they dug deeper into Ambili's life, an bizarre connection to an ex-convict, Ayyappan, emerges and raise more questions than answers. | LineColor = 99CCFF }}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 9 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Title = Crossing Borders | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Bahul Ramesh | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2025|06|20}} | ShortSummary = Clues from Thiruvananthapuram and a mysterious incident in Ernakulam involving CI Manoj connect, forming a Jigsaw puzzle for Noble to assemble | LineColor = 99CCFF }}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 10 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Title = Noble's Instinct | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Bahul Ramesh | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2025|06|20}} | ShortSummary = With Manoj's warm support, Nobles's unorthodox approach proves pivotal as he follows his instincts to connect the dots and uncover a crucial lead. | LineColor = 99CCFF }}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 11 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Title = Back to Square One | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Bahul Ramesh | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2025|06|20}} | ShortSummary = New revelations about Ayyappan send Noble and whole team full circle, linking back to the mysterious incidents at the dogs retirement shelter. | LineColor = 99CCFF }}

{{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 12 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Title = Noble's Stadium Theory | DirectedBy = Ahammed Khabeer | WrittenBy = Bahul Ramesh | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2025|06|20}} | ShortSummary = With theories aligning but witnesses lacking, Noble is driven to validate his Central Stadium theory, which he’s deeply invested in. | LineColor = 99CCFF }} }}

==Production==

===Season 1=== Principal photography for the first season of ''Kerala Crime Files'' was conducted in multiple locations of Kerala primarily in Kochi, Kollam and Kottayam.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files teaser: Aju Varghese, Lal hunt down a killer with a fake address as the sole clue, in Hotstar series |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kerala-crime-files-teaser-aju-varghese-lal-hunt-down-a-killer-with-a-fake-address-as-the-sole-clue-in-hotstar-series/f66fd56f6915 |website=OTTPlay |date=15 May 2023|access-date=14 June 2025}}</ref> The series was directed by Ahammed Khabeer and produced under the banner of First Print Studios by Rahul Riji Nair. Filming was completed in early 2023, and the series premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on 23 June 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=First official Malayalam web series 'Kerala Crime Files' starring Aju Varghese and Lal to stream soon |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/first-official-malayalam-web-series-kerala-crime-files-starring-aju-varghese-and-lal-to-stream-soon/articleshow/98516377.cms |website=The Times of India |date=9 March 2023 |access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref>

===Season 2=== The production of the second season commenced on 19 February 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Makers announce the second season of Kerala Crime Files Aju Varghese says waiting|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/malayalam/makers-announce-the-second-season-of-kerala-crime-files-aju-varghese-says-waiting/articleshow/107661031.cms |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=The Times Of India|date=13 February 2024 }}</ref> It is directed and produced by Ahammed Khabeer under the banner of Monkey Business, the season had its first shooting schedule in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files 2: Makers wrap up Trivandrum schedule; cast details to be out soon |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kerala-crime-files-2-makers-wrap-up-trivandrum-schedule-cast-details-to-be-out-soon/580734c143234 |website=OTTplay |date=13 March 2024 |access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> Cinematography was handled by Bahul Ramesh, who also served as the writer. The entire shoot wrapped up on 29 April 2024 after nearly two months of filming including several other locations like Kochi, Thrissur, Wayanad, Coimbatore etc.<ref>{{cite web |title=It's a wrap for Kerala Crime Files Season 2 |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2024/Apr/29/its-a-wrap-for-kerala-crime-files-season-2-52837.html |website=Cinema Express |date=29 April 2024 |access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> Post-production work was completed by August 2024, with the series set for a mid 2025 release on Disney+ Hotstar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files 2 release update: Director Ahammed Khabeer gives promising news |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kerala-crime-files-2-release-update-disney-hotstar-director-ahammed-khabeer/a31538d69b285 |website=OTTplay |date=2 August 2024 |access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2024/May/01/its-a-wrap-for-kerala-crime-files-season-2 |title=It's a wrap for 'Kerala Crime Files Season 2' |website=Indian Express |access-date= 31 October 2024 |date=1 May 2024}}</ref> The trailer of the season was released on 28 May 2025<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files 2: Trailer of the Aju Varghese-starrer shows a investigative team's frantic search for CPO Ambili Raju|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kerala-crime-files-2-trailer-aju-varghese-arjun-radhakrishnan/907c4dad2c475 |website=OTTplay |date=28 May 2025 |access-date=28 May 2025}}</ref> and the season was released on 20 June 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files Season 2 OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Aju Varghese and Lal's Malayalam series|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/binge/kerala-crime-files-season-2-ott-release-date-when-and-where-to-watch-aju-varghese-malayalam-series-660995.html |website=India Times|date=13 June 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025}}</ref>

==Reception==

===Season 1=== ''Kerala Crime Files'' Season 1 received generally positive reviews from critics.

''The New Indian Express'' gave the series a rating of 3.5 out of 5, praising its detailed procedural narrative and long-format storytelling.<ref>{{cite news |title='Kerala crime files' review: Authentic and absorbing police procedural |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/Jun/24/kerala-crim-files-review-authentic-and-absorbing-police-procedural-2587893.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> ''The Hindu'' described the show as an "engaging slow-burn police procedural" and praised the performances of Aju Varghese and Lal.<ref>{{cite news |title='Kerala Crime Files' series review: A slow-burn procedural that is engaging |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/kerala-crime-files-web-series-review-an-engaging-slow-burn-police-procedural/article67004615.ece |work=The Hindu |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> ''South First'' appreciated its six-episode structure and engaging moments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala Crime Files review: A perfect thriller that hooks the audience through all episodes |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/kerala-crime-files-web-series-review/ |work=The South First|date=23 June 2023}}</ref> ''India Today'' described it as "well-written and engaging", noting its balance of investigation and character depth.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala Crime Files Review: This well-written and engaging Malayalam thriller is a compelling watch |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/ott/story/kerala-crime-files-review-this-well-written-and-engaging-malayalam-thriller-is-a-compelling-watch-2396892-2023-06-23 |work=India Today |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> ''The Week'' rated 3.5/5 and highlighted its realistic portrayal of policing and its balance between professional and personal lives.<ref>{{cite news |title='Kerala Crime Files' review: A realistic police procedural |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/06/24/kerala-crime-files-review-a-realistic-police-procedural.html |work=The Week |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> ''The Indian Express'' rated 3.5 out of 5 stars noted it as a "tightly-woven police procedural", marking a milestone in Malayalam OTT content.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala Crime Files review: A tightly-woven police procedural|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/kerala-crime-files-review-tightly-woven-police-procedural-malayalam-aju-varghese-lal-8682717/ |work=The Indian Express |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> OTTPlay rated 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Aju Varghese’s police procedural marks an engaging Malayalam entry into web series arena".<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala Crime Files review: Aju Varghese's police procedural marks an engaging Malayalam entry into web series arena|url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/kerala-crime-files-review-aju-vargheses-police-procedural-marks-an-engaging-malayalam-entry-into-web-series-arena/5f7987a9a5165 |work=OTTPlay |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> ''The Daily Jagran'' reviewed as "A Well-Crafted And Heart-Pounding Malayalam Thriller".<ref>{{cite news |title='Kerala Crime Files' Review: A Well-Crafted And Heart-Pounding Malayalam Thriller|url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/entertainment/kerala-crime-files-review-imdb-rating-disneyplus-hotstar-a-wellcrafted-and-heartpounding-malayalam-thriller-aju-varghese-lal-navas-vallikkunnu-zhinz-shan-ahammed-khabeer-murder-mystery-10084161 |work=Jagran |date=23 June 2023}}</ref>

===Season 2=== The second season of ''Kerala Crime Files'' also received critical acclaim upon its premiere.

''The Indian Express'' rated 3.5 out of 5 stars and praised its gripping procedural narrative, well-crafted screenplay, outstanding performances, realistic police investigation and technical finesse.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala Crime Files Season 2 review: Aju Varghese and Lal return in a sequel that's just as gripping as Season 1, if not better |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/kerala-crime-files-season-2-review-a-sequel-thats-just-as-gripping-as-season-1-10078155/ |work=The Indian Express |date=20 June 2025}}</ref> ''Times Now'' rated 3.5 out of 5 stars and lauded as "Subtle Yet Powerful Sequel That Stays True To The Original While Digging Deeper".<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala Crime Files Season 2 Review: A Subtle Yet Powerful Sequel That Stays True To The Original While Digging Deeper |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/kerala-crime-files-season-2-review-a-subtle-yet-powerful-sequel-that-stays-true-to-the-original-while-digging-deeper-review-152120367 |work=Times Now |date=21 June 2025}}</ref> ''The Week'' rated 4 out of 5 stars and appreciated it as best crime series in Malayalam.<ref>{{cite news |title='Kerala Crime Files: Season 2' review: Malayalam cinema just delivered its best crime series yet |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2025/06/21/kerala-crime-files-season-2-review-malayalam-cinema-just-delivered-its-best-crime-series-yet.html|work=The Week |date=21 June 2025}}</ref> Onmanorama reviewed the season as a "A smart, subtle thriller that keeps hooked".<ref>{{cite news |title='Kerala Crime Files Season 2' review: A smart, subtle thriller that keeps you hooked |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2025/06/20/kerala-crime-files-season-2-review-arjun-radhakrishnan-lal-indrans.html |work=Onmanorama|date=21 June 2025}}</ref> ''The Hindu'' called the season as a "An intriguing sequel that improves upon the original".<ref>{{cite news |title='Kerala Crime Files 2' web series review: An intriguing sequel that improves upon the original |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kerala-crime-files-2-web-series-review-an-intriguing-sequel-that-improves-upon-the-original/article69718053.ece |work=The Hindu|date=21 June 2025}}</ref> OTTPlay rated 3.5 out of 5 stars and described the sequel as a "a fitting testament to its genre".<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala Crime Files 2 review: Ahammed Khabeer delivers a sequel that is a fitting testament to its genre |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/kerala-crime-files-2-review-ahammed-khabeer-delivers-a-sequel-that-is-a-fitting-testament-to-its-genre/427bdb52cc961 |work=OTTPlay |date=20 June 2025}}</ref> ''The Times of India'' praised the sequel as a "must-watch", highlighting its gripping narrative, emotional depth, and strong performances by Harisree Ashokan, Indrans, and Arjun Radhakrishnan. The review also appreciated the improved technical quality compared to the first season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala Crime Files 2: From gripping narrative to stellar performances by Harisree Ashokan and Indrans; Here's why the sequel is a must-watch |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/malayalam/kerala-crime-files-2-from-gripping-narrative-to-stellar-performances-by-harisree-ashokan-and-indrans-heres-why-the-sequel-is-a-must-watch/articleshow/121961234.cms |work=The Times of India |date=20 June 2025}}</ref>

==Future== In June 2025, director Ahammed Khabeer stated in an interview with OTTPlay that a third season of Kerala Crime Files was under consideration but would not begin soon due to his commitments to other film projects, including a film featuring Tamil actor Arjun Das in his Malayalam debut.<ref>{{cite web |title=Director Ahammed Khabeer on the possibility of Kerala Crime Files 3 {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/director-ahammed-khabeer-on-the-possibility-of-kerala-crime-files-3-exclusive/2f1543eeb2286 |website=OTTplay |date=22 June 2025 |access-date=2025-06-24}}</ref> On 9 December 2025, JioHotstar officially announced the third season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files S3, Anali, Roslin and more: JioHotstar announces 5 Malayalam web series for 2026|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kerala-crime-files-s3-anali-roslin-and-more-jiohotstar-announces-malayalam-web-series-for-2026/b965a3493820|website=OTTplay |date=9 December 2025 |access-date=9 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files Season 3 OTT Release: Aju Varghese Returns in Gritty Crime Drama|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/gallery/entertainment/kerala-crime-files-season-3-ott-release-aju-varghese-returns-rzzdx83|website=Asianet News|date=10 December 2025 |access-date=10 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='കേരള ക്രൈം ഫയൽസ് സീസൺ 3' വരുന്നു; പ്രതീക്ഷയേകി പ്രൊമോ|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/kerala-crime-files-season-3-coming-soon-jiohotstar-articleshow-pe3v539|website=Asianet News|date=10 December 2025 |access-date=10 December 2025}}</ref> Khabeer later clarified that writing and planning for the series would commence only after the completion of his upcoming film, with writer Bahul Ramesh also yet to begin work on the project.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerala Crime Files Season 3 to be scripted by Bahul Ramesh, reveals Ahammed Khabeer; OG cast to return|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kerala-crime-files-season-3-to-be-scripted-by-bahul-ramesh-reveals-ahammed-khabeer/9be24effef988|website=OTTplay |date=16 December 2025 |access-date=2 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Jio Hotstar Web Series: വരുന്നു ആ ഹിറ്റ് സീരീസുകളുടെ തുടർഭാഗം; പ്രഖ്യാപനവുമായി ജിയോഹോട്ട്സ്റ്റാർ|url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/jio-hotstar-announced-next-seasons-of-hit-web-series-kerala-crime-files-and-1000-babies-249691|website=Zee News|date=10 December 2025 |access-date=10 December 2025}}</ref>

==Notes== {{reflist|group=note}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{IMDb title|tt27128638}}

Category:Malayalam-language web series Category:Disney+ Hotstar original programming Category:Fictional portrayals of the Kerala Police Category:Indian crime television series