CBI 5

“CBI 5: The Brain" is a Malayalam mystery thriller released in 2022 and directed by K. Madhu, produced by Swargachitra Appachan. Starring Mammootty as the iconic CBI officer Sethurama Iyer, this film is the fifth in the well-known CBI series. The movie delves into a complex intrigue of political assassinations and hidden agendas, and the audience remains in suspense.

The tale begins with the day that IPS trainee "Aparna" discovers some of the most important cases of top CBI officials DSP Balagopal (Renji Panicker) and Inspector Vinay, that is, mysterious "basket killings". Basket killings are their name because the origin of the same goes to the infamous killing of Kerala Home Minister Abdul Samad in 2012. It was originally suspected to occur by natural means, but suspicion is unleashed when the doctor of Samad, "Venu," is murdered shortly after. A reporter, "Bhasuran," who insists on an impartial inquiry, is murdered as well, and the matter becomes more shrouded.

The file is handed over to DYSP Sathyadas, a corrupt official who is opposed to CBI investigation. Despite IG K. C. Unnithan's attempt to hold him back, Sathyadas links the crimes to a sand mafia don named Sam. The kin of Josemon, a police constable murdered in a hit-and-run, seek a CBI investigation through Josemon's sister-in-law, advocate Pratibha. The case finally reaches Sethurama Iyer (Mammootty) and his loyal team.

As the investigation unfolds, Iyer establishes connections to Samad's cousin Mansoor and finally tracks down the murders to Paul Meyjo. Meyjo confesses to the killing of Samad on the orders of IG Unnithan, who is later revealed and arrested. But by the time the trial concludes, Unnithan dies, and Iyer receives a threatening message from Meyjo, hinting at imminent danger.

"CBI 5: The Brain" is full of biting twists, intense intrigue, and a solid comeback for the legendary Sethurama Iyer. The movie might have some gory scenes, but for the franchise and the genre's fan base, it provides an exciting ride.