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'{{Short description|2023 Malayalam film by Roby Varghese Raj}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} {{Use Indian English|date=October 2023}} {{Infobox film | name = Kannur Squad | image = Kannur Squad poster.jpeg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = [[Roby Varghese Raj]] | screenplay = {{Plain list| * Muhammed Shafi * [[Rony David Raj]] }} | story = Muhammed Shafi | producer = [[Mammootty]] | starring = {{Plain list| * Mammootty * Rony David Raj * [[Azees Nedumangad]] * [[Shabareesh Varma]] * [[Vijayaraghavan]] * [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]] }} | cinematography = Muhammed Rahil | editing = [[Praveen Prabhakar]] | music = [[Sushin Shyam]] | studio = Mammootty Kampany | distributor = {{Plain list| * [[Wayfarer Films]] {{Small|(India)}} * Truth Global Films {{Small|(Overseas)}} }} | released = {{Film date|df=yes|2023|09|28||ref1=<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2023 |title=Mammootty Kampany's 'Kannur Squad' locks releases date; set to hit theatres this month |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/mammootty-kampany-s-kannur-squad-locks-releases-date-set-to-hit-theatres-this-month-1.8922655 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929015811/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/mammootty-kampany-s-kannur-squad-locks-releases-date-set-to-hit-theatres-this-month-1.8922655 |archive-date=29 September 2023 |access-date=21 September 2023 |website=Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref>}} | runtime = 161 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kannur Squad |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/kannur-squad-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde2mze5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928071045/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/kannur-squad-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde2mze5 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |language=en}}</ref> | country = India | language = Malayalam | budget = | gross = {{Estimated}} {{INR|75}} crore <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/movies/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-mints-over-rs-75-crore-worldwide-8621700.html|title=Mammootty-starrer Kannur Squad Mints Over Rs 75 Crore Worldwide|date=17 October 2023|website=News18|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017104524/https://www.news18.com/movies/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-mints-over-rs-75-crore-worldwide-8621700.html|url-status=live}}</ref> }} '''''Kannur Squad''''' is a 2023 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[Crime-thriller film|crime thriller film]] directed by [[Roby Varghese Raj]] in his directorial debut and written by Muhammed Shafi and [[Rony David Raj]]. The film stars [[Mammootty]], alongside Rony David Raj, [[Shabareesh Varma]], [[Azees Nedumangad]], [[Vijayaraghavan]] and [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]]. It is produced by Mammootty under the banner of Mammootty Kampany and is based on the real story of a team of police officers who were part of the Kannur Squad, a crime investigation unit, formed by former [[Kannur district|Kannur]] [[Superintendent of police (India)|SP]] S. Sreejith [[Indian Police Service|IPS]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Mammootty's Kannur Squad to cover two real-life cases in this particular timeline, here's all we know about the film |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mammoottys-kannur-squad-to-cover-two-real-life-cases-in-this-particular-timeline-heres-all-we-know-about-the-film/b6a4f9ca5d853 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002064041/https://www.ottplay.com/news/mammoottys-kannur-squad-to-cover-two-real-life-cases-in-this-particular-timeline-heres-all-we-know-about-the-film/b6a4f9ca5d853 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> The film was officially announced in January 2023 under the tentative title ''Megastar 421'', and the title of the film was announced by Mammootty on {{Date|11 February 2023}} as ''Kannur Squad''. The [[principal photography]] began on {{Date|Dec 27, 2022}}. The filming took place in [[Kannur district|Kannur]], [[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]], [[Wayanad district|Wayanad]], [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]], [[Thiruvananthapuram district|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]], [[Pune]], [[Mumbai]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Belgaum]], [[Mangalore]] and [[Coimbatore]]. The shooting [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] on {{Date|Apr 6, 2023}} in Wayanad. The music is composed by [[Sushin Shyam]], while the cinematography and editing are handled by Muhammed Rahil and [[Praveen Prabhakar]]. ''Kannur Squad'' was released on 28 September 2023 to critical acclaim from critics who praised the cast performances, direction, screenwriting, cinematography and musical score. ''Kannur Squad'' emerged as a commercial success and is currently one of the [[List of highest-grossing Malayalam films|highest-grossing Malayalam films]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-17 |title=Mammootty-starrer Kannur Squad Mints Over Rs 75 Crore Worldwide |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-mints-over-rs-75-crore-worldwide-8621700.html |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=17 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017104524/https://www.news18.com/movies/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-mints-over-rs-75-crore-worldwide-8621700.html |url-status=live }}</ref> == Plot == '''2015''': [[Assistant sub-inspector of police|ASI]] George Martin and his team, consisting of Jose, Jayan, and Shafi, known as the Kannur Squad, head out to search for a missing man in [[Kannur]]-[[Virajpet]] forest area and discover him hanged. With the case proving to rule out as a suicide, George believes that the missing man was murdered and sets out to find the original perpetrator. The squad identifies the [[Suicide|suicider]] as Murugan and the investigation moves to [[Coimbatore]], where the culprit is revealed to be Vanaja, who was cheated by Murugan. '''2017''': A politician named Abdul Wahab was dacoited and murdered in [[Kasaragod]]. Unable to find any leads, [[Superintendent of police (India)|SP]] Manu Needhi Cholan assigns the Kannur Squad to investigate the case. The squad begins their investigation, where they capture the suspect named Riyas as he bought two [[SIM card|SIM]] cards and his urine sample was found at the crime scene and interrogate him. Riyas reveals that he used to work at a hotel in Qatar and had met the hotel owner's sons Ameer Shah and Sulfikar, who wanted money for their new business. Riyas reveals that he found that Wahab had bundles of money while he was working on house maintenance work and had informed Ameer and Sulfikar, who along with the other two men named Hathooda and Bambiha, barged into Wahab's house at night, where they found there was no money and had brutally [[Murder|finished]] Wahab. The squad later sets out to track down the culprits, where they reach [[Mumbai]] for the investigation and learn that Ameer had made a call to Shiju Velayudhan. They track down Shiju's address and capture him. Shiju says that Ameer and Sulfikar had left for [[Bhubaneswar]]. However, the squad learns that Ameer and Sulfikar lied to Shaji about their location, and they are presently in [[Faizabad]]. The squad reaches Faizabad and are assisted by [[Constable]] Yogesh Yadav, where they learn that a person named Pawan picked up Ameer and Sulfikar from the railway station. The squad arrives at Pawan's village in [[Tikri, Uttar Pradesh|Tikri]] and learns that Ameer and Sulfikar are at Hathooda's house, where they arrest Pawan after an intense battle with the villagers. The next morning, Pawan reveals that Ameer, Sulfikar, Hathooda, and Bambiha started committing robberies in order to start an [[ivory]] export trade and had set up markets in foreign countries and extended their trading to Kerala, Karnataka and other parts of India. Pawan tells that they are currently at a railway station in [[Payagpur]]. The squad manages to capture Hathooda and Bambiha on the [[train]] leaving Payagpur. George directs Jose and Shafi to board the train, fearing that Ameer and Sulfikar could be on the same train. George and Jayakumar then find out that Ameer and Sulfikar have left from Payagpur to [[Babaganj Assembly constituency|Babaganj]] and are heading to [[Nepal]] with a possible chance of them being untraced. The squad soon finds Ameer and Sulfikar's hideout in a forest near the Indo-Nepal border, and an intense fight ensues, where the squad manages to arrest them with the help of [[Indian Army]] and bring them back to Kerala. == Cast == {{cast listing| * [[Mammootty]] as [[Assistant sub-inspector of police|ASI]] George Martin, the investigating officer * [[Rony David Raj]] as [[Civil Police Officer|CPO]] Jayakumar P. Vasu aka Jayan * [[Azees Nedumangad]] as CPO Jose Skaria * [[Shabareesh Varma]] as CPO Muhammed Shafi T. A. * [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]] as [[Superintendent of police (India)|SP]] Manu Needhi Cholan [[Indian Police Service|IPS]], [[Chief of police|District Police Chief]], [[Kasaragod]] * [[Vijayaraghavan]] as SP Krishnalal T. K IPS, District Police Chief, [[Kannur]] * Ankith Madhav as [[Constable]] Yogesh Yadav, [[Uttar Pradesh Police|UP Police]] * Arjun Radhakrishnan as Ameer Shah * Dhruvan as Sulfikar * Resh Lamba as Hathooda * [[Nalneesh Neel]] as Bambiha * Manohar Pandey as Pawan * [[Deepak Parambol]] as Riyas * Susmita Sur as Veerangana, Pawan's wife * Saraswat Pandey as Guddu * Avinash Pandey as [[Sub-inspector|SI]] Laxman Trivedi, Faizabad Police * [[Shebin Benson]] as Ramzan * Manoj K. U. as Abdul Wahab * Afsana Lakshmi as Farha, Wahab's daughter * Benzi Mathews as [[Inspector-general of police|IGP]] Tony Maliyil IPS, Range IG * [[Shine Tom Chacko]] as CPO Subhash, Malappuram [[Special Branch#India|Special Branch]] * [[Sunny Wayne]] as Reghu, Journalist * [[S. P. Sreekumar]] as Shiju * [[Sajin Cherukayil]] as Sreekumar * Gibin Gopinath * Sarath Sabha as Vinod Kollaattu * Catherine Maria as a girl at [[Tikri, Uttar Pradesh]] }} == Production == === Development === ''Kannur Squad'' marks the fourth production of Mammootty Kampany, following ''[[Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam]]''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=7 September 2023 |title=Kannur Squad trailer: Mammootty chases dreaded criminals in intriguing thriller |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kannur-squad-trailer-mammootty-chases-dreaded-criminals-in-intriguing-thriller-8929253/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907162919/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kannur-squad-trailer-mammootty-chases-dreaded-criminals-in-intriguing-thriller-8929253/ |archive-date=7 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> It will also be the directorial debut of cinematographer [[Roby Varghese Raj]], who has previously worked in ''[[Puthiya Niyamam]]'' and ''[[The Great Father]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=8 September 2023 |title='Kannur Squad' trailer: Mammootty and team go on a nationwide manhunt in this investigative thriller |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kannur-squad-trailer-mammootty-and-team-go-on-a-nationwide-manhunt-in-this-investigative-thriller/article67284384.ece |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908083626/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kannur-squad-trailer-mammootty-and-team-go-on-a-nationwide-manhunt-in-this-investigative-thriller/article67284384.ece |archive-date=8 September 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film was officially announced in January 2023 under the tentative title ''Megastar 421'', and the title of the film was announced by Mammootty on 11 February 2023 as ''Kannur Squad''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2023 |title=Kannur Squad: Mammootty Reveals the title of Megastar 421; Drops an exciting update |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kannur-squad-mammootty-reveals-the-title-of-megastar-421-drops-an-exciting-update-1207273 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908080305/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kannur-squad-mammootty-reveals-the-title-of-megastar-421-drops-an-exciting-update-1207273 |archive-date=8 September 2023 |access-date=8 September 2023 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}}</ref> Roby Varghese began writing the story during the [[COVID-19 lockdown in India|COVID-19 lockdown]], and the initial draft resembled a documentary. He went through several changes and refined the script while preserving its core elements. He then approached Mammootty, who was impressed by the script and agreed to produce the film.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Kannur Squad' story: Rejection, 15 rewrites, Mammootty and now a hit! |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/sep/30/kannur-squad-story-rejection-15-rewrites-mammootty-now-a-hit-2619414.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002064041/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/sep/30/kannur-squad-story-rejection-15-rewrites-mammootty-now-a-hit-2619414.html |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Director Roby's brother [[Rony David Raj|Rony David]] was a co-writer and actor for the film.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title='Kannur Squad' is the result of four years of my hardwork: Rony David |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/30/kannur-squad-malayalam-movie-rony-david-mammootty.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003181609/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/30/kannur-squad-malayalam-movie-rony-david-mammootty.html |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Rony David Raj and Roby Varghese Raj's father, C. T. Rajan, had earlier produced Mammootty starrer ''[[Mahayanam]]'' (1988).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-30 |title=Here's The Connection Between Mammootty's Kannur Squad and Mahayanam |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/heres-the-connection-between-mammoottys-kannur-squad-and-mahayanam-8598735.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003181550/https://www.news18.com/movies/heres-the-connection-between-mammoottys-kannur-squad-and-mahayanam-8598735.html |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> The action choreography was created by Supreme Sundar, Rajashekhar, [[Kanal Kannan]], [[Jolly Bastian]], Run Ravi, PC Stunts and Roby Varghese Raj.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kannur Squad: Five compelling reasons why you must watch THIS Mammootty starrer in the cinemas |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kannur-squad-five-compelling-reasons-why-you-must-watch-this-mammootty-starrer-in-the-cinemas/photostory/104023536.cms |url-status=live |access-date=2023-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001233924/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kannur-squad-five-compelling-reasons-why-you-must-watch-this-mammootty-starrer-in-the-cinemas/photostory/104023536.cms |archive-date=1 October 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Mammootty revealed in an interview that he plays an assistant sub inspector in the film, which will be the first time this decade that he plays a cop below a sub inspector’s rank. His other police roles were in [[Christopher (film)|''Christopher'']], ''[[Puzhu]]'' and ''[[Unda (film)|Unda]]'' as an Additional Director General of Police, an IPS officer and as a sub inspector, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kannur Squad: Here’s how Mammootty’s police role in Roby Varghese Raj’s thriller is different from his recent films |url=https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/kannur-squad-heres-how-mammoottys-police-role-in-roby-varghese-rajs-thriller-is-different-from-his-recent-films/6a8fa7035d850 |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=www.ottplay.com |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018094737/https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/kannur-squad-heres-how-mammoottys-police-role-in-roby-varghese-rajs-thriller-is-different-from-his-recent-films/6a8fa7035d850 |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Casting=== Paragg Mehta was appointed as the casting director which marks his first South Indian film. [[Lukman Avaran]] and [[Arjun Ashokan]] were initially considered for the role of police officers but both of them had to back out due to conflicting schedules. [[Prakash Raj]] and [[Sathyaraj]] were approached to play certain characters in the film. [[Shabeer Kallarakkal]] was considered for a negative role in the film, but it didn't end up happening as he was busy shooting for [[King of Kotha]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kannur Squad’s Rony David Raj: Arjun Ashokan and Lukman Avaran were among the initial casting choices |url=https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/kannur-squads-rony-david-raj-arjun-ashokan-and-lukman-avaran-were-among-the-initial-casting-choices/4aa57f8813308 |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=www.ottplay.com |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018094740/https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/kannur-squads-rony-david-raj-arjun-ashokan-and-lukman-avaran-were-among-the-initial-casting-choices/4aa57f8813308 |url-status=live }}</ref> Arjun Radhakrishnan was cast to play the role of Ameer Shah in the film as the psychotic antagonist who is the leader of the North Indian gang to mislead the police. He has earlier played roles in ''[[Jhund (film)|Jhund]]'' and the webseries ''[[Rocket Boys (web series)|Rocket Boys]]''. Roby Varghese cast him in this role after seeing him in the films ''[[Pada (film)|Pada]]'' and ''[[Dear Friend (2022 film)|Dear Friend]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Up, close & personal with Arjun Radhakrishnan |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/oct/11/up-close--personal-with-arjun-radhakrishnan-2623033.html |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=12 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012194342/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/oct/11/up-close--personal-with-arjun-radhakrishnan-2623033.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Manohar Pandey, who has appeared in ''[[Adipurush]]'' and [[Gangubai Kathiawadi|''Gangubhai Kathiawadi'']] played the role of Pawan who confronts the Kannur Squad with the aid of villagers at [[Tikri, Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-05 |title=Mammootty sir displayed unparalleled ease and a remarkable instinct: 'Kannur Squad' actor Manohar Pandey – Exclusive |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-sir-displayed-unparalleled-ease-and-a-remarkable-instinct-kannur-squad-actor-manohar-pandey-exclusive/articleshow/104188813.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-05 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=6 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006162009/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-sir-displayed-unparalleled-ease-and-a-remarkable-instinct-kannur-squad-actor-manohar-pandey-exclusive/articleshow/104188813.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> Ankit Madhav who originally hails from [[Pattambi]] was cast as the constable of the Uttar Pradesh Police, Yogesh Yadav, who became the assistant to George and his team throughout their investigation in North India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-09 |title=അങ്ങോട്ടൊരു സല്യൂട്ട്, ഇങ്ങോട്ടൊരു കെട്ടിപ്പിടിത്തം; സെറ്റ് മൊത്തം ഞെട്ടി- കണ്ണൂർ സ്ക്വാഡിലെ യോ ഗേഷ് |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/interview/kannur-squad-actor-ankith-madhav-interview-kannur-squad-response-kannur-squad-review-1.8963464 |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=Mathrubhumi |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009195136/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/interview/kannur-squad-actor-ankith-madhav-interview-kannur-squad-response-kannur-squad-review-1.8963464 |url-status=live }}</ref> === Filming === The [[principal photography]] of the film began on {{Date|Dec 27, 2022}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2023 |title=Mammootty – Roby Varghese Raj's upcoming film titled 'Kannur Squad' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/malayalam/mammootty-roby-varghese-rajs-upcoming-film-titled-kannur-squad/videoshow/97370562.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907165110/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/malayalam/mammootty-roby-varghese-rajs-upcoming-film-titled-kannur-squad/videoshow/97370562.cms |archive-date=7 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=7 April 2023 |title=It's a wrap for Mammootty starrer 'Kannur Squad' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad/articleshow/99316840.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907163548/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad/articleshow/99316840.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=7 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Mammootty joined the film set on {{Date|Jan 1, 2023}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 January 2023 |title=Mammootty joins the sets of his next helmed by Roby Varghese Raj |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-joins-the-sets-of-his-next-helmed-by-roby-varghese-raj/articleshow/96705123.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907191143/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-joins-the-sets-of-his-next-helmed-by-roby-varghese-raj/articleshow/96705123.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=7 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The filming took place in [[Kannur district|Kannur]], [[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]], [[Wayanad district|Wayanad]], [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]], [[Thiruvananthapuram district|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]], [[Pune]], [[Mumbai]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Belgaum]], [[Mangalore]] and [[Coimbatore]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madhu |first=Vignesh |date=7 April 2023 |title=It's a wrap for Mammootty's Kannur Squad |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/apr/07/its-a-wrap-for-mammoottys-kannur-squad-42039.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907191140/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/apr/07/its-a-wrap-for-mammoottys-kannur-squad-42039.html |archive-date=7 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en}}</ref> The second schedule began on {{Date|Feb 14, 2023}} in Pune.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 February 2023 |title=Mammootty drives to Pune to join the sets of his next movie, see photo |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mammootty-drives-to-pune-to-join-the-sets-of-his-next-movie-see-photo/5f8de8934e643 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907191141/https://www.ottplay.com/news/mammootty-drives-to-pune-to-join-the-sets-of-his-next-movie-see-photo/5f8de8934e643 |archive-date=7 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> The Mumbai schedule was completed in the first week of March 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2023 |title=Mammootty's 'Kannur Squad' Mumbai shooting schedule wraps up; see pic |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammoottys-kannur-squad-mumbai-shooting-schedule-wraps-up-see-pic/articleshow/98493732.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907165110/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammoottys-kannur-squad-mumbai-shooting-schedule-wraps-up-see-pic/articleshow/98493732.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=7 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It was followed by a 10-day schedule in Wayanad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madhu |first=Vignesh |date=9 March 2023 |title=Kannur Squad team to head next to Wayanad |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/mar/09/kannur-squad-team-to-head-next-to-wayanad-40840.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907165111/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/mar/09/kannur-squad-team-to-head-next-to-wayanad-40840.html |archive-date=7 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en}}</ref> After the completion of the Wayanad schedule the team relocated to Kochi for its last schedule shoot at [[Willingdon Island]], Kochi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2023 |title=Mammootty's Kannur Squad nears completion |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/mar/22/mammoottys-kannur-squad-nears-completion-41401.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907165112/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/mar/22/mammoottys-kannur-squad-nears-completion-41401.html |archive-date=7 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en}}</ref> Some portions of the shooting took place at [[Maharaja's College, Ernakulam|Maharajas College Ernakulam]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mammootty's Kannur Squad will release earlier than expected; all details here |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mammoottys-kannur-squad-will-release-earlier-than-expected-all-details-here/c7a5c8f268401 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005121938/https://www.ottplay.com/news/mammoottys-kannur-squad-will-release-earlier-than-expected-all-details-here/c7a5c8f268401 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> The entire filming [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] on {{Date|Apr 6, 2023}} in Wayanad after 91 days of shooting.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=It's a wrap for Mammootty's Kannur Squad |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/apr/07/its-a-wrap-for-mammoottys-kannur-squad-42039.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907191140/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/apr/07/its-a-wrap-for-mammoottys-kannur-squad-42039.html |archive-date=7 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=Cinema Express}}</ref> The post production began on 16 April 2023 and lasted for 5-6 months.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-16 |title=Second look poster of Mammootty’s ‘Kannur Squad’ out! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/second-look-poster-of-mammoottys-kannur-squad-out/articleshow/99523100.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-21 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Kannur Squad' is the result of four years of my hardwork: Rony David |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/30/kannur-squad-malayalam-movie-rony-david-mammootty.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003181609/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/30/kannur-squad-malayalam-movie-rony-david-mammootty.html |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> == Themes and influences == ''Kannur Squad'' is influenced by the police squad that originated in [[Kannur]] and came to be known as the Kannur Squad formed by the Kerala Transport Commissioner, [[Additional director general of police|ADGP]] S Sreejith, who handpicked and groomed the officers while he was superintendent in the district in 2008. The squad was created as an investigation unit when the crime rate increased in Kannur. The squad is still operational and has a total of nine members, consisting of Additional Sub-inspector Mathew Jose, and senior civil police officers Raphy Ahmed M A, Vinodkumar P, Manojkumar K, Sunilkumar C, Jayarajan K, Reji Skaria, Rajasekar C K, and led by Assistant Sub-inspector Baby George.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The ‘hit’ squad |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2023/oct/18/the-hit-squad-2624817.html |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The film focuses on four police officers, played by Mammootty, Rony David Raj, Shabaresh Varma, and Azeez Nedumangad. Mammooty plays George Martin, who is an assistant sub-inspector, and Rony David Raj, Shabaresh Varma, and Azeez Nedumangad play the driver and the two civil police officers. The film depicts actual events that took place between 2007 and 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=Is Mammootty-starrer Kannur Squad Based On Real Story? What We Know |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/is-mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-based-on-real-story-what-we-know-8595779.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002064041/https://www.news18.com/movies/is-mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-based-on-real-story-what-we-know-8595779.html |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Rony David Raj and Muhammed Shafi (who wrote the story and screenplay of the film) contacted the officers of the Kannur Squad in 2018. During their conversations, the officers shared details on different cases they had looked into and investigated. The writers were particularly interested in one case that caught their attention.<ref>{{Cite web |title=When the real 'Kannur Squad' turned up to watch the Mammootty-starrer |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/when-the-real-kannur-squad-turned-up-to-watch-the-mammootty-starrer/c4af6f7693745 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002064042/https://www.ottplay.com/news/when-the-real-kannur-squad-turned-up-to-watch-the-mammootty-starrer/c4af6f7693745 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> S Sreejith later met with the director and screenwriters during the post-production phase.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Real squad leader S Sreejith on Kannur Squad: ‘The film is a tribute to Kerala police’ |url=https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/real-squad-leader-s-sreejith-on-kannur-squad-the-film-is-a-tribute-to-kerala-police/491a11bf3b866 |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=www.ottplay.com |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018094738/https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/real-squad-leader-s-sreejith-on-kannur-squad-the-film-is-a-tribute-to-kerala-police/491a11bf3b866 |url-status=live }}</ref> == Music == The songs and background score are composed by [[Sushin Shyam]], while the lyrics are written by [[Vinayak Sasikumar]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Features |first=CE |date=6 September 2023 |title=Mammootty's Kannur Squad trailer release date out |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/sep/06/mammottys-kannur-squad-trailer-release-date-out-47370.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906110845/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/sep/06/mammottys-kannur-squad-trailer-release-date-out-47370.html |archive-date=6 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daily |first=Keralakaumudi |date=21 September 2023 |title=Mammootty announces 'Kannur Squad' worldwide release date |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1153689 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928080504/https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1153689 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=Keralakaumudi Daily |language=en}}</ref> The first song titled "Mrudhu Bhaave Dhruda Kruthye" was released on {{Date|Sep 27, 2023}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Features |first=CE |date=27 September 2023 |title=Mrudhu Bhaave Dhruda Kruthye song from Kannur Squad is out |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/sep/27/mrudhu-bhaave-dhruda-kruthye-song-from-kannur-squad-is-out-48082.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928080504/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/sep/27/mrudhu-bhaave-dhruda-kruthye-song-from-kannur-squad-is-out-48082.html |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en}}</ref> The motto of the [[Kerala Police]] 'Mrudhu Bhaave Dhruda Kruthye' serves as the inspiration for the songs' lyrics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mammootty-starrer Kannur Squad's new track is inspired by Kerala Police motto |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squads-new-track-is-inspired-by-kerala-police-motto/2bccfd97f1687 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004190258/https://www.ottplay.com/news/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squads-new-track-is-inspired-by-kerala-police-motto/2bccfd97f1687 |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> The second song titled "Kalan Puli" was released on 6 October 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-07 |title='Kannur Squad' makers unveil enthralling song 'Kaalan Puli' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kannur-squad-makers-unveil-enthralling-song-kaalan-puli/articleshow/104241012.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-07 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009063024/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kannur-squad-makers-unveil-enthralling-song-kaalan-puli/articleshow/104241012.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> {{Track listing | headline = Track listing | extra_column = Singer(s) | title1 = Mrudhu Bhaave Dhruda Kruthye | length1 = 5:33 | extra1 = Sushin Shyam | title2 = Kalan Puli | length2 = 3:19 | extra2 = Amal Jose, Sushin Shyam }} == Release == === Theatrical === ''Kannur Squad'' was censored with a U/A certificate by the [[Central Board of Film Certification|Censor Board]] prior to its release.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=21 September 2023 |title=Mammootty's 'Kannur Squad' gets a release date |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mammoottys-kannur-squad-gets-a-release-date/article67330028.ece |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922145454/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mammoottys-kannur-squad-gets-a-release-date/article67330028.ece |archive-date=22 September 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film was released in theatres on {{Date|Sep 28, 2023}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 September 2023 |title=Mammootty's 'Kannur Squad' censored with a U/A; the film to release on September 28 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammoottys-kannur-squad-censored-with-u/a-the-film-to-release-on-september-28/articleshow/103828712.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929044700/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammoottys-kannur-squad-censored-with-u/a-the-film-to-release-on-september-28/articleshow/103828712.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=29 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It was distributed in [[Kerala]] by [[Wayfarer Films]] and the overseas distribution was done by Truth Global Films.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=27 September 2023 |title=Mammootty-Roby Varghese Raj's film titled 'Kannur Squad' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mammootty-roby-varghese-rajs-film-titled-kannur-squad/article66559280.ece |url-status=live |access-date=29 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928121249/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mammootty-roby-varghese-rajs-film-titled-kannur-squad/article66559280.ece |archive-date=28 September 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kannur Squad {{!}} കണ്ണൂർ സ്ക്വാഡ് - Mallu Release {{!}} Watch Malayalam Full Movies |url=https://www.mallurelease.com/2023/02/kannur-squad.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908081331/https://www.mallurelease.com/2023/02/kannur-squad.html |archive-date=8 September 2023 |access-date=8 September 2023 |website=Mallu Release |language=english}}</ref> It was screened in more than 130 theatres in [[Gulf Cooperation Council|GCC]] countries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ലേഖകൻ |first=മാധ്യമം |date=28 September 2023 |title=പ്രമോഷൻ നടത്തിയാലും നിലവാരമില്ലെങ്കിൽ സിനിമ പരാജയപ്പെടും -മമ്മൂട്ടി {{!}} Madhyamam |url=https://www.madhyamam.com/entertainment/movie-news/mammootty-kannur-squad-press-meet-at-dubai-1208307 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928073347/https://www.madhyamam.com/entertainment/movie-news/mammootty-kannur-squad-press-meet-at-dubai-1208307 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=Madhyamam |language=ml}}</ref> The film was released in 160 theatres in Kerala on the first day and was screened in over 250 theatres on the second day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2023 |title=എങ്ങും മികച്ച പ്രതികരണം; മമ്മൂട്ടി ചിത്രം കണ്ണൂർ സ്‌ക്വാഡ് 160-ൽ നിന്ന് 250-ൽ പരം തിയേറ്ററുകളിലേക്ക് |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/amp/movies-music/news/mammootty-movie-kannur-squad-added-extra-shows-1.8945201 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929154404/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/amp/movies-music/news/mammootty-movie-kannur-squad-added-extra-shows-1.8945201 |archive-date=29 September 2023 |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=Mathrubhumi}}</ref> The film was released in New Zealand and Australia on 6 October 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=nithya |title=ബോക്സ് ഓഫീസ് തൂക്കിയടി; കോടികള്‍ വാരിക്കൂട്ടി കേരള 'പടത്തലവൻ', കണ്ണൂര്‍ സ്ക്വാഡ് ആഗോള കളക്ഷന്‍ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/mammootty-movie-kannur-squad-cross-32-crore-in-world-wide-box-office-nrn-s1wn1v |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003181550/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/mammootty-movie-kannur-squad-cross-32-crore-in-world-wide-box-office-nrn-s1wn1v |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml}}</ref> The film expanded its release with additional screenings in European countries including the United Kingdom and Ireland and in the United States, Canada and Singapore.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news |date=2023-10-11 |title=Kannur Squad's box office collections: Mammootty's film rakes in Rs 31.47 crore from Kerala |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kannur-squads-box-office-collections-mammoottys-film-rakes-in-rs-31-47-crore-from-kerala/articleshow/104333971.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-11 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011102356/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kannur-squads-box-office-collections-mammoottys-film-rakes-in-rs-31-47-crore-from-kerala/articleshow/104333971.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> == Reception == ''Kannur Squad'' received critical acclaim from critics who praised its cast performances, direction, screenwriting, cinematography and musical score. === Critical reception === S. R. Praveen of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote "Despite letting Mammootty indulge in a bit of fan service, director Roby Varghese Raj ensures that the film sticks to the police procedural sans any glamour for the most part."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=S. R. |date=28 September 2023 |title='Kannur Squad' movie review: Mammootty stars in an effective procedural drama, that works despite its generic elements |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kannur-squad-movie-review-mammootty-stars-in-an-effective-procedural-drama-that-works-despite-its-generic-elements/article67356784.ece |url-status=live |access-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928121728/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kannur-squad-movie-review-mammootty-stars-in-an-effective-procedural-drama-that-works-despite-its-generic-elements/article67356784.ece |archive-date=28 September 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Anna Mathews of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "On the downside, there are some gory moments that could have been avoided. Muhammed Rahil's cinematography is excellent; wonderfully capturing dramatic moments in small spaces and the grandeur of landscapes. For this alone, the film is worth catching in cinemas."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mathews |first=Anna |date=28 September 2023 |title=Kannur Squad Movie Review : Mammootty's police drama gets exciting in second half |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/kannur-squad/movie-review/104015423.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928121728/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/kannur-squad/movie-review/104015423.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=28 September 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl of ''[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "''Kannur Squad'' is mind-boggling. It is through such films a layman understands the struggles of the police to crack a case. Not every mission is a success, but they have to stay firm."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramesh Kuniyl |first=Sarath |date=28 September 2023 |title='Kannur Squad' review: This Mammootty-starrer is a blend of both worlds |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/09/28/kannur-squad-review-this-mammootty-starrer-is-a-blend-of-both-worlds.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928122339/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/09/28/kannur-squad-review-this-mammootty-starrer-is-a-blend-of-both-worlds.html |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> Anandu Suresh of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Roby Varghese Raj's ''Kannur Squad'', starring Mammootty in the lead role, is undoubtedly a solid police procedural that unfolds at a measured tempo, avoiding excessive dramatisation. However, its notable resemblances to earlier films within the same genre prevent it from being truly fresh."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suresh |first=Anandu |date=28 September 2023 |title=Kannur Squad movie review: Mammootty-starrer police procedural is solid, yet lacks freshness |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kannur-squad-movie-review-rating-roby-varghese-raj-mammootty-police-procedural-solid-yet-lacks-freshness-8959935/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928113819/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kannur-squad-movie-review-rating-roby-varghese-raj-mammootty-police-procedural-solid-yet-lacks-freshness-8959935/ |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Sanjith Sidhardhan of ''[[OTTPlay]]'' gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "All departments fire in equal measure in making Mammootty's police procedural a gripping theatrical watch. ''Kannur Squad'' also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by duty-bound police officers, while keeping the audience hooked to the engaging narrative as a team of four cops chase four elusive criminals across the country."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sidhardhan |first=Sanjith |date=28 September 2023 |title=Kannur Squad review: Mammootty stars in this taut and engaging police procedural |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/kannur-squad-movie-review-mammoottys-police-procedural-is-an-engaging-expertly-crafted-crime-drama/18b19b7fdf981 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928121729/https://www.ottplay.com/review/kannur-squad-movie-review-mammoottys-police-procedural-is-an-engaging-expertly-crafted-crime-drama/18b19b7fdf981 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> Princy Alexander of ''[[Onmanorama]]'' wrote "Despite no major twists, the performances of all the actors and the action-oriented sequences in the second half of the movie, make '''Kannur Squad''<nowiki/>' engaging."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Princy |date=28 September 2023 |title=Review {{!}} Mammootty's 'Kannur Squad' doesn't vie to be experimental, but it's engaging |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/09/28/mammootty-film-kannur-squad-movie-review-performances-roby-varghese.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928123112/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/09/28/mammootty-film-kannur-squad-movie-review-performances-roby-varghese.html |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Sajin Shrijith of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "The most stimulating aspect of the script is how it explores the manner in which its characters handle strong emotions."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shrijith |first=Sajin |date=29 September 2023 |title='Kannur Squad' movie review: Mammootty takes charge efficiently, successfully |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/sep/29/kannur-squad-movie-review-mammootty-takes-charge-efficiently-successfully-2619118.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002064041/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/sep/29/kannur-squad-movie-review-mammootty-takes-charge-efficiently-successfully-2619118.html |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Cris of ''[[The News Minute]]'' gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Roby Varghese Raj, the director, gives a few cinematic strokes, minimal and essential to the real story of a police squad in Kerala, played by Mammootty and his team of three men."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cris |date=28 September 2023 |title=Kannur Squad review: Mammootty's thriller treads between heroic and grounded |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/kannur-squad-review-mammoottys-thriller-treads-between-heroic-and-grounded |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928145907/https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/kannur-squad-review-mammoottys-thriller-treads-between-heroic-and-grounded |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> Vishal Menon of ''[[Film Companion]]'' wrote "When aided by a strong support cast and one seriously menacing villain, ''Kannur Squad'' develops into a meticulously detailed procedural that is clever enough to go all guns blazing for its superstar when needed."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vishal |date=28 September 2023 |title=Kannur Squad Review: A Meticulous Procedural Explodes Into A Fun, Balls Out Mass Movie |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/malayalam-review/kannur-squad-review-a-meticulous-procedural-explodes-into-a-fun-balls-out-mass-movie-mammootty-roby-varghese-raj-kishore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928145906/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/malayalam-review/kannur-squad-review-a-meticulous-procedural-explodes-into-a-fun-balls-out-mass-movie-mammootty-roby-varghese-raj-kishore |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=Film Companion |language=en}}</ref> === Box office === ''Kannur Squad'' earned over {{INR|15 crore}} domestically and over {{INR|13 crore}} from the overseas market, bringing its total to {{INR|28 crore}} in its first four days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kannur Squad box office: Mammootty starrer earns Rs 28 crore in opening weekend worldwide |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kannur-squad-box-office-mammootty-starrer-earns-rs-28-crore-in-opening-weekend/24b0a382a031 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003183057/https://www.ottplay.com/news/kannur-squad-box-office-mammootty-starrer-earns-rs-28-crore-in-opening-weekend/24b0a382a031 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ബോക്സ് ഓഫീസ് തൂക്കിയടി; കോടികള്‍ വാരിക്കൂട്ടി കേരള 'പടത്തലവൻ', കണ്ണൂര്‍ സ്ക്വാഡ് ആഗോള കളക്ഷന്‍ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/mammootty-movie-kannur-squad-cross-32-crore-in-world-wide-box-office-nrn-s1wn1v |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003181550/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/mammootty-movie-kannur-squad-cross-32-crore-in-world-wide-box-office-nrn-s1wn1v |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml}}</ref> On its sixth day, the film grossed over {{INR|42.30 crore}} with {{INR|21.90 crore}} from [[Kerala]] and {{INR|20.40 crore}} from the overseas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=honey |title=കൊച്ചി മള്‍ട്ടിപ്ലെക്സില്‍ മാത്രം മമ്മൂട്ടിക്ക് കോടികളുടെ തിളക്കം, കണ്ണൂര്‍ സ്‍ക്വാഡ് നേടിയത് |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-collection-report-out-actors-crime-thriller-earns-one-crore-in-kochi-multiplexes-hrk-s21vpc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005121939/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-collection-report-out-actors-crime-thriller-earns-one-crore-in-kochi-multiplexes-hrk-s21vpc |archive-date=5 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml}}</ref> The film has reportedly collected {{INR|1 crore}} from [[Kochi]] multiplexes. The film collected {{INR|55.47 lakhs}} from Aries Plex Theatre, [[Trivandrum]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=nirmal |title=105 പ്രദര്‍ശനങ്ങള്‍, 29,929 ടിക്കറ്റുകള്‍; 'കണ്ണൂര്‍ സ്ക്വാഡ്' നേടിയ കളക്ഷന്‍ പുറത്തുവിട്ട് ഏരീസ് പ്ലെക്സ് |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment/box-office/ariesplex-sl-cinemas-thiruvananthapuram-shares-kannur-squad-box-office-collection-mammootty-nsn-s29qq9 |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011102347/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment/box-office/ariesplex-sl-cinemas-thiruvananthapuram-shares-kannur-squad-box-office-collection-mammootty-nsn-s29qq9#tbl-em-lnllsi0bcdxekrl6yw5 |url-status=live }}</ref> On its ninth day, it grossed over {{INR|50 crore}} becoming the sixth fastest Malayalam film and the second quickest Mammootty starrer to reach the mark joining, [[Lucifer (2019 Indian film)|''Lucifer'']], ''[[Bheeshma Parvam]]'', [[Kurup (film)|''Kurup'']], [[2018 (film)|''2018'']] and ''[[RDX: Robert Dony Xavier]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=vipinvk |title=അന്ന് 50 കോടിയുണ്ടോ എന്ന് ചോദ്യം; ഇന്ന് മമ്മൂട്ടി ചിത്രങ്ങളുടെ ഗംഭീര നേട്ടം.! |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment/box-office/mammootty-films-in-top-five-fastest-grossing-50-cr-club-movies-in-malayalam-vvk-s29eg8 |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011102348/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment/box-office/mammootty-films-in-top-five-fastest-grossing-50-cr-club-movies-in-malayalam-vvk-s29eg8 |url-status=live }}</ref> On its eleventh day, the film grossed over {{INR|65 crore}} worldwide becoming one of the top grossing Malayalam films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=vipinvk |title=മൂന്നാംവാരത്തിലേക്ക് കയറി കണ്ണൂര്‍ സ്ക്വാഡ്; ബോക്സോഫീസ് പടത്തലവന്‍ മമ്മൂട്ടി, കളക്ഷന്‍ വിവരം ഇങ്ങനെ.! |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/kannur-squad-box-office-collections-in-third-week-towards-70-cr-vvk-s2csby |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011102348/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/kannur-squad-box-office-collections-in-third-week-towards-70-cr-vvk-s2csby |url-status=live }}</ref> The film reportedly collected {{INR|1.71 crore}} from [[North America]]. It grossed {{INR|32.72 crore}} from Kerala and over {{INR|29 crore}} from the overseas market in 11 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=kannur squad box office: പകരക്കാരില്ലാതെ മൂന്നാം വാരം; കളക്ഷനിലും 'സൂപ്പർ സ്ക്വാഡ്'; മമ്മൂട്ടി ചിത്രത്തിന് അമേരിക്കയിലും കോടിനേട്ടം |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/mammootty-movie-kannur-squad-box-office-north-america-kerala-roby-varghese-raj-nrn-s2d7wz |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=www.asianetnews.com |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013183018/https://www.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/mammootty-movie-kannur-squad-box-office-north-america-kerala-roby-varghese-raj-nrn-s2d7wz |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2023 |title=ഒന്നാമൻ ആ ചിത്രം, 'റോഷാക്കി'നെ മറികടന്ന് 'കണ്ണൂർ സ്ക്വാഡ്'; വിദേശമാർക്കറ്റിലെ മമ്മൂട്ടി തരംഗം |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/top-6-overseas-grossers-malayalam-actor-mammootty-kannur-squad-nrn-s2f4i7 |access-date=13 October 2023 |website=Asianet News |language=ml |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014052535/https://www.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/top-6-overseas-grossers-malayalam-actor-mammootty-kannur-squad-nrn-s2f4i7 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Kannur Squad'' earned {{INR|70 crore}} by collecting {{INR|33.50 crore}} from Kerala within its 15 days of release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=മമ്മൂട്ടിയുടെ കണ്ണൂര്‍ സ്‍ക്വാഡ് 15 ദിവസത്തില്‍ നേടിയത്, വിസ്‍മയിപ്പിക്കുന്ന നേട്ടം |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-collection-report-out-earns-33-50-crores-in-15-days-hrk-s2gob0 |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=www.asianetnews.com |archive-date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015002119/https://www.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/mammootty-starrer-kannur-squad-collection-report-out-earns-33-50-crores-in-15-days-hrk-s2gob0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film has reportedly had a successful run in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-14 |title=മൂന്നാം വാരത്തിൽ 70 കോടിയിലേക്ക് കുതിച്ച് 'കണ്ണൂർ സ്‌ക്വാഡ്'; വിജയകരമായി പ്രദർശനം തുടരുന്നു |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/kannur-squad-movie-box-office-collection-report-1.8986208 |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=Mathrubhumi |language=en |archive-date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015013341/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/kannur-squad-movie-box-office-collection-report-1.8986208 |url-status=live }}</ref> Grossing over US$3&nbsp;million, ''Kannur Squad'' became the 7th Malayalam film to make its mark on overseas box office revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=vipinvk |title=ഗള്‍ഫില്‍ പണംവാരി ക്ലബില്‍ കയറി കണ്ണൂര്‍ സ്ക്വാഡും; ഇതിന് മുന്‍പ് ഈ നേട്ടം നേടിയത് ആറ് മലയാള പടങ്ങള്‍.! |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment/box-office/kannur-squad-gulf-box-office-collection-becomes-7th-malayalam-film-to-achieve-this-record-in-gcc-mammootty-vvk-s2k8fa |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml |archive-date=17 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017044002/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment/box-office/kannur-squad-gulf-box-office-collection-becomes-7th-malayalam-film-to-achieve-this-record-in-gcc-mammootty-vvk-s2k8fa |url-status=live }}</ref> The film grossed {{INR|75 crore}} in the worldwide box office collection after 18 days of its release by collecting {{INR|42.50 crore}} domestically.<ref name="auto1"/> It grossed over US$3.893&nbsp;million ({{INR|32.40 crore}}) from overseas with US$3.152&nbsp;million from the UAE GCC, US$316K from the European market, US$270K from North America, US$105K from New Zealand and Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=vipinvk |title=യുഎഇ, യൂറോപ്പ്, അമേരിക്ക, ഓസ്ട്രേലിയ.. വിദേശ ബോക്സോഫീസും കണ്ണൂര്‍ സ്ക്വാഡ് പിടിച്ചു; കണക്കുകള്‍ ഇങ്ങനെ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment/box-office/kannur-squad-18-days-overseas-box-office-collection-mammootty-movie-vvk-s2noow |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml}}</ref> == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == * {{IMDb title|id=tt25274786|title=Kannur Squad}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes|kannur_squad}} [[Category:2020s Malayalam-language films]] [[Category:2023 directorial debut films]] [[Category:2023 films]] [[Category:Indian crime action films]] [[Category:Films scored by Sushin Shyam]] [[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]] [[Category:Films shot in Uttar Pradesh]] [[Category:Films shot in Coimbatore]] [[Category:Films shot in Kasaragod]] [[Category:Films shot in Kannur]] [[Category:Films shot in Ernakulam]] [[Category:Films shot in Thiruvananthapuram]] [[Category:Films shot in Wayanad]]'