Operation Java (2021)

Operation Java is a 2021 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film produced by V Cinemas International, written and directed by Tharun Moorthy (in his feature film debut). It stars an ensemble cast including Balu Varghese, Lukman Avaran, Binu Pappu, Irshad, Shine Tom Chacko, Mamitha Baiju and Vinayakan. The story details an investigation undertaken by a cyber cell police station in Kochi. The film released on 12 February 2021 and received positive reviews from critics.

Synopsis

The film is based on real-life cases and portrays investigations undertaken by a cyber cell police station in Kochi over the period of a year and half with the help of two engineering graduates. Cases involve film piracy, job fraud, and murder. Antony George and Vinay Dasan are the two opportunist youths who join the team as temporary employees in the cyber cell and help the team solve cases using their skills. In the end, they end up not being hired on a permanent role, in spite of the initial promise. The film explores the darker side of information technology and its users. The film also conveys the struggles of temporary/ intern/ apprentice staff who work hard but don't get proper recognition or financial benefits for their work.

Cast

Production

Tharun Moorthy was a former assistant professor of Computer Science and Engineering in college Of Engineering Kidangoor who turned into an advertisement filmmaker. Operation Java is the feature film directorial debut of Moorthy who also wrote the screenplay. It was screenwriter John Paul Puthusery who invited Moorthy to make a feature film after seeing a short film he scripted. Director Moorthy described the film as an investigative thriller, and it's based on real-life cases that follows an investigation by a team over a period of a year-and-a-half. It takes place in 2015 - 2017 period. The film was produced by V Cinemas International

Principal photography took place at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Vaikom, and Tamil Nadu. A location in Kakkanad served as the police station. Faiz Siddik was the cinematographer. Filming was wrapped in early March 2020. Dubbing of the film was held at a studio in Kochi in June 2020.

Home media

The satellite and post-theatrical streaming rights of the film were acquired by Zee Keralam and ZEE5, respectively. It premiered on both ZEE Keralam and ZEE5 on the same day on 15 May.

Reception

Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion South wrote "The film is a beautiful combination of romance and practicality and the cruelty of the establishment."

Music

The original soundtrack is composed, programmed, and arranged by Jakes Bejoy.

Sequel

In October 2025, director Tharun Moorthy officially announced a sequel to Operation Java, titled Operation Cambodia, which will expand the OPJ universe.

The sequel will feature Prithviraj Sukumaran in a significant role, alongside returning cast members including Lukman Avaran, Balu Varghese, Binu Pappu, Prasanth Alexander, Irshad Ali, Deepak Vijay. Tharun Moorthy returns as director, with production handled by The Manifestation Studio, V Cinemas International, and Worldwide Films India. The project is planned to begin after Moorthy completes his film Torpedo.

References

External links

Operation Java at IMDb