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Finger Print
Directed bySatheesh Paul
Written bySiddique
Story bySatish Paul
Produced bySabu Cherian
Starring
CinematographyGunashekhar
Edited byManoharan
Music byPravin Mani
Production
company
Anandabhairavi
Distributed byCentral Pictures
Release date
  • 18 February 2005 (2005-02-18)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Finger Print is a 2005 Indian Malayalam thriller film directed by Satheesh Paul and scripted by Siddique. The film is produced by Sabu Cherian under the banner Anandabhairavi. It stars Jayaram, Indrajith Renji V Nair and Gopika in lead roles. The film was released on 18 February 2005.[1]

Plot

[edit]

A patriarch of a royal family whose descendant was murdered, assigns the task of finding the culprit to two of his police officer nephews - Vivek (Jayaram) and Kishore (Indrajith). The officers use their intelligence and expertise to track and find the culprit.

Cast

[edit]
  • Jayaram as A.S.P Vivek Shankar IPS
  • Indrajith as A.S.P Kishore Varma IPS
  • Gopika as Preethi Varma
  • Nedumudi Venu as Rama Varma Thampuran
  • Sai Kumar as Prathapa Varma
  • Unni Shivapal as Krishna Prasad
  • Rajesh Subrahmanian as Devraj
  • Reji V. Nair as Capt. Nandakumar
  • Kripa as Deepa Nair
  • Joju George as C.I. Shekhar
  • A. T. Jose as I.G
  • Siraj Musthafa Khan as S.I Shereef
  • Devan as Adv. Murali Mohan
  • Murali Menon as Praveen Varma
  • Narayanankutty as Kunjikuttan Thampuran
  • Tom George Kolath as Medical Police Surgeon

Reception

[edit]

A critic from Sify wrote, "Finger Print fails to entertain and offers little in the way of surprise".[2]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Finger Print

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A fingerprint, also known as a finger print, is an impression made by the friction ridges—the raised portions of skin—on the pads of the fingers, which form unique patterns of ridges, valleys, and furrows. These patterns develop in utero during the first trimester of pregnancy and remain unchanged throughout an individual's lifetime, except for temporary alterations due to injury or scarring. Fingerprints are unique to each person, including identical twins, due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors influencing their formation, making them a reliable biometric identifier. In , fingerprints serve as crucial evidence for personal identification, with latent prints—those invisible to the naked eye and left at crime scenes—compared against known prints using minutiae points such as ridge endings and bifurcations. The three primary pattern types are arches (about 5% of prints, featuring ridges that enter from one side and exit the other without recurve), loops (60-65%, with ridges entering and exiting on the same side, forming a U-shape), and whorls (30-35%, circular or spiral patterns with at least two deltas). Subtypes exist within each category, and classification systems like the Henry system, developed in the late , aid in organizing large databases for matching. The use of fingerprints for identification traces back over 3,000 years to ancient and , where thumb impressions sealed clay tablets, though initially without recognition of their uniqueness. Scientific validation emerged in the : Sir William Herschel in (1858) used handprints for contracts, published foundational research in 1892 demonstrating uniqueness and permanence, and Juan Vucetich in made the first criminal conviction based on fingerprints in 1892. By the early , fingerprints became standard in worldwide, with the FBI establishing its fingerprint division in 1924, revolutionizing criminal investigations and civil applications like background checks. Today, systems (AFIS) process millions of records, enhancing efficiency while ongoing research refines matching accuracy.

Plot and Characters

Plot Summary

In the opulent palace of a royal , Praveen Varma, the eldest son of patriarch Varma Thampuran, is brutally murdered in , setting off a tense investigation shrouded in intrigue. Varma, wary of outsiders compromising the 's honor, entrusts the case to his two nephews, and Kishore, both dedicated officers in the force, tasking them with uncovering the truth through meticulous forensic methods, including analysis. , known for his calm and principled demeanor, methodically sifts through Praveen's personal history, probing potential motives tied to business rivalries and hidden familial resentments within the estate. As the duo delves deeper into the sprawling royal grounds, clues emerge that unravel long-buried secrets, such as an illegitimate son of Varma born to a servant, who becomes a under Kishore's aggressive scrutiny; however, the man vanishes just as incriminating evidence surfaces, heightening the . Twists abound involving other relatives and external figures, including romantic tensions complicating loyalties—both investigators harbor affections for Varma's daughter, , adding layers of personal deception to the probe. The narrative builds through a series of deceptive leads, from tampered crime scenes to forged alibis, emphasizing themes of fractured family bonds and the perils of blind trust in a lineage steeped in tradition. The thriller escalates in the estate's shadowy corridors, where forensic breakthroughs, particularly the matching of latent fingerprints to unexpected suspects, expose a web of betrayals driven by inheritance disputes and suppressed grievances. Culminating in a dramatic , the investigators identify the culprit through irrefutable , resolving the but leaving lingering questions about redemption and the cost of within the royal fold. This linear progression from initial discovery to forensic revelation underscores the film's suspenseful exploration of deception in a cloistered aristocratic world.

Cast

The principal cast of Finger Print (2005) features established Malayalam actors in key roles central to the thriller's narrative of investigation and family intrigue. Jayaram portrays A.S.P. Vivek Shankar IPS (also referred to as Vivek Varma), the lead investigator whose character infuses comic timing into the tense proceedings, drawing from his experience in dual-genre films like the comedy-thriller Aparan (1988). Indrajith Sukumaran plays A.S.P. Kishore Varma IPS (Kishore Varma), serving as the serious and aggressive counterpart to Jayaram's role, delivering a performance noted for its competence in highlighting investigative rivalry. Gopika appears as Preethi Varma, the female lead and daughter of the family patriarch, fitting the required emotional depth for her part. Nedumudi Venu embodies Rama Varma Thampuran, the authoritative patriarch of the royal family, leveraging his frequent portrayals of such dignified figures in Malayalam cinema for authenticity. Sai Kumar takes on the supporting role of Prathapa Varma, contributing to the ensemble of family suspects. Murali Menon plays Praveen Varma, the murdered character whose death drives the plot, providing a pivotal narrative anchor. Supporting actors include and in family and comedic suspect roles, alongside Devan as Advocate , Kalabhavan as Kunjikuttan Thampuran, and others like Unni Sivapal as Krishna Prasad, enhancing the royal household dynamics and thriller elements. The emphasizes established stars to ensure authenticity in depicting police procedures and royal family portrayals, with Jayaram's selection highlighting his versatility in blending comedy and suspense genres.
ActorRoleNotes on Contribution
A.S.P. Shankar IPS (Vivek Varma)Lead investigator; adds to tension. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/) [] (https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/2049/malayalam/fingerprint/413/review.htm)
Indrajith SukumaranA.S.P. Kishore Varma IPS (Kishore Varma)Serious counterpart officer; emphasizes rivalry. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/) [] (https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/473281/cast)
GopikaPreethi VarmaFemale lead; provides emotional support to family arc. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/) [] (https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/movies/finger-print/cast-crew.html)
Nedumudi VenuRama Varma ThampuranPatriarch; authoritative presence in royal setting. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/) [] (https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/2049/malayalam/fingerprint/413/review.htm)
Sai KumarPrathapa VarmaSupporting family member/suspect. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/fullcredits/) [] (https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/473281/cast)
Murali MenonPraveen VarmaMurdered character; central to thriller premise. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/fullcredits/) [] (https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/473281/cast)
DevanAdvocate Legal advisor in family; adds procedural depth. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/)
IndransSupporting family/suspectComedic elements in household roles. [] (https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/2049/malayalam/fingerprint/cast/6760/mala-aravindan.htm) [] (https://en.msidb.org/m.php?5264)
Mala AravindanSupporting family/suspectCharacter role enhancing family dynamics. [] (https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/2049/malayalam/fingerprint/cast/6760/mala-aravindan.htm) [] (https://en.msidb.org/m.php?5264)
Kalabhavan NarayanankuttyKunjikuttan Thampuran and humor in royal context. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/fullcredits/) [] (https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/2049/malayalam/fingerprint/413/review.htm)

Production

Development

The development of Finger Print began with director Satheesh Paul's original story , centered on a murder investigation in a where fingerprints serve as the pivotal clue, reflecting the intrigue-driven narratives common in thrillers of the era. Paul, who had previously served as script associate on Siddique's comedy (2003), collaborated with the established to adapt the idea into a full , marking Siddique's foray into the despite his reputation for humorous films like Godfather (1991) and (1992). The script was finalized ahead of principal photography, which commenced in 2004. Producer Sabu Cherian, through his banner, spearheaded , assembling key technical crew including K. Gunashekaran to support the film's investigative tone and atmospheric requirements. This phase emphasized efficient planning for a mid-budget thriller, focusing on in to evoke the royal family's opulent yet secretive world.

Filming

Principal photography for Finger Print was conducted primarily in Kerala, India, over 23 days in 2004, capturing the film's thriller elements through location shooting. The production emphasized authentic Kerala settings to ground the story in a local context, with principal work wrapping up ahead of the film's February 2005 release. Key locations included the hill station of Vagamon for exterior scenes that leveraged its misty landscapes and pine forests to heighten atmospheric tension. Royal family estate sequences were filmed at traditional Kerala palaces and purpose-built sets to evoke period grandeur and isolation, while investigative portions took place in real police stations and urban areas around Kochi and nearby towns, providing a contrast between opulent heritage sites and gritty modern environments. Cinematographer Gunashekharan handled the visuals, employing suspenseful techniques—such as low-key and dramatic contrasts—to underscore the thriller's mood and build psychological during and shots. Editor Manoharan focused on tight pacing, using quick cuts and rhythmic montages to maintain momentum without revealing twists prematurely. Production faced challenges in recreating royal aesthetics, including sourcing props and costumes for authenticity amid Kerala's humid climate, which complicated set maintenance. Forensic scene setups required coordination with local experts for realistic analysis depictions, ensuring technical accuracy while adhering to the film's constraints.

Music

The background score for the 2005 Malayalam thriller Finger Print was composed by Indian musician Pravin Mani, known for his work across Tamil, , and . The film features no songs, with Mani delivering a fully score tailored to the . Mani's composition employs a minimalistic style, utilizing subtle percussion and string elements to heighten tension during investigation sequences without distracting from the dialogue-driven plot. This approach aligns with the demands of thriller , where music underscores psychological depth and builds anticipation for revelations. His prior contributions to projects, such as By the People (2005), informed a restrained yet effective sonic palette that integrates seamlessly with the film's emotional family dynamics and plot twists. The score's integration enhances key moments, such as interrogations and climactic confrontations, by layering ambient sounds with rhythmic motifs that evoke unease and urgency, contributing to the overall atmospheric immersion typical of early 2000s thrillers.

Release and Distribution

Theatrical Release

Finger Print had its theatrical premiere on 18 February 2005, debuting in theaters across and other regions of as a -language thriller. The film was certified U/A by the (CBFC), restricting viewing to audiences aged 12 and above unless accompanied by an adult, due to its themes of and within a setting. The runtime was approximately 113 minutes, allowing for a compact narrative focused on investigation and intrigue. Distribution emphasized regional cinema circuits in South India, aligning with the film's cultural context and target audience in Kerala.

Home Media and Availability

Following its theatrical release, Finger Print became available on home video formats in the mid-2000s through regional distributors in India, though physical DVD copies are now out of print and no longer commercially available for purchase. The film is currently streamable on JioHotstar in India (following the February 2025 merger of Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema), offered in HD with English subtitles to broaden its reach beyond Malayalam-speaking audiences. Internationally, availability is limited to select markets with significant diaspora communities, including and via Disney+, without notable remastering or special re-releases. As of November 2025, the movie remains accessible primarily through these online platforms, with options for ad-supported free viewing or subscription-based access.

Reception

Critical Response

The critical reception to Finger Print was generally negative, with reviewers highlighting its failure to deliver engaging or innovation within the thriller genre. Paresh C. Palicha of Nowrunning described the film as lacking the charm of a true investigative thriller, instead coming across as a confusing blend of crime drama and family , with minimal effective use of forensic elements and an uninspiring narrative. Similarly, a review on Webindia123 noted the story's absence of realism and entertainment value, criticizing its confusing climax and overall lack of . Performances received mixed feedback, with some praise for Indrajith Sukumaran's portrayal of Kishore Varma, deemed decent amid the film's shortcomings. Jayaram's role as the honest officer Vivek Varma was seen as uncomfortable and unconvincing, particularly in conveying the required with Indrajith's character, though both actors attempted to elevate the sibling dynamic. The buildup of the investigation offered occasional moments of tension, but these were undermined by predictable plotting and weak twists that failed to surprise audiences. In the context of 2005 , Finger Print was viewed as an average entry, overshadowed by stronger releases and receiving no major awards or nominations at events like the . User ratings on reflected this lukewarm response, averaging 4.9 out of 10 based on 283 votes. Overall, critics consensus positioned it as a forgettable thriller hampered by formulaic elements and execution flaws.

Commercial Performance

_Fingerprint garnered modest box office earnings, confined largely to theaters in following its February 2005 release. Specific financial figures remain undocumented in major industry records, but the film did not feature among the highest-grossing releases of the year, which were dominated by blockbusters such as (over ₹25 crore worldwide) and . Its commercial reception was influenced by stiff competition from high-profile productions starring leading actors like and , alongside a targeted appeal to regional thriller enthusiasts that limited broader . Classified as a mid-tier offering without blockbuster potential, underperformed relative to top 2005 hits, reflecting the era's emphasis on star-driven spectacles. In the long term, the film's theatrical re-run prospects were minimal due to its niche status, yet digital availability has revitalized its reach. Streaming on platforms like has sustained audience interest, providing ongoing visibility beyond its initial run.

References

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/fingerprints/
  2. https://sites.rutgers.edu/fingerprinting/fingerprints-and-science/
  3. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/fingerprints-overview
  4. https://sites.rutgers.edu/fingerprinting/wp-content/uploads/sites/223/2019/11/FingHandouts.pdf
  5. https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ojis/history/fp_sys.htm
  6. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/225321.pdf
  7. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/visibleproofs/galleries/cases/vucetich.html
  8. https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/fbi-marks-100-years-of-fingerprints-and-criminal-history-records
  9. https://www.nist.gov/forensic-biometrics
  10. https://www.webindia123.com/movie/regional/fingerprint/index.htm
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/plotsummary/
  12. https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/2049/malayalam/fingerprint/413/review.htm
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/
  14. https://satheeshpauldirector.com/
  15. https://en.msidb.org/m.php?5264
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/fullcredits/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448845/locations/
  18. https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/movies/finger-print.html
  19. https://music.apple.com/gb/album/by-the-people-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1711119730
  20. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/473281
  21. https://www.justwatch.com/in/movie/finger-print
  22. https://www.justdial.com/streaming/watch-movies-online/Finger-Print/1534091265872
  23. https://www.disneyplus.com/
  24. https://www.hotstar.com/in/movies/finger-print/1000109400
  25. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0001070/2005/1/
  26. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2025/04/11/malayalam-cinema-box-office-hits-mohanlal-films.html
  27. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls099331585/
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