I recently finished Krishand's new six-episode web series, Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang. If you're familiar with his work, you'll immediately recognize his distinct style. For those who aren't, Krishand is a rare voice in Malayalam cinema, standing apart from the mainstream. Like his previous films Purusha Pretham and Aavasavyuham - personal favorites of mine - this series continues his unique approach to storytelling.
The series follows a group of youngsters in the fictional gang world of "Thiruvanchipuram" (a parody of Thiruvananthapuram). The story is framed as a biography narrated by gang member Arikuttan to an author named Mythreyan. Their ongoing conversations about how to shape the narrative serve as the director's meta-commentary on storytelling itself -- exploring what to highlight, what to omit, and the nuances of political correctness. This device even allows the dialogue to slip into philosophy, adding unexpected depth to the crime-comedy.
Set in the late '90s and early 2000s, the series evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. The title's "4.5" refers to the fact that one gang member is a little person. While the show has plenty of action and drama, its humor truly shines, especially in the small, quintessentially Malayali moments.
A key strength is its structure: each episode is built around a central musical theme that loops brilliantly through the story and visuals. This gives each episode a distinct identity while maintaining a seamless flow. The pacing is deliberate, shifting from light and playful to heavy as the characters' choices lead to serious consequences. The soundtrack is also exceptional, with a recurring folk piece that powerfully bookends the series.
The cast is solid across the board. Sanju Sivram, Jagdish, Sridhar Babu, Indrans, Shambu Suresh, Niranj Maniyanpilla, Alexander Prashant (as Bruce Lee), Sachin Joseph Kalarickal, and Vishnu Agasthya all deliver memorable performances. Darshana Rajendran joins later in the series, and Rahul Rajagopal makes a strong impression as SI Suresh Kumar. Adding to the authenticity, each gang member has a quirky nickname, the kind you’d hear in any real-life friend circle.
My only gripe is the ending, which felt a bit rushed and could have used more polish. However, this minor flaw doesn't detract from the overall experience. The world-building is solid, the episodes build momentum beautifully, and Krishand once again proves he is one of the most exciting storytellers in Malayalam entertainment industry today.
Overall, Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang is easily one of the best Malayalam web series to date. It's strictly for adults, and if you enjoy raw, funny, and immersive storytelling, it's a must-watch.