Sethurama Iyer CBI (also known as CBI 3: Sethurama Iyer or simply CBI 3 ) is a 2004 Malayalam-language investigative thriller directed by K. Madhu and written by the legendary S. N. Swamy. It is the third installment in the iconic CBI film series, following Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988) and Jagratha (1989). The film marked the return of the beloved protagonist, Sethurama Iyer, after a 15-year hiatus.
While on vacation in Kerala, Sethurama Iyer is visited by a priest representing , a serial killer on death row. Alex confesses to committing six out of the seven murders he was convicted of but maintains he did not commit the seventh—the murder of a businessman named Manikkunju .
In 2004, the Indian film industry was abuzz with the release of the Malayalam movie "Sethurama Iyer CBI," a thought-provoking thriller that delved into the intricacies of the Indian judicial system. Directed by K. Madhavan, the film starred the renowned actor Mammootty in the titular role, captivating audiences with its engaging narrative and socially relevant themes.
What follows is a labyrinthine plot involving family feuds, illicit affairs, forged documents, and legal loopholes. Unlike modern thrillers that rely on car chases, Sethurama Iyer CBI gets its adrenaline from interrogation scenes. A 20-minute scene where Iyer slowly dismantles a suspect’s alibi using a calendar and a train timetable is more thrilling than any explosion.