Currently, Malayalam filmdom is overflowing with cop stories. Sathya is the dubbed version of the Malayalam movie Sathyam. It is the latest offering from director Vinayan, who had directed stupendous movies such as En Mana Vaanil, Kasi and Arputha Theevu.

Head constable Ayyappan (Thilagan) is sacked from service because of his stern principles and inflexible attitude. A strict disciplinarian, he does not alter the norms for the sake of the powerful class and cracks the whip on every criminal with absolute authority. Reverentially looked upon by his loyal subordinates, Ayyappan is a nuisance for his corrupt seniors. A serious action costs Ayyappan his job. Middle-class, meek, and with no clues to tackle the influential gang in command, Ayyappan succumbs to the expulsion. But with his will and verve, he boosts his young son and inducts him to the same profession.

His son Sanjeev (Prithviraj), a chip of the old block, fulfils his dream. Unlike his father, Sanjeev is smart, dynamic and plays his cards wisely to tackle the powerful and the malevolent bunch. He faces resistance and opposition from all sides. The Commissioner declines to give him the verification certificate to complete his selection. Rather, he sends a police battalion to take him into custody. Yet, Sanjeev evades all the wicked traps set for him and becomes a Sub-Inspector. With refined aptitude, he eliminates the local bullies, street-side hoods and threatening underworld mafia. Amid all the action, Sanjeev also finds time to romance with Priya Mani. The power-war and Sanjeev's triumph forms the rest of the story.

Though there is no particular novelty in terms of storyline (actually it reminds the '89 hit-movie Kireedom) and all the characterizations and incidents deployed in the narrative are clich閐 and predictable, there is still enough fizz in the movie. Vinayan has packed it in an interesting and logical manner so that practically, there is not a dull moment in the screenplay.

Prithviraj is the major attraction in the film. With short hair, stern look and blazing action, he excels as Sub-Inspector Sanjeev. Priya Mani's role is typical as the bold city girl, the suave lover who pampers the duty-bound Officer Sanjeev with her sweet romance. Veteran actor Thilagan has done his role admirably. Anandraj's villainy is convincing. Jayachandran's music, as usual, is subtle and soothing. Kanal Kannan's extraordinary action choreography stands out, occupying a major part of the screenplay.