118 (2019) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 5 May 2026
118 (2019) Review
A review of 118 (2019) (Telugu action, mystery, thriller), directed by K. V. Guhan. Starring Kalyan Ram, Nivetha Thomas, Shalini Pandey. While staying in a resort, an investigative journalist has a dream where he sees a woman being beaten to death. When he has the same dream once again in the same room of the resort, he begins to believe there might be some truth to it. He starts investigating and eventually faces physical challenges... Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 1 Mar 2019. Runtime: 2h 0m.
118(2019)
Telugu · Action, Mystery, Thriller
2h 0m · 1 Mar 2019
Music: Shekar Chandra | DOP: K. V. Guhan | Writer: K.V. Guhan, Mirchi Kiran
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
📖 Story
118 is a Telugu action thriller revolving around a crime reporter who investigates a mysterious accident that leads him into a web of conspiracy and supernatural elements. As he digs deeper, he uncovers hidden truths and faces dangerous adversaries.
Kalyan Ram: Strong and convincing as the protagonist, effectively portraying a determined crime reporter.
Nivetha Thomas: Natural and engaging, providing good support and emotional depth.
Shalini Pandey: Brief but impactful presence, adding charm to the narrative.
K. V. Guhan: Solid performance as a supporting character.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Intriguing and fresh storyline blending thriller and supernatural elements
- ✓K. V. Guhan's cinematography
- ✓Engaging screenplay with good pacing
- ✓Strong lead performance by Kalyan Ram
- ✓Background score and music by Shekar Chandra
Weaknesses
- ✕Some predictable moments in the second half
- ✕Supporting characters underutilized
- ✕Occasional lapses in narrative coherence
🎬 Direction & Writing
K. V. Guhan delivers a well-crafted thriller with a tight screenplay and stylish visuals. His direction balances suspense and emotional moments effectively, though the second half could have been crisper.
📰 Critic Reviews
118 is an intriguing, different and nearly engaging thriller with lucid dreaming concept as the backdrop. First half is pretty good, second half has its own reservations. Audience who have an appetite for a different film might give it a try.
First half of the film is good. Second half has the central story and its slow. Flashback (central story) of the film is in expected lines. Kalyan Ram who is known for selection of good stories has made the right judgment call with this film by selecting a content based subject. Director Guhan has made 118 with an inte…
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.75 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 55% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics generally praised 118 for its novel concept, engaging screenplay, and technical finesse, especially cinematography. The lead performance by Kalyan Ram was appreciated. However, some reviews pointed out pacing issues and underdeveloped supporting roles.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did 118 release in theatres?▾
118 released on 1 March 2019 (2019).
Is 118 a hit or flop?▾
118 is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch 118 online? OTT release date?▾
118 is available on Sun NXT, Vi Movies and TV, MX Player from 16 August 2019.
Who directed 118?▾
118 directed by K. V. Guhan. Produced by Mahesh Koneru.
Who are the main cast members of 118?▾
118 stars Kalyan Ram, Nivetha Thomas, Shalini Pandey.
What is the Tollybo rating for 118?▾
Tollybo rates 118 2.75/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for 118?▾
Music for 118 composed by Shekar Chandra.
What is the genre and runtime of 118?▾
118 — Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller, Runtime: 120 minutes, Language: Telugu.