Last updated: 8 May 2026


Unveiling the Shadows
Malayalam · Crime, Drama, Mystery
2h 43m · 20 May 2022
Music: Anil Johnson | DOP: Satheesh Kurup | Writer: K R Krishna Kumar
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
12th Man is a Malayalam-language mystery thriller revolving around a group of friends who gather for a reunion at a remote location. The story unfolds as a murder mystery, with the characters trapped in a confined setting, trying to uncover the truth behind the crime. The narrative explores themes of trust, deception, and the complexities of human relationships under pressure.
12th Man offers a tightly woven narrative that keeps the audience engaged through its suspenseful storyline and intriguing character dynamics. The screenplay by Jeethu Joseph is crafted to maintain curiosity, with a steady build-up of tension and well-timed revelations. The pacing is generally effective, with the first half setting up the characters and the mystery, while the second half intensifies the drama and delivers a satisfying resolution.
The film’s music and background score by Anil Johnson complement the thriller elements well, enhancing the mood without overpowering the scenes. The songs are minimal but situationally appropriate, allowing the narrative to maintain its momentum. Satheesh Kurup’s cinematography captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of the setting, adding to the suspense.
While the film succeeds in maintaining intrigue, some viewers might find the screenplay slightly predictable in parts, and the character development could have been deeper. Nonetheless, the direction and technical aspects combine to create a compelling thriller experience that holds the audience’s attention throughout.
Mohanlal: Strong and commanding presence, effectively portraying a calm yet intense character pivotal to the plot.
Unni Mukundan: Convincing and engaging, delivering a performance that balances vulnerability and determination.
Saiju Kurup: Solid supporting role with nuanced expressions that add depth to the ensemble.
Anusree Nair: Natural and believable, contributing well to the group dynamics.
Anu Sithara: Effective in her role, providing emotional weight to the narrative.
Priyanka Nair: Competent performance that supports the unfolding mystery.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Jeethu Joseph delivers a focused and taut direction, leveraging his expertise in thriller narratives. His writing ensures a balanced mix of suspense and character interaction, though some elements could have been explored more deeply to elevate the emotional stakes.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics generally praised 12th Man for its engaging thriller elements and strong performances, particularly highlighting Mohanlal's role. The film's suspenseful narrative and technical finesse were appreciated, though some noted predictability in the plot and limited character arcs as drawbacks.
Final Box-Office Result
12th Man released on 20 May 2022 (2022).
12th Man is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
12th Man OTT release date not announced yet.
12th Man directed by Jeethu Joseph. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor.
12th Man stars Mohanlal, Unni Mukundan, Saiju Kurup, Anusree Nair, Anu Sithara.
Tollybo rates 12th Man 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for 12th Man composed by Anil Johnson.
12th Man — Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Runtime: 163 minutes, Language: Malayalam.