Last updated: 8 May 2026

Five reasons to live for. Five reasons to die for.
Malayalam · Drama, Romance
2h 20m · 22 Jun 2013
DOP: Rajeev Ravi, Alby, Amal Neerad, Shyju Khalid, Renadive | Writer: Sidharth Bharathan, Muneer Ali, Abhilash S Kumar, Syam Pushkaran
Ratings
Our Rating
3
5 Sundarikal is an anthology film consisting of five short stories, each directed by a different filmmaker. The stories revolve around the lives of five women, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. Set against the backdrop of Kerala, the narratives delve into emotional and social nuances, portraying varied shades of womanhood with sensitivity and depth.
5 Sundarikal stands out as a refreshing anthology that beautifully captures the essence of feminine experiences through its five distinct narratives. The content is rich with emotional depth and cultural texture, offering a nuanced portrayal of love and relationships. The screenplay is well-crafted, with each segment maintaining its unique tone and style, yet collectively contributing to a cohesive thematic exploration.
The pacing varies across the segments, with some stories unfolding at a measured, contemplative pace, while others adopt a brisker rhythm. The first half engages viewers with its intriguing setups and character introductions, while the second half provides satisfying emotional payoffs and thoughtful conclusions. The absence of a traditional song soundtrack is notable, but the background score is subtle and effective, enhancing the mood without overpowering the narratives.
Musically, the film relies heavily on its background score to underscore the emotional beats, which is handled deftly by the cinematographers and directors. The cinematography across the segments is visually striking, capturing Kerala's landscapes and intimate moments with equal finesse. Overall, 5 Sundarikal is a commendable effort that combines strong storytelling with artistic direction, making it a memorable anthology in Malayalam cinema.
Anikha Surendran: Delivered a heartfelt and convincing portrayal of innocence and emotional vulnerability.
Chethan Jayalal: Provided a nuanced and restrained performance that complemented the story's tone.
Isha Sharvani: Brought grace and depth to her role, effectively conveying complex emotions.
Nivin Pauly: Offered a natural and engaging performance, adding charm and relatability.
Kavya Madhavan: Exhibited strong screen presence and emotional intensity.
Biju Menon: Delivered a solid and convincing performance, enhancing the narrative.
Strengths
Weaknesses
The direction by the five filmmakers showcases a variety of styles and sensibilities, yet they maintain a consistent thematic focus on women's experiences. Each director brings a distinct voice, balancing artistic expression with narrative clarity. The writing is thoughtful and layered, allowing the characters to resonate emotionally without resorting to melodrama.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised 5 Sundarikal for its innovative anthology format and strong emotional core. The performances and cinematography were highlighted as major strengths, while some noted the uneven pacing and lack of traditional songs as minor drawbacks. Overall, the film was appreciated for its artistic ambition and sensitive storytelling.
Final Box-Office Result
5 Sundarikal released on 22 June 2013 (2013).
5 Sundarikal is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
5 Sundarikal OTT release date not announced yet.
5 Sundarikal directed by Shyju Khalid, Sameer Thahir, Aashiq Abu, Amal Neerad, Anwar Rasheed. Produced by Amal Neerad.
5 Sundarikal stars Anikha Surendran, Chethan Jayalal, Isha Sharvani, Nivin Pauly, Kavya Madhavan.
Tollybo rates 5 Sundarikal 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
5 Sundarikal — Genre: Drama, Romance, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Malayalam.