Aami (2018) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Aami (2018) Review
Aami (2018) is a Malayalam biography, drama film directed by Kamal, starring Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Murali Gopy. Aami is a biopic based on the life of the renowned poet and author Kamala Das, who was fondly referred by her pet name Aami. The film mainly deals with two relationships the writer had - with the husband and after his demise, with a suitor from a different religion. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 15 Mar 2018. Runtime: 2h 47m.
Aami(2018)
Malayalam · Biography, Drama
2h 47m · 15 Mar 2018
Music: Bijibal | DOP: Madhu Neelakandan | Writer: Kamal
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
Aami is a biographical drama based on the life of the renowned Malayalam poet and author Kamala Das. The film explores her personal and literary journey, highlighting her struggles with identity, societal norms, and her quest for freedom through her poetry and writings. It delves into her relationships, her controversial persona, and her evolution as a woman and an artist.
Aami presents a deeply personal and introspective narrative that captures the essence of Kamala Das's life and work. The story is rich with emotional depth, exploring complex themes of love, rebellion, and self-discovery. The screenplay is well-structured, balancing poetic moments with dramatic intensity, though the pacing in the first half is somewhat slow, focusing heavily on character establishment and setting the tone.
The second half gains momentum by delving deeper into Kamala's inner conflicts and her literary achievements, making it more engaging. The film's music, composed by Bijibal, complements the narrative beautifully, with songs that resonate emotionally and enhance the storytelling. The background score is subtle yet effective, underscoring the film’s moods without overpowering the scenes.
Visually, Madhu Neelakandan's cinematography captures the period settings and intimate moments with finesse, adding to the film's immersive quality. Overall, Aami is a thoughtful and artistically crafted biopic that appeals to audiences interested in literary and feminist themes, though its deliberate pace may not suit all viewers.
Manju Warrier: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of Kamala Das, capturing her vulnerability and strength.
Tovino Thomas: Supportive and compelling as Kamala's husband, adding emotional depth.
Murali Gopy: Strong presence with a layered performance.
Anoop Menon: Effective in a pivotal role, complementing the lead.
Renji Panicker: Solid supporting role with impactful moments.
KPAC Lalitha: Graceful and authentic portrayal of a maternal figure.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Manju Warrier's outstanding performance
- ✓Poignant and introspective screenplay
- ✓Beautifully composed music and background score
- ✓Authentic cinematography and period detailing
Weaknesses
- ✕Slow pacing in the first half
- ✕May feel too introspective for mainstream audiences
- ✕Limited commercial appeal due to niche subject
🎬 Direction & Writing
Kamal's direction is sensitive and respectful to the real-life subject, focusing on emotional authenticity and literary richness. His writing captures the complexities of Kamala Das's character and the societal challenges she faced, though the narrative occasionally lingers, affecting the film's pace.
📰 Critic Reviews
Gaami film was started 5 years back as a crowd-funded film. This film has a unique story line and a different screenplay. The director has made the movie with a lot of conviction. The narration of the story is pretty slow. This film is for the connoisseurs of cinema with a distinct taste. Normal audiences might find it…
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.75 |
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 | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics praised Manju Warrier's transformative performance and the film's poetic narrative. The music and cinematography received positive mentions for enhancing the film's mood. However, some reviews noted the slow pacing and niche appeal as limiting factors for wider audience engagement.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Aami release in theatres?▾
Aami released on 15 March 2018 (2018).
Is Aami a hit or flop?▾
Aami is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Aami online? OTT release date?▾
Aami OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Aami?▾
Aami directed by Kamal. Produced by Raphael Thomas.
Who are the main cast members of Aami?▾
Aami stars Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Murali Gopy, Anoop Menon, Renji Panicker.
What is the Tollybo rating for Aami?▾
Tollybo rates Aami 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Aami?▾
Music for Aami composed by Bijibal.
What is the genre and runtime of Aami?▾
Aami — Genre: Biography, Drama, Runtime: 167 minutes, Language: Malayalam.