Aanandam (2016) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Aanandam (2016) Review
Aanandam (2016) (Malayalam adventure, comedy, drama) — directed by Ganesh Raj. Starring Siddhi Mahajankatti, Thomas Mathew, Vishak Nair. A group of students visit Goa and Hampi while on their college trip. Their experiences during their journey help them understand the intricacies of love and friendship. Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 21 Oct 2016. Runtime: 2h 14m.
Aanandam(2016)
Malayalam · Adventure, Comedy, Drama
2h 14m · 21 Oct 2016
DOP: Anend C Chandran | Writer: Ganesh Raj
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
Aanandam is a coming-of-age Malayalam film that revolves around a group of engineering students who embark on their first college tour. The story explores their friendships, romances, and personal growth during this journey, capturing the essence of youth and the bittersweet moments of transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Aanandam delivers a refreshing take on the college trip genre with a heartfelt narrative that resonates well with the youth. The screenplay is simple yet effective, focusing on the nuances of friendship and young love without resorting to clichés. The pacing is well-maintained, with the first half setting up the characters and their dynamics in a light-hearted manner, while the second half delves deeper into emotional conflicts and resolutions.
The film's music and background score complement the youthful vibe, with songs that blend seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the overall mood without overpowering the scenes. The cinematography by Anend C Chandran captures the scenic beauty of the trip locations, adding a vibrant visual appeal. Overall, Aanandam is a feel-good entertainer that balances fun and sentiment, making it relatable and engaging for its target audience.
Siddhi Mahajankatti: Natural and relatable portrayal of a college student.
Thomas Mathew: Energetic and convincing in his role.
Vishak Nair: Charismatic and well-suited for the youthful character.
Arun Kurian: Subtle and impactful performance.
Roshan Mathew: Strong screen presence and nuanced acting.
Annu Antony: Effective in supporting role with good screen presence.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Refreshing and relatable story
- ✓Well-written screenplay with balanced pacing
- ✓Strong performances by the young cast
- ✓Engaging music and background score
- ✓Vibrant cinematography capturing scenic locales
Weaknesses
- ✕Lacks major twists or dramatic depth
- ✕Some character arcs could have been explored further
🎬 Direction & Writing
Ganesh Raj's direction is confident and sensitive, capturing the essence of youth with authenticity. The writing is straightforward and avoids melodrama, focusing instead on genuine emotions and interactions.
- - Cinematography by Anend C Chandran
- - Editing that maintains smooth narrative flow
- - Music and background score enhancing the youthful tone
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
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 | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics generally praised Aanandam for its fresh take on college life and the natural performances of its young cast. The film was appreciated for its simplicity and heartfelt storytelling, though some noted the lack of a strong dramatic core. The music and cinematography were highlighted as key strengths that enhanced the overall experience.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Aanandam release in theatres?▾
Aanandam released on 21 October 2016 (2016).
Is Aanandam a hit or flop?▾
Aanandam is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Aanandam online? OTT release date?▾
Aanandam is available on aha from 30 December 2019.
Who directed Aanandam?▾
Aanandam directed by Ganesh Raj. Produced by Vineeth Sreenivasan.
Who are the main cast members of Aanandam?▾
Aanandam stars Siddhi Mahajankatti, Thomas Mathew, Vishak Nair, Arun Kurian, Roshan Mathew.
What is the Tollybo rating for Aanandam?▾
Tollybo rates Aanandam 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
What is the genre and runtime of Aanandam?▾
Aanandam — Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 134 minutes, Language: Malayalam.