Last updated: 8 May 2026

Malayalam · Comedy
2h 47m · 16 May 2019
Music: Gopi Sundar | DOP: Jomon T. John | Writer: Sooraj-Neeraj, Naveen Bhaskar, Martin Prakkat
Ratings
Our Rating
3
ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi follows the story of two carefree NRI youngsters, Chandu and Korah, who return to Kerala from the US. Their journey from being irresponsible and indulgent to understanding their roots and responsibilities forms the crux of the narrative. The film explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and self-discovery, wrapped in a light-hearted, comedic drama.
ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi offers a breezy and entertaining narrative that balances humor with emotional moments. The screenplay is structured to highlight the cultural clash experienced by the protagonists, with a pacing that keeps the audience engaged, especially in the first half which is filled with comedic setups and character introductions. The second half delves deeper into the emotional arcs, providing a satisfying resolution to the characters' growth.
The film's music by Gopi Sundar complements the narrative well, with songs that enhance the mood without overpowering the story. The background score effectively supports the shifts in tone, from light-hearted comedy to more poignant scenes. Cinematography by Jomon T. John captures the scenic beauty of Kerala, adding visual appeal to the film.
While the film excels in its performances and music, some critics noted that the screenplay occasionally leans on predictable tropes. However, the director Martin Prakkat's handling ensures that the film remains engaging and relatable to the target audience.
Dulquer Salmaan: Charismatic and natural, Dulquer delivers a convincing portrayal of a confused NRI youth with charm and depth.
Jacob Gregory: Provides strong comic relief and complements Dulquer well, bringing energy to the duo's dynamic.
Aparna Gopinath: Offers a grounded and sincere performance, adding emotional weight to the story.
Tovino Thomas: Supports the narrative with a confident and engaging presence.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Martin Prakkat directs with a clear vision, balancing humor and drama effectively. His writing captures the cultural nuances and emotional beats, though some narrative choices feel conventional.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 |
Our Rating
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No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics generally appreciated the film's light-hearted approach and performances, particularly praising Dulquer Salmaan's charm and the film's music. Some noted the predictable storyline but agreed that the execution kept the film entertaining.
Final Box-Office Result
ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi released on 16 May 2019 (2019).
ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi OTT release date not announced yet.
ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi directed by Martin Prakkat. Produced by Shibu Thameens.
ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi stars Dulquer Salmaan, Jacob Gregory, Aparna Gopinath, Tovino Thomas, Vijayaraghavan.
Tollybo rates ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Music for ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi composed by Gopi Sundar.
ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi — Genre: Comedy, Runtime: 167 minutes, Language: Malayalam.