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Alone (2023) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Alone (2023) Review

Directed by Shaji Kailas, Alone (2023) is a Malayalam thriller film starring Mohanlal, Manju Warrier. During the pandemic lock-down, A motivational speaker named Kalidas moves into the thirteenth floor of an apartment in Kochi. Soon Kalidas begins to observe supernatural elements around him and he decides to investigate. Our Rating: 1.25/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 26 Jan 2023. Runtime: 2h 2m.

Alone
DISASTER

Alone(2023)

Real Heroes are Always Alone

Malayalam · Thriller

2h 2m · 26 Jan 2023

Music: Biby Mathew, Eldhose Alias | DOP: Abinandhan Ramanujam, Pramod K Pillai | Writer: Rajesh Jayaraman

ThrillerMystery

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI2.75
Times of IndiaTimes of IndiaAI3.25
IBTimesIBTimesAI3
PinkvillaPinkvillaAI3
IMDbIMDb3.4

Our Rating

1.25

📖 Story

Alone is a Malayalam thriller that revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a woman and the subsequent investigation that unravels dark secrets. The story delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and survival, with a narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the climax.

🔍 Analysis

Alone attempts to blend suspense with emotional drama, anchored by a story that unfolds through a series of twists and revelations. The screenplay is structured to maintain intrigue, though certain plot points feel predictable. The pacing in the first half is steady, setting up characters and conflicts effectively, but the second half tends to drag with extended sequences that dilute the tension.

The film benefits from strong performances by the lead actors, which add depth to the otherwise conventional narrative. The songs are minimal and situational, serving more as narrative devices than standalone musical pieces. The background score by Biby Mathew and Eldhose Alias complements the thriller elements well, enhancing the mood without overpowering scenes.

Cinematography by Abinandhan Ramanujam and Pramod K Pillai captures the atmospheric tension suitably, though the visual style remains functional rather than innovative. Overall, Alone is a moderately engaging thriller that caters to fans of the genre but falls short of delivering a consistently gripping experience.

🎭 Performances

Mohanlal: Strong and nuanced, bringing gravitas to the lead role.

Manju Warrier: Compelling and emotive, effectively portraying vulnerability and strength.

Renji Panicker: Solid supporting role with impactful moments.

Siddique: Reliable performance adding credibility to the narrative.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong lead performances
  • Effective background score
  • Engaging first half setup
  • Atmospheric cinematography

Weaknesses

  • Predictable plot twists
  • Sluggish pacing in the second half
  • Underutilized songs
  • Conventional screenplay

🎬 Direction & Writing

Shaji Kailas delivers a competent thriller with a focus on character-driven storytelling, though the direction occasionally lacks the tautness required for sustained suspense. The writing is straightforward but could have benefited from tighter editing and more innovative narrative choices.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography
  • - Background Score
  • - Editing
  • - Sound Design

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.00 / 5
Times of IndiaTimes of India
3.25 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
2.75 / 5
PinkvillaPinkvilla
3.00 / 5

Our Rating

1.25/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive40%
Neutral35%
Negative25%

Critics

Critics appreciated the performances of Mohanlal and Manju Warrier and the atmospheric score, but many pointed out the film's predictable storyline and uneven pacing as major drawbacks. The technical aspects were generally well-received, though the screenplay was seen as conventional.

Final Box-Office Result

DISASTER

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Alone release in theatres?

Alone released on 26 January 2023 (2023).

Is Alone a hit or flop?

Alone is declared a DISASTER at the box office.

Where to watch Alone online? OTT release date?

Alone OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Alone?

Alone directed by Shaji Kailas. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor.

Who are the main cast members of Alone?

Alone stars Mohanlal, Manju Warrier.

What is the Tollybo rating for Alone?

Tollybo rates Alone 1.25/5. Verdict: DISASTER.

Who composed the music for Alone?

Music for Alone composed by Biby Mathew, Eldhose Alias.

What is the genre and runtime of Alone?

Alone — Genre: Thriller, Runtime: 122 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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