Last updated: 8 May 2026

Tamil · Crime, Drama, Thriller
2h 20m · 7 Feb 1997
DOP: M. V. Panneerselvam | Writer: R K Selvamani
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
Arasiyal is a political drama centered around the life of a principled and fearless politician played by Mammootty. The story delves into the murky world of politics, corruption, and power struggles, highlighting the protagonist's fight against the system to bring justice and reform. The narrative explores themes of integrity, sacrifice, and the challenges faced by those who dare to stand against entrenched political interests.
Arasiyal presents a gripping political narrative that attempts to blend action with social commentary. The screenplay is tightly woven, especially in the first half, which effectively sets up the stakes and introduces the key players in the political arena. The pacing is steady, maintaining audience engagement through a mix of intense dialogues and dramatic confrontations.
The second half escalates the tension with more action sequences and emotional moments, though at times it leans towards melodrama. The film's songs are situational and few, serving more as narrative tools than standalone musical numbers. The background score complements the film's serious tone, enhancing the mood during pivotal scenes without overpowering the narrative.
While the cinematography by M. V. Panneerselvam captures the gritty atmosphere of political life, some sequences could have benefited from tighter editing. Overall, Arasiyal succeeds as a political thriller with strong performances and a socially relevant message, despite minor flaws in pacing and melodramatic tendencies.
Mammootty: Powerful and commanding portrayal of a righteous politician, anchoring the film with his screen presence.
Shilpa Shirodkar: Provides emotional depth and support to the protagonist's journey.
Roja Selvamani: Strong and impactful in her role, adding to the film's dramatic tension.
Mansoor Ali Khan: Effective as an antagonist, bringing intensity to the conflict.
Strengths
Weaknesses
R K Selvamani directs with a clear vision, balancing political drama and action. His writing effectively highlights the corruption and challenges within politics, though some scenes tend to be overly dramatic, which slightly detracts from the film's realism.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics praised Mammootty's performance and the film's attempt to tackle political corruption. Some noted the film's melodramatic tendencies but acknowledged its engaging narrative and technical strengths.
Final Box-Office Result
Arasiyal released on 7 February 1997 (1997).
Arasiyal is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Arasiyal is available on YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Arasiyal directed by R K Selvamani.
Arasiyal stars Mammootty, Shilpa Shirodkar, Roja Selvamani, Mansoor Ali Khan, Anandaraj.
Tollybo rates Arasiyal 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Arasiyal — Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Tamil.