Last updated: 23 Apr 2026

Malayalam · Action, Drama, Thriller
2h 24m · 4 Jul 1990
Music: Shyam | DOP: Ramesh Babu | Writer: T Damodaran
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Arhatha is a Telugu action-drama revolving around themes of justice, power struggles, and personal redemption. The narrative follows the protagonist, played by Mohanlal, as he confronts corruption and fights to restore dignity and order in his community. The story weaves through complex relationships and moral dilemmas, highlighting the clash between good and evil forces within a socio-political backdrop.
Arhatha delivers a compelling storyline that balances intense action sequences with emotional drama. The screenplay, crafted by I V Sasi, maintains a steady pace, especially in the first half, which effectively sets up the characters and the central conflict. The second half escalates the tension with well-choreographed confrontations and dramatic twists, keeping the audience engaged.
The film’s music, composed by Shyam, complements the narrative well. The songs are melodious and situational, enhancing the emotional depth without disrupting the flow. The background score is impactful, heightening the suspense and action moments effectively.
Cinematography by Ramesh Babu captures the gritty atmosphere and the vibrant locales with clarity, adding to the film’s immersive experience. Overall, Arhatha stands out for its strong narrative structure, balanced pacing, and memorable musical score, making it a notable entry in Telugu cinema of the early 1990s.
Mohanlal: Powerful and commanding, Mohanlal delivers a nuanced portrayal of a righteous hero battling systemic corruption.
Urvashi: Offers a convincing and emotionally resonant performance, providing strong support to the lead.
Rekha: Delivers a poised and impactful role, adding depth to the narrative.
Suresh Gopi: Effective in a pivotal role, bringing intensity to the antagonistic elements.
Captain Raju: Memorable as a formidable antagonist, contributing to the film’s tension.
Lalu Alex: Provides solid support with a credible performance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
I V Sasi’s direction is confident and assured, successfully blending commercial elements with a socially relevant storyline. His narrative style keeps the audience invested through crisp storytelling and well-executed action sequences. The writing complements his direction by providing a solid framework for the actors to deliver impactful performances.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
No numeric critic ratings available from the specified Telugu or Indian critic sources for Arhatha (1990).
Final Box-Office Result
Arhatha released on 4 July 1990 (1990).
Arhatha is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Arhatha OTT release date not announced yet.
Arhatha directed by I V Sasi. Produced by P K R Pillai.
Arhatha stars Mohanlal, Urvashi, Rekha, Suresh Gopi, Captain Raju.
Tollybo rates Arhatha 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Arhatha composed by Shyam.
Arhatha — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 144 minutes, Language: Malayalam.