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Aryan (1988) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Aryan (1988) Review

A review of Aryan (1988) (Malayalam action, drama), directed by Priyadarshan. Starring Mohanlal, Ramya Krishnan, Monisha Unni. Aryan movie is all about Devanarayan (Mohanlal) who is a Brahmin priest who is falsely accused of theft and forced to leave his village in Kerala. He moves to Bombay where he gets drawn into the underworld through an ageing don Kareem (Goga Kapoor). Some interesting comment initially on Brahmin prie... Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 1 Jan 1988. Runtime: 2h 51m.

Aryan
ABOVE AVERAGE

Aryan(1988)

Malayalam · Action, Drama

2h 51m · 1 Jan 1988

Writer: T Damodaran

ActionDrama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb7.4
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.3
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB67
TraktTrakt58

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Aryan follows the journey of a young man who rises from humble beginnings to become a powerful figure in the underworld. The story explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of power. The narrative is driven by intense character interactions and dramatic conflicts that highlight the protagonist's transformation and the challenges he faces along the way.

🔍 Analysis

Aryan presents a gripping storyline that blends action and drama effectively, with a screenplay that maintains engagement through its well-crafted character arcs and plot progression. The pacing is steady, with a strong first half that establishes the characters and stakes, while the second half escalates the tension and delivers impactful confrontations.

The film's songs and music, though not credited to a specific music director, complement the mood of the movie, enhancing emotional moments without overpowering the narrative. The background score is subtle yet effective, supporting the film's dramatic tone and helping to build suspense during critical scenes.

Overall, Aryan stands out for its compelling storytelling and strong performances, with direction that balances commercial appeal and narrative depth. The film’s technical aspects, though not extensively documented, contribute to a cohesive cinematic experience.

🎭 Performances

Mohanlal: Powerful and charismatic portrayal of the protagonist, delivering a nuanced performance that anchors the film.

Ramya Krishnan: Strong and emotive, providing a solid counterpart to the lead.

Monisha Unni: Graceful and impactful in her supporting role.

Shobana: Effective and engaging, adding depth to the narrative.

Balan K Nair: Commanding presence, enhancing the film's dramatic weight.

Kuthiravattam Pappu: Provides lighter moments with his comedic timing.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Compelling lead performance by Mohanlal
  • ✓Engaging and well-structured screenplay
  • ✓Balanced pacing with strong narrative progression
  • ✓Effective background score supporting the mood
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Lack of credited music director limits recognition of musical contributions
  • ✕Technical details like cinematography and editing not well documented

🎬 Direction & Writing

Priyadarshan's direction is confident and focused, successfully blending action and drama while extracting strong performances from the cast. The writing supports a tight narrative that keeps viewers invested throughout.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
7.4
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.3
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
67
TraktTrakt
58

Our Rating

3/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral30%
Negative10%

Critics

Due to the film's age and regional language, there are limited contemporary numeric critic ratings available from the specified sources. However, the film is generally regarded as a significant work in Malayalam cinema, noted for its performances and storytelling.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Aryan release in theatres?▾

Aryan released on 1 January 1988 (1988).

Is Aryan a hit or flop?▾

Aryan is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Aryan online? OTT release date?▾

Aryan is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Aryan?▾

Aryan directed by Priyadarshan. Produced by Mohanlal, Century Kochumon.

Who are the main cast members of Aryan?▾

Aryan stars Mohanlal, Ramya Krishnan, Monisha Unni, Shobana, Balan K Nair.

What is the Tollybo rating for Aryan?▾

Tollybo rates Aryan 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

What is the genre and runtime of Aryan?▾

Aryan — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 171 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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