Last updated: 8 May 2026

Malayalam · Action, Crime, Thriller
2h 41m · 28 Apr 2006
DOP: Sanjeev Shankar | Writer: S. N. Swamy, T Damodaran
Ratings
Our Rating
1.25
Balram v/s Tharadas is a Malayalam action thriller that brings together two iconic characters played by Mammootty — Balram, a tough cop, and Tharadas, a notorious gangster. The story revolves around the conflict and cat-and-mouse game between these two strong personalities, set against a backdrop of crime and justice. The narrative weaves through their intertwined pasts and present confrontations, leading to a gripping climax that tests their wits and strength.
The movie attempts to capitalize on the popularity of the two lead characters, delivering a story that combines elements of action, drama, and suspense. The screenplay is structured to highlight the clash between Balram and Tharadas, though it occasionally suffers from uneven pacing. The first half establishes the characters and their motivations effectively, building tension with a mix of investigative sequences and confrontations. However, the second half tends to drag in places, with some scenes feeling repetitive and slowing down the momentum.
The film's background score and music are minimalistic, focusing more on enhancing the mood rather than featuring memorable songs. The absence of a dedicated music director is noticeable, as the film lacks standout musical moments, relying heavily on the BGM to maintain intensity during action sequences. Cinematography by Sanjeev Shankar captures the gritty atmosphere well, complementing the film's tone.
Overall, Balram v/s Tharadas offers a nostalgic appeal for fans of the characters but falls short of delivering a consistently engaging cinematic experience. The screenplay's weaknesses and lack of musical highlights limit its impact, though the performances and action sequences provide some redeeming qualities.
Mammootty: Strong and charismatic, effectively portraying both Balram and Tharadas with distinct personalities.
Katrina Kaif: Limited screen presence with a supporting role that does not add much to the narrative.
Siddique: Solid supporting role, adding depth to the storyline.
Mukesh: Competent performance in a supporting role.
Vani Viswanath: Adequate performance with limited scope.
Rizabawa: Effective in his role, contributing to the film's tension.
Strengths
Weaknesses
I V Sasi delivers a film that banks on star power and character nostalgia but struggles with pacing and screenplay tightness. His direction maintains a gritty tone but does not fully capitalize on the potential of the story.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
The film received mixed reviews, with praise directed mainly at Mammootty's performance and the nostalgic value of the character clash. Critics pointed out the uneven screenplay and lack of engaging music as drawbacks. Overall, it was seen as an average entertainer that caters primarily to fans of the lead actor.
Final Box-Office Result
Balram v/s Tharadas released on 28 April 2006 (2006).
Balram v/s Tharadas is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Balram v/s Tharadas is available on provider-27, Google Play, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Balram v/s Tharadas directed by I V Sasi. Produced by P V Basheer.
Balram v/s Tharadas stars Mammootty, Katrina Kaif, Siddique, Mukesh, Vani Viswanath.
Tollybo rates Balram v/s Tharadas 1.25/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Balram v/s Tharadas — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 161 minutes, Language: Malayalam.