Last updated: 8 May 2026

The Man From Darkness
Malayalam · Action, Thriller, Crime
2h 9m · 10 Nov 2004
DOP: Amal Neerad | Writer: Ranjith
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Black is a Malayalam action thriller that revolves around the life of a tough and principled police officer played by Mammootty. The story delves into his relentless fight against crime and corruption, highlighting the challenges he faces both professionally and personally. The narrative weaves through intense action sequences and emotional moments, portraying the complexities of law enforcement and justice in a gritty urban setting.
Black delivers a gripping storyline that combines elements of action and drama effectively. The screenplay is tightly written, maintaining a steady pace throughout the film. The first half establishes the characters and the stakes well, building tension with a mix of investigative sequences and character interactions. The second half escalates the conflict, leading to a satisfying climax that ties up the narrative threads.
The film's pacing is commendable, with no significant lulls, keeping the audience engaged. The cinematography by Amal Neerad stands out, capturing the dark and intense mood of the film with stylish visuals. Although the movie lacks a traditional song sequence, the background score complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the emotional and action-packed scenes without overpowering them.
The absence of songs is notable but works in favor of the film’s tone, focusing more on the story and performances. The background music is subtle yet effective, adding depth to the suspense and drama. Overall, Black is a well-crafted thriller that balances action and emotional depth, supported by strong technical work and compelling performances.
Mammootty: Powerful and intense portrayal of a dedicated police officer, bringing depth and gravitas to the role.
Lal: Strong supporting role with a convincing and impactful presence.
Rahman: Solid performance adding to the narrative's tension.
Sriya Reddy: Effective in her role, providing emotional balance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Ranjith's direction is confident and focused, delivering a taut thriller that balances action and emotional storytelling. His writing ensures the narrative remains engaging without unnecessary diversions.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Black for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and stylish presentation. Mammootty's portrayal was highlighted as a major strength. The film was noted for its tight screenplay and effective pacing, though some pointed out the absence of songs as a divergence from typical Malayalam cinema conventions.
Final Box-Office Result
Black released on 10 November 2004 (2004).
Black is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Black is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Black directed by Ranjith. Produced by Lal.
Black stars Mammootty, Lal, Rahman, Sriya Reddy, Janardhanan.
Tollybo rates Black 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Black — Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime, Runtime: 129 minutes, Language: Malayalam.