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Black (2004) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Black (2004) Review

Black (2004), a Malayalam action, thriller, crime movie starring Mammootty, Lal, Rahman, is reviewed here. Directed by Ranjith. Devin Carlos Padaveedan and Shanmugham, who run a crime syndicate, turn foes when the latter wants to turn a new leaf and live a normal life. Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Released: 10 Nov 2004. Runtime: 2h 9m.

Black
AVERAGE

Black(2004)

The Man From Darkness

Malayalam · Action, Thriller, Crime

2h 9m · 10 Nov 2004

DOP: Amal Neerad | Writer: Ranjith

CrimeThriller

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.5
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.3
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB67
TraktTrakt48

Our Rating

2.75

📖 Story

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.

🔍 Analysis

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.

🎭 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

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Tight screenplay and engaging story
  • ✓Strong performances, especially by Mammootty
  • ✓Stylish cinematography by Amal Neerad
  • ✓Effective background score enhancing mood
  • ✓Well-paced narrative with a gripping second half
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Lack of songs might affect audience expecting musical elements
  • ✕Some minor predictability in plot twists

🎬 Direction & Writing

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.

📰 Critic Reviews

No critic reviews found yet.

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.5
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.3
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
67
TraktTrakt
48

Our Rating

2.75/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

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

AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Black release in theatres?▾

Black released on 10 November 2004 (2004).

Is Black a hit or flop?▾

Black is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Black online? OTT release date?▾

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

Who directed Black?▾

Black directed by Ranjith. Produced by Lal.

Who are the main cast members of Black?▾

Black stars Mammootty, Lal, Rahman, Sriya Reddy, Janardhanan.

What is the Tollybo rating for Black?▾

Tollybo rates Black 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.

What is the genre and runtime of Black?▾

Black — Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime, Runtime: 129 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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