Carbon (2018) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Carbon(2018)
Ashes and diamonds
Malayalam · Adventure, Thriller
2h 26m · 2 Mar 2018
Music: Bijibal | DOP: K.U. Mohanan | Writer: Venu
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Carbon is a Malayalam thriller that follows the journey of a forest officer who is assigned to protect a wildlife sanctuary. The story delves into the challenges he faces from poachers and the moral dilemmas involved in preserving nature. As he navigates the dense forests and confronts human greed, the narrative explores themes of conservation, survival, and the human-nature relationship.
Carbon stands out for its visually immersive storytelling, with cinematographer K.U. Mohanan capturing the lush greenery and raw wilderness in breathtaking detail. The screenplay is tightly woven, balancing moments of intense suspense with quieter, reflective sequences that deepen the emotional resonance of the protagonist's journey.
The pacing is deliberate, with the first half setting up the environment and characters effectively, while the second half escalates the tension with gripping confrontations and moral conflicts. The film maintains a steady rhythm, avoiding unnecessary digressions, which keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Music by Bijibal complements the narrative well, with the background score enhancing the mood without overpowering the scenes. The songs are minimal but strategically placed, adding to the film's atmospheric tone rather than serving as standalone musical breaks.
Fahadh Faasil: A nuanced and restrained portrayal of a dedicated forest officer, balancing vulnerability and determination.
Mamta Mohandas: Provides strong support with a grounded and empathetic performance.
Manikandan Achari: Delivers a convincing and impactful role that adds depth to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Stunning cinematography capturing natural landscapes
- ✓Strong, realistic performances especially by Fahadh Faasil
- ✓Tight screenplay with well-crafted suspense
- ✓Effective use of background score to enhance mood
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing may feel slow for viewers expecting a fast thriller
- ✕Limited number of songs might not appeal to all Malayalam film audiences
🎬 Direction & Writing
Director Venu demonstrates a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the subject matter, delivering a film that is both visually captivating and narratively compelling. His direction ensures that the film's environmental message is conveyed without being preachy, maintaining a strong emotional core throughout.
- - Cinematography by K.U. Mohanan
- - Music and background score by Bijibal
- - Editing that supports narrative flow
- - Sound design enhancing forest ambiance
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics praised Carbon for its immersive visuals and strong performances, particularly highlighting Fahadh Faasil's restrained acting and the film's realistic portrayal of forest conservation issues. Some noted the film's slow pacing but agreed that it contributed to the atmospheric tension. The background score and minimalistic use of songs were appreciated for complementing the film's tone.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Carbon release in theatres?▾
Carbon released on 2 March 2018 (2018).
Is Carbon a hit or flop?▾
Carbon is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Carbon online? OTT release date?▾
Carbon OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Carbon?▾
Carbon directed by Venu.
Who are the main cast members of Carbon?▾
Carbon stars Fahadh Faasil, Mamta Mohandas, Manikandan Achari, Chethan Jayalal, Nedumudi Venu.
What is the Tollybo rating for Carbon?▾
Tollybo rates Carbon 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Carbon?▾
Music for Carbon composed by Bijibal.
What is the genre and runtime of Carbon?▾
Carbon — Genre: Adventure, Thriller, Runtime: 146 minutes, Language: Malayalam.