Last updated: 8 May 2026

Malayalam · Comedy, Romance
2h 52m · 4 Sept 1997
DOP: K. V. Anand | Writer: Priyadarshan
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
Chandralekha is a Malayalam comedy thriller revolving around the character of Appukuttan (Mohanlal), a small-time thief who gets entangled in a complex web of mistaken identities and criminal conspiracies. The story unfolds with Appukuttan's attempts to evade the police and rival gangsters while trying to clear his name. The narrative blends humor, suspense, and action, leading to a climax that ties together the various subplots involving love interests and criminal elements.
Chandralekha presents an engaging mix of comedy and thriller elements, with a screenplay that balances humor and suspense effectively. The story, while not entirely novel, is executed with a lively pace that keeps the audience invested, especially in the first half where the situational comedy and character interactions shine. The second half intensifies the thriller aspect, though some plot twists feel slightly predictable.
The screenplay by Priyadarshan is tight, with witty dialogues and clever setups that enhance the comedic timing. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that the film rarely lags, though a few scenes could have benefited from tighter editing to maintain momentum.
Musically, the film lacks a credited music director, but the background score by K. V. Anand complements the narrative well, heightening tension during thriller sequences and supporting the comedic beats. The songs, though limited, are situational and blend seamlessly into the story without disrupting the flow.
Overall, Chandralekha is a well-crafted entertainer that leverages Mohanlal's comic timing and Priyadarshan's direction to deliver a film that appeals to fans of both comedy and suspense genres.
Mohanlal: Delivers a charismatic and humorous portrayal of Appukuttan, balancing comedy with moments of intensity.
Pooja Batra: Provides a graceful and engaging presence, complementing the lead with charm.
Sukanya: Offers a solid performance with good comic timing.
Nedumudi Venu: Adds depth and subtle humor in a supporting role.
Innocent: Contributes effectively to the comedic elements with his signature style.
Sreenivasan: Delivers a nuanced performance, enhancing the screenplay’s wit.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Priyadarshan’s direction is confident and showcases his expertise in blending comedy with thriller elements. His writing maintains a good balance between humor and suspense, ensuring the film remains entertaining throughout.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics appreciated Chandralekha for its entertaining blend of comedy and thriller, praising Mohanlal’s performance and Priyadarshan’s direction. The film was noted for its engaging screenplay and effective humor, though some pointed out the predictability in the latter half and the limited musical impact.
Final Box-Office Result
Chandralekha released on 4 September 1997 (1997).
Chandralekha is declared a HIT at the box office.
Chandralekha is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Chandralekha directed by Priyadarshan. Produced by Fazil.
Chandralekha stars Mohanlal, Pooja Batra, Sukanya, Nedumudi Venu, Innocent.
Tollybo rates Chandralekha 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Chandralekha — Genre: Comedy, Romance, Runtime: 172 minutes, Language: Malayalam.