City of God (2011) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
City of God (2011) Review
Released on 23 Mar 2011, City of God (2011) is a Malayalam drama movie starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rima Kallingal. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. The lives of several people in Kochi’s criminal underworld intertwine as land mafia enforcer Jyothilal pursues actress Suryaprabha, while laborer Swarnavel faces marital strife and widow Viji seeks vengeance, all bound by fate’s cruel coincidences. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Runtime: 2h 27m.
City of God(2011)
Malayalam · Drama
2h 27m · 23 Mar 2011
DOP: Sujith Vaassudev | Writer: Babu Janardhanan
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
City of God is a Malayalam crime thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of urban life, exploring themes of crime, power struggles, and survival. The narrative follows multiple characters whose lives intersect in a city rife with corruption and violence. The story intricately weaves personal ambitions with societal decay, presenting a gripping tale of human resilience and moral ambiguity.
City of God stands out for its intense and gripping storyline that captures the chaotic essence of city life and the complexities of its inhabitants. The screenplay is tightly written, balancing multiple character arcs without losing narrative momentum. The pacing is well-maintained, with the first half setting up the characters and conflicts effectively, while the second half escalates the tension and delivers impactful resolutions.
The film’s technical aspects, particularly the cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev, enhance the gritty atmosphere, immersing the audience in the urban landscape. The background score complements the mood, intensifying key moments without overpowering the scenes. Although the movie does not emphasize songs, the minimalistic use of music works well to sustain the film’s dark tone.
Overall, City of God is a compelling cinematic experience that combines strong storytelling with technical finesse, making it a noteworthy entry in Malayalam cinema.
Prithviraj Sukumaran: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a conflicted character navigating the city's underworld.
Indrajith Sukumaran: Strong and intense, effectively complementing the lead with a layered performance.
Rima Kallingal: Subtle and convincing, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Parvathy Thiruvothu: Engaging and natural, contributing significantly to the film’s emotional core.
Shweta Menon: Commanding presence with a memorable performance.
Rajeev Pillai: Effective in a supporting role, adding to the film’s tension.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong screenplay with well-developed characters
- ✓Excellent cinematography capturing the gritty urban environment
- ✓Tight pacing maintaining audience engagement
- ✓Effective background score enhancing the mood
- ✓Powerful performances by the lead cast
Weaknesses
- ✕Lack of memorable songs may affect audience seeking musical elements
- ✕Complex narrative might be challenging for viewers unfamiliar with the genre
🎬 Direction & Writing
Lijo Jose Pellissery’s direction is confident and assured, skillfully handling a complex narrative with multiple characters. His writing and vision bring out the raw intensity of the story, making the film both thought-provoking and entertaining.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7.1 | |
| 3.4 | |
| 0 | |
| 70 | |
| 67 |
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 City of God for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and technical brilliance. The film was noted for its realistic portrayal of urban crime and complex characters. Some reviews highlighted the film's intense pacing and atmospheric cinematography as major strengths.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did City of God release in theatres?▾
City of God released on 23 March 2011 (2011).
Is City of God a hit or flop?▾
City of God is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch City of God online? OTT release date?▾
City of God is available on provider-27, YouTube, MX Player, YouTube, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed City of God?▾
City of God directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.
Who are the main cast members of City of God?▾
City of God stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Shweta Menon.
What is the Tollybo rating for City of God?▾
Tollybo rates City of God 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of City of God?▾
City of God — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 147 minutes, Language: Malayalam.