Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Drama
2h 27m · 23 Mar 2011
DOP: Sujith Vaassudev | Writer: Babu Janardhanan
Ratings
Our Rating
3
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
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.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
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
City of God released on 23 March 2011 (2011).
City of God is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
City of God is available on provider-27, YouTube, MX Player, YouTube, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.
City of God directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.
City of God stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Shweta Menon.
Tollybo rates City of God 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
City of God — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 147 minutes, Language: Malayalam.