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Last updated: 8 May 2026
Dada Sahib (2000) is a Malayalam drama, action film directed by Vinayan, starring Mammootty, Athira, Murali. Abubackar, a former subedar and the son of a freedom fighter, tries to curb terrorist activities taking place in his village. However, in a turn of events, he ends up getting arrested for espionage. Our Rating: 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 25 Dec 2000. Runtime: 2h 24m.

Malayalam · Drama, Action
2h 24m · 25 Dec 2000
DOP: Sanjeev Shankar | Writer: Suresh Babu, Vinayan
Ratings
Our Rating
2
Dada Sahib is a Malayalam action drama centered around the titular character, played by Mammootty, who is a righteous and fearless leader fighting against injustice and corruption. The narrative follows his struggles and confrontations with powerful antagonists, highlighting themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and social justice. The story weaves through personal and political conflicts, showcasing the protagonist's journey to restore order and dignity in his community.
Dada Sahib delivers a potent mix of action and drama, anchored by Mammootty's commanding presence. The screenplay is straightforward, focusing on the classic good-versus-evil trope, which keeps the narrative engaging though somewhat predictable. The pacing is uneven; the first half builds up the characters and stakes effectively, while the second half leans heavily on action sequences and melodrama, which may feel prolonged to some viewers.
The film's music and songs are minimal and do not stand out, with no credited music director contributing to a memorable soundtrack. However, the background score complements the intense moments adequately, enhancing the emotional and dramatic beats without overwhelming the scenes.
Cinematography by Sanjeev Shankar captures the gritty atmosphere of the story well, with effective framing of action and emotional sequences. Overall, Dada Sahib is a film that caters primarily to fans of Mammootty and action dramas, offering solid performances and a familiar narrative structure.
Mammootty: Powerful and commanding portrayal of the protagonist, carrying the film with his screen presence.
Athira: Supportive role with limited scope but delivers convincingly.
Murali: Strong performance as a key supporting character, adding depth to the narrative.
Rajan P Dev: Effective antagonist with a menacing presence.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Vinayan's direction is focused on delivering a commercial action drama with clear moral lines. While the narrative lacks novelty, his handling of performances and action sequences keeps the film watchable. The writing is straightforward, relying on tried-and-tested tropes without much experimentation.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
The critical reception for Dada Sahib was mixed, with praise primarily directed towards Mammootty's performance and the film's action sequences. However, critics noted the predictable storyline and uneven pacing as drawbacks. The lack of a memorable soundtrack was also highlighted as a missed opportunity to elevate the film's emotional impact.
Final Box-Office Result
Dada Sahib released on 25 December 2000 (2000).
Dada Sahib is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Dada Sahib is available on Jio Cinema, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Dada Sahib directed by Vinayan. Produced by Sargam Kabeer.
Dada Sahib stars Mammootty, Athira, Murali, Rajan P Dev, Saikumar.
Tollybo rates Dada Sahib 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Dada Sahib — Genre: Drama, Action, Runtime: 144 minutes, Language: Malayalam.