Dhinarathrangal (1988) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Dhinarathrangal (1988) Review
Dhinarathrangal (1988), a Malayalam drama movie starring Mammootty, Sumalatha, Mukesh, is reviewed here. Directed by Joshiy. Aravindan is shot at by the police for murdering Madhavan, a landlord. Ironically, he is supposed to be treated by Madhavan's daughter, Dr Savithri, who feels compassionate towards Aravindan. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 21 Jan 1988. Runtime: 2h 7m.

Dhinarathrangal(1988)
Malayalam · Drama
2h 7m · 21 Jan 1988
Music: Shyam | DOP: Jayanan Vincent | Writer: Dennis Joseph
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Dhinarathrangal is a Malayalam drama that revolves around the complex interpersonal relationships and moral dilemmas faced by its characters. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption set against a backdrop of social and familial conflicts. The story unfolds through a series of emotional events that challenge the protagonists' values and decisions.
Dhinarathrangal showcases a compelling storyline that is well-supported by a strong screenplay. The pacing is steady, with the first half focusing on character establishment and setting up the emotional stakes, while the second half intensifies the conflicts and drives towards a poignant resolution. The screenplay balances moments of tension with emotional depth, maintaining audience engagement throughout.
The film’s music, composed by Shyam, complements the narrative effectively. The songs are melodious and situational, enhancing the emotional tone without overpowering the scenes. The background score is subtle yet impactful, reinforcing the dramatic moments and adding to the overall atmosphere.
Cinematography by Jayanan Vincent captures the essence of the film’s mood with thoughtful framing and lighting, contributing to the immersive experience. The technical aspects such as editing and sound design are competent, supporting the storytelling without distraction. Overall, Dhinarathrangal is a well-crafted film that combines strong performances with technical finesse to deliver a memorable cinematic experience.
Mammootty: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of the lead character, bringing depth and intensity.
Sumalatha: Graceful and emotive, effectively conveying the character’s vulnerabilities.
Mukesh: Solid supporting role with natural and convincing acting.
Karamana Janardanan Nair: Strong presence, adding gravitas to the narrative.
Devan: Effective in a pivotal supporting role, contributing to the film’s tension.
K. P. A. C. Azeez: Reliable performance, enhancing the ensemble cast.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong screenplay and storytelling
- ✓Powerful lead performances, especially Mammootty
- ✓Effective background score and music
- ✓Well-executed cinematography
- ✓Balanced pacing with emotional depth
Weaknesses
- ✕Some narrative elements may feel predictable
- ✕Limited commercial appeal due to serious tone
🎬 Direction & Writing
Joshiy delivers a focused and mature direction, extracting strong performances and maintaining narrative coherence. His handling of emotional and dramatic sequences is commendable, ensuring the story resonates with the audience.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 60 | |
| 7.2 |
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 | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
While Dhinarathrangal did not receive widespread numeric ratings from major online portals or critics, the film is generally regarded as a solid drama with commendable performances and direction. It is appreciated for its emotional depth and technical strengths, though it remains more of a niche film rather than a mainstream commercial hit.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dhinarathrangal release in theatres?▾
Dhinarathrangal released on 21 January 1988 (1988).
Is Dhinarathrangal a hit or flop?▾
Dhinarathrangal is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Dhinarathrangal online? OTT release date?▾
Dhinarathrangal is available on YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Dhinarathrangal?▾
Dhinarathrangal directed by Joshiy. Produced by S.V. Krishna Reddy.
Who are the main cast members of Dhinarathrangal?▾
Dhinarathrangal stars Mammootty, Sumalatha, Mukesh, Karamana Janardanan Nair, Devan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Dhinarathrangal?▾
Tollybo rates Dhinarathrangal 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Dhinarathrangal?▾
Music for Dhinarathrangal composed by Shyam.
What is the genre and runtime of Dhinarathrangal?▾
Dhinarathrangal — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 127 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
