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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
ABOVE AVERAGE

Dhinarathrangal(1988)

Malayalam · Drama

2h 7m · 21 Jan 1988

Music: Shyam | DOP: Jayanan Vincent | Writer: Dennis Joseph

Drama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb7
LetterboxdLetterboxd0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TraktTrakt60
IMDbIMDb7.2

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.

🔍 Analysis

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.

🎭 Performances

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

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
7
LetterboxdLetterboxd
0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TraktTrakt
60
IMDbIMDb
7.2

Our Rating

3/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral30%
Negative10%

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

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ 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.

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