Drama (2018) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Drama (2018) Review
Drama (2018) (Malayalam comedy, drama) — directed by Ranjith. Starring Mohanlal, Arundathi Nag, Asha Sarath. Set in UK, Drama follows the hilarious yet enthralling journey of a funeral director, who sets out to fulfill the final wish of one of his clients. Our Rating: 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 1 Nov 2018. Runtime: 2h 26m.
Drama(2018)
Malayalam · Comedy, Drama
2h 26m · 1 Nov 2018
DOP: Alagappan N | Writer: Ranjith
Ratings
Our Rating
1.75
📖 Story
Drama revolves around the life of a retired judge who is drawn into a complex family dispute involving inheritance and justice. The narrative explores themes of morality, family bonds, and the pursuit of truth, set against the backdrop of Kerala's socio-cultural milieu. The story unfolds through intense courtroom drama and personal confrontations, leading to a thought-provoking climax.
Drama is a compelling narrative that blends courtroom intensity with personal drama, anchored by a strong screenplay that balances emotional depth and legal intricacies. The story is well-structured, with the first half setting up the characters and conflicts effectively, while the second half delves deeper into the moral dilemmas and resolutions, maintaining audience engagement throughout.
The pacing is steady, allowing the plot to breathe without dragging, though some sequences could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative. The absence of songs is notable, which keeps the focus on the story and performances, while the background score subtly enhances the mood without overpowering the scenes. Cinematography by Alagappan N captures the essence of the setting with a realistic tone.
Overall, Drama stands out for its mature storytelling and strong performances, supported by a restrained yet impactful technical presentation that complements the film’s serious themes.
Mohanlal: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a retired judge, bringing gravitas and emotional depth to the role.
Arundathi Nag: Strong supporting role with a convincing emotional range.
Asha Sarath: Effective in conveying complex emotions, adding layers to the narrative.
Kaniha: Solid performance with a natural screen presence.
Baiju Santhosh: Reliable supporting actor contributing to the film’s dramatic tension.
Renji Panicker: Commanding presence with impactful dialogue delivery.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong screenplay and writing
- ✓Mohanlal’s compelling performance
- ✓Realistic and engaging courtroom sequences
- ✓Effective background score
- ✓Balanced pacing and narrative structure
Weaknesses
- ✕Lack of songs might affect mass appeal
- ✕Some scenes in the second half could be more concise
🎬 Direction & Writing
Ranjith’s direction is assured and mature, focusing on character-driven storytelling and maintaining a serious tone throughout. His writing complements the narrative’s themes, delivering a film that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
📰 Critic Reviews
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📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1.25 | |
| 2.25 | |
| 2.5 | |
| 2.5 | |
| 3 |
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 | 65% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics praised Drama for its strong performances, especially by Mohanlal, and its gripping courtroom drama. The film's mature handling of complex themes and restrained technical approach were highlighted as major positives. Some critics noted the film’s slow moments but appreciated the overall narrative depth.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Drama release in theatres?▾
Drama released on 1 November 2018 (2018).
Is Drama a hit or flop?▾
Drama is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Drama online? OTT release date?▾
Drama is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Drama?▾
Drama directed by Ranjith. Produced by M K Nassar, Maha Subair.
Who are the main cast members of Drama?▾
Drama stars Mohanlal, Arundathi Nag, Asha Sarath, Kaniha, Baiju Santhosh.
What is the Tollybo rating for Drama?▾
Tollybo rates Drama 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
What is the genre and runtime of Drama?▾
Drama — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 146 minutes, Language: Malayalam.