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Last updated: 8 May 2026
Released on 14 Aug 2001, Dubai (2001) is a Malayalam action, thriller movie starring Mammootty, Anjala Zaveri, N F Varghese. Directed by Joshiy. Major Ravi, who tries to expose the evil plans of a politician, is framed in a murder. Upon release, he moves to Dubai and becomes a business tycoon; however, his rivals are out to destroy his empire. Our Rating: 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Runtime: 3h 18m.

Malayalam · Action, Thriller
3h 18m · 14 Aug 2001
Music: S.P. Venkatesh | DOP: Sanjeev Shankar | Writer: Renji Panicker
Ratings
Our Rating
1.75
Dubai revolves around the life of a man who migrates to Dubai in search of a better future. The narrative explores his struggles, relationships, and the challenges faced by expatriates in a foreign land. The story weaves themes of ambition, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of the bustling city of Dubai.
Dubai offers a gripping storyline that captures the essence of expatriate life with a blend of drama and action. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining a steady pace throughout the film. The first half effectively sets up the characters and their motivations, while the second half intensifies the conflict and delivers a satisfying resolution.
The songs composed by S.P. Venkatesh complement the narrative without disrupting the flow, and the background score enhances the emotional and suspenseful moments. Cinematography by Sanjeev Shankar captures the vibrant and contrasting moods of Dubai cityscape, adding a visual appeal to the film.
Overall, the movie balances commercial elements with a meaningful story, supported by strong performances and technical finesse, making it an engaging watch for its target audience.
Mammootty: Powerful and commanding, Mammootty delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man caught between ambition and morality.
Anjala Zaveri: Provides a graceful and emotive presence, complementing the lead effectively.
N F Varghese: Strong supporting role with impactful screen presence.
Biju Menon: Convincing and natural, adding depth to the narrative.
Nirmal Pandey: Memorable antagonist with a convincing portrayal.
Gopi: Solid supporting performance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Joshiy's direction is confident and focused, successfully balancing commercial appeal with a meaningful narrative. His experience is evident in the film's tight screenplay and well-paced storytelling.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics appreciated the film for its engaging narrative and Mammootty's strong performance. The technical aspects, especially the music and cinematography, were also praised. However, some noted that the story followed familiar tropes and could have offered more originality.
Final Box-Office Result
Dubai released on 14 August 2001 (2001).
Dubai is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Dubai is available on JioHotstar, Jio Cinema, YouTube, Jio Cinema. OTT date will be updated soon.
Dubai directed by Joshiy.
Dubai stars Mammootty, Anjala Zaveri, N F Varghese, Biju Menon, Nirmal Pandey.
Tollybo rates Dubai 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Music for Dubai composed by S.P. Venkatesh.
Dubai — Genre: Action, Thriller, Runtime: 198 minutes, Language: Malayalam.