Last updated: 8 May 2026

Malayalam · Drama, Fantasy
2h 30m · 12 Sept 1997
Music: Ilaiyaraaja | DOP: S. Kumar | Writer: Rajiv Anchal
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
Guru is a Malayalam drama that explores the journey of a man caught between his ideals and the harsh realities of life. The narrative delves into themes of morality, ambition, and personal transformation as the protagonist navigates complex relationships and societal expectations. The story unfolds with emotional depth, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the central character.
Guru presents a compelling narrative that balances emotional depth with social commentary. The story is engaging, with a screenplay that maintains a steady flow, though the pacing tends to slow down in the second half. The first half effectively sets up the characters and their motivations, drawing viewers into the protagonist's world with strong performances and well-crafted dialogues.
The second half, while rich in dramatic moments, occasionally lags due to extended sequences that could have been tighter. The songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja blend seamlessly with the narrative, enhancing the emotional resonance without disrupting the flow. The background score is subtle yet effective, complementing the film's mood and intensifying key scenes.
Cinematography by S. Kumar captures the essence of the setting beautifully, adding a visual depth that supports the storytelling. Overall, Guru is a thoughtful film that combines strong performances, meaningful music, and a layered narrative, though it could benefit from a more consistent pace throughout.
Mohanlal: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of the protagonist, bringing depth and authenticity.
Sithara: Graceful and emotive, providing strong support to the lead.
Suresh Gopi: Commanding presence with impactful scenes.
Madhupal: Solid performance adding to the film's dramatic weight.
Kaveri: Effective in a supporting role, contributing to the emotional layers.
Sreenivasan: Provides subtle humor and depth, balancing the film's tone.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Rajiv Anchal delivers a thoughtful and emotionally resonant direction, successfully bringing out the complexities of the characters and the story. His approach balances drama and subtlety, though the film could have benefited from tighter editing in parts.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics praised Mohanlal's performance and Ilaiyaraaja's musical score, highlighting the film's emotional depth and strong narrative foundation. Some noted the slower pace in the latter half as a drawback but appreciated the overall storytelling and technical finesse.
Final Box-Office Result
Guru released on 12 September 1997 (1997).
Guru is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Guru OTT release date not announced yet.
Guru directed by Rajiv Anchal.
Guru stars Mohanlal, Sithara, Suresh Gopi, Madhupal, Kaveri.
Tollybo rates Guru 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Music for Guru composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Guru — Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Runtime: 150 minutes, Language: Malayalam.