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Guru (1997) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Guru (1997) Review

Guru (1997), a Malayalam drama, fantasy movie starring Mohanlal, Sithara, Suresh Gopi, is reviewed here. Directed by Rajiv Anchal. A few political goons, disguised as Muslims, cause trouble at the temple and kill Raghuraman's family. Later, Raghuraman joins an extremist group and decides to avenge his family's death. Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT. Released: 12 Sept 1997. Runtime: 2h 30m.

Guru
SUPER HIT

Guru(1997)

Malayalam · Drama, Fantasy

2h 30m · 12 Sept 1997

Music: Ilaiyaraaja | DOP: S. Kumar | Writer: Rajiv Anchal

AdventureDramaFantasy

Ratings

IMDbIMDb8.5
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.8
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB71
TraktTrakt76

Our Rating

3.5

📖 Story

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.

🔍 Analysis

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.

🎭 Performances

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

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Strong lead performance by Mohanlal
  • ✓Meaningful and engaging story
  • ✓Ilaiyaraaja's music and background score
  • ✓Effective cinematography by S. Kumar
  • ✓Well-written screenplay in the first half
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Slower pacing in the second half
  • ✕Some extended sequences that affect narrative flow

🎬 Direction & Writing

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.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
8.5
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.8
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
71
TraktTrakt
76

Our Rating

3.5/5
★★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral25%
Negative15%

Critics

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

SUPER HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Guru release in theatres?▾

Guru released on 12 September 1997 (1997).

Is Guru a hit or flop?▾

Guru is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.

Where to watch Guru online? OTT release date?▾

Guru OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Guru?▾

Guru directed by Rajiv Anchal.

Who are the main cast members of Guru?▾

Guru stars Mohanlal, Sithara, Suresh Gopi, Madhupal, Kaveri.

What is the Tollybo rating for Guru?▾

Tollybo rates Guru 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.

Who composed the music for Guru?▾

Music for Guru composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

What is the genre and runtime of Guru?▾

Guru — Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Runtime: 150 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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