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Harikrishnans (1998) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Harikrishnans (1998) Review

Released on 16 Sept 1998, Harikrishnans (1998) is a Malayalam comedy, crime, mystery movie starring Mammootty, Mohanlal, Juhi Chawla Mehta. Directed by Fazil. When Guptan, a college lecturer, gets killed, the police suspect Gabriel to be the murderer. A girl takes help from her brothers, who are famous lawyers, in proving his innocence. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Runtime: 2h 45m.

Harikrishnans
ABOVE AVERAGE

Harikrishnans(1998)

Malayalam · Comedy, Crime, Mystery

2h 45m · 16 Sept 1998

DOP: Anandakuttan | Writer: Fazil

MysteryRomanceComedyThriller

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.9
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.4
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB63
TraktTrakt69

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Harikrishnans is a Malayalam-language thriller that revolves around two close friends, Hari and Krishnan, who are lawyers. The story unfolds with a murder mystery that challenges their friendship and professional ethics. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, justice, and love, with a romantic subplot involving the female lead. The plot is layered with suspense and emotional conflicts, culminating in a courtroom drama that tests the protagonists' resolve.

🔍 Analysis

Harikrishnans presents an engaging storyline that combines elements of thriller, romance, and drama. The screenplay is crafted to maintain suspense throughout, with a strong first half that sets up the characters and the mystery effectively. The pacing in the first half is steady, allowing viewers to connect with the protagonists and the unfolding plot. However, the second half, while dramatic, tends to slow down at times due to extended courtroom sequences and emotional dialogues.

The film benefits from the star power of Mammootty and Mohanlal, whose performances add depth to the narrative. The songs, though limited in number, are melodious and blend well with the film's mood. The background score complements the suspense and emotional beats, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Cinematography by Anandakuttan captures the scenic locales and intense moments with equal finesse.

While the movie does well in balancing commercial elements with a gripping story, some critics noted that the screenplay could have been tighter in the latter half to maintain momentum. The music director's contribution, though not explicitly credited, supports the film's tone adequately. Overall, Harikrishnans stands out as a memorable film from the late 90s Malayalam cinema, primarily due to its cast and engaging narrative.

🎭 Performances

Mammootty: Strong and convincing portrayal of Hari, balancing intensity and emotional depth.

Mohanlal: Charismatic and nuanced as Krishnan, delivering both charm and gravitas.

Juhi Chawla Mehta: Graceful and engaging in the romantic lead role, adding freshness to the film.

Kunchacko Boban: Supportive role with a natural and youthful presence.

Innocent: Provides comic relief with impeccable timing.

Nedumudi Venu: Adds depth with a subtle and mature performance.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Strong lead performances by Mammootty and Mohanlal
  • ✓Engaging thriller storyline with emotional depth
  • ✓Effective background score enhancing suspense
  • ✓Good cinematography capturing mood and setting
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Second half pacing slows down due to extended courtroom scenes
  • ✕Screenplay could have been tighter in the latter part
  • ✕Limited number of songs affecting musical variety

🎬 Direction & Writing

Fazil's direction is competent, successfully balancing the thriller and emotional elements. His writing brings out strong characterizations and maintains suspense, though the screenplay occasionally loses momentum in the second half.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.9
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.4
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
63
TraktTrakt
69

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%
Neutral25%
Negative15%

Critics

Critics praised the film for its strong performances and engaging storyline. The chemistry between Mammootty and Mohanlal was highlighted as a major draw. However, some reviews pointed out the slower pacing in the second half and felt the screenplay could have been more concise. The background score and cinematography received positive mentions for complementing the film’s tone.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Harikrishnans release in theatres?▾

Harikrishnans released on 16 September 1998 (1998).

Is Harikrishnans a hit or flop?▾

Harikrishnans is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Harikrishnans online? OTT release date?▾

Harikrishnans is available on JioHotstar. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Harikrishnans?▾

Harikrishnans directed by Fazil. Produced by Mohanlal, Suchitra Mohanlal.

Who are the main cast members of Harikrishnans?▾

Harikrishnans stars Mammootty, Mohanlal, Juhi Chawla Mehta, Kunchacko Boban, Innocent.

What is the Tollybo rating for Harikrishnans?▾

Tollybo rates Harikrishnans 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

What is the genre and runtime of Harikrishnans?▾

Harikrishnans — Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Runtime: 165 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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