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Indrajaalam (1990) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 23 Apr 2026

Indrajaalam (1990) Review

A review of Indrajaalam (1990) (Malayalam action, crime, thriller), directed by Thampi Kannanthanam. Starring Mohanlal, Rajan P Dev, Vijayaraghavan. Carlos, an underworld mafia, murders a man for his selfish needs. However, things take a turn when the son of the dead man sets out to seek revenge against the perpetrator. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 17 Aug 1990.

Indrajaalam
BELOW AVERAGE

Indrajaalam(1990)

Malayalam · Action, Crime, Thriller

0 · 17 Aug 1990

DOP: Santosh Sivan | Writer: Dennis Joseph

ActionCrimeDrama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB60
TraktTrakt40

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

Indrajaalam is a Telugu action thriller centered around the conflict between a righteous protagonist and a powerful criminal overlord. The story follows the hero's quest to dismantle the antagonist's illegal empire, navigating through a web of deceit, violence, and personal vendettas. The narrative weaves elements of suspense and drama, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation that tests the hero's resolve and morality.

🔍 Analysis

Indrajaalam delivers a gripping storyline that balances action and drama effectively, with a screenplay that maintains audience engagement through its twists and character dynamics. The pacing is well-managed, with the first half establishing the characters and conflict briskly, while the second half escalates the tension and action sequences, providing a satisfying climax.

The film benefits greatly from Santosh Sivan's cinematography, which adds a polished visual style and enhances the mood of the thriller. Although the movie lacks a prominent musical score or memorable songs, the background score complements the narrative by intensifying key moments without overpowering the scenes.

While the screenplay occasionally resorts to typical genre tropes, the direction by Thampi Kannanthanam ensures a coherent and entertaining experience. The film's action choreography and dramatic sequences are highlights, contributing to its appeal among fans of the genre.

🎭 Performances

Mohanlal: Strong and charismatic portrayal of the protagonist, effectively conveying intensity and emotional depth.

Rajan P Dev: Menacing and impactful as the antagonist, bringing a convincing threat to the narrative.

Geetha: Provides solid support with a restrained and natural performance.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Engaging and well-paced screenplay
  • ✓Strong lead performances, especially by Mohanlal and Rajan P Dev
  • ✓Santosh Sivan's cinematography enhances the film's visual appeal
  • ✓Effective background score that complements the thriller elements
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Lack of memorable songs or musical highlights
  • ✕Some reliance on conventional action thriller tropes
  • ✕Supporting characters have limited development

🎬 Direction & Writing

Thampi Kannanthanam's direction is focused and efficient, balancing action and narrative tension. His writing keeps the story straightforward and accessible, though it occasionally leans on familiar genre conventions without much innovation.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd
0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
60
TraktTrakt
40

Our Rating

2.5/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics appreciated the film's tight screenplay and strong performances, particularly praising Mohanlal's role. The cinematography by Santosh Sivan was noted as a standout element. However, some reviews pointed out the absence of notable songs and a somewhat formulaic plot as minor drawbacks.

Final Box-Office Result

BELOW AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Indrajaalam release in theatres?▾

Indrajaalam released on 17 August 1990 (1990).

Is Indrajaalam a hit or flop?▾

Indrajaalam is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Indrajaalam online? OTT release date?▾

Indrajaalam is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Indrajaalam?▾

Indrajaalam directed by Thampi Kannanthanam.

Who are the main cast members of Indrajaalam?▾

Indrajaalam stars Mohanlal, Rajan P Dev, Vijayaraghavan, Mohan Jose, Geetha.

What is the Tollybo rating for Indrajaalam?▾

Tollybo rates Indrajaalam 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.

What is the genre and runtime of Indrajaalam?▾

Indrajaalam — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Language: Malayalam.

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