Irul (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Irul (2021) Review
Irul (2021) is a Malayalam horror, mystery, thriller film directed by Naseef Yusuf Izuddin, starring Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, Darshana Rajendran. A dark rainy night, an empty house, a stranded couple and an unknown man. A sleek game of the cat and the mouse starts playing on, as the three of them find a dead body in the basement. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 2 Apr 2021. Runtime: 1h 31m.
Irul(2021)
Malayalam · Horror, Mystery, Thriller
1h 31m · 2 Apr 2021
Music: Sreerag Saji | DOP: Jomon T. John | Writer: Anaz Bin Ibrahim, Naseef Yusuf Izuddin, Abhiram Radhakrishnan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
Irul is a Malayalam thriller that revolves around a suspenseful night where a couple, along with a police officer, get trapped in a house during a storm. The narrative unfolds through a series of tense interactions and revelations, exploring themes of trust, deception, and hidden motives. The story intricately weaves psychological elements with a confined setting, keeping the audience guessing about the true nature of each character.
Irul stands out for its tightly knit screenplay that effectively uses a limited setting to build suspense and intrigue. The story is paced deliberately, with the first half establishing the eerie atmosphere and character dynamics, while the second half escalates the tension with unexpected twists. The screenplay maintains a balance between dialogue-driven scenes and moments of silence, enhancing the psychological thriller vibe.
The film’s music and background score by Sreerag Saji complement the mood perfectly, using subtle and haunting tones that heighten the suspense without overwhelming the narrative. The songs are minimal and situational, aligning well with the film’s tone and pacing.
Cinematography by Jomon T. John captures the claustrophobic and stormy environment with skill, using shadows and lighting to amplify the mystery. Overall, the film’s technical aspects and narrative style make it a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn thrillers.
Fahadh Faasil: Delivering a nuanced and restrained performance, Fahadh effectively portrays a complex character with layers of mystery.
Soubin Shahir: Soubin brings a grounded and natural presence, adding depth to the unfolding drama.
Darshana Rajendran: Darshana impresses with her subtle expressions and contributes significantly to the film’s emotional core.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Tight and engaging screenplay
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Effective use of confined setting to build suspense
- ✓Haunting background score and sound design
- ✓Cinematography that enhances the thriller atmosphere
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing may feel slow for viewers expecting high-octane thrills
- ✕Limited number of songs might not appeal to all audiences
- ✕Some plot elements may seem predictable to seasoned thriller fans
🎬 Direction & Writing
Naseef Yusuf Izuddin’s direction is confident and assured, making excellent use of minimal locations and a small cast to create a gripping psychological thriller. The writing is tight, with well-crafted dialogues and a focus on character-driven tension.
- - Screenplay
- - Cinematography
- - Music and Background Score
- - Sound Design
- - Editing
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics praised Irul for its atmospheric tension, strong performances, and effective use of a confined setting to deliver a psychological thriller. The film was noted for its slow-burn approach and intelligent screenplay, though some reviews mentioned the pacing might not suit all viewers. Overall, it was well-received for its technical finesse and narrative style.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Irul release in theatres?▾
Irul released on 2 April 2021 (2021).
Is Irul a hit or flop?▾
Irul is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Irul online? OTT release date?▾
Irul is available on Netflix from 1 April 2021.
Who directed Irul?▾
Irul directed by Naseef Yusuf Izuddin. Produced by Jomon T. John, Shameer Muhammed, Anto Joseph.
Who are the main cast members of Irul?▾
Irul stars Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, Darshana Rajendran, Mashar Hamsa, Jipa John.
What is the Tollybo rating for Irul?▾
Tollybo rates Irul 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Irul?▾
Music for Irul composed by Sreerag Saji.
What is the genre and runtime of Irul?▾
Irul — Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Runtime: 91 minutes, Language: Malayalam.