Ism (2016) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 5 May 2026
Ism (2016) Review
Ism (2016) (Telugu action, crime, thriller) — directed by Puri Jagannadh. Starring Kalyan Ram, Aditi Arya, Jagapati Babu. An undercover journalist finds himself hunted by corrupt politicians and the gangster whose daughter he betrayed in order to obtain evidence against him. Our Rating: 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 21 Oct 2016. Runtime: 2h 10m.
Ism(2016)
Telugu · Action, Crime, Thriller
2h 10m · 21 Oct 2016
DOP: Mukesh Gautam | Writer: Puri Jagannadh
Ratings
Our Rating
1.75
📖 Story
Ism is an action thriller revolving around a vigilante who fights against corruption and injustice using unconventional methods. The protagonist takes on powerful adversaries to expose and eliminate corrupt practices, blending action with social commentary.
Kalyan Ram: Energetic and intense as the lead vigilante, delivering a strong action-oriented performance.
Aditi Arya: Supportive role with limited scope but adequate screen presence.
Jagapati Babu: Effective in a pivotal role, adding weight to the narrative.
Puri Jagannadh: Notable for his character acting and comic timing.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓High-octane action sequences
- ✓Engaging vigilante theme
- ✓Strong lead performance by Kalyan Ram
- ✓Puri Jagannadh's direction style
Weaknesses
- ✕Predictable storyline
- ✕Lack of depth in female lead role
- ✕Some inconsistent pacing
🎬 Direction & Writing
Puri Jagannadh delivers a commercial action entertainer with his trademark style, focusing on mass appeal and punch dialogues. The narrative is straightforward with emphasis on action and drama rather than subtlety.
📰 Critic Reviews
iSmart Shankar title and promotions indicate to us that it’s a mass film. ‘A’ certificate is given for adult (violence and double meaning dialogues) content. Plus points of the film are Ram’s terrific work, Puri Jagan dialogues/direction and entertaining screenplay in 2nd half (Double Dhimaak concept). Ram has been str…
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3 |
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 | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics
Critics generally appreciated the film's action sequences and Kalyan Ram's energetic performance but pointed out the predictable plot and lack of novelty. The film received mixed to average reviews overall.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ism release in theatres?▾
Ism released on 21 October 2016 (2016).
Is Ism a hit or flop?▾
Ism is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
What is the budget of Ism?▾
Budget of Ism is approximately ₹134165 Crore.
Where to watch Ism online? OTT release date?▾
Ism is available on Sun NXT, Vi Movies and TV, MX Player from 14 May 2017.
Who directed Ism?▾
Ism directed by Puri Jagannadh. Produced by Kalyan Ram.
Who are the main cast members of Ism?▾
Ism stars Kalyan Ram, Aditi Arya, Jagapati Babu.
What is the Tollybo rating for Ism?▾
Tollybo rates Ism 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
What is the genre and runtime of Ism?▾
Ism — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 130 minutes, Language: Telugu.