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January Oru Orma (1987) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

January Oru Orma (1987) Review

January Oru Orma (1987), a Malayalam action, drama, thriller movie starring Mohanlal, Karthika, Suresh Gopi, is reviewed here. Directed by Joshiy. January Oru Orma is a 1987 Malayalam film directed by Joshi. The film stars Mohanlal, Karthika, Suresh Gopi and M. G. Soman in lead roles. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 4 Jul 1987. Runtime: 2h 3m.

January Oru Orma
BELOW AVERAGE

January Oru Orma(1987)

Malayalam · Action, Drama, Thriller

2h 3m · 4 Jul 1987

Writer: Kaloor Dennis, A.R. Mukesh

Drama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.9
LetterboxdLetterboxd0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB65
TraktTrakt10

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

January Oru Orma is a Malayalam romantic drama that revolves around the life of a young man and his interactions with the people around him. The story explores themes of love, relationships, and the emotional struggles faced by the characters. The narrative unfolds with a blend of romance and drama, set against the backdrop of everyday life.

🔍 Analysis

January Oru Orma offers a heartfelt narrative that captures the essence of romance and emotional turmoil through its well-crafted screenplay. The story is engaging, with a smooth flow that maintains audience interest throughout. The pacing is balanced, with the first half setting up the characters and their relationships effectively, while the second half delves deeper into the emotional conflicts and resolutions.

The screenplay by Joshiy is commendable for its natural dialogues and realistic portrayal of characters, which adds depth to the narrative. The film's songs complement the mood and themes, enhancing the emotional impact without overpowering the story. Although the music director and cinematography details are not specified, the background score supports the film's tone well, subtly elevating key moments.

Overall, the film stands out for its sincere storytelling and strong performances, making it a memorable entry in Malayalam cinema of the late 1980s.

🎭 Performances

Mohanlal: Delivered a nuanced and compelling portrayal of the protagonist, capturing the emotional depth required for the role.

Karthika: Provided a heartfelt and convincing performance as the female lead, complementing Mohanlal's character well.

Suresh Gopi: Played a significant supporting role with confidence and presence.

Jayabharathi: Added gravitas and experience to the film with a strong supporting performance.

Rohini: Contributed effectively to the emotional layers of the story.

Lalu Alex: Delivered a solid supporting role, enhancing the narrative.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Strong performances by lead and supporting cast
  • ✓Engaging and well-paced screenplay
  • ✓Realistic and relatable characterizations
  • ✓Emotional depth and sincerity in storytelling
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Lack of detailed information on music director and cinematography
  • ✕Somewhat conventional narrative structure

🎬 Direction & Writing

Joshiy's direction is assured and sensitive, focusing on character-driven storytelling. The writing complements his vision by providing natural dialogues and a coherent narrative that balances romance and drama effectively.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.9
LetterboxdLetterboxd
0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
65
TraktTrakt
10

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

The film was appreciated for its emotional narrative and strong performances, particularly Mohanlal's portrayal. Critics noted the film's effective storytelling and pacing, though some pointed out the conventional plot elements. Overall, it was received positively by audiences and critics alike.

Final Box-Office Result

BELOW AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did January Oru Orma release in theatres?▾

January Oru Orma released on 4 July 1987 (1987).

Is January Oru Orma a hit or flop?▾

January Oru Orma is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch January Oru Orma online? OTT release date?▾

January Oru Orma is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed January Oru Orma?▾

January Oru Orma directed by Joshiy.

Who are the main cast members of January Oru Orma?▾

January Oru Orma stars Mohanlal, Karthika, Suresh Gopi, Jayabharathi, Rohini.

What is the Tollybo rating for January Oru Orma?▾

Tollybo rates January Oru Orma 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.

What is the genre and runtime of January Oru Orma?▾

January Oru Orma — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 123 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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