Last updated: 8 May 2026


The Unwanted
Malayalam · Action, Thriller
2h 7m · 25 Mar 2021
DOP: Akhil George | Writer: Yadhu Pushpakaran, Rohith VS
Ratings
Our Rating
3
Kala is a Malayalam action thriller that revolves around the intense conflict between a father and son set against the backdrop of a rustic village. The story explores themes of masculinity, survival, and primal instincts as the protagonist, played by Tovino Thomas, faces off against a formidable adversary. The narrative delves into the psychological and physical battles that unfold, highlighting the raw and gritty aspects of human nature.
Kala stands out for its raw and visceral storytelling, combining a gripping narrative with intense action sequences. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining a steady pace that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The first half effectively sets up the characters and their motivations, building tension through atmospheric visuals and minimal dialogues. The second half escalates the conflict with powerful confrontations and emotional depth, delivering a satisfying climax.
The film’s music and background score complement the mood perfectly, enhancing the suspense and emotional beats without overpowering the scenes. Although there are no traditional songs, the BGM by the sound design team plays a crucial role in amplifying the film’s gritty tone. Cinematography by Akhil George captures the rawness of the rural setting with striking visuals and dynamic camera work.
Overall, Kala is a compelling cinematic experience that blends action with psychological drama, supported by strong technical elements and a focused narrative approach.
Tovino Thomas: Powerful and intense portrayal of a complex protagonist, balancing vulnerability and ferocity.
Sumesh Moor: Menacing and impactful as the antagonist, delivering a memorable performance.
Divya Pillai: Supportive role with limited screen time but effective presence.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Rohith VS delivers a confident and focused direction, crafting a tense and atmospheric thriller that explores primal human emotions with minimalistic storytelling and strong visual language.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Kala received positive reviews for its intense narrative, strong performances, and technical finesse. Critics praised the film's ability to maintain tension and deliver a raw cinematic experience, though some noted minor pacing issues.
Final Box-Office Result
Kala released on 25 March 2021 (2021).
Kala is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Kala is available on Prime Video, aha, Prime Video, ZEE5 from 19 May 2021.
Kala directed by Rohith VS. Produced by Siju Mathew, Navis Xaviour.
Kala stars Sumesh Moor, Tovino Thomas, Divya Pillai, Lal, Pramod Veliyanad.
Tollybo rates Kala 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Kala — Genre: Action, Thriller, Runtime: 127 minutes, Language: Malayalam.