Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Action, Thriller
1h 56m · 1 Apr 2016
Music: Gopi Sundar | DOP: Girish Gangadharan | Writer: Bhashyasree, Rajesh Gopinadhan
Ratings
Our Rating
3
Kali is a Malayalam romantic thriller that explores the emotional turmoil of a young couple, Sidharth and Anjali, as they navigate the challenges of anger management and relationship strains. The story delves into how Sidharth's uncontrollable temper affects their married life and the couple's journey towards understanding and patience amidst everyday struggles.
Kali offers a compelling narrative centered on the psychological and emotional aspects of anger and its impact on relationships. The screenplay is tightly written, balancing intense moments with tender sequences that highlight the couple's evolving dynamics. The pacing is well-maintained, with the first half setting up the characters and their conflicts effectively, while the second half intensifies the emotional stakes, leading to a satisfying resolution.
The film's music, composed by Gopi Sundar, complements the mood without overpowering the scenes. The songs are melodious and situational, blending seamlessly into the narrative. Girish Gangadharan's cinematography captures the urban milieu with a naturalistic style that enhances the film's grounded tone. The background score subtly underscores the tension and emotional beats, adding depth to the viewing experience.
Overall, Kali stands out for its realistic portrayal of a modern relationship tested by anger issues, supported by strong performances and technical finesse. The film avoids melodrama, opting instead for nuanced storytelling that resonates with the audience.
Dulquer Salmaan: Delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man struggling with anger, Dulquer brings authenticity and emotional depth to the character of Sidharth.
Sai Pallavi: Sai Pallavi shines as Anjali, balancing vulnerability and strength, effectively conveying the emotional strain of the relationship.
Vinayakan: Provides a strong supporting role with a grounded and impactful presence.
Chemban Vinod Jose: Offers solid support with naturalistic acting that complements the lead performances.
Soubin Shahir: Contributes effectively in a supporting role, adding to the film's realistic texture.
V. K. Prakash: Delivers a competent performance in a pivotal role.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Sameer Thahir's direction is assured and sensitive, focusing on character-driven storytelling. His writing avoids clichés, presenting a mature take on anger and relationships that feels authentic and engaging.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Kali for its realistic portrayal of a troubled relationship and the strong performances by Dulquer Salmaan and Sai Pallavi. The film's restrained narrative and technical finesse were highlighted, though some noted its slower pace might not appeal to all audiences.
Final Box-Office Result
Kali released on 1 April 2016 (2016).
Kali is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Kali OTT release date not announced yet.
Kali directed by Sameer Thahir. Produced by Ashiq Usman, Sameer Thahir, Shyju Khalid.
Kali stars Dulquer Salmaan, Sai Pallavi.
Tollybo rates Kali 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Music for Kali composed by Gopi Sundar.
Kali — Genre: Action, Thriller, Runtime: 116 minutes, Language: Malayalam.