Last updated: 8 May 2026

Malayalam · Drama
2h 34m · 22 Jun 1997
Writer: Sathrughnan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Kaliyoonjal is a Malayalam family drama revolving around the complex relationships within a family, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and misunderstandings. The story primarily explores the emotional dynamics between the lead characters played by Mammootty and Shobana, supported by a strong ensemble cast. The narrative unfolds through a series of emotional conflicts and reconciliations that highlight the values of familial bonds and forgiveness.
Kaliyoonjal presents a heartfelt story that delves into family emotions and interpersonal relationships with sincerity. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half setting up the characters and their motivations effectively, while the second half intensifies the emotional stakes, leading to a satisfying resolution. The narrative is straightforward, relying heavily on performances and dialogues to convey its message.
The film's pacing is balanced, though some moments tend to linger, which might affect the engagement for viewers expecting a faster narrative flow. The songs, though few, blend well with the story and enhance the emotional depth of key scenes. The background score complements the mood of the film, subtly underscoring the dramatic moments without overpowering the scenes.
While the music director and cinematographer details are unavailable, the overall technical presentation supports the film's tone. The direction by Babu Narayanan and Anil Kumar is competent, focusing on character-driven storytelling and emotional resonance rather than commercial extravagance.
Mammootty: A mature and nuanced portrayal of a conflicted family man, delivering emotional depth with subtlety.
Shobana: Graceful and heartfelt, effectively conveying vulnerability and strength.
Dileep: Provides a youthful and earnest presence, adding freshness to the ensemble.
Shalini: Natural and engaging, complementing the lead actors well.
Strengths
Weaknesses
The direction by Babu Narayanan and Anil Kumar is focused on extracting emotional performances and maintaining narrative clarity. Their approach is traditional, emphasizing storytelling over stylistic experimentation, which suits the film's family drama genre.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
The film received mixed to positive reviews, with critics appreciating the performances and emotional depth but noting the slow pacing and lack of technical innovation. It was seen as a solid family entertainer that appeals to audiences who favor sentiment-driven narratives.
Final Box-Office Result
Kaliyoonjal released on 22 June 1997 (1997).
Kaliyoonjal is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Kaliyoonjal is available on JioHotstar, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Kaliyoonjal directed by Babu Narayanan, Anil Kumar. Produced by Siad Kokker.
Kaliyoonjal stars Mammootty, Shobana, Dileep, Shalini, Oduvil Unnikrishnan.
Tollybo rates Kaliyoonjal 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Kaliyoonjal — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 154 minutes, Language: Malayalam.