Kallu (1988) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 11 Apr 2026
Kallu (1988) Review
Kallu (1988) — a Telugu drama film directed by M. V. Raghu. Starring Shivaji Raja, Gundu Hanumantha Rao, Kallu Chidambaram. With the help of an editor, one of the five blind friends has his eyesight restored. Instead of being grateful, he resorts to vicious ways, corrupted by the society and environment around him. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Released: 23 Jul 1988. Runtime: 2h 12m.
Kallu(1988)
Telugu · Drama
2h 12m · 23 Jul 1988
Writer: Gollapudi Maruthi Rao
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
Kallu is a poignant drama revolving around the lives of visually impaired individuals and their struggles in society. The film sensitively portrays their challenges, aspirations, and the social stigma they face, highlighting themes of resilience and human spirit.
Shivaji Raja: Powerful and convincing portrayal of a blind man, bringing depth and authenticity.
Gundu Hanumantha Rao: Supportive role with emotional nuance.
Kallu Chidambaram: Strong character actor performance adding to the film's realism.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Realistic depiction of blindness and disability
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Sensitive storytelling and emotional depth
- ✓Effective use of minimalistic direction
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing issues in the second half
- ✕Limited commercial appeal due to serious subject matter
🎬 Direction & Writing
M. V. Raghu's direction is restrained and empathetic, focusing on realism and human emotions without melodrama. The writing is straightforward, emphasizing social issues with subtlety.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7.2 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 10 | |
| 0 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Film Award | Best Feature Film in Telugu | Recognized for its social impact and realistic portrayal |
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Kallu for its bold subject and authentic performances. The film was noted for its realistic portrayal and social relevance, though some reviews pointed out its limited mass appeal and slow narrative pace.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kallu release in theatres?▾
Kallu released on 23 July 1988 (1988).
Is Kallu a hit or flop?▾
Kallu is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Kallu online? OTT release date?▾
Kallu is available on ETV Win. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Kallu?▾
Kallu directed by M. V. Raghu.
Who are the main cast members of Kallu?▾
Kallu stars Shivaji Raja, Gundu Hanumantha Rao, Kallu Chidambaram.
What is the Tollybo rating for Kallu?▾
Tollybo rates Kallu 2.5/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Kallu?▾
Kallu — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 132 minutes, Language: Telugu.