Last updated: 8 May 2026

Malayalam · Action, Drama
2h 30m · 16 Dec 2010
DOP: R. Velraj, Ravi Varman | Writer: Major Ravi
Ratings
Our Rating
1.5
Kandahar is a military action thriller centered around a daring rescue mission to save Indian pilots trapped in hostile territory. The story follows the protagonist, played by Mohanlal, as he leads a covert operation to infiltrate enemy lines and bring back the pilots safely. The narrative explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war, with intense action sequences and emotional moments woven throughout.
Kandahar delivers a gripping storyline that combines patriotism with high-stakes action, effectively engaging the audience from start to finish. The screenplay is tightly written, with a clear focus on the mission's urgency and the emotional weight carried by the characters. The pacing is well-maintained, with the first half setting up the premise and characters effectively, while the second half ramps up the tension with thrilling action and suspenseful sequences.
The film's music and background score complement the narrative well, enhancing the emotional and dramatic beats without overpowering the scenes. Although the movie does not feature traditional song sequences, the background score by the music directors supports the military and intense atmosphere suitably. Cinematography by R. Velraj and Ravi Varman captures both the rugged terrain and close-quarter action with equal finesse, adding to the immersive experience.
Overall, Kandahar stands out as a well-crafted war thriller with strong performances and technical finesse, though some viewers might find the pacing slightly uneven in moments. The film's focus on realism and emotional depth makes it a noteworthy entry in the genre.
Mohanlal: Commanding and intense, Mohanlal delivers a powerful portrayal of a determined military leader.
Ganesh Venkatraman: Solid supporting role with credible action sequences.
Amitabh Bachchan: Brief but impactful appearance adding gravitas.
Sumalatha: Supportive role with emotional depth.
Ragini Dwivedi: Effective in her limited screen time.
Ananya: Convincing and natural performance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Major Ravi's direction is focused and purposeful, bringing authenticity to the military thriller genre. His writing balances action with emotional moments, though some narrative elements could have been explored more deeply.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics generally praised Kandahar for its realistic depiction of military operations and Mohanlal's commanding performance. The film was noted for its tight screenplay and effective background score, though some reviews pointed out pacing issues and limited character development in supporting roles.
Final Box-Office Result
Kandahar released on 16 December 2010 (2010).
Kandahar is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Kandahar is available on JioHotstar, Saina Play, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Kandahar directed by Major Ravi. Produced by Mohanlal.
Kandahar stars Mohanlal, Ganesh Venkatraman, Amitabh Bachchan, Sumalatha, Ragini Dwivedi.
Tollybo rates Kandahar 1.5/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Kandahar — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 150 minutes, Language: Malayalam.