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Kireedam (Kireedam) (1989) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 16 Jul 2026

Kireedam (Kireedam) (1989) Review

Kireedam (Kireedam) (1989) is a Malayalam action, drama film directed by Sibi Malayil, starring Mohanlal, Thilakan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma. Sethu aspires to become a police officer to fulfil his father's dream. However, his life turns upside down when he intervenes in a scuffle with a criminal to save his father's life. Our Rating: 3.75/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT. Released: 7 Jul 1989. Runtime: 2h 7m.

Kireedam (Kireedam)
SUPER HIT

Kireedam (Kireedam)(1989)

Sethumadhavan is a man who lost everything...

Malayalam · Action, Drama

2h 7m · 7 Jul 1989

Music: Johnson | DOP: S. Kumar | Writer: A K Lohithadas

DramaAction

Ratings

IMDbIMDb8.9
LetterboxdLetterboxd4.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB77
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience86

Our Rating

3.75

📖 Story

Kireedam is a poignant Malayalam drama that explores the tragic transformation of a young man, Sethumadhavan, whose dreams of a peaceful life are shattered by circumstances beyond his control. The story delves into the emotional turmoil between a father and son as societal pressures and misunderstandings lead Sethumadhavan down a path of unintended violence and stigma. The narrative highlights themes of fate, honor, and the harsh realities of life in a tightly-knit community.

🔍 Analysis

Kireedam stands out for its deeply engaging content and emotionally charged storyline, which is both compelling and heart-wrenching. The screenplay, penned with sensitivity and realism, effectively balances moments of quiet family drama with intense sequences of conflict, maintaining a gripping pace throughout. The first half carefully builds the characters and their relationships, setting a strong emotional foundation, while the second half escalates the tension and tragedy with impactful storytelling.

The film's music by Johnson complements the narrative beautifully, with songs that enhance the emotional depth without overpowering the scenes. The background score is subtle yet powerful, accentuating the mood and heightening the dramatic moments. Cinematography by S. Kumar captures the essence of the setting and the characters' internal struggles with a naturalistic approach, adding to the film's authenticity.

Overall, Kireedam is a masterclass in Malayalam cinema, blending strong performances, thoughtful direction, and evocative music to create a memorable and moving experience.

🎭 Performances

Mohanlal: Delivering one of his career-best performances, Mohanlal portrays Sethumadhavan with nuanced intensity, capturing the character's innocence, despair, and eventual downfall with remarkable depth.

Thilakan: As the father, Thilakan brings a powerful presence and emotional gravitas, portraying the protective yet conflicted patriarch with authenticity.

Kaviyoor Ponnamma: Provides a heartfelt performance as the mother, embodying warmth and resilience amidst the family's turmoil.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Strong screenplay with emotional depth
  • ✓Outstanding performances by lead actors
  • ✓Effective use of background score and music
  • ✓Realistic and impactful direction
  • ✓Balanced pacing maintaining audience engagement
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Some supporting characters have limited development
  • ✕Pacing slightly slows in certain dramatic sequences

🎬 Direction & Writing

Sibi Malayil's direction is sensitive and restrained, focusing on character-driven storytelling that highlights the emotional and social complexities of the narrative. His writing and screenplay adaptation ensure that the story remains grounded and relatable, avoiding melodrama while delivering powerful impact.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
8.9
LetterboxdLetterboxd
4.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
77
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience
86

Our Rating

3.75/5
★★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

AwardCategoryNotes
Kerala State Film AwardBest ActorAwarded to Mohanlal for his performance in Kireedam
Kerala State Film AwardBest ScreenplayAwarded to A. K. Lohithadas for the screenplay

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
PositiveHigh
NeutralLow
NegativeMinimal

Critics

Critics have widely praised Kireedam for its compelling narrative, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of familial and societal conflicts. It is regarded as a classic in Malayalam cinema, noted especially for Mohanlal's career-defining role and Sibi Malayil's nuanced direction.

Final Box-Office Result

SUPER HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Kireedam (Kireedam) release in theatres?▾

Kireedam (Kireedam) released on 7 July 1989 (1989).

Is Kireedam (Kireedam) a hit or flop?▾

Kireedam (Kireedam) is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.

Where to watch Kireedam (Kireedam) online? OTT release date?▾

Kireedam (Kireedam) is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Kireedam (Kireedam)?▾

Kireedam (Kireedam) directed by Sibi Malayil. Produced by Dinesh Panicker, Krishnakumar.

Who are the main cast members of Kireedam (Kireedam)?▾

Kireedam (Kireedam) stars Mohanlal, Thilakan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Mohan Raj, Sreenath.

What is the Tollybo rating for Kireedam (Kireedam)?▾

Tollybo rates Kireedam (Kireedam) 3.75/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.

Who composed the music for Kireedam (Kireedam)?▾

Music for Kireedam (Kireedam) composed by Johnson.

What is the genre and runtime of Kireedam (Kireedam)?▾

Kireedam (Kireedam) — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 127 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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