Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Comedy, Drama, Romance
2h 15m · 21 Feb 2019
DOP: Shyju Khalid | Writer: Syam Pushkaran
Ratings
Our Rating
3.75
Kumbalangi Nights is a Malayalam drama that explores the lives of four brothers living in the small fishing village of Kumbalangi. The film delves into themes of family, masculinity, mental health, and redemption as the brothers navigate their strained relationships and personal struggles. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and emotional depth, highlighting the transformative power of love and acceptance within a fractured family.
Kumbalangi Nights stands out for its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced screenplay that beautifully balances moments of warmth and tension. The screenplay is tightly woven, with a natural flow that captures the essence of everyday life in a small village, making the narrative relatable and immersive.
The pacing is well-maintained, with the first half establishing the characters and their dynamics in a subtle yet engaging manner. The second half deepens the emotional stakes, delivering impactful scenes that resonate long after the film ends. The film avoids melodrama, instead opting for a realistic portrayal of complex relationships.
Though the film does not heavily rely on songs, the background score complements the mood perfectly, enhancing the emotional beats without overpowering the narrative. The music and BGM by the uncredited music director subtly underscore the film’s themes, adding to its immersive atmosphere.
Shane Nigam: Delivering a raw and authentic portrayal of a troubled brother, Shane Nigam brings depth and vulnerability to his role.
Soubin Shahir: Soubin shines with his naturalistic acting, perfectly capturing the nuances of his character’s emotional journey.
Fahadh Faasil: Fahadh Faasil impresses with a restrained and powerful cameo, adding gravitas to the film.
Anna Ben: Anna Ben’s performance is fresh and endearing, providing a strong emotional anchor in the story.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Madhu C. Narayanan’s direction is assured and sensitive, bringing out the best in the ensemble cast while maintaining a grounded narrative tone. His writing complements the film’s themes of masculinity and familial bonds with subtlety and depth.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.50 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala State Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Soubin Shahir won for his performance |
| Kerala State Film Awards | Best Female Playback Singer | Awarded for the song 'Cherathukal' |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
Critics widely praised Kumbalangi Nights for its heartfelt narrative, strong performances, and realistic depiction of complex family relationships. The film was noted for breaking stereotypes around masculinity and mental health in Indian cinema. While some noted the slow pacing in the first half, the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the film’s emotional depth and technical finesse.
Final Box-Office Result
Kumbalangi Nights released on 21 February 2019 (2019).
Kumbalangi Nights is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Kumbalangi Nights OTT release date not announced yet.
Kumbalangi Nights directed by Madhu C. Narayanan. Produced by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil, Syam Pushkaran, Nazriya Nazim.
Kumbalangi Nights stars Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Mathew Thomas, Fahadh Faasil.
Tollybo rates Kumbalangi Nights 3.75/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Kumbalangi Nights — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Runtime: 135 minutes, Language: Malayalam.