Last updated: 8 May 2026


THE STORY UNFOLDS INDIA'S LONGEST WANTED FUGITIVE
Malayalam · Biography, Crime, Drama
2h 35m · 12 Nov 2021
Music: Sushin Shyam | DOP: Nimish Ravi | Writer: K.S. Aravind, R.P. Bala, Jithin K. Jose
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Kurup is a biographical crime thriller based on the life of the notorious fugitive Sukumara Kurup, who remains one of the most wanted criminals in Kerala. The film chronicles his elaborate and cold-blooded murder plan, his life on the run, and the cat-and-mouse game between him and the police. It blends factual events with dramatized sequences to portray the enigmatic personality of Kurup and the impact of his crimes on those around him.
Kurup offers a gripping narrative that delves deep into the psyche of its titular character, presenting a complex anti-hero rather than a straightforward villain. The screenplay by Srinath Rajendran is taut and engaging, especially in the first half, which effectively sets up the mystery and builds tension around Kurup's motives and actions. The pacing in the initial segments is steady, drawing viewers into the era and the unfolding crime.
The second half shifts focus to the chase and the aftermath, where the narrative occasionally loses momentum due to elongated sequences and a somewhat predictable progression. However, the film compensates with strong character moments and emotional depth, particularly in the interactions between Kurup and his close associates. The songs are minimal but well-placed, complementing the mood without disrupting the flow.
Sushin Shyam's music and background score stand out as significant assets, enhancing the suspense and emotional undertones throughout the film. Nimish Ravi's cinematography captures the period setting authentically, with atmospheric visuals that add to the film's noir feel. Overall, Kurup is a well-crafted crime drama that balances factual storytelling with cinematic flair, though it could have benefited from tighter editing in the latter half.
Dulquer Salmaan: Charismatic and nuanced portrayal of Sukumara Kurup, effectively capturing his charm and menace.
Sobhita Dhulipala: Subtle and restrained, providing a grounded emotional anchor in the narrative.
Indrajith Sukumaran: Strong supporting role with a convincing portrayal of law enforcement.
Tovino Thomas: Brief but impactful appearance, adding depth to the storyline.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Srinath Rajendran delivers a stylish and gripping direction that balances factual storytelling with cinematic elements. His writing brings depth to a notorious real-life figure, though the screenplay could have been tighter in the latter half to maintain suspense consistently.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
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No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics generally praised Kurup for its compelling lead performance and atmospheric presentation. The film's first half was highlighted for its engaging narrative and tension-building, while the second half received mixed reviews due to pacing issues. The music and cinematography were widely appreciated, contributing significantly to the film's mood. Overall, it was considered a solid addition to Malayalam crime thrillers with some scope for improvement in editing and screenplay tightness.
Final Box-Office Result
Kurup released on 12 November 2021 (2021).
Kurup is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Kurup is available on Netflix, Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads from 12 November 2021.
Kurup directed by Srinath Rajendran. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan.
Kurup stars Dulquer Salmaan, Sobhita Dhulipala, Indrajith Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Shine Tom Chacko.
Tollybo rates Kurup 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Kurup composed by Sushin Shyam.
Kurup — Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 155 minutes, Language: Malayalam.