Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Action, Comedy, Drama
2h 25m · 1 Jan 1995
DOP: Saloo George | Writer: Babu Pallassery
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
Maanthrikam is an action-adventure film centered around a daring protagonist who embarks on a mission filled with suspense and intrigue. The story weaves elements of magic and mystery with intense action sequences, as the hero confronts formidable enemies and uncovers hidden truths. The narrative balances moments of humor and drama, creating an engaging experience for the audience.
Maanthrikam offers a blend of action and fantasy that was quite novel for Malayalam cinema at the time of its release. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half setting up the characters and the central conflict effectively. The second half escalates the tension with well-choreographed action scenes and dramatic confrontations, keeping viewers invested.
The film's content is a mix of traditional heroism and supernatural elements, which adds a unique flavor but occasionally leads to uneven storytelling. The songs, though limited, complement the narrative without disrupting the flow, while the background score enhances the mood, especially during suspenseful and action-packed moments.
Cinematography by Saloo George captures the film's adventurous tone well, with vibrant visuals and dynamic camera work. However, the screenplay sometimes leans on clichés, and certain plot developments could have been tighter to improve overall coherence. Despite these flaws, the film remains an entertaining watch, largely due to Mohanlal's charismatic presence and the director's ability to balance various genres within the film.
Mohanlal: Charismatic and commanding, Mohanlal delivers a performance that anchors the film, blending action and emotion effectively.
Priya Raman: Provides a solid supporting role with emotional depth and screen presence.
Jagadish: Offers comic relief and light-hearted moments that balance the film's intensity.
Raghuvaran: Portrays the antagonist with menace and intensity, adding to the film's tension.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Thampi Kannanthanam's direction successfully marries action and fantasy, creating a visually engaging and entertaining film. His experience as both director and producer is evident in the film's production values and pacing, though the screenplay could have been more tightly crafted to avoid some narrative lulls.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
The film received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising Mohanlal's performance and the film's adventurous spirit. However, some noted the screenplay's unevenness and reliance on familiar tropes. The technical aspects, especially the cinematography and background score, were generally appreciated.
Final Box-Office Result
Maanthrikam released on 1 January 1995 (1995).
Maanthrikam is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Maanthrikam is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Maanthrikam directed by Thampi Kannanthanam. Produced by Thampi Kannanthanam.
Maanthrikam stars Mohanlal, Priya Raman, Jagadish, Vinita, Raghuvaran.
Tollybo rates Maanthrikam 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Maanthrikam — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Malayalam.