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Maanthrikam (1995) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Maanthrikam (1995) Review

Maanthrikam (1995), a Malayalam action, comedy, drama movie starring Mohanlal, Priya Raman, Jagadish, is reviewed here. Directed by Thampi Kannanthanam. A prominent scientist gets kidnapped by terrorists. To investigate the incident, two police officers, Alby and Jobi, arrive in the guise of circus artists. Our Rating: 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP. Released: 1 Jan 1995. Runtime: 2h 25m.

Maanthrikam
FLOP

Maanthrikam(1995)

Malayalam · Action, Comedy, Drama

2h 25m · 1 Jan 1995

DOP: Saloo George | Writer: Babu Pallassery

Thriller

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB48
TraktTrakt45

Our Rating

2.25

📖 Story

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.

🔍 Analysis

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.

🎭 Performances

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

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Mohanlal's strong lead performance
  • ✓Engaging action sequences
  • ✓Unique blend of fantasy and action
  • ✓Effective background score enhancing mood
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Occasional uneven storytelling
  • ✕Some clichéd plot elements
  • ✕Limited impact of songs
  • ✕Pacing dips slightly in mid-section

🎬 Direction & Writing

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.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
48
TraktTrakt
45

Our Rating

2.25/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral25%
Negative15%

Critics

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

FLOP

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Maanthrikam release in theatres?▾

Maanthrikam released on 1 January 1995 (1995).

Is Maanthrikam a hit or flop?▾

Maanthrikam is declared a FLOP at the box office.

Where to watch Maanthrikam online? OTT release date?▾

Maanthrikam is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Maanthrikam?▾

Maanthrikam directed by Thampi Kannanthanam. Produced by Thampi Kannanthanam.

Who are the main cast members of Maanthrikam?▾

Maanthrikam stars Mohanlal, Priya Raman, Jagadish, Vinita, Raghuvaran.

What is the Tollybo rating for Maanthrikam?▾

Tollybo rates Maanthrikam 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.

What is the genre and runtime of Maanthrikam?▾

Maanthrikam — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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