Mahaveeryar (2022) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Mahaveeryar (2022) Review
A review of Mahaveeryar (2022) (Malayalam action, comedy, drama), directed by Abrid Shine. Starring Nivin Pauly, Asif Ali, Shanvi Shrivastava. An 18th-century king suffers from an illness of persistent hiccups. Meanwhile, a godman accused of stealing a temple statue in the present day defends himself in a contemporary court, where the two tales meet to unravel a satirical take on society. Our Rating: 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP. Released: 21 Jul 2022. Runtime: 2h 6m.
Mahaveeryar(2022)
Malayalam · Action, Comedy, Drama
2h 6m · 21 Jul 2022
Music: Ishaan Chhabra | DOP: Chandru Selvaraj | Writer: M Mukundan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
📖 Story
Mahaveeryar is a Malayalam courtroom drama set in a historical context, revolving around a unique trial that challenges societal norms and gender roles. The story follows the protagonist, played by Nivin Pauly, who takes on a case that questions the prevailing justice system and highlights themes of equality and fairness. The narrative intertwines past and present, blending humor and drama to explore deep social issues through an engaging legal battle.
Mahaveeryar offers a fresh take on the courtroom drama genre by embedding its narrative within a historical and cultural framework. The screenplay is well-crafted, balancing moments of levity with intense courtroom sequences that keep the audience engaged. The pacing is steady, with the first half setting up the characters and conflict effectively, while the second half delves deeper into the legal arguments and emotional stakes.
The film's music, composed by Ishaan Chhabra, complements the narrative without overpowering it. The songs are situational and blend seamlessly with the story, while the background score enhances the tension and dramatic moments, especially during the courtroom scenes. Cinematography by Chandru Selvaraj captures the period setting with authenticity, adding to the immersive experience.
Overall, Mahaveeryar succeeds in delivering a socially relevant message through an entertaining and thought-provoking narrative. The screenplay's strength lies in its ability to maintain audience interest without resorting to melodrama, and the music and technical aspects support the storytelling effectively.
Nivin Pauly: Charismatic and convincing as the lead, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a principled lawyer.
Asif Ali: Provides solid support with a restrained and effective performance.
Shanvi Shrivastava: Delivers a graceful and impactful presence, complementing the lead actors well.
Lal: Strong and authoritative, adding weight to the courtroom drama.
Siddique: Reliable and natural, fitting well within the ensemble.
Lalu Alex: Adds depth and experience to the supporting cast.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging and socially relevant screenplay
- ✓Strong performances by lead and supporting cast
- ✓Effective blending of humor and drama
- ✓Authentic period setting and cinematography
- ✓Well-integrated music and background score
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing slows slightly in the mid-second half
- ✕Some courtroom sequences could feel lengthy to certain viewers
🎬 Direction & Writing
Abrid Shine directs with a clear vision, balancing the film's social message with entertainment. His writing is sharp, and he manages to keep the narrative focused while extracting strong performances from the cast.
- - Cinematography by Chandru Selvaraj
- - Music by Ishaan Chhabra
- - Editing that maintains narrative flow
- - Production design reflecting historical period
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Mahaveeryar for its unique narrative approach and strong performances, particularly highlighting Nivin Pauly's role. The film's social commentary and courtroom drama elements were well received, though some noted minor pacing issues. Overall, the reception was positive with appreciation for the film's technical finesse and engaging storytelling.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mahaveeryar release in theatres?▾
Mahaveeryar released on 21 July 2022 (2022).
Is Mahaveeryar a hit or flop?▾
Mahaveeryar is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Where to watch Mahaveeryar online? OTT release date?▾
Mahaveeryar is available on Sun NXT from 9 February 2023.
Who directed Mahaveeryar?▾
Mahaveeryar directed by Abrid Shine. Produced by Nivin Pauly.
Who are the main cast members of Mahaveeryar?▾
Mahaveeryar stars Nivin Pauly, Asif Ali, Shanvi Shrivastava, Lal, Siddique.
What is the Tollybo rating for Mahaveeryar?▾
Tollybo rates Mahaveeryar 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Who composed the music for Mahaveeryar?▾
Music for Mahaveeryar composed by Ishaan Chhabra.
What is the genre and runtime of Mahaveeryar?▾
Mahaveeryar — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 126 minutes, Language: Malayalam.