Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Action, Biography, Crime
2h 41m · 15 Jul 2021
Music: Sushin Shyam | DOP: Sanu John Varghese | Writer: Mahesh Narayanan
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
Malik is a political crime drama that chronicles the life of Sulaiman Malik, a respected leader in a coastal town in Kerala. The story spans several decades, exploring Malik's rise from a local youth to a powerful figure who navigates complex social, political, and communal tensions. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of leadership, set against the backdrop of communal strife and political upheaval in the region.
Malik stands out for its ambitious storytelling and layered screenplay that weaves together personal and political narratives with a non-linear structure. The content is rich and complex, demanding attentive viewing, and the screenplay by Mahesh Narayanan is taut, balancing intense drama with moments of quiet reflection.
The pacing is deliberate, with the first half setting up the socio-political milieu and character motivations effectively, while the second half escalates tensions and delivers powerful emotional payoffs. The film's narrative depth is complemented by strong dialogues and well-crafted scenes that highlight the protagonist's internal and external conflicts.
Musically, Sushin Shyam's compositions and background score elevate the film's mood, blending traditional and contemporary sounds that resonate with the film's coastal setting and emotional tone. The songs are sparse but impactful, serving the narrative without disrupting the flow. The background score is particularly noteworthy for enhancing the tension and drama throughout the film.
Fahadh Faasil: A commanding and nuanced portrayal of Sulaiman Malik, showcasing his transformation and inner turmoil with subtlety and intensity.
Nimisha Sajayan: Provides a grounded and heartfelt performance, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Vinay Forrt: Delivers a convincing supporting role that complements the lead's arc.
Joju George: Strong presence with a layered performance that adds complexity to the story.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Mahesh Narayanan's direction is assured and mature, handling a sprawling narrative with finesse. His writing is layered, balancing political commentary with personal drama, and he maintains a consistent tone throughout the film.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics widely praised Malik for its ambitious storytelling, strong performances, especially by Fahadh Faasil, and its evocative portrayal of socio-political issues. The film's technical aspects, including cinematography and music, received commendation for enhancing the narrative's immersive quality. Some noted the film's pacing and complex narrative structure as potential barriers for mainstream audiences, but overall the reception was positive, highlighting it as a significant Malayalam cinema offering.
Final Box-Office Result
Malik released on 15 July 2021 (2021).
Malik is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Malik is available on Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads from 15 July 2021.
Malik directed by Mahesh Narayanan. Produced by Anto Joseph.
Malik stars Fahadh Faasil, Nimisha Sajayan, Vinay Forrt, Jalaja, Salim Kumar.
Tollybo rates Malik 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Music for Malik composed by Sushin Shyam.
Malik — Genre: Action, Biography, Crime, Runtime: 161 minutes, Language: Malayalam.