Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Malayalam · Drama
1h 50m · 29 Jul 1988
Music: M. B. Sreenivasan | DOP: K. Ramachandra Babu | Writer: C.V. Balakrishnan, K.G. George
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Mattoral is a Malayalam drama that delves into the complexities of marital relationships and societal expectations. The story revolves around the lives of two couples, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the search for personal identity within the confines of traditional norms. It presents a realistic portrayal of middle-class life and the emotional struggles faced by the characters as they navigate through personal and social dilemmas.
Mattoral is a compelling narrative that showcases K. G. George's mastery in storytelling and character development. The screenplay is tightly woven, balancing intense emotional moments with subtle social commentary. The pacing is deliberate, with the first half setting up the characters and their conflicts effectively, while the second half delves deeper into the consequences of their choices, maintaining engagement throughout.
The film's music by M. B. Sreenivasan complements the narrative beautifully, with songs that enhance the emotional depth without overpowering the scenes. The background score is understated yet impactful, supporting the film's mood and tone. Cinematography by K. Ramachandra Babu captures the essence of the setting, adding a layer of realism to the storytelling.
Overall, Mattoral stands out for its mature handling of complex themes, strong performances, and technical finesse, making it a memorable piece in Malayalam cinema of the late 1980s.
Mammootty: A nuanced and restrained portrayal that captures the internal conflicts of his character.
Seema: Delivers a powerful performance, effectively conveying emotional depth and vulnerability.
Urvashi: Brings charm and subtlety, adding layers to the interpersonal dynamics.
Karamana Janardanan Nair: Strong supporting role with a convincing depiction of societal pressures.
Murali: Solid performance that complements the lead actors.
Jagathy Sreekumar: Provides light moments with his characteristic timing, balancing the film's tone.
Strengths
Weaknesses
K. G. George's direction is meticulous and sensitive, bringing out the nuanced emotions of the characters while maintaining a strong narrative focus. His writing reflects a deep understanding of human relationships and societal constraints.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics have praised Mattoral for its mature storytelling, strong performances, and realistic depiction of social issues. The film is often highlighted for its depth and the director's ability to handle complex themes with subtlety. However, some noted that the film's slow pacing might not appeal to all audiences.
Final Box-Office Result
Mattoral released on 29 July 1988 (1988).
Mattoral is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Mattoral is available on JioHotstar, Jio Cinema. OTT date will be updated soon.
Mattoral directed by K. G. George. Produced by S. Sankaran Kutty, V. Punnuse.
Mattoral stars Karamana Janardanan Nair, Mammootty, Seema, Urvashi, Murali.
Tollybo rates Mattoral 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Mattoral composed by M. B. Sreenivasan.
Mattoral — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 110 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
