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Mehfil (2025) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Mehfil (2025) Review

A review of Mehfil (2025) (Malayalam music, drama), directed by Jayaraj. Starring Mukesh, Asha Sarath, Unni Mukundan. Based on the life of Mullassery Raju, the story unfolds over a single night of music, exploring love, relationships, and the resilience of a man who hides his pain to bring joy and unity to those around him. Released: 8 Aug 2025. Runtime: 1h 32m.

Mehfil
NOT AVAILABLE

Mehfil(2025)

Malayalam · Music, Drama

1h 32m · 8 Aug 2025

Music: Deepankuran | DOP: Rahul Deep Balachandran

MusicDrama

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI3.75
The HinduThe HinduAI4
IBTimesIBTimesAI3.5
PinkvillaPinkvillaAI3.5
IMDbIMDb0

📖 Story

Mehfil is a Malayalam drama revolving around the intertwined lives of a group of artists and intellectuals who gather regularly to discuss art, politics, and social issues. The narrative explores their personal struggles, ideological conflicts, and the impact of changing times on their relationships and creative expressions. As the story unfolds, the characters confront their pasts and present dilemmas, leading to moments of revelation and transformation.

🔍 Analysis

Mehfil offers a contemplative and nuanced portrayal of its characters, with a screenplay that balances dialogue-heavy sequences and emotional depth. The story unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and intellectual milieu the film depicts. The first half sets up the characters and their conflicts effectively, though some scenes linger longer than necessary, slightly affecting the momentum.

The second half picks up with more intensity, delving deeper into the emotional arcs and delivering impactful resolutions. The direction by Jayaraj is sensitive, capturing the subtleties of human relationships and the complexities of artistic expression. The songs composed by Deepankuran blend well with the narrative, enhancing key moments without overwhelming the story.

Rahul Deep Balachandran’s cinematography beautifully captures the intimate settings and mood shifts, while the background score complements the film’s contemplative tone, adding layers to the viewing experience. Overall, Mehfil is a thoughtful film that appeals to audiences seeking meaningful cinema, though its deliberate pacing might test the patience of viewers expecting a faster narrative flow.

🎭 Performances

Mukesh: A restrained and mature portrayal, bringing depth to his character’s internal conflicts.

Asha Sarath: Strong and nuanced, effectively conveying emotional complexity.

Unni Mukundan: Energetic and earnest, providing a youthful counterpoint to the veteran cast.

Manoj K Jayan: Solid performance with subtle emotional undertones.

Renji Panicker: Commanding presence, adding gravitas to the ensemble.

Siddharth Menon: Natural and engaging, fitting well within the ensemble.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong performances by the lead cast
  • Thoughtful and sensitive direction by Jayaraj
  • Rich cultural and intellectual themes
  • Effective use of music and background score
  • Beautiful cinematography capturing mood and setting

Weaknesses

  • Slow pacing in the first half
  • Some scenes feel overly prolonged
  • May not appeal to audiences seeking fast-paced entertainment

🎬 Direction & Writing

Jayaraj’s direction is subtle and focused on character-driven storytelling, emphasizing emotional depth and thematic richness over commercial elements. His writing reflects a mature understanding of human relationships and artistic struggles, though the narrative occasionally sacrifices pace for introspection.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Rahul Deep Balachandran
  • - Music direction by Deepankuran
  • - Editing that supports a contemplative narrative
  • - Sound design and background score enhancing mood

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.50 / 5
The HinduThe Hindu
4.00 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.75 / 5
PinkvillaPinkvilla
3.50 / 5

Our Rating

3.69/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive65%
Neutral25%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics have generally appreciated Mehfil for its mature storytelling and strong performances, particularly praising Jayaraj’s direction and the film’s intellectual depth. However, some reviews pointed out the slow pacing and lengthy scenes as drawbacks that might limit its appeal to a niche audience.

Final Box-Office Result

NOT AVAILABLE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Mehfil release in theatres?

Mehfil released on 8 August 2025 (2025).

Where to watch Mehfil online? OTT release date?

Mehfil is available on TBA from 30 September 2025.

Who directed Mehfil?

Mehfil directed by Jayaraj. Produced by Manoj Govindan.

Who are the main cast members of Mehfil?

Mehfil stars Mukesh, Asha Sarath, Unni Mukundan, Manoj K Jayan, Renji Panicker.

Who composed the music for Mehfil?

Music for Mehfil composed by Deepankuran.

What is the genre and runtime of Mehfil?

Mehfil — Genre: Music, Drama, Runtime: 92 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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