Last updated: 8 May 2026


Bhai Arrives
Malayalam · Crime, Drama, Romance
1h 50m · 8 Nov 2019
Music: Sagar Desai | DOP: Rajeev Ravi | Writer: Anurag Kashyap, Geethu Mohandas, Sreeja Sreedharan
Ratings
Our Rating
3
Moothon is a Malayalam-language drama that explores the journey of a young boy, Mulla, from Lakshadweep who travels to Mumbai in search of his elder brother, Akbar. The narrative unfolds through parallel timelines, revealing themes of identity, sexuality, and survival amidst the harsh realities of urban life. The story delves deep into complex human emotions and societal taboos, portraying a poignant coming-of-age tale set against a gritty backdrop.
Moothon stands out for its bold storytelling and layered screenplay that intertwines two timelines effectively, maintaining narrative tension throughout. The first half builds a strong emotional foundation with atmospheric visuals and character development, while the second half intensifies the drama with gripping confrontations and revelations. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to absorb the emotional weight and complexity of the characters' journeys.
The music by Sagar Desai complements the film’s tone, with a subtle yet impactful background score that enhances the mood without overpowering the scenes. The songs are sparse but meaningful, blending well with the narrative flow. Rajeev Ravi's cinematography captures the contrasting worlds of Lakshadweep and Mumbai with a raw, immersive style that adds authenticity to the film’s setting.
Overall, Moothon is a compelling cinematic experience that challenges conventional storytelling in Malayalam cinema, combining strong performances, technical finesse, and a socially relevant narrative to leave a lasting impression.
Sanjana Dipu: Delivered a nuanced portrayal of Mulla, capturing vulnerability and resilience with authenticity.
Nivin Pauly: Showcased a restrained yet powerful performance as Akbar, embodying complexity and emotional depth.
Dileesh Pothan: Provided solid support with a grounded and naturalistic acting style.
Roshan Mathew: Impressed with a subtle and layered performance, adding depth to the narrative.
Shashank Arora: Brought intensity and nuance to his role, enhancing the film's dramatic tension.
Sujith Sankar: Delivered a credible and impactful performance in a supporting role.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Geethu Mohandas demonstrates confident direction with a sensitive handling of complex themes. Her writing is layered and mature, successfully balancing emotional depth with social commentary. The narrative structure is ambitious yet coherent, making Moothon a standout film in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Film Festival | Best Film | Won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film |
| International Film Festival of Rotterdam | Official Selection | Selected for the Tiger Competition |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Moothon for its courageous narrative and compelling performances, especially highlighting Nivin Pauly's transformative role. The film was lauded for its technical finesse, including Rajeev Ravi's evocative cinematography and Sagar Desai's subtle score. Some reviews noted the film's slow pacing but acknowledged it as a deliberate choice to deepen emotional impact. Overall, Moothon was recognized as a significant contribution to Malayalam cinema's evolving landscape.
Final Box-Office Result
Moothon released on 8 November 2019 (2019).
Moothon is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Moothon is available on aha from 16 October 2020.
Moothon directed by Geethu Mohandas. Produced by Ajay Rai, Alan McAlex, Anurag Kashyap, S. Vinoth Kumar.
Moothon stars Sanjana Dipu, Nivin Pauly, Dileesh Pothan, Roshan Mathew, Shashank Arora.
Tollybo rates Moothon 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Music for Moothon composed by Sagar Desai.
Moothon — Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance, Runtime: 110 minutes, Language: Malayalam.