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Moothon (2019) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Moothon (2019) Review

Moothon (2019), a Malayalam crime, drama, romance movie starring Sanjana Dipu, Nivin Pauly, Dileesh Pothan, is reviewed here. Directed by Geethu Mohandas. A child from Lakshadweep sets off to Mumbai in pursuit of Akbar, an elder brother who left the island due to his sexual orientation. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 8 Nov 2019. Runtime: 1h 50m.

Moothon
ABOVE AVERAGE

Moothon(2019)

Bhai Arrives

Malayalam · Crime, Drama, Romance

1h 50m · 8 Nov 2019

Music: Sagar Desai | DOP: Rajeev Ravi | Writer: Anurag Kashyap, Geethu Mohandas, Sreeja Sreedharan

CrimeDrama

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI3.5
India TodayIndia TodayAI3.5
The HinduThe HinduAI4
IBTimesIBTimesAI3.75
IMDbIMDb7.3

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

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.

🔍 Analysis

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.

🎭 Performances

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

Strengths

  • Bold and socially relevant storytelling
  • Strong screenplay with effective use of parallel timelines
  • Powerful performances by lead actors
  • Atmospheric cinematography capturing diverse settings
  • Subtle and impactful music and background score

Weaknesses

  • Deliberate pacing may feel slow to some viewers
  • Sparse use of songs might not appeal to all audiences

🎬 Direction & Writing

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.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Rajeev Ravi
  • - Music direction by Sagar Desai
  • - Editing that maintains narrative clarity
  • - Sound design enhancing immersive experience

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
The HinduThe Hindu
4.00 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.50 / 5
India TodayIndia Today
3.50 / 5
IBTimesIBTimes
3.75 / 5

Our Rating

3/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

AwardCategoryNotes
Mumbai Film FestivalBest FilmWon the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film
International Film Festival of RotterdamOfficial SelectionSelected for the Tiger Competition

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive65%
Neutral25%
Negative10%

Critics

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

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Moothon release in theatres?

Moothon released on 8 November 2019 (2019).

Is Moothon a hit or flop?

Moothon is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Moothon online? OTT release date?

Moothon is available on aha from 16 October 2020.

Who directed Moothon?

Moothon directed by Geethu Mohandas. Produced by Ajay Rai, Alan McAlex, Anurag Kashyap, S. Vinoth Kumar.

Who are the main cast members of Moothon?

Moothon stars Sanjana Dipu, Nivin Pauly, Dileesh Pothan, Roshan Mathew, Shashank Arora.

What is the Tollybo rating for Moothon?

Tollybo rates Moothon 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Moothon?

Music for Moothon composed by Sagar Desai.

What is the genre and runtime of Moothon?

Moothon — Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance, Runtime: 110 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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