Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Comedy
1h 58m · 8 Feb 2013
DOP: Arun James | Writer: Shankar Ramakrishnan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
The film follows the story of a writer named Preman who creates a fictional character named Natholi. The narrative blurs the lines between reality and fiction as Natholi comes to life and interacts with Preman, leading to a meta-fictional exploration of creativity, control, and the relationship between an author and his creation. The story delves into Preman's struggles with his own imagination and the consequences of his storytelling.
Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla is a unique Malayalam film that experiments with meta-fiction and narrative structure. The screenplay cleverly intertwines the real and the fictional worlds, creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience. The pacing is steady, with the first half setting up the premise and characters effectively, while the second half delves deeper into the psychological and philosophical aspects of the story.
The film's content is rich with humor, satire, and emotional depth, making it a refreshing departure from conventional storytelling. The screenplay by V. K. Prakash is inventive, though some viewers might find the narrative slightly complex. The songs and music are minimalistic, serving more as background enhancements rather than standalone features. The background score complements the mood well, subtly underscoring the film's shifts between reality and fantasy.
Cinematography by Arun James captures the intimate and surreal tones of the film, adding to the overall immersive experience. While the film may not cater to mainstream tastes due to its experimental nature, it stands out as a creative and intellectually stimulating piece in Malayalam cinema.
Fahadh Faasil: A compelling and nuanced portrayal of Preman, balancing humor and introspection with ease.
Kamalinee Mukherjee: Delivers a subtle and supportive role that complements the film's narrative.
Rima Kallingal: Offers a strong presence with a natural and engaging performance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
V. K. Prakash directs with a clear vision, successfully blending fantasy and reality. His writing is imaginative, though occasionally dense, demanding active engagement from the audience.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics appreciated the film's originality and Fahadh Faasil's performance, highlighting its meta-fictional approach as a refreshing take in Malayalam cinema. Some noted the film's narrative complexity as a potential barrier for a wider audience.
Final Box-Office Result
Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla released on 8 February 2013 (2013).
Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla directed by V. K. Prakash.
Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla stars Fahadh Faasil, Kamalinee Mukherjee, Rima Kallingal, P Balachandran, Aishwarya Bhaskar.
Tollybo rates Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla — Genre: Comedy, Runtime: 118 minutes, Language: Malayalam.