Natturajavu (2004) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Natturajavu (2004) Review
Natturajavu (2004) — a Malayalam action, drama, thriller film directed by Shaji Kailas. Starring Mohanlal, Meena, Kalabhavan Mani. Pulikkattil Charlie is an affluent and honest man who is forced to spend most of his time sorting out the mess left behind by his evil late father, Pulikattil Mathan. Our Rating: 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 20 Aug 2004. Runtime: 2h 30m.


Natturajavu(2004)
Malayalam · Action, Drama, Thriller
2h 30m · 20 Aug 2004
DOP: Anandakuttan | Writer: T A Shahid
Ratings
Our Rating
2
📖 Story
Natturajavu follows the story of a feared and enigmatic man named Natturajavu, played by Mohanlal, who is known for his violent past and his complex relationship with society. The narrative explores themes of redemption, justice, and the struggle between good and evil, set against a rural backdrop. The story unfolds as Natturajavu confronts his past and the people around him, leading to intense emotional and action-packed sequences.
Natturajavu presents a gripping tale that combines elements of action and drama, anchored by a strong central character portrayed by Mohanlal. The screenplay attempts to balance intense moments with emotional depth, though the pacing tends to slow down in the first half, making it somewhat uneven. The second half picks up momentum with more engaging sequences and a clearer narrative drive.
The film's storytelling is traditional, relying heavily on Mohanlal's star power and the emotional weight of the character's journey. While the screenplay offers some compelling moments, it occasionally falls into predictable tropes common in Malayalam action dramas of the time. The dialogues and character arcs are crafted to appeal to the mass audience, with a focus on moral dilemmas and redemption.
Musically, the film lacks a notable soundtrack as there is no credited music director, which impacts the overall experience. The background score, however, supports the mood effectively, enhancing the tension and emotional beats without overpowering the scenes. The absence of memorable songs is noticeable, which might affect the film's appeal among audiences who favor musical elements.
Cinematography by Anandakuttan captures the rural setting beautifully, adding authenticity and visual appeal to the narrative. The technical aspects like editing and action choreography are competent, though not groundbreaking. Overall, Natturajavu is a solid entertainer for fans of Mohanlal and action dramas, despite some narrative and musical shortcomings.
Mohanlal: Powerful and intense portrayal of the complex protagonist, carrying the film with his charisma and emotional depth.
Meena: Provides a strong supporting role with emotional sincerity.
Kalabhavan Mani: Adds grit and authenticity to the narrative with a convincing performance.
Nayanthara: Offers a brief but impactful presence.
KPAC Lalitha: Delivers a nuanced supporting role.
Janardhanan: Solid performance in a character role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong central performance by Mohanlal
- ✓Authentic rural setting captured through cinematography
- ✓Engaging second half with better pacing
- ✓Effective background score enhancing mood
Weaknesses
- ✕Uneven pacing, especially in the first half
- ✕Lack of memorable songs due to absence of music director
- ✕Predictable screenplay and narrative tropes
- ✕Limited character development for supporting cast
🎬 Direction & Writing
Shaji Kailas directs with his trademark style focusing on action and drama. The direction is competent in handling intense scenes and extracting strong performances, particularly from Mohanlal. However, the writing lacks freshness and relies on familiar formulas, which somewhat diminishes the overall impact.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.7 | |
| 3.1 | |
| 0 | |
| 49 | |
| 51 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics generally praised Mohanlal's performance and the film's visual authenticity but pointed out flaws in pacing and screenplay. The absence of a notable soundtrack was also noted as a drawback. Overall, the film was seen as a decent entertainer with mass appeal but lacking in innovation.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Natturajavu release in theatres?▾
Natturajavu released on 20 August 2004 (2004).
Is Natturajavu a hit or flop?▾
Natturajavu is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Natturajavu online? OTT release date?▾
Natturajavu is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Natturajavu?▾
Natturajavu directed by Shaji Kailas. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor.
Who are the main cast members of Natturajavu?▾
Natturajavu stars Mohanlal, Meena, Kalabhavan Mani, Nayanthara, KPAC Lalitha.
What is the Tollybo rating for Natturajavu?▾
Tollybo rates Natturajavu 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
What is the genre and runtime of Natturajavu?▾
Natturajavu — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 150 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
