One (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
One (2021) Review
One (2021) (Malayalam drama, thriller) — directed by Santhosh Viswanath. Featuring Mammootty, Murali Gopy, Mathew Thomas. Story of Kadakkal Chandran, the Chief Minister of Kerala whose uncompromising attitude towards corruption and his dictatorial actions has gained him a lot of enemies. The events gets more intense when he faces an allegation. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Produced by Ichais Productions, Released: 26 Mar 2021. Runtime: 2h 31m.
One(2021)
Malayalam · Drama, Thriller
2h 31m · 26 Mar 2021
Music: Gopi Sundar | DOP: Vaidy S. | Writer: Sanjay, Bobby
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
One is a Malayalam political thriller centered around the life of a police officer, played by Mammootty, who is tasked with protecting a high-profile political figure during a tense election period. The story delves into the murky waters of political conspiracies, personal loyalties, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in power. As the narrative unfolds, the film explores themes of justice, duty, and the complex interplay between politics and law enforcement.
One offers a gripping narrative that combines political intrigue with a strong character-driven story. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining suspense throughout the film, especially in the first half, which effectively sets up the stakes and introduces the key players. The pacing in the first half is deliberate, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the political environment and the protagonist's challenges.
The second half escalates the tension with well-executed sequences and dramatic confrontations, though some moments tend to stretch longer than necessary, slightly affecting the momentum. The film's music by Gopi Sundar complements the mood well, with a background score that heightens the suspense and emotional beats without overpowering the scenes. The songs are situational and blend seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Cinematography by Vaidy S. captures the political landscape and the intense moments with clarity and style, adding to the film's immersive quality. Overall, One is a compelling political thriller that balances narrative depth with engaging entertainment, supported by strong technical aspects and performances.
Mammootty: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a dedicated police officer navigating political turmoil.
Murali Gopy: Strong and impactful as a key political figure, adding gravitas to the narrative.
Mathew Thomas: Convincing and natural in his supporting role, contributing to the story's emotional core.
Siddique: Solid performance with a commanding presence.
Joju George: Effective in a pivotal role, adding depth to the political drama.
Ishaani Krishna: Good debut with a fresh and engaging screen presence.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Tightly woven political thriller screenplay
- ✓Strong lead performance by Mammootty
- ✓Effective background score enhancing suspense
- ✓Well-crafted cinematography capturing political tension
Weaknesses
- ✕Second half pacing slightly uneven
- ✕Some scenes feel prolonged affecting momentum
🎬 Direction & Writing
Santhosh Viswanath delivers a focused and intense political thriller with a clear vision. His direction balances the narrative's complexity with accessibility, ensuring the political themes are engaging without being overly convoluted. The writing supports a layered story that keeps the audience invested.
📰 Critic Reviews
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📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2 | |
| 2 | |
| 2.25 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 |
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 | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Mammootty's commanding performance and the film's engaging political narrative. The screenplay and direction were noted for maintaining suspense and delivering a relevant story. Some criticism was directed at the pacing in the latter half, but overall, the film was appreciated for its technical finesse and strong thematic content.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did One release in theatres?▾
One released on 26 March 2021 (2021).
Is One a hit or flop?▾
One is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch One online? OTT release date?▾
One is available on Netflix. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed One?▾
One directed by Santhosh Viswanath. Produced by R. Sreelakshmi.
Who are the main cast members of One?▾
One stars Mammootty, Murali Gopy, Mathew Thomas, Siddique, Joju George.
What is the Tollybo rating for One?▾
Tollybo rates One 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for One?▾
Music for One composed by Gopi Sundar.
What is the genre and runtime of One?▾
One — Genre: Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 151 minutes, Language: Malayalam.