Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026


Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha(2009)
A midnight murder story
Malayalam · Crime, Drama, History
2h 35m · 5 Dec 2009
Music: Bijibal | DOP: Manoj Pillai | Writer: T.P. Rajeevan, Ranjith
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
Set in the backdrop of a small village in Kerala, the film unravels the mysterious murder of Manikyam, a young woman whose death remained unsolved for decades. Mammootty plays a detective who returns to the village years later to investigate the cold case, uncovering dark secrets and the socio-political dynamics of the community. The narrative explores themes of justice, power, and societal hypocrisy through a layered storytelling approach.
Paleri Manikyam is a gripping crime drama that blends a compelling narrative with a strong emotional core. The story is intricately woven, maintaining suspense throughout while providing a deep insight into the characters' motivations and the village's social fabric.
The screenplay by Ranjith is taut and well-paced, with the first half setting up the mystery effectively and the second half delivering satisfying revelations and emotional payoffs. The narrative occasionally slows down but never loses the audience's interest.
The film's music by Bijibal complements the mood perfectly, with subtle background scores enhancing the tension and emotional moments without overpowering the scenes. The songs are minimal but meaningful, fitting seamlessly into the narrative.
Manoj Pillai's cinematography captures the rustic charm and eerie atmosphere of the village, adding a visual depth that supports the storytelling. Overall, the film is a well-crafted blend of mystery, drama, and social commentary.
Mammootty: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a determined detective, bringing depth and gravitas to the role.
Mythili: Subtle and convincing performance as a key character connected to the mystery.
Shweta Menon: Strong presence with a layered portrayal that adds complexity to the narrative.
Sreenivasan: Effective in a supporting role, providing balance and occasional relief.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging and well-constructed screenplay
- ✓Strong performances, especially by Mammootty
- ✓Effective use of background score and music
- ✓Atmospheric cinematography that enhances the narrative
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing slows down slightly in parts of the second half
- ✕Limited number of songs may not appeal to all viewers
🎬 Direction & Writing
Ranjith's direction is assured and sensitive, handling a complex narrative with clarity and emotional depth. His writing balances the mystery with social commentary, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- - Screenplay
- - Cinematography
- - Music and Background Score
- - Editing
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
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 | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised the film for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and atmospheric presentation. Mammootty's portrayal was highlighted as a standout, and the film was commended for its mature handling of a complex story. Some noted the slower pacing in the latter half but overall regarded it as a quality cinematic experience.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha release in theatres?▾
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha released on 5 December 2009 (2009).
Is Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha a hit or flop?▾
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha online? OTT release date?▾
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha is available on Sun NXT. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha?▾
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha directed by Ranjith. Produced by A.V. Anoop, Maha Subair.
Who are the main cast members of Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha?▾
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha stars Mammootty, Mythili, Shweta Menon, Gowri Munjal, Sreenivasan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha?▾
Tollybo rates Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Who composed the music for Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha?▾
Music for Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha composed by Bijibal.
What is the genre and runtime of Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha?▾
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha — Genre: Crime, Drama, History, Runtime: 155 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
