Last updated: 8 May 2026


Some are born heroes
Malayalam · Action, Drama, Thriller
2h 39m · 18 Jul 2019
Music: A. H. Kaashif | DOP: Sudeep Elamon | Writer: Shankar Ramakrishnan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Pathinettam Padi is a coming-of-age drama set in the backdrop of North Kerala, focusing on the lives of teenagers from different social strata. The story revolves around the rivalry and eventual camaraderie between two groups of boys from neighboring schools. It explores themes of friendship, rivalry, social issues, and the struggles of adolescence, while also touching upon family dynamics and societal pressures.
Pathinettam Padi offers a heartfelt narrative that captures the essence of youth and the complexities of growing up in a socially divided environment. The screenplay by Shankar Ramakrishnan balances multiple characters and subplots, although at times it feels slightly stretched, especially in the second half.
The pacing in the first half is engaging, establishing the characters and their conflicts effectively, while the second half tends to slow down with some melodramatic sequences that dilute the impact. The film’s strength lies in its realistic portrayal of teenage angst and the raw emotions of friendship and rivalry.
Musically, A. H. Kaashif’s compositions complement the mood of the film well. The songs blend seamlessly into the narrative without feeling intrusive, and the background score enhances the emotional depth during critical moments. Cinematography by Sudeep Elamon captures the rustic charm of the locale, adding authenticity to the storytelling.
Mammootty: A strong and commanding presence, Mammootty delivers a mature and nuanced performance that anchors the film.
Unni Mukundan: Provides solid support with a convincing portrayal of a conflicted character.
Arya: Delivers a natural and restrained performance, fitting well with the ensemble.
Suraj Venjaramoodu: Adds depth with his subtle and effective acting.
Ahaana Krishna: Offers a fresh and earnest portrayal, though with limited scope.
Manoj K Jayan: Delivers a competent performance that supports the narrative.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Shankar Ramakrishnan’s direction is earnest and heartfelt, successfully capturing the nuances of adolescence and social divides. His writing, while ambitious in juggling many characters and themes, sometimes loses momentum in the latter half, affecting the overall narrative flow.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics appreciated the film’s sincere attempt at portraying adolescent struggles and social realities, with particular praise for Mammootty’s performance and the film’s music. However, many noted the uneven pacing and melodramatic tendencies in the second half as drawbacks.
Final Box-Office Result
Pathinettam Padi released on 18 July 2019 (2019).
Pathinettam Padi is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Pathinettam Padi is available on Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.
Pathinettam Padi directed by Shankar Ramakrishnan. Produced by Shaji Nadesan.
Pathinettam Padi stars Mammootty, Unni Mukundan, Arya, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Ahaana Krishna.
Tollybo rates Pathinettam Padi 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for Pathinettam Padi composed by A. H. Kaashif.
Pathinettam Padi — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 159 minutes, Language: Malayalam.