Last updated: 8 May 2026

Malayalam · Action, Comedy, Drama
2h 26m · 3 May 2002
DOP: Biju Viswanath | Writer: Dennis Joseph
Ratings
Our Rating
2
Phantom is a Malayalam action thriller revolving around a mysterious and skilled protagonist who takes on a dangerous mission involving crime syndicates and political conspiracies. The narrative unfolds as the hero navigates through layers of deception and betrayal to restore justice, with intense confrontations and dramatic twists shaping the storyline.
Phantom offers a gripping storyline that blends action and suspense, keeping the audience engaged through its well-crafted screenplay. The narrative structure is fairly balanced, with the first half setting up the characters and conflict effectively, while the second half escalates the tension with thrilling sequences and revelations.
The pacing of the film is steady, though some moments in the middle could feel slightly stretched, impacting the overall momentum. The screenplay manages to maintain interest by interspersing action with emotional beats, although certain plot points could have been explored more deeply.
Musically, the film lacks a distinct presence as there is no credited music director, and the songs are minimal or absent, which might affect the entertainment quotient for some viewers. However, the background score complements the mood of the film well, enhancing the suspense and dramatic moments without overpowering the scenes.
Mammootty: Delivering a strong and commanding presence, Mammootty anchors the film with his intense portrayal of the lead character, bringing depth and credibility to the role.
Nishanth Sagar: Provides solid support with a convincing performance that adds to the narrative's emotional and action elements.
Innocent: Offers a lighter touch with his characteristic comic timing, balancing the film's intense moments.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Biju Varkey's direction is competent, managing to deliver a taut action thriller with clear narrative focus. The writing supports the film's tone but occasionally misses opportunities for deeper character development.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 40% |
| Negative | 20% |
The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Mammootty's performance and the action sequences but noted the absence of memorable music and some pacing issues. Overall, it was seen as a decent entertainer with room for improvement.
Final Box-Office Result
Phantom released on 3 May 2002 (2002).
Phantom is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Phantom is available on Sun NXT, MX Player, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Phantom directed by Biju Varkey.
Phantom stars Mammootty, Nishanth Sagar, Innocent, Lalu Alex, Manoj K Jayan.
Tollybo rates Phantom 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Phantom — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 146 minutes, Language: Malayalam.