Praja (2001) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Praja (2001) Review
Directed by Joshiy, Praja (2001) is a Malayalam action film starring Mohanlal, Aishwarya Bhaskar, Babu Namboothiri. Zakkir Ali, a gangster, leaves the world of crime and decides to lead an ordinary life. However, his old enemies do not let him live in peace because they want to settle old scores. Our Rating: 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 4 Jul 2001. Runtime: 2h 59m.


Praja(2001)
For the people
Malayalam · Action
2h 59m · 4 Jul 2001
DOP: Sanjeev Shankar | Writer: Renji Panicker
Ratings
Our Rating
2
📖 Story
Praja revolves around the story of a righteous police officer who takes on the corrupt political and criminal nexus in his town. The narrative explores themes of justice, power, and the fight against systemic corruption. The protagonist's journey is marked by intense confrontations and moral dilemmas as he strives to restore order and protect the innocent.
Praja offers a gripping storyline that blends action and drama effectively, anchored by a strong central performance. The screenplay maintains a steady pace with a well-structured narrative that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The first half sets up the characters and conflict with a good balance of tension and exposition, while the second half escalates the stakes with intense action sequences and emotional moments.
The film's music and background score complement the mood well, although the absence of standout songs makes the soundtrack less memorable. The cinematography by Sanjeev Shankar captures the gritty atmosphere fittingly, enhancing the film's tone. Overall, the movie succeeds in delivering a compelling action drama with solid technical execution.
Mohanlal: Powerful and commanding, Mohanlal brings depth and intensity to the role of the police officer, anchoring the film with his presence.
Aishwarya Bhaskar: Delivers a sincere and nuanced performance, providing emotional support to the narrative.
Babu Namboothiri: Effectively portrays the antagonist with convincing menace.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong lead performance by Mohanlal
- ✓Engaging screenplay with well-paced narrative
- ✓Effective cinematography enhancing the film's mood
- ✓Tense and gripping second half
Weaknesses
- ✕Lack of memorable songs
- ✕Some predictable plot elements
- ✕Supporting characters underdeveloped
🎬 Direction & Writing
Joshiy delivers a taut and focused direction, balancing action and drama well. His experience is evident in the film’s pacing and handling of intense sequences, though the narrative occasionally leans on familiar tropes.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.2 | |
| 3 | |
| 0 | |
| 43 | |
| 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 praised Mohanlal's commanding performance and Joshiy's direction, highlighting the film's engaging screenplay and well-executed action sequences. However, some noted the lack of memorable music and predictable elements in the plot.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Praja release in theatres?▾
Praja released on 4 July 2001 (2001).
Is Praja a hit or flop?▾
Praja is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Praja online? OTT release date?▾
Praja is available on Sun Nxt, Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Praja?▾
Praja directed by Joshiy. Produced by Joshiy, Renji Panicker.
Who are the main cast members of Praja?▾
Praja stars Mohanlal, Aishwarya Bhaskar, Babu Namboothiri, Cochin Haneefa, Vijayaraghavan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Praja?▾
Tollybo rates Praja 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
What is the genre and runtime of Praja?▾
Praja — Genre: Action, Runtime: 179 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
