Last updated: 8 May 2026


New Law
Malayalam · Mystery, Thriller
2h 13m · 12 Feb 2016
DOP: Roby Varghese Raj | Writer: A K Sajan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Puthiya Niyamam is a Malayalam thriller that revolves around Vasuki Iyer, a strong-willed woman who moves to Kochi with her husband, Dr. Mukundan. The story delves into the dark and disturbing experiences she faces, including sexual violence, and her subsequent quest for justice and revenge. The narrative explores themes of trauma, empowerment, and the flaws in the legal system, culminating in a gripping and intense climax.
Puthiya Niyamam presents a bold and intense storyline that addresses sensitive social issues with a mix of thriller and emotional drama. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining suspense throughout the film, especially in the second half where the pace picks up considerably. The first half sets the tone with a slow but steady build-up of character and context, while the second half delivers a powerful and gripping narrative that keeps the audience engaged.
The film's content is mature and handled with a serious tone, avoiding melodrama and focusing on realism. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the emotional weight of the story to resonate, though some viewers might find the initial segments slightly slow. The absence of songs is notable, which helps maintain the film’s intense atmosphere. The background score effectively complements the mood, enhancing the tension and emotional depth without overpowering the scenes.
Cinematography by Roby Varghese Raj captures the urban setting with a subtle yet impactful visual style, supporting the film’s dark themes. Overall, Puthiya Niyamam is a well-crafted thriller that balances social commentary with engaging storytelling, anchored by strong performances and a focused narrative approach.
Nayanthara: Powerful and convincing portrayal of a woman seeking justice, delivering emotional depth and strength.
Mammootty: Subtle and restrained performance as a supportive husband, adding gravitas to the narrative.
Sheelu Abraham: Effective in a pivotal role, contributing to the film’s tense atmosphere.
Rachana Narayanankutty: Provides solid support in a character role.
Aju Varghese: Brief but impactful appearance.
Ponnamma Babu: Adequate supporting role.
Strengths
Weaknesses
A K Sajan directs with a focused vision, balancing the thriller elements with social commentary. The writing is crisp and avoids unnecessary subplots, maintaining the film’s intensity and emotional impact throughout.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Puthiya Niyamam for its bold subject matter and strong performances, particularly highlighting Nayanthara’s role. The film was noted for its gripping second half and realistic portrayal of sensitive issues. Some criticism was directed at the slow pacing in the initial part of the movie and the absence of songs, which is uncommon in Malayalam cinema. Overall, the film was well-received for its narrative and technical execution.
Final Box-Office Result
Puthiya Niyamam released on 12 February 2016 (2016).
Puthiya Niyamam is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Puthiya Niyamam is available on provider-27, YouTube, Google Play, YouTube, ZEE5, YouTube, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Puthiya Niyamam directed by A K Sajan.
Puthiya Niyamam stars Nayanthara, Mammootty.
Tollybo rates Puthiya Niyamam 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Puthiya Niyamam — Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Runtime: 133 minutes, Language: Malayalam.