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Puzhu (2022) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Puzhu
AVERAGE

Puzhu(2022)

Malayalam · Crime, Drama, Thriller

2h 2m · 12 May 2022

Music: Jakes Bejoy | DOP: Theni Eashwar | Writer: Harshad, Sharfu, Suhas

DramaThriller

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI3.75
The HinduThe HinduAI4
IBTimesIBTimesAI3.5
PinkvillaPinkvillaAI3.5
IMDbIMDb6.2

Our Rating

2.75

📖 Story

Puzhu is a Malayalam drama that delves into the complex relationship between a paranoid father and his son, exploring themes of caste, societal pressure, and familial bonds. The narrative unfolds through intense emotional confrontations and a brooding atmosphere, highlighting the psychological turmoil of the protagonist as he grapples with his own prejudices and fears.

🔍 Analysis

Puzhu presents a gripping and intense exploration of human emotions and social issues, anchored by a tightly woven screenplay that maintains a brooding tension throughout. The story is compelling, with a slow-burning pace that allows the characters' inner conflicts to surface gradually, especially in the first half where the groundwork for the psychological drama is laid meticulously.

The second half escalates the tension with powerful confrontations and emotional revelations, keeping the audience engaged till the climax. The screenplay is nuanced, avoiding melodrama and instead opting for subtlety and depth in character development. The pacing is deliberate, which may feel slow to some but suits the film's somber tone.

Musically, Jakes Bejoy's score and background music complement the film's dark and intense mood effectively, enhancing the emotional weight of key scenes without overpowering them. The songs are minimal but well-placed, serving the narrative rather than distracting from it. Cinematography by Theni Eashwar captures the claustrophobic and tense atmosphere with a muted color palette and tight framing, adding to the film's immersive experience.

🎭 Performances

Mammootty: Delivering a powerhouse performance, Mammootty embodies the complex psyche of the protagonist with intense subtlety and emotional depth.

Parvathy Thiruvothu: Parvathy delivers a restrained yet impactful performance, providing a strong emotional counterbalance to Mammootty's character.

Vasudev Sajeesh Marar: Vasudev impresses with a nuanced portrayal of the son caught in the crossfire of familial tensions.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Powerful performances by the lead cast
  • Tightly written screenplay with psychological depth
  • Effective use of background score to enhance mood
  • Strong thematic exploration of caste and familial relationships

Weaknesses

  • Deliberate pacing may not appeal to all viewers
  • Minimal use of songs might feel sparse for some audiences

🎬 Direction & Writing

Ratheena's direction is assured and sensitive, handling a complex and dark subject matter with nuance and restraint. The writing complements the direction by focusing on character-driven storytelling and avoiding clichés.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Theni Eashwar
  • - Music and Background Score by Jakes Bejoy
  • - Editing that maintains narrative tension
  • - Sound design that enhances the film's atmosphere

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.50 / 5
The HinduThe Hindu
4.00 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.75 / 5
PinkvillaPinkvilla
3.50 / 5

Our Rating

2.75/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive65%
Neutral25%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics have largely praised Puzhu for its intense performances, especially Mammootty's portrayal, and its bold thematic concerns. The film's slow pace and minimalistic approach to music and songs have been noted as potential drawbacks but are generally seen as fitting the film’s tone. The screenplay and direction have been commended for their maturity and subtlety.

Final Box-Office Result

AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Puzhu release in theatres?

Puzhu released on 12 May 2022 (2022).

Is Puzhu a hit or flop?

Puzhu is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Puzhu online? OTT release date?

Puzhu is available on SonyLIV, SonyLIV, SonyLIV, SonyLIV, SonyLIV from 11 May 2022.

Who directed Puzhu?

Puzhu directed by Ratheena. Produced by S. George.

Who are the main cast members of Puzhu?

Puzhu stars Mammootty, Vasudev Sajeesh Marar, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Appunni Sasi, Nedumudi Venu.

What is the Tollybo rating for Puzhu?

Tollybo rates Puzhu 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Puzhu?

Music for Puzhu composed by Jakes Bejoy.

What is the genre and runtime of Puzhu?

Puzhu — Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 122 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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