Last updated: 8 May 2026

Malayalam · Action, Crime
2h 6m · 3 Feb 2012
DOP: Pappu | Writer: Vini Vishwa Lal
Ratings
Our Rating
3
Second Show is a coming-of-age crime drama that follows the lives of two friends, played by Dulquer Salmaan and Sunny Wayne, who get entangled in the underworld of Kochi. The story explores their journey from small-time criminals to major players in the local mafia, highlighting themes of friendship, ambition, and betrayal. The narrative delves into the gritty realities of crime and the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists as they navigate their dangerous world.
Second Show presents a raw and realistic portrayal of the criminal underbelly of Kochi, setting it apart from conventional Malayalam cinema of its time. The screenplay is tightly woven, with a strong narrative arc that maintains interest throughout the film. The pacing is brisk, especially in the first half, which effectively establishes characters and their motivations. The second half intensifies the drama, though some sequences could have benefited from tighter editing to avoid minor lulls.
The film’s music and background score, while not extensively highlighted, complement the mood and tone of the movie effectively. The songs are minimal and situational, serving the narrative without disrupting the flow. Pappu’s cinematography captures the urban landscape with a gritty aesthetic that enhances the film’s raw atmosphere. Overall, Second Show is a promising debut for director Srinath Rajendran, combining strong storytelling with technical finesse.
Dulquer Salmaan: A confident and charismatic debut, Dulquer delivers a natural and compelling portrayal of a young man caught in the world of crime.
Sunny Wayne: Provides a solid and memorable performance, effectively complementing Dulquer’s character with a nuanced portrayal.
Gauthami Nair: Offers a restrained and believable performance, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Srinath Rajendran’s direction is assured and confident, especially for a debutant. He manages to balance the narrative’s darker themes with character-driven storytelling, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics generally praised Second Show for its fresh approach to the crime genre in Malayalam cinema and the strong performances by the lead actors. The film was noted for its realistic depiction and engaging screenplay, though some pointed out pacing issues in the second half. Overall, it was seen as a promising debut that brought new energy to the industry.
Final Box-Office Result
Second Show released on 3 February 2012 (2012).
Second Show is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Second Show OTT release date not announced yet.
Second Show directed by Srinath Rajendran.
Second Show stars Dulquer Salmaan, Sunny Wayne, Gauthami Nair, Baburaj, Rohini.
Tollybo rates Second Show 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Second Show — Genre: Action, Crime, Runtime: 126 minutes, Language: Malayalam.