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Shikari (2011) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Shikari (2011) Review

Shikari (2011) — a Malayalam drama, family movie directed by Abhay Simha. The cast includes Mammootty, Poonam Bajwa, Sharath Lohitashwa. A software engineer stumbles on a novel set in the pre-Independence era and falls in love with a character from the book. He then sets out to trace the character. Our Rating: 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 9 Mar 2011. Runtime: 2h 7m.

Shikari
DISASTER

Shikari(2011)

Malayalam · Drama, Family

2h 7m · 9 Mar 2011

Writer: Abhay Simha

FamilyActionDrama

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI2.75
The HinduThe HinduAI3.25
IBTimesIBTimesAI3
IMDbIMDb5.2
LetterboxdLetterboxd0

Our Rating

1.75

📖 Story

Shikari is a Malayalam action thriller that revolves around a mysterious and skilled hunter who arrives in a forested region to track down a dangerous criminal. The narrative unfolds as the hunter navigates through complex relationships and confrontations, blending suspense with emotional undertones. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, and survival in a gritty rural backdrop.

🔍 Analysis

Shikari presents a gripping storyline that combines elements of action and thriller genres with a rustic setting. The screenplay attempts to balance intense sequences with character-driven moments, though the pacing fluctuates between a slow buildup in the first half and a more engaging second half. The first half focuses on establishing the characters and setting, which some viewers may find slightly dragged, but it sets the tone for the unfolding drama.

The second half picks up momentum with tighter narrative progression and heightened tension, delivering satisfying confrontations and revelations. The film's songs are minimal and situational, serving more as narrative tools rather than standalone musical highlights. The background score complements the suspenseful atmosphere effectively, enhancing the emotional and action sequences without overpowering the scenes.

Overall, while the film has its moments of predictability, the direction and performances keep the audience invested. The technical aspects like cinematography and editing support the storytelling, though there is room for more innovation in visual style and sound design to elevate the thriller elements further.

🎭 Performances

Mammootty: Strong and commanding, Mammootty delivers a convincing portrayal of the hunter with a mix of intensity and subtlety.

Poonam Bajwa: Provides a solid supporting role with emotional depth, complementing the lead effectively.

Sharath Lohitashwa: Effective as the antagonist, bringing menace and credibility to the role.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Compelling lead performance by Mammootty
  • ✓Engaging second half with good pacing
  • ✓Effective background score enhancing suspense
  • ✓Strong antagonist portrayal
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Slow pacing in the first half
  • ✕Underutilization of songs and music
  • ✕Predictable plot elements
  • ✕Limited innovation in cinematography

🎬 Direction & Writing

Abhay Simha's direction maintains a steady grip on the narrative, balancing action and emotional moments. The writing is straightforward, focusing on clarity over complexity, which works well but leaves little room for surprises.

📰 Critic Reviews

No critic reviews found yet.

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
FirstpostFirstpost
2.75
The HinduThe Hindu
3.25
IBTimesIBTimes
3
IMDbIMDb
5.2
LetterboxdLetterboxd
0

Our Rating

1.75/5
★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive40%
Neutral35%
Negative25%

Critics

Critics generally appreciated Mammootty's performance and the film's engaging second half but noted the slow pacing and predictable storyline as drawbacks. The background score received positive mentions for complementing the film's mood.

Final Box-Office Result

DISASTER

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Shikari release in theatres?▾

Shikari released on 9 March 2011 (2011).

Is Shikari a hit or flop?▾

Shikari is declared a DISASTER at the box office.

Where to watch Shikari online? OTT release date?▾

Shikari is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Shikari?▾

Shikari directed by Abhay Simha. Produced by K. Manju.

Who are the main cast members of Shikari?▾

Shikari stars Mammootty, Poonam Bajwa, Sharath Lohitashwa, Suresh Krishna, Innocent.

What is the Tollybo rating for Shikari?▾

Tollybo rates Shikari 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.

What is the genre and runtime of Shikari?▾

Shikari — Genre: Drama, Family, Runtime: 127 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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