Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Action, Drama
2h 33m · 16 Apr 2021
DOP: Shaji Kumar, Vishnu Narayan | Writer: Shaji Kailas
Ratings
Our Rating
1.25
Simhasanam is a Malayalam action drama centered around a powerful protagonist who battles against corruption and injustice. The narrative unfolds in a traditional setting where family honor and power struggles play a pivotal role. The story explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and redemption as the hero confronts various antagonists to restore peace and justice in his community.
Simhasanam attempts to blend high-octane action with emotional drama, but the screenplay suffers from predictability and a lack of depth. The story is straightforward, relying heavily on familiar tropes of heroism and villainy without offering fresh perspectives. The pacing is uneven; the first half drags with excessive exposition, while the second half picks up momentum with more engaging action sequences.
The film's screenplay lacks subtlety, often resorting to melodramatic dialogues and clichéd scenes. The songs, though limited, fail to leave a lasting impression and seem out of place in the narrative flow. The background score is competent but does not elevate the tension or emotional beats effectively.
Cinematography by Shaji Kumar and Vishnu Narayan captures the rural and regal settings well, adding visual appeal. However, technical aspects like editing and screenplay coherence could have been tighter to maintain audience engagement throughout the runtime.
Prithviraj Sukumaran: Delivers a solid performance as the protagonist, showcasing intensity and charisma but is occasionally weighed down by the weak script.
Saikumar: Provides a convincing portrayal of the antagonist with a commanding screen presence.
Vandana Menon: Offers a restrained performance but is underutilized in the narrative.
Aishwarya Devan: Plays a supporting role with limited scope.
Thilakan: Delivers a memorable performance, adding gravitas to the film.
Riyaz Khan: Adequate in a supporting antagonist role.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Shaji Kailas directs with his trademark style focusing on action and drama, but the writing lacks innovation and depth, resulting in a film that feels formulaic and outdated.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 30% |
| Neutral | 40% |
| Negative | 30% |
Critics generally found Simhasanam to be a routine action drama with little to offer beyond its star cast. While performances, especially by Prithviraj and Saikumar, were appreciated, the film's predictable plot and sluggish pacing were widely criticized. The technical aspects received moderate praise, but the overall reception was lukewarm.
Final Box-Office Result
Simhasanam released on 16 April 2021 (2021).
Simhasanam is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Simhasanam is available on Prime Video, JioHotstar, YouTube, MX Player, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Simhasanam directed by Shaji Kailas. Produced by S. Chandrakumar.
Simhasanam stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Saikumar, Vandana Menon, Aishwarya Devan, Thilakan.
Tollybo rates Simhasanam 1.25/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Simhasanam — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 153 minutes, Language: Malayalam.