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Solo (2017) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Solo (2017) Review

Solo (2017) (Malayalam action, drama, thriller) — directed by Bejoy Nambiar. Featuring Dulquer Salmaan, Sai Dhanshika, Sruthi Hariharan. An experimental romantic thriller, Solo is the story of four different men, their love, rage and afterlife. Through four elements - water, air, fire and earth, they also represent different facets of Lord Siva. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Produced by Refex Entertainment, Getaway Films Private Limited, Abaam Movies, Released: 5 Oct 2017. Runtime: 2h 34m.

Solo
ABOVE AVERAGE

Solo(2017)

Malayalam · Action, Drama, Thriller

2h 34m · 5 Oct 2017

Music: Govindh Vasantha | DOP: Madhu Neelakandan, Sejal Shah, Girish Gangadharan | Writer: Karthik R. Iyer, Kartik R. Iyer, Sreedevi Krishnan

ActionRomanceThriller

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI3.25
The HinduThe HinduAI3.75
IBTimesIBTimesAI3.5
KoimoiKoimoiAI3
IMDbIMDb7

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Solo is an anthology film that explores four different stories, each representing one of the four elements—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. The film follows the lives of four distinct characters, each grappling with personal struggles and emotional journeys. The narrative weaves these stories together through a unique screenplay that blends realism with poetic storytelling, highlighting themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

🔍 Analysis

Solo stands out for its ambitious narrative structure, presenting four separate yet thematically linked stories that explore human emotions through the metaphor of the four classical elements. The screenplay is poetic and visually rich, though at times it leans towards being abstract, which may challenge viewers expecting a conventional storyline.

The pacing varies across the segments; the first half sets a contemplative tone with slower, introspective sequences, while the second half picks up with more emotional intensity and dramatic revelations. The transitions between stories are handled with creative cinematography, maintaining audience engagement despite the anthology format.

Govindh Vasantha's music and background score are significant highlights, complementing the film's mood and enhancing the emotional depth of each segment. The songs are thoughtfully placed, blending seamlessly with the narrative without disrupting the flow. The BGM is subtle yet effective, underpinning the film's poetic and sometimes melancholic atmosphere.

🎭 Performances

Dulquer Salmaan: Delivers a nuanced and restrained performance, effectively portraying the emotional depth required for his segment.

Sai Dhanshika: Brings intensity and vulnerability to her role, capturing the complexities of her character.

Sruthi Hariharan: Offers a heartfelt and convincing portrayal, adding emotional weight to her story.

Neha Sharma: Provides a graceful and subtle performance, fitting well within the film's poetic tone.

Deepti Sati: Delivers a fresh and engaging performance, contributing to the film's varied emotional palette.

Anson Paul: Supports the narrative with a solid and credible performance.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Innovative anthology format with thematic coherence
  • Strong and evocative musical score by Govindh Vasantha
  • Visually striking cinematography
  • Powerful performances by the lead cast
  • Poetic and emotionally resonant screenplay

Weaknesses

  • Abstract narrative may not appeal to all viewers
  • Pacing is uneven across different segments
  • Some stories feel less developed compared to others

🎬 Direction & Writing

Bejoy Nambiar's direction is ambitious and stylistically bold, successfully crafting a visually poetic and emotionally layered film. His writing embraces a non-linear and symbolic approach, which adds depth but may alienate viewers seeking straightforward storytelling.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Madhu Neelakandan, Sejal Shah, Girish Gangadharan
  • - Music and background score by Govindh Vasantha
  • - Editing that balances multiple storylines
  • - Production design that enhances the thematic elements

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.50 / 5
The HinduThe Hindu
3.75 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.25 / 5
KoimoiKoimoi
3.00 / 5

Our Rating

3/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral25%
Negative15%

Critics

Critics praised Solo for its innovative storytelling and strong technical aspects, particularly the music and cinematography. The performances were widely appreciated, especially Dulquer Salmaan's nuanced acting. However, some reviews noted that the film's abstract narrative and uneven pacing might limit its appeal to a niche audience.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Solo release in theatres?

Solo released on 5 October 2017 (2017).

Is Solo a hit or flop?

Solo is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Solo online? OTT release date?

Solo OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Solo?

Solo directed by Bejoy Nambiar. Produced by Abraham Mathew, Bejoy Nambiar.

Who are the main cast members of Solo?

Solo stars Dulquer Salmaan, Sai Dhanshika, Sruthi Hariharan, Neha Sharma, Deepti Sati.

What is the Tollybo rating for Solo?

Tollybo rates Solo 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Solo?

Music for Solo composed by Govindh Vasantha.

What is the genre and runtime of Solo?

Solo — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 154 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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