Spirit (2012) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Spirit (2012) Review
Directed by Ranjith, Spirit (2012) is a Malayalam comedy, drama film starring Mohanlal, Kaniha, Shankar Ramakrishnan. Raghunandan (Mohanlal) is a TV show host and a budding novelist. He is a loner and a compulsive alcoholic, the latter of which resulted in his divorce from Meera (Kaniha). Despite this Meera and her husband Alexy (Shankar Ramakrishnan) are his best friends. His alcoholism however starts taking a hug... Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 21 Jun 2012. Runtime: 2h 25m.


Spirit(2012)
Malayalam · Comedy, Drama
2h 25m · 21 Jun 2012
DOP: Venu | Writer: Ranjith
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
Spirit revolves around the life of a recovering alcoholic and his struggle to overcome addiction while dealing with societal pressures and personal relationships. The narrative explores themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the impact of alcoholism on individuals and their loved ones. The story is grounded in realism and offers a poignant look at the challenges faced by those battling addiction.
Spirit is a compelling drama that delves deep into the subject of alcoholism with sensitivity and nuance. The screenplay is well-crafted, balancing emotional depth with moments of subtle humor, which keeps the narrative engaging throughout. The pacing is steady, with the first half effectively setting up the protagonist's internal and external conflicts, while the second half intensifies the emotional stakes and delivers a satisfying resolution.
The film's content is mature and thought-provoking, avoiding melodrama and instead opting for a realistic portrayal of addiction and recovery. The songs are minimal but meaningful, complementing the mood without disrupting the flow. The background score by Venu enhances the emotional impact, underlining key moments without overpowering the scenes. Cinematography is another highlight, capturing the rawness of the story with a naturalistic visual style.
Overall, Spirit stands out for its strong narrative, powerful performances, and technical finesse, making it a memorable film that addresses a socially relevant issue with honesty and heart.
Mohanlal: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a man battling alcoholism, delivering a deeply convincing and empathetic performance.
Kaniha: Supportive and emotionally resonant, providing a strong counterpart to the lead.
Shankar Ramakrishnan: Effective in a pivotal role that adds depth to the protagonist's journey.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong and realistic screenplay
- ✓Mohanlal's compelling performance
- ✓Sensitive handling of addiction theme
- ✓Naturalistic cinematography
- ✓Effective background score
Weaknesses
- ✕Minimal use of songs might not appeal to all audiences
- ✕Pacing may feel slow to viewers expecting a faster narrative
🎬 Direction & Writing
Ranjith's direction is assured and sensitive, focusing on character-driven storytelling and maintaining a fine balance between drama and realism. His writing avoids clichés and presents a mature take on addiction and recovery.
- - Cinematography by Venu
- - Background score enhancing emotional depth
- - Editing that maintains narrative flow
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Spirit for its realistic portrayal of alcoholism and Mohanlal's outstanding performance. The film was noted for its sensitive direction and strong screenplay, though some pointed out the slow pacing as a minor drawback.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Spirit release in theatres?▾
Spirit released on 21 June 2012 (2012).
Is Spirit a hit or flop?▾
Spirit is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Spirit online? OTT release date?▾
Spirit OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Spirit?▾
Spirit directed by Ranjith. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor.
Who are the main cast members of Spirit?▾
Spirit stars Mohanlal, Kaniha, Shankar Ramakrishnan, Madhu, Lenaa.
What is the Tollybo rating for Spirit?▾
Tollybo rates Spirit 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
What is the genre and runtime of Spirit?▾
Spirit — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
