Star (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Star (2021) Review
Star (2021) (Malayalam fantasy, thriller) — directed by Domin D'Silva. Starring Joju George, Sheelu Abraham, Subbalakshmi. When Ardra suddenly starts acting distant and cold with her family members, her husband Roy and others around her are puzzled and scared. Nobody in the family bothers to take her to a doctor and when they finally do, they learn the truth. Our Rating: 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 23 Nov 2021. Runtime: 2h 0m.
Star(2021)
Burst of myths
Malayalam · Fantasy, Thriller
2h 0m · 23 Nov 2021
Music: William Francis | DOP: Tharun Bhaskaran | Writer: Suvin S. Somasekharan
Ratings
Our Rating
2
📖 Story
Star is a Malayalam drama that revolves around the life of a middle-aged man struggling with personal and societal challenges. The narrative delves into his relationships and the impact of his choices on his family and community, highlighting themes of redemption, resilience, and hope.
Star presents a heartfelt story that is grounded in realistic portrayals of everyday struggles. The screenplay is straightforward, focusing on character-driven moments rather than complex plot twists. The pacing is steady, with the first half setting up the emotional stakes effectively, while the second half brings a satisfying resolution to the protagonist's journey.
The film's music by William Francis complements the narrative well, with songs that blend seamlessly into the story without feeling intrusive. The background score supports the emotional tone, enhancing key scenes without overwhelming them. Cinematography by Tharun Bhaskaran captures the essence of the locales, adding authenticity to the film's atmosphere.
While the film does not rely heavily on commercial elements, its strength lies in its sincere storytelling and strong performances. The songs and BGM maintain a subtle presence, contributing to the overall mood rather than serving as standalone highlights.
Joju George: A nuanced and compelling portrayal that anchors the film with emotional depth.
Sheelu Abraham: Provides solid support with a natural and convincing performance.
Subbalakshmi: Delivers a heartfelt and memorable performance in a pivotal role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong lead performance by Joju George
- ✓Authentic and relatable storytelling
- ✓Effective use of background score to enhance mood
- ✓Naturalistic cinematography
Weaknesses
- ✕Screenplay lacks complexity
- ✕Pacing may feel slow for viewers expecting high drama
- ✕Limited commercial appeal due to restrained narrative style
🎬 Direction & Writing
Domin D'Silva directs with a focus on realism and emotional sincerity, crafting a film that prioritizes character over spectacle. The writing is simple yet effective, allowing the actors to bring depth to the story without unnecessary embellishments.
📰 Critic Reviews
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📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.5 | |
| 2.5 | |
| 2.5 | |
| 2.5 | |
| 2.75 |
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 | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics appreciated the film for its grounded storytelling and strong performances, particularly praising Joju George's lead role. However, some noted the film's slow pace and lack of narrative complexity as drawbacks. The music and cinematography were generally well received for complementing the film's tone.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Star release in theatres?▾
Star released on 23 November 2021 (2021).
Is Star a hit or flop?▾
Star is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Star online? OTT release date?▾
Star is available on Prime Video from 21 November 2021.
Who directed Star?▾
Star directed by Domin D'Silva. Produced by Abraham Mathew.
Who are the main cast members of Star?▾
Star stars Joju George, Sheelu Abraham, Subbalakshmi, Jaffer Idukki, Shiny Sarah.
What is the Tollybo rating for Star?▾
Tollybo rates Star 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Who composed the music for Star?▾
Music for Star composed by William Francis.
What is the genre and runtime of Star?▾
Star — Genre: Fantasy, Thriller, Runtime: 120 minutes, Language: Malayalam.