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Thankam (2023) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 5 May 2026

Thankam (2023) Review

A review of Thankam (2023) (Telugu crime, drama), directed by Saheed Arafath. Starring Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali. Thankam follows the story of Muthu and Kannan, two gold agents from Thrissur, known as the gold capital of India. As they travel across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, delivering consignments of gold, their lives take a dark turn when a routine trip leads to unexpected complications. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 26 Jan 2023. Runtime: 2h 25m.

Thankam
ABOVE AVERAGE

Thankam(2023)

Telugu · Crime, Drama

2h 25m · 26 Jan 2023

Music: Bijibal | DOP: Gautham Shankar | Writer: Syam Pushkaran

DramaCrime

Ratings

IMDbIMDb7.1
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.3
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB65
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience89

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Thankam is a gripping drama centered around the lives of two friends who get embroiled in a complex situation involving a missing consignment of gold. The narrative explores themes of friendship, trust, and the moral dilemmas faced when caught between personal ambitions and ethical boundaries. Set against a backdrop of intense suspense, the story unfolds through a series of twists that keep the audience engaged till the climax.

🔍 Analysis

Thankam delivers a compelling narrative that balances intense drama with moments of subtle humor. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining a steady pace throughout, though the first half takes a more measured approach to build character depth and context. The second half picks up momentum with heightened tension and well-executed plot twists that enhance the thriller aspect of the film.

The music by Bijibal complements the mood effectively, with songs that blend seamlessly into the narrative without disrupting the flow. The background score is particularly noteworthy, amplifying the suspense and emotional beats at critical moments. Cinematography by Gautham Shankar captures the gritty realism of the story, adding to the immersive experience.

Overall, the film's pacing is well-managed, avoiding unnecessary drag while giving enough space for character development. The director Saheed Arafath’s debut showcases a confident handling of the material, making Thankam a noteworthy addition to contemporary Telugu cinema.

🎭 Performances

Biju Menon: Delivers a nuanced and restrained performance, effectively portraying the moral conflicts of his character.

Vineeth Sreenivasan: Brings a natural charm and depth, balancing the lighter and intense moments with ease.

Aparna Balamurali: Offers a strong presence with a layered portrayal that adds emotional weight to the story.

Girish Kulkarni: Provides a solid supporting role, contributing to the film’s tension and narrative progression.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Engaging screenplay with well-timed twists
  • Strong performances by lead actors
  • Effective background score enhancing suspense
  • Realistic cinematography capturing the film’s tone

Weaknesses

  • Slow pacing in the first half may test some viewers’ patience
  • Limited use of songs, which might feel sparse for some audiences

🎬 Direction & Writing

Saheed Arafath’s direction is assured and focused, especially impressive for a debut. The writing is tight, with a clear vision that balances character-driven drama with thriller elements, making the narrative both engaging and emotionally resonant.

📰 Ratings Sources

No rating sources available.

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
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics praised Thankam for its gripping storyline and strong performances, particularly highlighting the screenplay and background score. Some noted the slow start but agreed the film gains momentum in the latter half. The film was appreciated for its realistic portrayal and technical finesse.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Thankam release in theatres?

Thankam released on 26 January 2023 (2023).

Is Thankam a hit or flop?

Thankam is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Thankam online? OTT release date?

Thankam is available on Prime Video from 19 February 2023.

Who directed Thankam?

Thankam directed by Saheed Arafath. Produced by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil, Rajan Thomas, Syam Pushkaran, Nazriya Nazim.

Who are the main cast members of Thankam?

Thankam stars Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali, Girish Kulkarni, Kochu Preman.

What is the Tollybo rating for Thankam?

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

Who composed the music for Thankam?

Music for Thankam composed by Bijibal.

What is the genre and runtime of Thankam?

Thankam — Genre: Crime, Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Telugu.

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