Last updated: 5 May 2026


Telugu · Crime, Drama
2h 25m · 26 Jan 2023
Music: Bijibal | DOP: Gautham Shankar | Writer: Syam Pushkaran
Ratings
Our Rating
3
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.
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.
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
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
Thankam released on 26 January 2023 (2023).
Thankam is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Thankam is available on Prime Video from 19 February 2023.
Thankam directed by Saheed Arafath. Produced by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil, Rajan Thomas, Syam Pushkaran, Nazriya Nazim.
Thankam stars Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali, Girish Kulkarni, Kochu Preman.
Tollybo rates Thankam 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Music for Thankam composed by Bijibal.
Thankam — Genre: Crime, Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Telugu.