The King (1995) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026

The King(1995)
Malayalam · Action, Thriller
3h 19m · 11 Nov 1995
DOP: Ravi K. Chandran | Writer: Renji Panicker
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
The King revolves around the political drama and power struggles within the Kerala state government. Mammootty plays the role of a principled and powerful politician who takes on corrupt forces to bring justice and reform. The narrative explores themes of leadership, integrity, and the complexities of political maneuvering, set against a backdrop of intense rivalry and social issues.
The King is a gripping political thriller that combines a strong narrative with intense performances. The story is well-constructed, with a screenplay that balances political intrigue and emotional depth effectively. The pacing is brisk, especially in the first half, which sets up the characters and stakes with clarity and momentum. The second half escalates the tension with powerful confrontations and dramatic twists, maintaining audience engagement throughout.
Though the film lacks traditional song sequences, the background score plays a crucial role in amplifying the mood and tension. The BGM is composed to complement the film’s dark and intense atmosphere, enhancing the emotional weight of key scenes. The absence of songs does not detract from the film, as the narrative focus remains on the unfolding political drama.
Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran is notable for its sharp framing and effective use of lighting to underscore the film’s serious tone. The visual style supports the storytelling by creating a realistic and immersive political environment. Overall, The King stands out as a well-crafted political drama with strong technical and narrative elements.
Mammootty: Powerful and commanding portrayal of a principled politician, anchoring the film with charisma and intensity.
Murali: Strong supporting role with nuanced depiction of political rivalry.
Vani Viswanath: Effective in her role, providing emotional balance to the political narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong and engaging screenplay
- ✓Powerful lead performance by Mammootty
- ✓Effective background score enhancing the film’s mood
- ✓Sharp cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran
- ✓Tense and well-paced narrative
Weaknesses
- ✕Lack of songs may affect audience expecting musical sequences
- ✕Some secondary characters underdeveloped
🎬 Direction & Writing
Shaji Kailas delivers a taut and compelling political thriller with a clear vision. His direction ensures that the complex political themes are accessible while maintaining narrative tension. The writing is focused and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary subplots.
- - Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran
- - Background score enhancing tension
- - Editing that maintains brisk pace
📰 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
The King received positive critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and Mammootty's commanding performance. Critics praised the film's realistic portrayal of political dynamics and the director's ability to maintain tension throughout. The technical aspects, especially cinematography and background score, were highlighted as key contributors to the film's impact.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did The King release in theatres?▾
The King released on 11 November 1995 (1995).
Is The King a hit or flop?▾
The King is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch The King online? OTT release date?▾
The King is available on Sun NXT, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed The King?▾
The King directed by Shaji Kailas.
Who are the main cast members of The King?▾
The King stars Mammootty, Murali, Vani Viswanath, K. B. Ganesh Kumar, Vijayaraghavan.
What is the Tollybo rating for The King?▾
Tollybo rates The King 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
What is the genre and runtime of The King?▾
The King — Genre: Action, Thriller, Runtime: 199 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
