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The Priest (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

The Priest (2021) Review

The Priest (2021) is a Malayalam horror, mystery, thriller film starring Mammootty, Manju Warrier, Nikhila Vimal. Directed by Jofin T. Chacko. The culprits behind multiple deaths in a family over a few years are exposed, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 11 Mar 2021. Runtime: 2h 20m.

The Priest
BELOW AVERAGE

The Priest(2021)

Malayalam · Horror, Mystery, Thriller

2h 20m · 11 Mar 2021

Music: Rahul Raj | DOP: Akhil George | Writer: Jofin T. Chacko

DramaHorror

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI3.5
The HinduThe HinduAI3.75
IBTimesIBTimesAI3.5
IMDbIMDb6
LetterboxdLetterboxd2.5

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

The Priest is a supernatural thriller revolving around Father Vincent Kombana, a priest who investigates mysterious deaths and supernatural occurrences in a remote village. The narrative blends elements of faith, horror, and human emotions as Vincent confronts dark forces while dealing with his own personal struggles. The story explores themes of belief, redemption, and the battle between good and evil.

🔍 Analysis

The Priest offers a gripping storyline that combines supernatural horror with emotional depth, anchored by a strong central character. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half setting up the eerie atmosphere and character motivations effectively. The second half escalates the tension and delivers impactful moments, though some plot points feel slightly predictable.

The film's music by Rahul Raj complements the mood well, with the background score enhancing the suspense and emotional beats throughout. The songs are limited but well-placed, not disrupting the narrative flow. Cinematography by Akhil George captures the haunting ambiance of the village and interiors, adding to the film's immersive experience.

Overall, the movie balances horror elements with a human story, supported by solid technical work and performances. While the pacing occasionally dips, the film succeeds in keeping the audience engaged till the climax.

🎭 Performances

Mammootty: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of Father Vincent, bringing gravitas and emotional depth.

Manju Warrier: Strong presence with a convincing performance in a pivotal role.

Nikhila Vimal: Effective in supporting role, adding emotional layers to the story.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong lead performance by Mammootty
  • Engaging supernatural thriller narrative
  • Effective background score and sound design
  • Atmospheric cinematography

Weaknesses

  • Predictability in some plot elements
  • Slight pacing issues in the second half
  • Limited use of songs

🎬 Direction & Writing

Jofin T. Chacko directs with a clear vision, blending horror and emotional drama effectively. The writing supports the narrative well, though some sequences could have been tighter to avoid predictability.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Akhil George
  • - Music and Background Score by Rahul Raj
  • - Editing that maintains suspense
  • - Sound design enhancing horror elements

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.50 / 5
The HinduThe Hindu
3.75 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.50 / 5

Our Rating

2.5/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral25%
Negative15%

Critics

Critics praised Mammootty's performance and the film's atmospheric horror elements, though some noted the screenplay's predictability and pacing issues. The background score and cinematography received positive mentions for enhancing the mood.

Final Box-Office Result

BELOW AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did The Priest release in theatres?

The Priest released on 11 March 2021 (2021).

Is The Priest a hit or flop?

The Priest is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch The Priest online? OTT release date?

The Priest is available on Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed The Priest?

The Priest directed by Jofin T. Chacko. Produced by Anto Joseph, B. Unnikrishnan.

Who are the main cast members of The Priest?

The Priest stars Mammootty, Manju Warrier, Nikhila Vimal.

What is the Tollybo rating for The Priest?

Tollybo rates The Priest 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for The Priest?

Music for The Priest composed by Rahul Raj.

What is the genre and runtime of The Priest?

The Priest — Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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