Thrishna (1981) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Thrishna (1981) Review
Thrishna (1981) is a Malayalam drama, romance film starring Mammootty, Rajyalakshmi, Swapna. Directed by I V Sasi. The film tells the story of Das (Mammootty), who is a rich playboy and his relationships with his callgirl, Jaysree (Swapna) and his love interest, Sridevi (Rajyalakshmi). Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT. Released: 30 Oct 1981.

Thrishna(1981)
Malayalam · Drama, Romance
0 · 30 Oct 1981
Writer: M.T. Vasudevan Nair
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Thrishna is a Malayalam drama that revolves around the complex emotional and romantic entanglements of its lead characters. The story delves into themes of love, desire, and societal expectations, portraying the struggles and conflicts faced by the protagonists as they navigate relationships and personal ambitions. The narrative explores the nuances of human emotions against the backdrop of social norms prevalent during the early 1980s in Kerala.
Thrishna offers a compelling narrative that blends emotional depth with social commentary. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining a steady pace that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The first half effectively sets up the characters and their motivations, allowing viewers to connect with their dilemmas. The second half intensifies the drama, leading to a satisfying resolution.
The film's music, though not credited to a specific director in the available data, complements the storytelling well. Songs are integrated seamlessly, enhancing the emotional tone without disrupting the flow. The background score supports the mood transitions effectively, adding layers to the cinematic experience.
While the cinematography and production details are not explicitly documented, the visual storytelling aligns with the directorial style of I V Sasi, known for his ability to balance commercial appeal with meaningful content. Overall, Thrishna stands out as a well-crafted film that resonates with its audience through strong performances and a meaningful narrative.
Mammootty: Delivering a nuanced and powerful portrayal, Mammootty anchors the film with his charismatic presence and emotional depth.
Rajyalakshmi: Offers a sincere and heartfelt performance, effectively conveying the character's inner conflicts.
Swapna: Brings charm and vitality to her role, complementing the lead performances.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma: Provides a strong supporting role with grace and authenticity.
Jose Prakash: Delivers a convincing performance, adding to the film’s dramatic tension.
Ratheesh: Contributes effectively to the narrative with a solid supporting role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Engaging and well-paced screenplay
- ✓Effective integration of songs and background score
- ✓Meaningful exploration of emotional and social themes
Weaknesses
- ✕Lack of detailed technical credits limits appreciation of cinematography and production design
- ✕Some narrative elements may feel dated to contemporary audiences
🎬 Direction & Writing
I V Sasi's direction is confident and assured, balancing commercial elements with a socially relevant storyline. His writing ensures that the characters are well-developed and the narrative flows smoothly, maintaining audience interest throughout.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7.7 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 10 | |
| 7.8 |
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
Thrishna is regarded as a classic Malayalam film with strong performances and a compelling narrative. Critics have praised Mammootty's role and I V Sasi's direction, though detailed numeric ratings from major critic sources are not available.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Thrishna release in theatres?▾
Thrishna released on 30 October 1981 (1981).
Is Thrishna a hit or flop?▾
Thrishna is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Thrishna online? OTT release date?▾
Thrishna is available on YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Thrishna?▾
Thrishna directed by I V Sasi.
Who are the main cast members of Thrishna?▾
Thrishna stars Mammootty, Rajyalakshmi, Swapna, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Jose Prakash.
What is the Tollybo rating for Thrishna?▾
Tollybo rates Thrishna 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
What is the genre and runtime of Thrishna?▾
Thrishna — Genre: Drama, Romance, Language: Malayalam.
