Last updated: 8 May 2026

Play & Replay
Malayalam · Drama, Thriller
0 · 25 Dec 2010
DOP: Venu, Amal Neerad | Writer: Lal
Ratings
Our Rating
1
Tournament revolves around a group of young men who come together to participate in a local football tournament. The story explores their personal struggles, friendships, and the challenges they face both on and off the field. As the tournament progresses, the narrative delves into themes of ambition, rivalry, and redemption, culminating in a dramatic climax that tests the characters' resolve and unity.
Tournament attempts to blend sports drama with interpersonal relationships, presenting a narrative that is both engaging and relatable. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half focusing on character introductions and setting up the stakes of the tournament. The second half intensifies the emotional and competitive aspects, though at times the pacing feels uneven, with certain subplots receiving less attention.
The direction by Lal brings a grounded realism to the film, supported by strong cinematography from Venu and Amal Neerad, which captures the energy of the football matches effectively. However, the absence of a dedicated music director results in a minimalistic soundtrack, with limited songs and a subtle background score that complements rather than elevates the scenes.
Overall, Tournament is a sincere effort that resonates with sports enthusiasts and fans of character-driven stories, despite some narrative shortcomings and a restrained musical presence.
Manesh Krishnan: Delivers a convincing portrayal of a determined athlete, effectively conveying the character's growth.
Rupa Manjari: Provides a nuanced performance, adding emotional depth to the storyline.
Fahadh Faasil: Stands out with a subtle and compelling performance, showcasing his versatility.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Lal's direction is grounded and earnest, focusing on character development and the emotional stakes of the tournament. While the narrative is straightforward, it occasionally lacks the dynamism expected from a sports drama, but the director manages to keep the story engaging through strong performances and visual storytelling.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
The film received mixed to positive reviews, with praise directed at its realistic portrayal of sports and strong performances, especially by Fahadh Faasil. Critics noted the film's pacing issues and lack of a memorable soundtrack but appreciated the earnest storytelling and visual presentation.
Final Box-Office Result
Tournament released on 25 December 2010 (2010).
Tournament is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Tournament OTT release date not announced yet.
Tournament directed by Lal. Produced by Lal.
Tournament stars Manesh Krishnan, Rupa Manjari, Fahadh Faasil, Praveen Prem, John Jacob.
Tollybo rates Tournament 1/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Tournament — Genre: Drama, Thriller, Language: Malayalam.