Trance (2020) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Trance (2020) Review
Trance (2020) — a Malayalam drama, thriller movie directed by Anwar Rasheed. The cast includes Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya Nazim, Dileesh Pothan. A disheartened motivational speaker gets hired by a corporate to become a preacher until his live stint on television puts him and his service under the scanner. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 6 Mar 2020. Runtime: 2h 50m.


Trance(2020)
Malayalam · Drama, Thriller
2h 50m · 6 Mar 2020
Music: Sushin Shyam, Jackson Vijayan | DOP: Amal Neerad | Writer: Vincent Vadakkan
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Trance follows the journey of Viju Prasad, a motivational speaker who is transformed into a Christian preacher to revive a failing church. As he gains fame and fortune, Viju struggles with his own identity and the moral dilemmas of exploiting faith for commercial success. The story explores themes of spirituality, commercialization of religion, and personal redemption.
Trance is a bold and thought-provoking film that delves deep into the commercialization of religion and the personal turmoil of its protagonist. The screenplay is tightly written, balancing intense emotional moments with sharp social commentary. The pacing is deliberate, with the first half setting up the characters and conflict effectively, while the second half escalates the tension and delivers a powerful climax.
The film's narrative is supported by strong performances, especially by Fahadh Faasil, whose portrayal adds layers to the complex character of Viju. The songs and music, composed by Sushin Shyam and Jackson Vijayan, complement the film's mood perfectly, with the background score enhancing the emotional and dramatic beats without overpowering the scenes.
Cinematography by Amal Neerad is visually striking, using lighting and framing to reflect the protagonist's internal conflict and the contrasting worlds of faith and fame. Overall, Trance is a compelling cinematic experience that challenges viewers while maintaining engagement through its storytelling and technical finesse.
Fahadh Faasil: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of Viju Prasad, capturing his transformation and inner conflict.
Nazriya Nazim: Supportive and emotionally resonant, providing a strong counterpart to Fahadh's character.
Dileesh Pothan: Effective in a pivotal supporting role, adding depth to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong and layered screenplay
- ✓Fahadh Faasil's outstanding performance
- ✓Thought-provoking themes on religion and commercialization
- ✓Excellent background score and music
- ✓Striking cinematography by Amal Neerad
Weaknesses
- ✕Deliberate pacing may feel slow to some viewers
- ✕Complex themes might be challenging for a mainstream audience
🎬 Direction & Writing
Anwar Rasheed delivers a confident and mature direction, handling sensitive themes with care and depth. His writing is sharp, blending social critique with personal drama effectively.
- - Cinematography by Amal Neerad
- - Music direction by Sushin Shyam and Jackson Vijayan
- - Editing and screenplay structure
- - Sound design and background score
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
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 | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Trance for its bold narrative and Fahadh Faasil's compelling performance. The film was noted for its technical brilliance and the way it tackled complex themes of faith and exploitation. Some reviews pointed out the film's slow pacing but acknowledged its overall impact and artistic merit.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Trance release in theatres?▾
Trance released on 6 March 2020 (2020).
Is Trance a hit or flop?▾
Trance is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Trance online? OTT release date?▾
Trance is available on Prime Video, Prime Video, Prime Video from 30 March 2020.
Who directed Trance?▾
Trance directed by Anwar Rasheed. Produced by Anwar Rasheed.
Who are the main cast members of Trance?▾
Trance stars Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya Nazim, Dileesh Pothan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Chemban Vinod Jose.
What is the Tollybo rating for Trance?▾
Tollybo rates Trance 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Trance?▾
Music for Trance composed by Sushin Shyam, Jackson Vijayan.
What is the genre and runtime of Trance?▾
Trance — Genre: Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 170 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
