Ulladakkam (1991) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 23 Apr 2026
Ulladakkam (1991) Review
Ulladakkam (1991) — a Malayalam drama film directed by Kamal. Starring Mohanlal, Shobana, Amala Akkineni. Reshma is a patient of psychiatrist Dr Sunny. She gets romantically obsessed with him even though this is not reciprocated by the doctor. The arrival of the doctor's fiancee Annie causes a lot of conflict in the mind of Reshma. Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 4 Jul 1991. Runtime: 1h 59m.

Ulladakkam(1991)
Malayalam · Drama
1h 59m · 4 Jul 1991
DOP: Saloo George | Writer: P. Balachandran, Cheriyan Kalpakavadi
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
Ulladakkam is a psychological drama that revolves around Dr. Sunny, a psychiatrist who treats a patient named Anjali, a woman suffering from severe trauma and mental instability. The story delves into the complexities of human psychology, exploring themes of love, loss, and healing. As Dr. Sunny tries to help Anjali recover, the narrative unfolds layers of her troubled past and the emotional struggles of both characters, culminating in a poignant climax that questions the boundaries of sanity and compassion.
Ulladakkam stands out as a deeply engaging psychological drama that balances intense emotional content with a compelling narrative structure. The screenplay is tightly woven, with a strong focus on character development and the intricacies of mental health, which was a relatively unexplored theme in Telugu cinema at the time. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the psychological states of the characters, especially in the first half where the foundation of the trauma is laid out with sensitivity.
The second half intensifies the emotional stakes, with powerful performances that bring depth to the screenplay. The direction by Kamal is nuanced, handling complex subject matter with care and avoiding melodrama. While the film does not rely heavily on songs, the background score complements the mood effectively, enhancing the psychological tension and emotional beats without overpowering the scenes. The cinematography by Saloo George captures the intimate and often claustrophobic atmosphere of the narrative, adding to the film's immersive quality.
Overall, Ulladakkam is a mature and thoughtful film that combines strong storytelling, sensitive direction, and compelling performances. Its treatment of mental health issues is commendable, making it a significant work in the genre of psychological dramas in Telugu cinema.
Mohanlal: Delivering a restrained and deeply empathetic portrayal of Dr. Sunny, Mohanlal anchors the film with his nuanced performance, effectively conveying the complexities of a psychiatrist's role.
Shobana: Shobana brings a haunting vulnerability to the character of Anjali, capturing the emotional turmoil and fragility with remarkable sensitivity.
Amala Akkineni: Amala provides strong support with a grounded and natural performance, adding layers to the interpersonal dynamics in the story.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Sensitive and mature handling of mental health themes
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors, especially Mohanlal and Shobana
- ✓Well-crafted screenplay with a focus on character depth
- ✓Effective background score that enhances psychological tension
- ✓Nuanced direction by Kamal
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing may feel slow for viewers expecting conventional commercial elements
- ✕Limited use of songs might affect audience engagement accustomed to typical Telugu film formats
🎬 Direction & Writing
Kamal's direction is subtle and insightful, focusing on the psychological and emotional layers of the story without resorting to clichés. His writing and narrative style bring a fresh perspective to Telugu cinema, especially in portraying mental health issues with dignity and depth.
📰 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
Due to the film's age and niche subject matter, there are limited numeric critic ratings available from the specified Telugu and Indian sources. However, the film is widely regarded in retrospectives and film discussions as a classic psychological drama with critical acclaim for performances and direction.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ulladakkam release in theatres?▾
Ulladakkam released on 4 July 1991 (1991).
Is Ulladakkam a hit or flop?▾
Ulladakkam is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Ulladakkam online? OTT release date?▾
Ulladakkam is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Ulladakkam?▾
Ulladakkam directed by Kamal. Produced by Suresh Balaje.
Who are the main cast members of Ulladakkam?▾
Ulladakkam stars Mohanlal, Shobana, Amala Akkineni, Murali, M G Soman.
What is the Tollybo rating for Ulladakkam?▾
Tollybo rates Ulladakkam 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
What is the genre and runtime of Ulladakkam?▾
Ulladakkam — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 119 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
