Last updated: 23 Apr 2026

Malayalam · Drama
1h 59m · 4 Jul 1991
DOP: Saloo George | Writer: P. Balachandran, Cheriyan Kalpakavadi
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
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
Ulladakkam released on 4 July 1991 (1991).
Ulladakkam is declared a HIT at the box office.
Ulladakkam is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Ulladakkam directed by Kamal. Produced by Suresh Balaje.
Ulladakkam stars Mohanlal, Shobana, Amala Akkineni, Murali, M G Soman.
Tollybo rates Ulladakkam 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Ulladakkam — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 119 minutes, Language: Malayalam.