Last updated: 8 May 2026


The Warriors who wanted to kill Vasco Da Gama
Malayalam · Action, Drama
2h 40m · 31 Mar 2011
DOP: Santosh Sivan | Writer: Shankar Ramakrishnan
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
Set in the early 16th century, Urumi is a historical epic revolving around the story of a young warrior named Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar who seeks to assassinate Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, as revenge for the atrocities committed by the Portuguese on his homeland. The narrative weaves through themes of love, betrayal, and patriotism, highlighting the resistance against colonial oppression. The story unfolds with a mix of personal vendettas and larger political conflicts, culminating in an intense climax that blends historical facts with fictional dramatization.
Urumi is a visually stunning period drama that showcases Santosh Sivan's prowess as both director and cinematographer. The film's content is rich with historical references and cultural depth, though it occasionally leans towards melodrama. The screenplay is ambitious, attempting to balance a sprawling narrative with multiple characters and subplots. The pacing in the first half is deliberate, setting up the historical context and character motivations effectively, while the second half picks up momentum with action sequences and emotional confrontations.
The film's music and background score complement the epic scale, with traditional instruments and haunting melodies that enhance the mood. However, the songs are few and placed sparingly, which suits the tone of the film but might feel less engaging for audiences expecting a typical commercial musical experience. The BGM is particularly effective in battle scenes and moments of tension, adding to the immersive experience.
Overall, Urumi stands out for its technical finesse and ambitious storytelling, though its length and complexity may challenge some viewers. It is a commendable effort in Malayalam cinema to portray a significant historical period with grandeur and emotional depth.
Prithviraj Sukumaran: Strong and intense portrayal of the lead warrior, bringing depth and conviction to the role.
Prabhu Deva: Effective in a supporting role, adding charisma and physicality to the character.
Genelia D'Souza: Graceful and poised, delivering a subtle yet impactful performance.
Nithya Menen: Natural and expressive, contributing significantly to the emotional core of the film.
Vidya Balan: Brief but memorable appearance, adding star value and intensity.
Jagathy Sreekumar: Provides moments of lightness and traditional comic relief.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Santosh Sivan's direction is meticulous and visually poetic, successfully capturing the epic scale and emotional intensity of the story. His dual role as cinematographer adds a unique visual signature to the film, though the narrative sometimes suffers from overambition and uneven pacing.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Urumi for its ambitious storytelling, visual splendor, and strong performances, especially highlighting Santosh Sivan's cinematography. However, some noted the film's pacing issues and complex narrative as drawbacks that might affect audience engagement.
Final Box-Office Result
Urumi released on 31 March 2011 (2011).
Urumi is declared a HIT at the box office.
Urumi is available on Sun NXT, YouTube, YouTube, ZEE5, MX Player, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Urumi directed by Santosh Sivan. Produced by Shaji Nadesan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Santosh Sivan.
Urumi stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Prabhu Deva, Genelia D'Souza, Nithya Menen, Vidya Balan.
Tollybo rates Urumi 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Urumi — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 160 minutes, Language: Malayalam.