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Urumi (2011) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Urumi (2011) Review

Released on 31 Mar 2011, Urumi (2011) is a Malayalam action, drama movie starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Prabhu Deva, Genelia D'Souza. Directed by Santosh Sivan. A young man who discovers his ancestral connection to a 16th century warrior who sought revenge against Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Blending history and legend, the story traces a rebellion fueled by betrayal, courage, and the fight against colonial conquest. Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Runtime: 2h 40m.

Urumi
HIT

Urumi(2011)

The Warriors who wanted to kill Vasco Da Gama

Malayalam · Action, Drama

2h 40m · 31 Mar 2011

DOP: Santosh Sivan | Writer: Shankar Ramakrishnan

WarActionHistory

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI3.25
The HinduThe HinduAI3.75
IBTimesIBTimesAI3.5
IndiaGlitzIndiaGlitzAI3.75
IMDbIMDb7.1

Our Rating

3.25

📖 Story

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.

🔍 Analysis

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 The film's content is rich with historical references and cultural depth, though it occasionally leans towards melodrama.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.

🎭 Performances

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

Strengths

  • Stunning cinematography and visual grandeur
  • Strong performances by lead actors
  • Authentic depiction of historical period
  • Effective background score enhancing mood
  • Ambitious and layered storytelling

Weaknesses

  • Lengthy runtime affecting pacing for some viewers
  • Complex screenplay with multiple subplots
  • Limited number of songs affecting commercial appeal

🎬 Direction & Writing

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.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography
  • - Production Design
  • - Costume Design
  • - Background Score
  • - Editing

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.50 / 5
The HinduThe Hindu
3.75 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.25 / 5
IndiaGlitzIndiaGlitz
3.75 / 5

Our Rating

3.25/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive65%
Neutral25%
Negative10%

Critics

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

HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Urumi release in theatres?

Urumi released on 31 March 2011 (2011).

Is Urumi a hit or flop?

Urumi is declared a HIT at the box office.

Where to watch Urumi online? OTT release date?

Urumi is available on Sun NXT, YouTube, YouTube, ZEE5, MX Player, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Urumi?

Urumi directed by Santosh Sivan. Produced by Shaji Nadesan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Santosh Sivan.

Who are the main cast members of Urumi?

Urumi stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Prabhu Deva, Genelia D'Souza, Nithya Menen, Vidya Balan.

What is the Tollybo rating for Urumi?

Tollybo rates Urumi 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.

What is the genre and runtime of Urumi?

Urumi — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 160 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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