Varathan (2018) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Varathan (2018) Review
Released on 20 Sept 2018, Varathan (2018) is a Malayalam action, drama, thriller movie starring Fahadh Faasil, Aishwarya Lekshmi. Directed by Amal Neerad. After losing his job, Aby and his wife, Priya, move back to the latter's family estate in Kerala. However, things go from bad to worse for the couple as they encounter a new set of challenges.. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Runtime: 2h 11m.
Varathan(2018)
Malayalam · Action, Drama, Thriller
2h 11m · 20 Sept 2018
Music: Sushin Shyam | DOP: Littil Swayamp | Writer: Suhas, Sharfuddeen
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Varathan is a Malayalam thriller that revolves around Abin and Priya, a couple who move to Priya's ancestral home in a remote village. Their peaceful life is disrupted when they face harassment and threats from local goons. The story explores themes of paranoia, survival, and the reclaiming of personal space as Abin takes matters into his own hands to protect his family.
Varathan delivers a gripping narrative that blends elements of thriller and social commentary. The screenplay is taut and well-structured, maintaining suspense throughout the film. The first half effectively builds tension by establishing the couple's relationship and the eerie atmosphere of the village, while the second half escalates the conflict with intense confrontations and a satisfying resolution.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to immerse in the psychological aspects of the story without rushing the plot. The film's music, composed by Sushin Shyam, complements the narrative with a subtle yet impactful background score that heightens the suspense and emotional beats. The songs are minimal but well-placed, enhancing the mood without disrupting the flow.
Cinematography by Littil Swayamp captures the rustic beauty of the village alongside the claustrophobic tension experienced by the protagonists. Overall, Varathan stands out for its strong narrative, effective use of thriller elements, and a compelling background score that supports the film's tone perfectly.
Fahadh Faasil: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a protective husband evolving into a fierce defender.
Aishwarya Lekshmi: Convincing and emotive as the vulnerable yet resilient wife.
Sharafudheen: Effective in a supporting role adding depth to the village dynamics.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong screenplay with escalating tension
- ✓Fahadh Faasil's compelling performance
- ✓Effective use of background score and music
- ✓Atmospheric cinematography capturing the village setting
Weaknesses
- ✕Some pacing issues in the mid-section
- ✕Limited character development for supporting cast
🎬 Direction & Writing
Amal Neerad's direction is confident and stylish, successfully blending thriller elements with social themes. His writing keeps the audience engaged with a well-balanced mix of suspense and emotional depth.
- - Cinematography by Littil Swayamp
- - Music and Background Score by Sushin Shyam
- - Editing that maintains narrative flow
- - Sound design enhancing the thriller atmosphere
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 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 | 75% |
| Neutral | 15% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Varathan for its taut screenplay, strong performances, especially by Fahadh Faasil, and the effective use of thriller tropes. The film's atmospheric tension and technical finesse were highlighted as key strengths. Some noted minor pacing issues but overall regarded it as a gripping and well-crafted thriller.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Varathan release in theatres?▾
Varathan released on 20 September 2018 (2018).
Is Varathan a hit or flop?▾
Varathan is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Varathan online? OTT release date?▾
Varathan OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Varathan?▾
Varathan directed by Amal Neerad. Produced by Amal Neerad, Nazriya Nazim, Fahadh Faasil.
Who are the main cast members of Varathan?▾
Varathan stars Fahadh Faasil, Aishwarya Lekshmi.
What is the Tollybo rating for Varathan?▾
Tollybo rates Varathan 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Varathan?▾
Music for Varathan composed by Sushin Shyam.
What is the genre and runtime of Varathan?▾
Varathan — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 131 minutes, Language: Malayalam.