Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Malayalam · Action, Crime, Thriller
2h 45m · 28 Feb 1986
Writer: T. Damodaran
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Vartha is a Malayalam political drama that revolves around the life of a journalist and the challenges he faces while exposing corruption and social injustices. The narrative delves into the power dynamics between the media, politicians, and the common man, highlighting the role of the press in shaping public opinion and fighting for truth.
Vartha presents a compelling narrative that intertwines political intrigue with personal drama, effectively capturing the socio-political atmosphere of the 1980s Kerala. The story is well-structured, with a screenplay that balances intense dialogues and emotional moments, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The pacing is steady, with the first half setting up the characters and conflicts, while the second half escalates the tension leading to a satisfying climax.
The film's screenplay is sharp, with well-crafted scenes that emphasize the importance of journalistic integrity and the struggles against systemic corruption. The performances by the lead actors add depth to the narrative, making the characters believable and relatable. Although the movie lacks a strong musical presence, the background score subtly enhances the mood without overpowering the scenes.
While the film does not feature prominent songs, the background score complements the dramatic tone, reinforcing the tension and emotional beats. The cinematography captures the essence of the period and setting, contributing to the film's realistic portrayal of societal issues. Overall, Vartha is a thought-provoking film that combines strong storytelling with powerful performances, making it a significant work in Malayalam cinema.
Mammootty: Powerful and convincing portrayal of a determined journalist.
Mohanlal: Strong supporting role with nuanced expressions.
Seema: Effective and emotionally resonant.
Rahman: Solid performance adding to the narrative depth.
Venu Nagavalli: Credible and impactful.
Ramachandran V: Supportive role executed well.
Strengths
Weaknesses
I V Sasi's direction is focused and purposeful, effectively bringing out the socio-political themes with clarity. His handling of the screenplay ensures that the narrative remains engaging without losing its message.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
The film was appreciated for its bold storytelling and strong performances, especially by Mammootty. Critics noted the film's relevance and its commentary on media ethics and political corruption. However, due to the lack of available numeric ratings from the specified sources, a quantitative assessment is not possible.
Final Box-Office Result
Vartha released on 28 February 1986 (1986).
Vartha is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Vartha is available on YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Vartha directed by I V Sasi.
Vartha stars Mammootty, Mohanlal, Seema, Rahman, Venu Nagavalli.
Tollybo rates Vartha 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Vartha — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 165 minutes, Language: Malayalam.