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Villain (2017) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Villain
HIT

Villain(2017)

Good is Bad

Malayalam · Action, Crime, Thriller

2h 23m · 27 Oct 2017

Music: Sushin Shyam | DOP: Manoj Paramahamsa | Writer: B. Unnikrishnan

ActionCrimeThriller

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI3
Times of IndiaTimes of IndiaAI3.25
IBTimesIBTimesAI3.5
IMDbIMDb6.1
LetterboxdLetterboxd3

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

Villain is a Malayalam action thriller that revolves around the life of a retired police officer, played by Mohanlal, who is drawn back into the world of crime and investigation to solve a series of mysterious murders. The narrative weaves through his personal struggles and professional challenges as he seeks justice while confronting his own demons. The story blends elements of suspense, action, and emotional drama, keeping the audience engaged with its twists and character dynamics.

🔍 Analysis

Villain offers a gripping storyline that combines action and thriller elements with emotional depth, anchored by Mohanlal's compelling portrayal of a complex protagonist. The screenplay is tightly written, maintaining suspense throughout, although the pacing tends to slow down slightly in the first half before picking up momentum in the second half. The first half effectively sets up the characters and the central mystery, while the second half delivers a satisfying resolution with intense sequences and revelations.

The music by Sushin Shyam complements the film well, with the background score enhancing the tension and emotional beats without overpowering the scenes. The songs are situational and blend smoothly into the narrative, supporting the mood rather than serving as standalone highlights. Manoj Paramahamsa's cinematography captures the mood of the film with a polished visual style that balances the gritty and emotional tones.

Overall, Villain succeeds as a thriller with strong performances and technical finesse, although some viewers might find the pacing uneven. The film's strength lies in its engaging plot and Mohanlal's charismatic presence, supported by a solid technical team that elevates the storytelling experience.

🎭 Performances

Mohanlal: Powerful and nuanced, Mohanlal delivers a commanding performance as the conflicted retired cop, bringing depth and charisma to the role.

Vishal Krishna: Provides a solid supporting role with convincing intensity and screen presence.

Hansika Motwani: Offers a graceful and engaging performance, fitting well within the film's emotional landscape.

Manju Warrier: Strong and impactful, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Mohanlal's stellar performance
  • Engaging and suspenseful storyline
  • Effective background score and music
  • Polished cinematography

Weaknesses

  • Uneven pacing in the first half
  • Some predictable plot elements
  • Limited character development for supporting cast

🎬 Direction & Writing

B. Unnikrishnan delivers a well-crafted thriller that balances action and emotional drama. His direction keeps the narrative engaging, though the screenplay occasionally dips in pace. The writing is tight with effective twists, showcasing his ability to handle complex characters and suspenseful storytelling.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa
  • - Music and background score by Sushin Shyam
  • - Editing that maintains narrative clarity
  • - Sound design enhancing thriller elements

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.50 / 5
Times of IndiaTimes of India
3.25 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.00 / 5

Our Rating

2.5/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral25%
Negative15%

Critics

Critics praised Mohanlal's performance and the film's gripping narrative, highlighting the effective use of suspense and technical finesse. Some reviews noted the slow pacing in parts but appreciated the overall execution and engaging screenplay.

Final Box-Office Result

HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Villain release in theatres?

Villain released on 27 October 2017 (2017).

Is Villain a hit or flop?

Villain is declared a HIT at the box office.

Where to watch Villain online? OTT release date?

Villain is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Villain?

Villain directed by B. Unnikrishnan. Produced by Rockline Venkatesh.

Who are the main cast members of Villain?

Villain stars Mohanlal, Vishal Krishna, Hansika Motwani, Manju Warrier, Athira Patel.

What is the Tollybo rating for Villain?

Tollybo rates Villain 2.5/5. Verdict: HIT.

Who composed the music for Villain?

Music for Villain composed by Sushin Shyam.

What is the genre and runtime of Villain?

Villain — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 143 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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