While the fans were hoping for a mass action film, the movie turned out to be a typical experimental Lijo Jose Pellissery project.
Published Jan 26, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 26, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Mohanlal in 'Malaikottai Vaaliban'. (x)
Mohanlal’s Malaikottai Vaaliban released on January 25, 2024, with huge hype failed to meet audience expectations.
While the fans were hoping for a mass action film from director Lijo Jose Pellissery, the movie turned out to be a typical experimental Lijo Jose Pellissery project.
Lijo Jose Pellissery’s collaboration with the veteran actor generated high expectations, fueled by fan theories following the release of the title posters and teaser. The leaked action scenes from the Rajasthan sets also fueled these expectations.
The movie received a negative response on social media after its first day of screening. Audiences criticized its slow pace and lack of mass elements as promised.
Upon release, the movie received mixed reviews and struggled at the box office. The negative comments impacted its collections, with Malaikottai Vaaliban earning only ₹5 crores on its first day. However, it couldn’t maintain momentum afterwards.
However, after its OTT release, the film received positive feedback for its unique style and Mohanlal’s performance.
A still from the film ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’. (X)
After the negative response, Lijo Jose Pellissery stated that Malaikottai Vaaliban was made for the big screen, and audiences had only 28 days to see it in theatres before the OTT release. He claimed that Malaikottai Vaaliban is not a movie with a “Ferrari engine” to have a fast pace.
Lijo also criticized social media, saying it has become a platform for influencing opinions and attacking cinema. “I don’t understand why there is so much hate. What good will this do to our industry?” he said. He expressed concern over the growing hatred online, which he felt was causing difficulties.
Lijo explained the film’s theme, describing it as a simple story where the protagonist, Vaaliban, after winning battles, learns to conquer his own mind. He said the film was designed to connect with the audience at regular intervals.
The makers had planned a sequel, but with the first film’s reception, they now see no room for it.
Former legislator Shibu Baby John, producer of Malaikottai Vaaliban, recently stated that the film had high expectations.
In an interview, Shibu acknowledged that the film was criticized for not meeting audience expectations, particularly due to the hype around the Mohanlal-Lijo collaboration. However, he emphasized that the film was not a box-office failure and did not result in significant financial loss.
He also mentioned that Mohanlal was upset with the negative response to his directorial debut, Barroz, released in December.
Lijo Jose Pellissery at the press meet. (Supplied)
Malaikottai Vaaliban (Mohanlal) is a warrior with a gypsy-like character, similar to Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo, where the central character arrives in a village. However, Vaaliban never stays in one place. He travels with his brother, Chinna Payyan (Manoj Moses), and his stepfather, Ayyanar (Hareesh Peradi), in a bullock cart.
Vaaliban’s entry into Mangattu Kalari and his encounter with Chamatakan (Danish Sait) change his life, introducing new enemies and more obstacles. A larger-than-life hero is needed to overcome these challenges.
Vaaliban’s final arrival in Ambattur Malaikottai is a crucial moment in the film. While it has a fairytale essence, the film’s presentation is more in the style of drama or classic filmmaking. It’s a pure experiential movie from Lijo Jose Pellissery.
“Malaikottai Vaaliban is a typical Lijo Jose Pellissery film, strong in content and technical aspects. A blend of illusion and reality, with both class and mass elements, makes it an engaging watch,” our review read.
Sound plays a key role in the movie. Finer details, like distant voices starting faint and growing louder as characters approach, are carefully handled. The gunshot sounds in the fort fight scenes are also impressive.
The visuals by Madhu Neelakandan are stunning. Whether it’s morning, night, or a fight sequence, the cinematography enhances the film. The long shots and extended frames offer a visual treat for movie lovers.
The Rajasthan locations and set design by Gokul Das showcase a unique terrain rarely seen in Malayalam cinema.
Music by Prashant Pillai is another highlight. The songs stand out for being different from the typical big-budget movie tracks.
Mohanlal plays the titular role in ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’. (X)
The action scenes are a major highlight of the movie, with the director making the most of Mohanlal’s well-known passion for action.
Elements of Japanese Samurai culture influence Mohanlal’s look, which has a strong impact, especially in the action sequences. Action choreographers Vikram More and Supreme Sundar deserve praise for creating fight scenes that give the audience goosebumps.
Mohanlal is the soul of the film as Malaikottai Vaaliban. His performance in the fight sequences and his acting in the climax stand out.
Danish Sait’s portrayal of Chamatakan, a cruel and eccentric character, is impressive.
Hareesh Peradi as Ayyanar, Vaaliban’s stepfather, delivers a solid performance. His emotional moments in the climax add a unique touch to the film’s ending.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
