Malaikottai Vaaliban is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language period drama film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and written by P. S. Rafeeque. It stars Mohanlal in the title role, with Sonalee Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi, Manoj Moses, Katha Nandi, Danish Sait, and Manikandan Achari in supporting roles. The film is a fictionalized account of the life of the legendary outlaw Vaaliban, who lived in the early 19th century.
The film begins with the death of Vaaliban’s father, a powerful chieftain. Vaaliban is forced to flee his village after his uncle murders his mother and sister. He takes refuge in the forests of Malaikottai, where he becomes a skilled warrior and outlaw.
Vaaliban soon becomes a thorn in the side of the British authorities, who are trying to establish their rule in South India. He leads a series of raids against British troops and their collaborators, earning a reputation as a fearsome warrior.
The film explores the themes of revenge, justice, and the struggle for freedom. It is a visually stunning and action-packed film that is sure to appeal to fans of Lijo Jose Pellissery’s work.
The film was released in theaters in India on January 25, 2024. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised Mohanlal’s performance, Lijo Jose Pellissery’s direction, and the film’s visuals. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide.
Here are some of the critical reviews of the film:
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The Hindu: “A visually stunning and action-packed film that is sure to appeal to fans of Lijo Jose Pellissery’s work.”
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The Times of India: “Mohanlal is in top form, and his performance is the highlight of the film.”
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Rediff: “Lijo Jose Pellissery has crafted a visually stunning and action-packed film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.”
