In August 2018, Kerala faced its worst floods in nearly a century. Five years later, Jude Anthany Joseph turned that collective trauma into one of the most successful Malayalam films ever. In this 2018 movie review, we look at the ensemble drama — subtitled “Everyone is a Hero” — that moved audiences to tears, grossed around ₹175 crore and became India’s official entry for the Academy Awards.
Quick Verdict
- Rating: 4/5
- Best for: viewers who want an emotional, inspiring true-to-life drama.
- Highlights: the rescue sequences, ensemble performances, Tovino Thomas, technical work on the flood scenes.
- Minor flaw: some characters feel thin given the large cast.
Table of Contents
2018: Movie Details
| Director | Jude Anthany Joseph |
|---|---|
| Writers | Jude Anthany Joseph, Akhil P. Dharmajan |
| Cast | Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Lal, Narain, Aparna Balamurali, Tanvi Ram, Kalaiyarasan, Indrans, Sudheesh |
| Music | Nobin Paul |
| Release date | 5 May 2023 |
| OTT | SonyLIV |
The Real-Life Background
The 2018 Kerala floods followed exceptionally heavy monsoon rain in August that year. Rivers burst their banks, dam shutters were opened, and large parts of central and southern Kerala went under water. Hundreds of people died and many more were moved to relief camps.
What Keralites remember most, though, is the response. Fishermen from coastal districts drove their boats inland, volunteers organised collection centres, and young people used social media to share rescue requests. The film is built around exactly this memory of strangers helping strangers.
Story (No Spoilers)
The film follows multiple characters across Kerala in the days before and during the floods. Anoop (Tovino Thomas) is an ex-soldier who left the army and now feels like a failure in his village. Fishermen from the coast, led by Lal’s character and his sons, rush inland with their boats to rescue strangers. A government officer, a lorry driver, a TV reporter, a family stuck at home, and a man returning from the Gulf are all caught in the rising water.
As the rain refuses to stop, their stories intersect, and ordinary people become heroes. The film recreates real incidents inspired by the floods, including the role of fishermen whose boats saved thousands of lives.
Performances
Tovino Thomas anchors the film as Anoop, whose arc from self-doubt to heroism gives the story its emotional spine. He later won Best Actor at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for this role. Lal and Narain are deeply moving as fishermen, while Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali and Vineeth Sreenivasan make strong impressions in smaller roles. Tamil actor Kalaiyarasan adds another dimension as a lorry driver from outside Kerala.
Making the Floods
The film’s biggest technical achievement is its flood sequences. Instead of relying only on visual effects, the team built sets and used large water tanks and practical effects to recreate submerged homes, roads and churches. The result feels frighteningly real, especially for Kerala audiences who lived through the disaster. The rain-soaked cinematography and sound design make the tension palpable.
Nobin Paul’s background score is restrained in the early scenes and swells only when the water rises, which helps the big moments feel earned rather than forced.
Direction and Themes
Jude Anthany Joseph spends the first half introducing his large cast in everyday situations — a wedding proposal, a family quarrel, a job interview, a struggling tourist business. This slow build frustrates some viewers, but it pays off. When the floods arrive, we already care about the people in danger.
The main theme is redemption through service. Anoop, who feels he ran away from the army, gets a second chance to prove his worth. Other characters carry their own guilt or prejudice, and the crisis tests them all. The film also celebrates the fishing community, often overlooked in mainstream cinema, as the true heroes of the Kerala floods.
Importantly, it avoids blaming any one villain. Nature is the antagonist, and the drama comes from how ordinary people choose to respond.
2018 Movie Review: Rating Breakdown
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Story | 4/5 |
| Performances | 4/5 |
| Direction | 4/5 |
| Technical work | 4.5/5 |
| Emotional impact | 5/5 |
What works and what doesn’t
- Works: realistic flood sequences, the celebration of fishermen and volunteers, and an emotionally rewarding finale.
- Doesn’t: with so many characters, some storylines feel underdeveloped, and the first half takes time to set up.
Box Office and Recognition
2018 grossed around ₹175 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film at the time. It was selected as India’s official entry to the 96th Academy Awards in the international feature category. See our list of Malayalam movies based on true stories and our story on Malayalam films sent to the Oscars.
How It Compares With Similar Malayalam Films
| Film | Year | Common ground |
|---|---|---|
| Take Off | 2017 | Survival drama inspired by real events |
| Malayankunju | 2022 | A man trapped by a natural disaster |
| Manjummel Boys | 2024 | Real-life rescue, friendship and courage |
Among these, Manjummel Boys is the closest in spirit, though it focuses on one group of friends rather than a whole state. Read our Manjummel Boys review for more.
Who Should Watch It
- Viewers who like inspiring true-to-life stories: this is a feel-good film despite its grim backdrop.
- Families: there is no gore, though some flood scenes may scare younger children.
- Anyone who lived through the Kerala floods: be prepared — the recreation can bring back difficult memories.
Viewing tips
Watch it on the biggest screen you can, with good sound; the rain and water effects are a large part of the experience. Keep tissues nearby for the final stretch. If you are new to the cast, it helps to note each character’s name in the first half, as the story jumps between many locations.
Final Verdict
To conclude this 2018 movie review: it is a stirring, emotional tribute to Kerala’s resilience and the everyday heroes who saved lives during the floods. It is not flawless, but its heart is enormous.
Cinemas Diary Rating: 4/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2018 based on a true story?
It is inspired by the real 2018 Kerala floods, though its characters are largely fictional composites.
Where can I watch 2018 online?
The film streams on SonyLIV.
Was 2018 India’s Oscar entry?
Yes, it was India’s official submission for the 96th Academy Awards.
Who directed 2018?
Jude Anthany Joseph directed it and co-wrote it with Akhil P. Dharmajan.
Who plays the lead role in 2018?
Tovino Thomas plays Anoop, a former soldier, though the film is a true ensemble.
Is 2018 suitable for children?
Older children can watch it, but some intense flood and drowning scenes may upset younger viewers.
What rating does this 2018 movie review give?
We rate it 4 out of 5.
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