This Ayyappanum Koshiyum review revisits one of the most gripping Malayalam films of recent years. Released in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic shut cinemas, Sachy’s thriller turned a small roadside arrest into a full-blown war of egos between a retired army man and a sub-inspector. Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Biju Menon, it was a huge box office success and later won four National Film Awards. Years later, it still feels sharp, raw and wildly entertaining.
Key Points
- Written and directed by Sachy, who passed away in June 2020.
- Biju Menon plays SI Ayyappan Nair; Prithviraj plays Havildar Koshy Kurian.
- The film won four National Awards, including Best Director for Sachy.
- It was remade in Telugu as Bheemla Nayak.
Table of Contents
Story: A Small Arrest, a Huge War
This Ayyappanum Koshiyum review starts with the setup. Koshy Kurian, a retired havildar from a powerful family, is travelling through Attappadi at night when police stop his car and find liquor in the dry tribal region. Sub-Inspector Ayyappan Nair arrests him strictly according to the law. Koshy, humiliated, refuses to let it go, and every move he makes triggers an even fiercer response from Ayyappan. What follows is a chain of revenge and violent confrontations that reveal who these men really are.
The genius of the screenplay is that neither man is simply good or evil. Koshy is arrogant and privileged, but he is also lonely and desperate for his father’s respect. Ayyappan is calm and principled on duty, yet carries a dangerous past as “Mundoor Madan”. As the story moves on, our sympathies shift back and forth. Any honest Ayyappanum Koshiyum review must credit Sachy’s writing for this balance, which keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
Performances
In this Ayyappanum Koshiyum review, the first name to praise is Biju Menon, who gives the performance of his career as Ayyappan Nair. For most of the first half he is quiet, with a moustache and a soft voice. When his anger finally explodes, the change is electrifying. He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role. Prithviraj, playing the more flamboyant Koshy, wisely lets his co-star dominate key scenes while making his character’s arrogance and vulnerability believable.
Our Ayyappanum Koshiyum review also found the supporting cast equally strong. Ranjith plays Koshy’s domineering father Kurian John with chilling ease. Gowri Nandha, as Ayyappan’s wife Kannamma, an activist from the tribal community, delivers one of the film’s most memorable moments. Anil Nedumangad as the honest CI Satheesh, Anna Rajan and Sabumon Abdusamad add colour. Every role feels lived-in, which is a hallmark of the best Malayalam films of this era.
Ayyappanum Koshiyum at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release | February 2020 |
| Writer and director | Sachy |
| Lead actors | Biju Menon, Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Music | Jakes Bejoy |
| Setting | Attappadi, Palakkad |
| Remake | Bheemla Nayak (Telugu, 2022) |
| Streaming | Prime Video (check availability) |
Music and Technical Craft
Jakes Bejoy’s background score drives the tension without overpowering the drama. The film’s most famous song, “Kalakkatha”, sung by tribal singer Nanchiyamma in the Irula language, became a sensation online. Nanchiyamma won the National Award for Best Female Playback Singer, a historic moment for tribal artists. The fight scenes, choreographed by Mafia Sasi, Rajasekhar and Supreme Sundar, also won the National Award for Best Stunt Choreography.
Cinematographer Sudeep Elamon captures the dry, rugged landscape of Attappadi so well that the setting feels like a third character. Long takes on empty roads, police stations and forest edges create a constant feeling of isolation. The editing keeps the nearly three-hour runtime surprisingly brisk. Our Ayyappanum Koshiyum review rates the craft as highly as the acting, because every department works towards the same raw, earthy tone.
Awards and Legacy
At the 68th National Film Awards, the film won four honours: Best Director for Sachy, Best Supporting Actor for Biju Menon, Best Female Playback Singer for Nanchiyamma and Best Stunt Choreography. Sachy’s award was posthumous, as the director passed away in June 2020 after a cardiac arrest. His death was a great loss for Malayalam cinema, since he had only just proven himself as a director after years as a successful writer.
As every Ayyappanum Koshiyum review noted at the time, the film’s success also travelled beyond Kerala. It was remade in Telugu as Bheemla Nayak with Pawan Kalyan and Rana Daggubati, and other remakes were announced in different languages. Many viewers outside Kerala discovered Malayalam cinema through this film on streaming. If you enjoy such intense stories, our best Malayalam action movies and Malayalam courtroom movies lists offer more picks.
Why It Still Works Today
The film’s central idea is timeless: two proud men who cannot let go. Many viewers see their own families, offices and politics in this fight, which is why clips and dialogues keep trending online years after release. The film also raises real questions about caste, class, policing and the rights of tribal communities in Attappadi. Coming back to it now for this Ayyappanum Koshiyum review, we found that the tension works even on a second or third viewing, because the performances reveal new details every time.
What Doesn’t Work
No Ayyappanum Koshiyum review would be complete without small criticisms. The runtime of nearly three hours may test viewers who prefer tight thrillers, and a few middle portions repeat the revenge pattern. Some viewers also feel the final fight is too long. However, these are minor issues in a film that otherwise keeps the energy high and delivers emotional payoffs for both lead characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Ayyappanum Koshiyum?
The film was written and directed by Sachy, who passed away in June 2020.
Which National Awards did Ayyappanum Koshiyum win?
Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Biju Menon), Best Female Playback Singer (Nanchiyamma) and Best Stunt Choreography.
Where can I watch Ayyappanum Koshiyum online?
It has been available on Prime Video in India; check the platform for current availability.
Is Bheemla Nayak a remake of Ayyappanum Koshiyum?
Yes. *Bheemla Nayak* (2022) is the official Telugu remake.
Conclusion
Our Ayyappanum Koshiyum review verdict is simple: this is a modern Malayalam classic. Sachy’s layered writing, Biju Menon’s towering performance, Prithviraj’s bold support and Nanchiyamma’s haunting song combine into an unforgettable experience. Watch it for the drama, stay for the explosive climax. For more reviews, read our Kishkindha Kaandam review and check the film’s details on Wikipedia.
