Some films are remembered for their story; Bheeshma Parvam is remembered for its swagger. In this Bheeshma Parvam review, we look at Amal Neerad’s 2022 gangster family drama, which gave Mammootty one of the coolest roles of his career as the patriarch Michael Anjootty — and gave Sushin Shyam one of his most iconic scores.
Released in March 2022, as theatres were recovering from the pandemic, it became a major hit and a reminder of how much fun big-screen Malayalam cinema could be.
Quick Verdict
- Rating: 4/5
- Best for: fans of stylish family dramas and gangster sagas.
- Highlights: Mammootty’s presence, Sushin Shyam’s music, Amal Neerad’s visuals, a strong ensemble.
- Minor flaw: a familiar story that relies heavily on style.
Table of Contents
Bheeshma Parvam: Movie Details
| Director | Amal Neerad |
|---|---|
| Writers | Amal Neerad, Devadath Shaji |
| Cast | Mammootty, Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Shine Tom Chacko, Nadhiya, Lena, Dileesh Pothan, Nedumudi Venu, K.P.A.C. Lalitha, Anagha |
| Music | Sushin Shyam |
| Release date | 3 March 2022 |
| OTT | Disney+ Hotstar (now JioHotstar) |
Story (No Spoilers)
Set in Fort Kochi in the 1980s, the film revolves around the Anjootty family, a powerful clan ruled by Michael (Mammootty), the quiet, respected younger brother who controls the family’s affairs. Beneath the surface, rivalries and grudges simmer — between siblings, between generations and with rival families. When old wounds reopen, Michael must protect his family even as some of its members plot against him.
The story draws inspiration from the Mahabharata — the title refers to its “Bheeshma Parva” — and from classic gangster cinema like The Godfather. Michael, like Bheeshma, is a patriarch bound by duty.
Mammootty as Michael
Mammootty plays Michael with minimal dialogue and maximum presence. His slow walk, calm expressions and the way he quietly takes control of every room make him magnetic. It is a star performance that relies on restraint rather than theatrics — and it gave fans countless memorable moments.
The ensemble is strong. Soubin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasi play younger members of the family with energy, while Shine Tom Chacko is a menacing presence. The film was also one of the final screen appearances of veterans Nedumudi Venu and K.P.A.C. Lalitha, adding emotional weight.
The role also sits at an interesting point in Mammootty’s career. In the years that followed, he took on more unusual parts in films such as Rorschach, Kaathal – The Core and Bramayugam. Michael is the crowd-pleasing, mass end of that run, and a reminder that he can still command a theatre with a single look. Our Bramayugam review covers the other extreme.
Style and Music
Amal Neerad, a cinematographer-turned-director known for Big B (2007), brings his signature slow-motion, saturated colours and carefully framed compositions. The 1980s Fort Kochi setting — old mansions, vintage cars and period costumes — is beautifully recreated.
Sushin Shyam’s score is the soul of the film. Its theme and songs like “Rathipushpam” became huge hits, and the background music turns ordinary scenes into events.
The production design deserves credit too. Interiors are cluttered with family photographs, religious images and heavy wooden furniture, so the Anjootty house feels lived-in rather than staged. Costumes quietly signal each character’s status within the clan.
Themes: Duty, Power and Family
At its heart, the film is about the cost of holding a family together. Michael has sacrificed his own life to keep the household running, yet the people he protects often resent him. That tension — respect mixed with jealousy — drives most of the conflict.
The Mahabharata parallel is used lightly. Rather than retelling the epic, the writers borrow its idea of a loyal elder caught between warring relatives. Viewers who know the epic will spot several references, while others can enjoy it simply as a crime drama.
The film also touches on religion, class and community within a mixed Fort Kochi neighbourhood, though it never lets these ideas slow the pace.
Pacing
The first half is deliberately slow, spending time on family gatherings and long conversations. The second half picks up sharply and builds to an action-heavy finale. Patient viewers will find the build-up rewarding; those expecting non-stop action may feel restless early on.
Bheeshma Parvam Review: Rating Breakdown
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Story | 3.5/5 |
| Mammootty’s performance | 4.5/5 |
| Direction & style | 4.5/5 |
| Music | 5/5 |
| Ensemble | 4/5 |
What works and what doesn’t
- Works: Michael’s aura, the period setting, the music, and an ensemble that feels like a real, dysfunctional family.
- Doesn’t: the core revenge story is predictable, and some characters are sketched only lightly.
How It Compares With Similar Malayalam Films
| Film | Year | Common ground |
|---|---|---|
| Big B | 2007 | Amal Neerad and Mammootty, stylish Kochi crime story |
| Lucifer | 2019 | Mass hero with a quiet, controlled screen presence |
| Aavesham | 2024 | Gangster swagger powered by a Sushin Shyam score |
If you enjoyed Michael’s calm authority, our Lucifer movie review covers a similar kind of slow-burn mass film.
Who should watch it?
Anyone who enjoys stylish gangster films or wants to see Mammootty at his most charismatic. It is also a great companion to Amal Neerad’s Big B. For more, read our Mammootty movies guide and our list of the best Malayalam action movies.
Viewing tips
Watch it with good speakers or headphones; the score is half the experience. Keep track of the family tree in the opening scenes, since many relatives are introduced quickly. The film has violence in its final act, so it suits teenagers and adults more than young children.
Final Verdict
To wrap up this Bheeshma Parvam review: it is a slick, swaggering family saga that may not reinvent the gangster genre but delivers it with enormous style. Mammootty’s Michael and Sushin Shyam’s music make it unforgettable.
Cinemas Diary Rating: 4/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Bheeshma Parvam?
It streams on JioHotstar (formerly Disney+ Hotstar).
Who composed the music for Bheeshma Parvam?
Sushin Shyam composed the songs and background score.
Is Bheeshma Parvam based on the Mahabharata?
It draws thematic inspiration from the Mahabharata and classic gangster films, but tells an original story.
When is Bheeshma Parvam set?
It is set in Fort Kochi in the 1980s.
Who directed Bheeshma Parvam?
Amal Neerad directed it and co-wrote it with Devadath Shaji.
Is Bheeshma Parvam violent?
It has stylised fights and some bloodshed, mostly in the second half, but it is not graphic by modern action-film standards.
What rating does this Bheeshma Parvam review give?
We rate it 4 out of 5.
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