Indian superhero films often try to copy Hollywood. Minnal Murali did the opposite. In this Minnal Murali review, we revisit Basil Joseph’s 2021 Netflix film — a superhero origin story set in a sleepy 1990s Kerala village, starring Tovino Thomas as a tailor struck by lightning and Guru Somasundaram as one of the most heartbreaking villains in Indian cinema.
It became one of the most-watched Indian films on Netflix and proved that a superhero story could feel completely local and still connect with the world.
Quick Verdict
- Rating: 4/5
- Best for: families, superhero fans and anyone who loves underdog stories.
- Highlights: Guru Somasundaram’s villain, Tovino Thomas, the village setting, the humour.
- Minor flaw: the first half is slow and the visual effects are modest.
Table of Contents
Minnal Murali: Movie Details
| Director | Basil Joseph |
|---|---|
| Writers | Arun Anirudhan, Justin Mathew |
| Cast | Tovino Thomas, Guru Somasundaram, Femina George, Aju Varghese, Harisree Ashokan, Shelly Kishore, Baiju |
| Producer | Sophia Paul (Weekend Blockbusters) |
| Release | 24 December 2021 on Netflix |
Story (No Spoilers)
In the village of Kurukkanmoola, Jaison (Tovino Thomas) is a tailor who dreams of moving to America. On Christmas night, he and another man, Shibu (Guru Somasundaram), are both struck by the same bolt of lightning. Both gain superpowers — but while Jaison slowly embraces his role as the masked protector “Minnal Murali”, Shibu, a lonely man who has been ignored and mocked all his life, takes a darker path driven by love and pain.
The film’s charm comes from how the village reacts: gossip, police confusion, local politics and plenty of comedy.
Revisiting the film for this Minnal Murali review, what stands out is how patiently it builds its world. We learn the village’s shops, families and grudges before any superpower appears, so the later chaos feels personal. The lightning strike is the spark, but the community is the real setting of the story, and several minor characters return to matter later on.
Hero and Villain
Tovino Thomas is endearing as Jaison — selfish and immature at first, slowly growing into a hero. His comic timing and physical commitment make the character work.
But many viewers consider Guru Somasundaram the true star. His Shibu is a tragic figure whose villainy grows out of rejection and loneliness. The film gives him a love story so moving that audiences find themselves sympathising with the antagonist. It is one of the finest villain performances in Indian superhero cinema.
Femina George as the martial-arts-loving Bruce Lee Biji and Aju Varghese as a bumbling police officer add humour.
Minnal Murali Review: Why It Feels Different
Basil Joseph, who had earlier directed Kunjiramayanam and Godha, grounds the superhero genre in village life. Jaison makes his mask from a scarf, tests his powers in the fields and worries about his family. The action is small-scale but inventive, and the story never forgets its human core. The music by Shaan Rahman (songs) and Sushin Shyam (score) adds to the fun.
That local flavour is exactly why it travelled. Viewers around the world enjoyed seeing a superhero shaped by a specific culture rather than a generic city. It paved the way for later Malayalam fantasy hits like ARM and Lokah.
Themes: Loneliness, Love and Belonging
Beneath the comedy, the film is about two outsiders. Jaison wants to escape the village; Shibu wants to be accepted by it. The same lightning gives both men power, but what they do with it depends on how the community has treated them. That mirror structure is the smartest idea in the screenplay.
The story also asks what makes someone a hero. Jaison does not become good the moment he gains powers. He needs his family, a young nephew who believes in him, and a series of mistakes before he understands responsibility. It is a familiar origin-story arc, but told with real warmth.
Finally, the film treats village life with affection rather than mockery. Tea-shop gossip, church festivals and local rivalries are part of the plot, not just background colour.
Direction and craft
Basil Joseph balances three tones — slapstick comedy, family drama and tragedy — without the film feeling uneven. The action set pieces are modest in scale but clearly staged, and the climax uses the village’s geography well. Sushin Shyam’s score gives the superhero moments a sense of lift, while Shaan Rahman’s songs keep the mood light.
How It Compares With Similar Malayalam Films
| Film | Year | Common ground |
|---|---|---|
| Kunjiramayanam | 2015 | Basil Joseph’s earlier village comedy |
| ARM | 2024 | Tovino Thomas in a fantasy adventure |
| Lokah Chapter 1 | 2025 | Malayalam superhero storytelling on a bigger scale |
For more on the director, see our Basil Joseph movies guide.
Rating Breakdown
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Story | 4/5 |
| Villain | 5/5 |
| Hero | 4/5 |
| Humour | 4/5 |
| Visual effects | 3/5 |
What works and what doesn’t
- Works: the emotional villain arc, the village comedy, a hero who feels human.
- Doesn’t: the first half takes its time, and the effects are limited by budget.
Who should watch it?
It is ideal for families and children, as well as adults who enjoy superhero stories with heart. See our Tovino Thomas movies guide and our list of the best Malayalam movies on Netflix.
Viewing tips
Be patient with the first hour, which sets up the village and its characters; the payoff comes later. Choose the original Malayalam audio with subtitles if you can, as much of the humour depends on local dialogue. It also makes a good Christmas-season watch, since the story begins on Christmas night.
Final Verdict
To conclude this Minnal Murali review: it is a warm, funny and emotional superhero film that proves local stories can feel universal. Guru Somasundaram’s villain alone makes it essential viewing.
Cinemas Diary Rating: 4/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Minnal Murali?
Minnal Murali streams on Netflix.
Who plays the villain in Minnal Murali?
Guru Somasundaram plays Shibu, the villain.
Is there a Minnal Murali 2?
A sequel has been discussed in the media, but no sequel had been released at the time of writing.
Who directed Minnal Murali?
Basil Joseph directed it, from a script by Arun Anirudhan and Justin Mathew.
Who composed the music?
Shaan Rahman composed the songs and Sushin Shyam composed the background score.
Is Minnal Murali suitable for kids?
Yes, it is largely family-friendly, with some mild violence.
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