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Adventure thriller

2018 (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

2018 (2023) movie poster

2018 is a 2023 adventure thriller directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, starring Tovino Thomas as Anoop, Indrans and Tanvi Ram. It runs 2 hours 30 minutes and earned $4.6 million worldwide on a $300 million budget. Its Echo Score is 85/100.

worldwide gross
$4.6M
Echo Score
85
budget
$300M
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2018 (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 30m (150 min)
Original language
Malayalam
Budget
$300M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is 2018 About?

The premise of 2018 without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

The film portrays the devastating 2018 Kerala floods, following individuals from diverse backgrounds as they confront sudden, catastrophic loss. Amid rising waters and collapsing homes, strangers and neighbors unite, sharing resources and bravery in a collective fight for survival against the relentless calamity.

2018 Themes & Keywords

· 21 tags
  • survival
  • original story
  • disaster action
  • inspired by a true story
  • destruction
  • kerala india
  • 2010s
  • television reporter
  • flood
  • year in title
  • year 2018
  • 21st century
+9 more
  • disaster
  • epic
  • epic drama
  • evacuation
  • survival drama
  • kerala floods 2018
  • fisherman
  • all star cast
  • based on true story
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Cast & crew

2018 Cast & Characters

Tovino Thomas leads the cast as Anoop, with Indrans as Bhasi and Tanvi Ram as Manju. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph; 44 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in 2018

· 40 more
Show all 44 cast members
From the director

More from Jude Anthany Joseph

More films directed by Jude Anthany Joseph: Sara’S and Ohm Shanthi Oshaana.

Full filmography
Ratings

2018 Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (73).

85 /100

2018 Echo Score Breakdown

The film delivers a compelling tribute to Kerala's 2018 floods, excelling in emotional resonance and technical execution. Reviewers highlight the authentic depiction of disaster, strong ensemble performances, and immersive soundscape that together create a lasting impression. While a few note pacing unevenness in the second half, the overall consensus praises its heartfelt storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship, resulting in a highly favorable assessment.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of direction, cinematography, and production design, the film garners strong acclaim. Critics note breathtaking flood visuals, meticulous set details, and generally seamless editing that sustains narrative flow. Some mention isolated editing lapses, but the majority regard the technical work as a benchmark for regional cinema. Consequently, the art and craft aspect scores near the top end of the scale.

  • Character & Emotion 84

    Character and emotional performance receive consistent praise across reviews. Lead actors are described as delivering nuanced, authentic portrayals that anchor the disaster narrative. Several reviewers highlight the ensemble's ability to convey collective resilience, though a few observe predictable arcs for certain roles. Overall, the acting strength translates to a high, though not flawless, character score.

  • Story & Flow 73

    The story’s structure is praised for its emotional core and realistic depiction of flood aftermath. Reviewers commend the intertwining of multiple personal narratives, yet some point out a generic screenplay, foreshadowing issues, and a lack of sustained thriller tension in the second half. This mix of strong engagement and noted pacing concerns yields a moderate‑to‑high story rating.

  • Sensory Experience 83

    Sensory experience, particularly sound design and musical score, is highlighted as a major strength, with the background music described as mesmerizing and fitting. Cinematography is frequently called breathtaking, though early promotional visuals were less impressive. The overall sensory impact is judged highly effective, supporting an elevated score in this category.

  • Rewatch Factor 87

    Rewatch value is emphasized through repeated emotional impact and lasting resonance with audiences. Reviewers mention lingering memories of characters, tear‑inducing scenes, and a desire to view the film again for its tribute to real-life heroism. The consensus that the film remains compelling on subsequent viewings justifies a top‑tier rewatch factor score.

Plot

2018 Plot Summary

What happens in 2018 from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 2018, in the small village of Aruvikulam, Anoop, Tovino Thomas, a former military officer haunted by the trauma of witnessing soldiers’ deaths, runs a shop managed by Bhasi, Indrans, who is visually impaired. Anoop’s heart is drawn to Manju, Tanvi Ram, a teacher at the local government school, and the two dream of marriage. To secure a Dubai visa, Anoop enlists the help of his friend Rameshan, who struggles with a latent marital crisis. Noora, Aparna Balamurali, a TV reporter covering water scarcity, meets Sethupathi, Kalaiyarasan, a truck driver from a drought-stricken Tamil Nadu village, and their encounter sets off a chain of events that pulls Noora toward Kerala, where her family faces health challenges. Noora’s Father, Siddique, watches his daughter’s work with a mix of pride and worry.

Full summary

The whole story of 2018, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

2018 Box Office & Budget

2018 grossed $4.6 million worldwide on a $300 million budget.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.6M

International
$4.6M
Budget
$300M
Videos

2018 Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

Official Trailer
  • Teaser Official Teaser
Quiz

How Well Do You Know 2018?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the profession of the visually impaired shop owner where Anoop works?

Seen 2018?

FAQ

2018 FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of 2018, each answered in a sentence.

How long is 2018?

2018 runs 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes).

When was 2018 released?

2018 was released on May 5, 2023.

Who directed 2018?

2018 was directed by Jude Anthany Joseph.

More films by Jude Anthany Joseph

Who is in the cast of 2018?

2018 stars Tovino Thomas as Anoop, Indrans as Bhasi and Tanvi Ram as Manju, among 44 credited actors.

How much did 2018 make at the box office?

2018 grossed $4.6 million worldwide on a budget of $300 million.

Does 2018 have a post-credit scene?

No. 2018 has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is 2018 in?

The original language of 2018 is Malayalam.

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