2018 (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 30m (150 min)
- Director
- Jude Anthany Joseph
- Original language
-
Malayalam
- Studio
- Anto Joseph Film Company
- Budget
- $300M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- disaster
- epic
- epic drama
- evacuation
- survival drama
- kerala floods 2018
- fisherman
- all star cast
- based on true story
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.
- Director Jude Anthany Joseph
- Tovino Thomas as Anoop
-
Indrans as Bhasi - Tanvi Ram as Manju
- Aparna Balamurali as Noora
Also Starring in 2018
· 40 more- Kalaiyarasan Sethupathy
- Siddique Noora's Father
- Kunchacko Boban Shaji Punnoose
- Lal Mathachan
- Asif Ali Nixon
- Gilu Joseph Jiji
- S.P. Sreekumar Joseph
- Joy Mathew Chandy
- Aju Varghese Jacob Koshy
- Sudheesh Varghese
- Devanandha Shaji's Daughter
- Jaffer Idukki Aravindan
- Janardhanan Chief Minister
- Renji Panicker Anu's Father
- Santhakumari Villager
- Kalabhavan Haneef Dam Operator
Show all 44 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Sreejith Ravi
- Ramesh Thilak Ashok
- Shobha Mohan Rameshan's Mother
- Rony David Raj Cleetus
- Narain Winston
- Vineeth Sreenivasan Ramesh
- Shebin Benson Nahas
- Sshivada Nair Sindhu
- Krishna
- Pauly Valsan
- Balaji Sarma
- Harikrishnan Alex
- Nandu Poduval
- Jayakrishnan
- Sreeja Ravi Anoop's Mother
- Gibin Gopinath Bastin
- Boban Samuel Police Officer
- Jayakumar Parameswaran Pillai Ravi
- Nandan Unni
- Vinitha Koshy Pregnant Lady
- Sini Abraham Rescue Volunteer
- Gauthami Nair Anupama
- Nileen Sandra Tina
- Nandu Anand Navy Rescuer
More from Jude Anthany Joseph
More films directed by Jude Anthany Joseph: Sara’S and Ohm Shanthi Oshaana.
2018 Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (73).
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.
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
2018 Box Office & Budget
2018 grossed $4.6 million worldwide on a $300 million budget.
Worldwide gross
$4.6M
- International
- $4.6M
- Budget
- $300M
2018 Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.
- Teaser Official Teaser
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the profession of the visually impaired shop owner where Anoop works?
Seen 2018?
Movies Like 2018
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including 2022 Tsunami, Flood and The Flood.
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.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
