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Adventure thriller

Malik (2021): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Malik (2021) movie poster

Malik is a 2021 adventure thriller directed by Mahesh Narayanan, starring Fahadh Faasil as Ahammadali Sulaiman, Sanal Aman and Nimisha Sajayan. It runs 2 hours 41 minutes and was made on a reported $250 million budget. Its Echo Score is 85/100.

Echo Score
85
budget
$250M
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Malik (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 41m (161 min)
Director
Mahesh Narayanan
Original language
Malayalam
Budget
$250M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Malik About?

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

While incarcerated, a young criminal named Freddy is tasked with assassinating his estranged uncle, Sulaiman, an aging and troubled family patriarch. As Freddy prepares for the assignment, Sulaiman recounts a past filled with crime, death, and immense suffering, revealing the events that shaped his life and the dark legacy he leaves behind.

Malik Themes & Keywords

· 5 tags
  • criminal
  • gangster
  • death
  • past
  • surprise ending
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Cast & crew

Malik Cast & Characters

Fahadh Faasil leads the cast as Ahammadali Sulaiman, with Sanal Aman as Freddy and Nimisha Sajayan as Roseline. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan; 30 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Malik

· 26 more
Show all 30 cast members
From the director

More from Mahesh Narayanan

More films directed by Mahesh Narayanan: Ariyippu, C U Soon and Take Off.

Full filmography
Ratings

Malik Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).

85 /100

Malik Echo Score Breakdown

Malik delivers a compelling blend of strong direction, striking cinematography, and powerful performances, establishing it as a notable entry in contemporary Malayalam cinema. Critics and audiences alike commend Mahesh Narayanan's controlled scope and the nuanced portrayals by Fahadh Faasil and the supporting cast, while the visual style and soundtrack receive consistent praise. However, the film's considerable length and occasional pacing lulls, as well as an ambiguous ending, temper its overall impact. The net impression is a largely positive, albeit imperfect, cinematic experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film is widely lauded for its precise direction and meticulous visual execution. Critics highlight Narayanan's command over scope and technical excellence, while users repeatedly note the impressive cinematography and production values. Minor remarks about editing pace appear, but they do not outweigh the overall assessment of a technically polished work. Consequently, the artistic elements are judged to be among the film's strongest assets.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances receive overwhelming acclaim, especially Fahadh Faasil's layered portrayal and Nimisha Sajayan's nuanced presence. Reviewers describe the acting as delicate, majestic, and emotionally resonant, with supporting roles adding depth. A few dissenting comments note occasional forced expressions, yet the prevailing sentiment underscores a high caliber of acting throughout. Overall, character work is evaluated as highly effective and central to the film's appeal.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Story and flow generate mixed reactions, balancing intricate plotting with pacing concerns. Critics appreciate the film's ambitious narrative scope but point out uneven intensity and occasional faltering. Users mention a slow opening, a lengthy runtime, and an ambiguous conclusion that can impede clarity, though some celebrate its originality and thematic weight. The combined feedback suggests solid storytelling tempered by structural shortcomings, resulting in a moderate to good assessment.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    Sensory experience stands out through praised sound design, music, and visual style. Multiple reviewers highlight top‑notch cinematography, a compelling background score, and the evocative use of Kerala’s locales as a narrative element. While no significant criticisms emerge for the auditory or visual components, the consistency of positive remarks signals a strong sensory impact. This aspect is therefore rated highly for its contribution to the film’s atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    Rewatch factor is viewed positively, with audiences noting the film's depth warrants multiple viewings to grasp subtleties. Comments about lasting appeal, educational value for film students, and enduring performances support replay interest. Some users cite the film’s length and occasional drag as potential deterrents, yet the overall sentiment suggests a strong desire to revisit and discuss its layers. Thus, the rewatch potential is assessed as solidly favorable.

Plot

Malik Plot Summary

What happens in Malik from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ahammad Ali Sulaiman, Fahadh Faasil, sits at the center of Ramadapally, a coastal town where Muslims and Christians have coexisted for generations. His wife Roselyn, Nimisha Sajayan, a Christian woman, pushes him toward undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage in his middle years. Ali’s ally and political leader Aboobacker, Dileesh Pothan, is pushing for land seizures to fund a harbour project, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash over local power and fortune. When the police arrest Ali under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) at the airport, the fragile balance in Ramadapally begins to tilt.

Full summary

The whole story of Malik, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Malik?

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
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the lead role of Ahammad Ali Sulaiman in the film?

Details

Malik Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “มาลิค” and “王道”.

Also known as
  • มาลิค
  • 王道

Seen Malik?

FAQ

Malik FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, post-credit scenes and language of Malik, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Malik?

Malik runs 2 hours 41 minutes (161 minutes).

When was Malik released?

Malik was released on July 15, 2021.

Who directed Malik?

Malik was directed by Mahesh Narayanan.

More films by Mahesh Narayanan

Who is in the cast of Malik?

Malik stars Fahadh Faasil as Ahammadali Sulaiman, Sanal Aman as Freddy and Nimisha Sajayan as Roseline, among 30 credited actors.

What was the budget of Malik?

Malik had a reported budget of $250 million.

Does Malik have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Malik in?

The original language of Malik is Malayalam.

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