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Action film

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

Ranam (2018) movie poster

Ranam is a 2018 action film directed by Nirmal Sahadev, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran as Aadhi, Nandhu and Mathew Arun. It runs 2 hours 22 minutes and earned $142,281 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 61/100.

worldwide gross
$142.3K
Echo Score
61
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Ranam (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 22m (142 min)
Director
Nirmal Sahadev
Genre
Action
Original language
Malayalam
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Ranam About?

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

The story of the Indian immigrant community in Detroit, where a garage mechanic gets unwillingly involved in the criminal world as a getaway driver.

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Cast & crew

Ranam Cast & Characters

Prithviraj Sukumaran leads the cast as Aadhi, with Nandhu as Bhaskar and Mathew Arun as Aju. Directed by Nirmal Sahadev; 16 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Ranam

· 12 more
From the director

More from Nirmal Sahadev

One more film directed by Nirmal Sahadev: Kumari.

Full filmography
Ratings

Ranam Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 61/100, strongest in sensory experience (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (44).

61 /100

Ranam Echo Score Breakdown

Ran​am delivers a technically polished experience, with strong cinematography, vivid production design, and a memorable score that capture its Detroit setting. However, the narrative falters; the script is uneven, pacing drags in the second half, and character motivations often feel under‑developed. Critics acknowledge competent direction but note missed opportunities in storytelling and emotional depth. The mixed reception results in a moderate overall rating, reflecting both its visual prowess and its narrative shortcomings.

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

  • Art & Craft 72

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in visual execution, featuring striking cinematography and a polished production design that evoke a Hollywood feel. Reviewers commend the effective use of lighting, camera work, and overall technical finesse. Some criticism is directed at uneven editing and moments of direction that feel less cohesive. Overall, the strong visual foundation outweighs the occasional lapses, resulting in a solid technical rating.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are mixed. Lead actors receive praise for their presence and occasional nuance, yet several characters lack depth, and chemistry between leads is described as unconvincing. Critics highlight a failure to generate empathy for protagonists and note miscasting in supporting roles. The uneven character development reduces emotional resonance, balancing the few strong portrayals with notable weaknesses.

  • Story & Flow 48

    The story and flow receive considerable criticism for an uneven script and pacing issues, particularly in the second half where the narrative drags. While the opening builds tension, the plot is called convoluted and at times clichéd, limiting engagement. Originality is acknowledged in the Detroit setting, yet overall coherence suffers, leading to a below‑average assessment of the storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    Sensory experience stands out as a major strength; the soundtrack and background score are repeatedly described as splendid and integral to the film’s mood. Audio design, along with the vibrant visual palette, creates an immersive atmosphere that aligns with the film’s gritty setting. Positive remarks dominate this aspect, resulting in a high sensory rating.

  • Rewatch Factor 44

    Rewatch factor is limited by the script’s inconsistencies and pacing problems, which diminish long‑term appeal. Although some viewers find the visual and musical elements enjoyable on repeat viewings, most criticize the lack of narrative depth and character investment, reducing incentive for multiple watches. Consequently, the film scores low on replay value.

Plot

Ranam Plot Summary

What happens in Ranam from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Aadhi, a former drug dealer and enforcer for the Sri Lankan crime lord Damodar. He lives in Detroit, right on the Canada–United States border, and makes a living as a mechanic at a car workshop run by his older cousin, Nandhu as Bhaskar. Bhaskar’s son, Mathew Arun as Aju, has a crush on his classmate Deepika, Celine Joseph as Deepika, who is the daughter of corrupt banker Rajan and his wife Seema, Isha Talwar as Seema. Ahmed, an investigation officer and Seema’s ex-boyfriend, knows the family dynamics all too well.

Full summary

The whole story of Ranam, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Ranam Box Office

Ranam grossed $142,281 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$142.3K

International
$142.3K
Videos

Ranam Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Ranam.

RANAM OFFICIAL TRAILER | NIRMAL SAHADEV | PRITHVIRAJ SUKUMARAN | RAHMAN | ISHA TALWAR
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Ranam?

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

Which actor plays the lead character Aadhi in the movie?

Details

Ranam Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “Detroit Crossing” and “Ranam : Detroit Crossing”.

Also known as
  • Detroit Crossing
  • Ranam : Detroit Crossing

Seen Ranam?

FAQ

Ranam FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Ranam?

Ranam runs 2 hours 22 minutes (142 minutes).

When was Ranam released?

Ranam was released on September 6, 2018.

Who directed Ranam?

Ranam was directed by Nirmal Sahadev.

More films by Nirmal Sahadev

Who is in the cast of Ranam?

Ranam stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as Aadhi, Nandhu as Bhaskar and Mathew Arun as Aju, among 16 credited actors.

How much did Ranam make at the box office?

Ranam grossed $142,281 worldwide.

Does Ranam have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Ranam in?

The original language of Ranam is Malayalam.

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