‘I Am Kathalan’ Review: New Movie From ‘Premalu’ Duo Girish AD-Naslen Is ‘Funny and Engaging’ But Pretty Flawed, Say Critics

Naslen K Gafoor's latest film, I Am Kathalan, a techno-crime thriller directed by Girish AD, has been released to decent reviews. The film, which follows the story of a college student who hacks into a company's security system, has been praised for its intriguing plot and decent performances. However, some critics feel that the film lacks the magic of director Girish AD's previous works. Despite the lukewarm reception, I Am Kathalan is generating buzz and is worth a watch for fans of the genre. The movie also stars Lijomol Jose and Dileesh Pothan, among others. Check out the review roundup of the film below. ‘Thug Life’ Release Date Out; Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR and Mani Ratnam’s Actioner To Arrive in Theatres on June 5, 2025 (Watch Teaser Video).

Lensmen: "Dileesh Pothan was convincing as the main negative character, and his switching between being a bad guy and a panicked businessman was pretty seamless. The Karukutti universe permanent members Vineeth Vishwam, Vineeth Vasudevan, and the writer Sajin Cherukayil are there in funny and effective roles along with Premalu co-writer Kiran Josey. Lijomol Jose, as the ethical hacker, was also good, and it was actually nice to see a married woman who has taken a break from her job to raise her kid being portrayed as an ethical hacker."

OTT Play:" Naslen’s hacker-drama has some clever moments and benefits greatly from having Girish AD, who knows how to make movies that are relatable to the youth, at the helm. But for I Am Kathalan to truly click, it needed more heart, and that should have come from defining its characters and moments better through its writing." ‘The Paradise’: Nani Teams Up With Director Srikanth Odela Again for a High-Octane Action Thriller (View Poster).

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Fresh Update: "I Am Kathalan is a refreshing addition to Malayalam cinema, offering a nuanced, character-driven narrative with moments of humor and suspense. It may not cater to all tastes due to its emphasis on realism over drama, but for those who enjoy films grounded in authentic storytelling, it’s a worthy watch. With strong performances, engaging direction, and a storyline that resonates with a wide audience, I Am Kathalan has the potential to carve out a niche and become a memorable entry in the regional film industry."

So, after reading the above reviews of I Am Kathalan, will you watch it in the theatre near you?

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2024 03:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).