Odiyan is a fantasy thriller film directed by debutant V. A. Shrikumar Menon starring Mohanlal, Manju Warrier and Prakash Raj in lead roles. It is based on the legend of Odiyan.

Who is a Odiyan? 

Mammootty’s narrates it to you in top form which scares the hell out of you. 'Odiyans' in Kerala folklore are men possessing shapeshifting ability, who can assume animal form.

The movie starts with Odiyan Manikyan played by Mohanlal returns to his village Thenkurissi 15 years after he banished himself from the town. He is all aged up when he returns, and everyone hates him for coming back. Everyone abuses him for returning but he is forced to scare away a youngster by shape shifting. That’s when action sequence starts and Director Shrikumar uses graphics to create an impact to audience.

Then the movie is all about flashbacks where the humble friendship with Prabha played by Manju Warrier is shown. Also, the backstory introduces Prabha’s indecent and deceitful cousin Ravunni played by Prakash Raj. The flashback is at a good pace but you feel dragged at some place.

A rivalry is built between Odiyan Manikyan and Ravunni which leads to death of two people in Prabha's family. So, Ravunni creates a scenario which makes everyone believe that Odiyan has killed them. Then one the most heart-wrenching scene of the film comes when Odiyan begs her and tries to convince her that he has not killed them.

However, she tells him to leave the town for good. So, he banishes himself from the village. When he returns, how will it impact people involved with the death forms the crux of the story.

The movie has four fight sequences with the final fight between Odiyans being the most eye catching. The movie is fast paces for most parts.

Harikrishnan's script has been used by Director Shrikumar aptly and for a first time movie director it has been executed well.

Prakash Raj is at his best as a villain. And Manju Warrier does full justice to her meaty role.

Mohanlal’s character couldn’t be essayed by anyone else as he is best suited for this role, moreover he can do any role. He has put in a lot of effort for this role and also has reduced about 18 Kgs.

Also Read: 6 of Mohanlal's Lesser Known roles

Cinematography by Shaji Kumar is noteworthy. M. Jayachandran's music is soothing enough.

The movie is little but lengthy with 167 mins but you never get bored with high engaging action sequence framed by Peter Hein. Graphics used by Director Shrikumar to execute the concept and the fight sequences looks very refreshing. As mentioned earlier, Mammootty's narration about how Odiyan strikes fear is something to watch out for. 

The film has set a lot of anticipation among Lalettan's fans due to its marketing campaigns and reports also state that the film has raked 100 Crores even before the release.

Keeping all this in mind, Odiyan is highly engaging and crowd pleasing movie. Go watch this weekend with your family and friends as overall it is a very well executed movie. 

Check our video Odiyan Movie review by Balesh: