If murder mysteries are your go-to genre and Malayalam cinema is your latest obsession (thanks to gems like Drishyam and Joji), then Amala might just catch your attention. But hold on—don’t expect a masaledaar dhamaka. This one’s more like a slow-cooked biryani that smells delicious but doesn’t hit all the right spices.
Originally released in 2023 in Malayalam, ‘Amala’ has now made its way to Hindi audiences. You can stream it with subtitles on Amazon Prime Video or watch the Hindi-dubbed version on Ultra Play. At just under two hours (1 hr 58 min), it promises suspense, drama, and a few chills—but does it truly deliver?
A Blood-Soaked Beginning, But…
The story kicks off with a gruesome night of multiple murders, setting the stage for a classic whodunit. A talented police officer, portrayed with steely resolve, is tasked with cracking the case. Sounds gripping, right? But just when you expect the plot to tighten its grip, it starts to loosen.
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The investigation drags. One scene jumps to another without proper transitions, and before you can process one clue, another pops up like an unrelated flashback. The suspense fizzles, and what could’ve been a Sherlock Holmes meets Malayalam cinema thriller turns into a slightly scattered puzzle.
A Cast Full of Potential
There’s no doubt the cast works hard. Anarkali Marikar, Rajisha Vijayan, and Srikant lead the charge with strong screen presence, supported by Sharath Appani, Ditto Davis, Sajitha Madathil, and Vaishnav. Their performances add weight to otherwise loosely written scenes.
Directed by Nishad Ibrahim, Amala boasts slick cinematography and moody visuals that keep you visually invested, even when the story doesn’t quite hold up. The production is backed by Mascot Productions, who manage to give the film a polished look despite the narrative hiccups.
What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Let’s talk turkey. If you’re in the mood for something with decent background music, atmospheric visuals, and a few suspenseful sequences, Amala will do the job for a lazy weekend. But if you’re looking for that next big edge-of-the-seat thriller, this might feel more like a rerun.
The biggest letdown? Predictability. The plot unravels just the way you think it would—no curveballs, no gasp-worthy twists. You’ll see the climax coming from a mile away. And for hardcore mystery fans, that’s a bit of a buzzkill.
OTT and Dub Experience
Now streaming in Hindi on Ultra Play, the dubbing is passable. It doesn’t distract, but it doesn’t elevate either. The original Malayalam version on Prime Video, with subtitles, offers a better emotional connection—especially for those who enjoy the subtlety of native performances.
If you’re watching purely for the language or regional storytelling appeal, the Malayalam version might offer slightly more authenticity and tone.
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch, But Keep Those Expectations in Check
Amala is a classic case of a film that had all the ingredients—a compelling premise, talented cast, good production value—but somehow misses the emotional punch and narrative coherence. If you’re a die-hard fan of Malayalam cinema or simply love exploring regional thrillers, go ahead and give it a shot. Just don’t walk in expecting the next Drishyam.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Watch it for the vibe, the visuals, and a whiff of suspense—but be prepared for a few yawns along the way. And as always, BollywoodTime.in will keep bringing you the hits, the misses, and the ones in between.
