Acclaimed actor Suriya and actress Jyothika have showered praise on director Chidambaram’s latest Malayalam film Balan – The Boy, describing it as another remarkable cinematic achievement from the Malayalam film industry. The crime drama thriller has been receiving widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike since its release, following Chidambaram’s blockbuster success with Manjummel Boys.
Sharing his thoughts on social media after watching the film, Suriya said Balan – The Boy reflects Chidambaram’s determination to create a completely different cinematic experience after the phenomenal success of Manjummel Boys. He described the film as another outstanding contribution from Malayalam cinema and praised writer Jithu Madhavan for crafting a unique and compelling story.
Suriya also commended Chidambaram for placing his trust in newcomers Farzana Palathingal, Aadhiseshan, and Muhammad Sinan, while effectively utilizing Tovino Thomas in the role of Abbas without relying on his star image. He appreciated the film’s unpredictable narrative, performances, cinematography, music, art direction, and sound design, calling each department exceptional.
He reserved special praise for composer Sushin Shyam, whose background score significantly enhances the film’s emotional depth and suspense. Suriya further noted that the performances by the newcomers inspired him as an actor, saying they reminded him of the importance of continuously refining one’s craft.
Jyothika also expressed her admiration for the film, calling it one of Chidambaram’s finest directorial works. She praised Jithu Madhavan’s screenplay for seamlessly blending empathy, mystery, innocence, and criminal instinct into a deeply engaging narrative, describing the film as a masterpiece.
She highlighted Farzana Palathingal’s powerful portrayal of womanhood, while also appreciating the performances of Aadhiseshan, Muhammad Sinan, and veteran actress Dolly June, whose portrayal of the elderly character left a lasting impression. According to Jyothika, each actor delivered emotionally resonant performances that elevated the film.
Jyothika also praised Tovino Thomas for setting aside his star persona to deliver one of his finest performances. She described Shyju Khalid’s cinematography as visually poetic, with beautifully composed frames, while applauding Sushin Shyam’s music for perfectly balancing tension in the first half and emotional moments in the latter half. She called Balan – The Boy a complete visual treat and urged audiences not to miss it in theatres.
The actress further described the film as a touching story of motherhood and innocence set against the backdrop of a harsh world, adding that it is another proud achievement for the Malayalam film industry.
About the Film
Balan – The Boy is an emotional crime drama thriller that follows the journey of a mother and her son, exploring themes of identity, survival, and resilience. Chidambaram’s direction and Jithu Madhavan’s screenplay have been widely praised as the film’s biggest strengths, complemented by Sushin Shyam’s acclaimed background score.
The film was also screened at the Marché du Film during the Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive critical appreciation from international audiences.
The cast includes Farzana Palathingal, Aadhiseshan, Muhammad Sinan, Tovino Thomas, Dolly June, Jean Paul Lal, Girish A.D., and Beena Antony, all of whom have been praised for their performances.
Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn under the banners of KVN Productions and Thespian Films, Balan – The Boy has been released in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, expanding its reach to audiences across India.
