The film Vilayath Buddha starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role has been released in theaters on 21 November 2025 i.e. today. Directed by debutant Jayan Nambiar, the action-thriller drama is an adaptation of the novel of the same name.
If you are planning to watch the film in theaters this weekend, here is the Pinkvilla review.
plot
Vilayath Buddha follows the story of Double Mohanan in Marayur village. The man is involved in sandalwood smuggling, making him a notorious figure among the villagers and a hero to some others.
In the same village, Bhaskaran Master, a retired school teacher, has planted a rare, fragrant sandalwood tree in his premises, which he protects out of personal vendetta. However, when Mohanan sets his sights on it, he wants to acquire it and make a profit.
Furthermore, his mission to acquire the tree from his former school teacher is not just for profit but also as a means of revenge. The clash of egos, and whether Mohanan succeeds in his plans or not, forms the crux of the story.
Good
Vilayatha Buddha shows promise with the premise it presents. The film may not offer anything completely new from a story perspective, but the emotions it conveys definitely leave an impact on the audience.
The source material, a novel of the same name, presents an interesting and engaging thriller. The film succeeds in touching on some of these elements, even if it falters in the conclusion. With so many interesting characters, the film had the potential to be truly impressive.
While the performances are top notch, especially those of Prithviraj and Shammi, the film’s action choreography and raw intensity is also praiseworthy.
Furthermore, Jake Bejoy once again excels in style with a heart-wrenching background score that elevates the otherwise dull narration. Undoubtedly, he is one of the best composers of contemporary Malayalam cinema.
Additionally, Arvind S. of Kantara fame and Renadive. Kashyap’s cinematography deserves special appreciation for capturing the tranquility of Marayoor.
bad
When adapting a novel into a screenplay, many writers fail to execute it effectively, and Vilayath Buddha also faces the same problem. The narrative is slow, shallow and dull, causing the initially interesting build-up and premise to collapse like a house of cards on a rickety bridge.
The film fails to bring out the basic concept of a clash of egos between the two men. While Prithviraj himself has successfully delivered such dynamism in previous ventures like Driving License and Ayyappanum Koshiyum, the execution this time is not up to its potential.
Despite having the right profile to deliver a strong adaptation, the film fails not only from an adaptation standpoint, but also from a storytelling standpoint, going a little beyond the formulaic action tropes.
With an average first half and a sluggish second half, the film would have benefited from a shorter runtime. Additionally, the dialogue is amateurish and appears to stem from a lack of obvious effort.
Display
Vilayath Buddha features intense performances by Prithviraj Sukumaran and Shammi Thilakan. The actors carry the narrative, even if the story ultimately rests heavily on their shoulders.
While Prithviraj gives his best performance, Shammi pretty much steals the show with his impeccable character adaptation, and often reminds the audience of his father Thilakan. Actress Priyamvada Krishnan also shows promise as the leading lady.
Watch the trailer of Vilayath Buddha
Decision
Vilayath Buddha is an example of what happens when an adaptation does not live up to the reader’s imagination. With poor execution and an overly extended timeline, it’s hard to see it in theaters. However, if you enjoy strong performances, it may still be worth a watch.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. Any statements made in this article are not intended to defame, harm, or discredit any person or entity.
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