For someone like me who has been widely and wildly influenced by classic as well as modern Malayalam cinema, Aaram Thamburan felt like a trite little story. A mysterious man, played charmingly by Mohanlal, arrives at a village with some ulterior motives and gains control of a historically important heirloom house. His strong and condescending ways to influence the naive yet devout villagers come off as something an evil lord would pull off, and Mohanlal does that with every single cell in his body. No doubt that the character is as charismatic as the actor who plays it, because the problem likes in the staleness and predictability of the story. Perhaps watching it in 2018, more than 20 years since its conception, may have caused this experience, but I honestly could not connect with the character. His ways are never in conjunction with his motives and that was the biggest issue for me. The periphery, however, is lit with some great performances and production. Manju Warrier may have crossed the line of overacting, but I think the blame is on director Shaji Kailas for sugarcoating her character. Supporting cast, most notably Narendra Prasad, do a very good job at keeping the viewer hooked, even if they are irritated by the 'thamburan'. With the eclectic song "Harimuraleeravam" sung with natural finesse, and a compelling soundtrack that uplifts certain sequences in the 160-minute long drama, Aaram Thamburan can very well be described as a film that you need to watch but not for enjoyment. The influence that it has on Malayalam pop culture is enough to consider it, but don't bite me if you get bored a bit. TN.

This movie is really good. Mohanlal sir is one of the best actors ever. He shows his class in every scene. Casting is almost perfect. Manju warrier is cute. Villain is very good. Direction, music, story & screenplay is brilliant. A MUST WATCH.

Malayalaali never forgets the hero of the movie Jagannathan. Bombay's top guy who comes back years after coming to his hometown to commit suicide by suing his father. The film develops through the crisis that he faces in the name of the owner who bought the man who bought him on his behalf and when the decision is made to hold a sideline.

Aaraam thamburaan changed the face of action movies in malayalam cinema of that time.It excels in every part.May it be acting,music,location,camera,casting,story,screenplay this movie will blow you away with its brilliance. It has a rock solid story & screenplay written by Ranjith, who penned other great movies combined with excellent direction by Shaji kailas.Mohanlal is the highlight of this movie. He delivers an outstanding performance. His diversity can be experienced from this movie. His majestic presence itself boosts the viewers to another level.Another highlight of this movie is the role of 'Kulappulli Appan' done by late Narendra prasad. It remains a classic villain portrayal in malayalam cinema.Manju warrier, one of the most talented actress Indian cinema has ever seen, puts up a clinical performance.Late, Oduvil unnikrishnan also stands out with his brilliant acting.Music by late Raveendran master is classic. All the songs in the movie are evergreen hits.Overall this movie is a must see if you love Indian cinema.I give it a 9/10.