Rajesh Ghosh at 10:57, 17 January 2026

2026-01-17T10:57:12Z

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{{short description|2024 Indian film}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Thalavan
| image = Thalavan.jpeg
| alt =
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jis Joy]]
| producer = Arun Narayan<br>Sijo Sebastian
| writer = Anand Thevarkkat<br>Sarath Perumbavoor
{{Infobox| decat = yes | child = yes
| label1 = Dialogues by
| data1 = {{Ubl|Jis Joy}}
}}
| starring = [[Biju Menon]]<br>[[Asif Ali (actor)|Asif Ali]]
| narrator =
| music = [[Deepak Dev]]
| editing = Sooraj E. S.
| cinematography = Sharan Velayudhan
| studio = Arun Narayan Productions<br/>London Studios
| distributor = {{Unbulleted_list|Central Pictures|Phars Films (Overseas)|[[Yash Raj Films]] (UK/Europe)}}
| released = {{Film date|2024|05|24|df=yes}}
| runtime = 133 minutes
| country = [[India]]
| language = [[Malayalam]]
| budget =
| gross = {{INR}}46.60 crore<ref name=bo>{{cite web |title=Thalavan movie total collection: തീയറ്ററുകളില്‍ 75 ദിവസം! ടോട്ടല്‍ ബിസിനസ്സ് 46.6 കോടി, രണ്ടാം ഭാഗം ഉടൻ |url=https://malayalam.indiatoday.in/cinema/story/total-collection-of-asif-ali-biju-menon-starrer-malayalam-film-thalavan-out-rrn-1071641-2024-08-14 |publisher=[[India Today]] |access-date=1 May 2025 |date=14 August 2024}}</ref>
}}

'''''Thalavan''''' ({{Translation|Chief}}) is a [[List of Malayalam films of 2024|2024]] Indian [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]]-language [[Police procedural film|police procedural]] [[Crime-thriller film|crime thriller film]] directed by [[Jis Joy]] and written by Anand Thevarkkat and Sarath Perumbavoor. The film stars [[Biju Menon]] and [[Asif Ali (actor)|Asif Ali]], with [[Miya George]], [[Anusree]], [[Dileesh Pothan]] and [[Kottayam Nazeer]] in supporting roles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biju Menon, Asif Ali's next with Jis Joy titled 'Thalavan' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/biju-menon-asif-alis-next-with-jis-joy-titled-thalavan/article67626982.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=11 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/biju-menon-asif-alis-next-with-jis-joy-titled-thalavan/article67626982.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=First look poster of Biju Menon-Asif Ali's 'Thalavan' out! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/first-look-poster-of-biju-menon-asif-alis-thalavan-out/articleshow/106087179.cms?from=mdr |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=18 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/first-look-poster-of-biju-menon-asif-alis-thalavan-out/articleshow/106087179.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=look>{{cite web |title=Thalavan - പോലീസ് തൊപ്പി വച്ച് യൂണിഫോമിൽ ആസിഫ് അലി, കാക്കി അണിഞ്ഞ് ബിജു മേനോൻ; 'തലവൻ' ഫസ്റ്റ് ലുക്ക് |url=https://malayalam.news18.com/news/film/thalavan-movie-starring-biju-menon-and-asif-ali-got-its-first-look-poster-mm-644514.html |publisher=[[News 18]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=17 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://malayalam.news18.com/news/film/thalavan-movie-starring-biju-menon-and-asif-ali-got-its-first-look-poster-mm-644514.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The film was released on 24 May 2024. It received positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success at the box office.<ref name=":0" />

== Plot ==
The film begins with retired [[Deputy superintendent of police|DYSP]] Udayabhanu, who has transitioned from his police career to hosting a popular television show where he narrates real-life crime stories from his past. The central plot kicks off when Udayabhanu reluctantly decides to cover the infamous "Cheppanamthotta Case," a case that had shocked the community and involved two police officers, [[Circle Inspector]] Jayashankar and [[Sub-Inspector]] Karthik.

The narrative flashes back to the events leading up to the case. Karthik, known for his righteous approach, releases a man named Manu Das, who was caught in an attempted murder case but claimed it was an act of self-defense. This decision causes tension within the police department, especially with Jayashankar, a seasoned and more pragmatic officer. Their professional relationship is further strained when Manu Das is rearrested, adding layers of complexity and mistrust between them.

As the story unfolds, Jayashankar finds himself in the midst of a personal nightmare. He discovers the lifeless body of Ramya, the wife of a man he had previously arrested, on his terrace. Despite having no evidence directly linking him to the crime, Jayashankar is arrested and charged with her murder. This shocking development sets off an intense investigation that puts both Jayashankar and Karthik's principles and careers to the test.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|* [[Biju Menon]] as [[Circle Inspector|CI]] later [[Deputy Superintendent of Police|DySP]] Jayashankar
* [[Asif Ali (actor)|Asif Ali]] as [[Sub-inspector|SI]] later [[Circle Inspector|CI]] Karthik Ravindran
* [[Miya George]] as Sunitha, Jayashankar's wife
* [[Anusree]] as Ramya, Joshy's wife
* [[Dileesh Pothan]] as Retd. [[Deputy superintendent|DySP]] Udhayabanu
* [[Shankar Ramakrishnan]] as [[Superintendent (police)|SP]] Hemanth Ram
* [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]] as [[Home Minister]] T. K. Raghavan
* [[Kottayam Nazeer]] as [[Civil Police Officer|CPO]] Reghu
* [[Jaffar Idukki]] as Allappan
* Bilas Chandrahasan Nair as Retd. [[Sub-inspector|ASI]] Shivadhasan
* Joji John as [[Assistant sub-inspector of police|ASI]] Venu
* Renjit Shekar as [[Civil Police Officer|CPO]] Harris
* Anuroop p as Sajeevan
* [[Sujith Shankar]] as Joshy
* [[Tessa Joseph]] as Reshma Hemanth
* [[Dinesh Prabhakar]] as Vinayakan
* [[Nebish Benson]] as Arun Shivadhasan}}

==Production==
Director Jis Joy, who has previously worked with actor Asif Ali in four films signed the actor again, this time with actor [[Biju Menon]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Asif Ali, Biju Menon collaborate for police thriller. See motion poster |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/12/16/thalavan-jis-joy-biju-menon-asif-ali-dileesh-pothen.html |publisher=[[Onmanorama]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/12/16/thalavan-jis-joy-biju-menon-asif-ali-dileesh-pothen.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Debutants Anand Thevarkatt and Sharath Perumbavoor were hired to write the screenplay.<ref name=screen/><ref>{{cite web |title=Jis Joy unveils 'Thalavan': A high-octane investigative thriller starring Biju Menon and Asif Ali |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jis-joy-unveils-thalavan-a-high-octane-investigative-thriller-starring-biju-menon-and-asif-ali/articleshow/105874154.cms?from=mdr |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=10 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jis-joy-unveils-thalavan-a-high-octane-investigative-thriller-starring-biju-menon-and-asif-ali/articleshow/105874154.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> Arun Narayan, who had earlier produced ''[[Eesho]]'' and ''[[Chaaver]]'' decided to produce the film with Sijo Sebastian.<ref>{{cite web |title=കാക്കിക്കുള്ളിലെ പോരാട്ട കഥയുമായി ബിജു മേനോനും ആസിഫ് അലിയും; 'തലവൻ' സെക്കന്റ് ലുക്ക് |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/biju-menon-and-asif-ali-movie-thalavan-second-look-poster-nrn-s60d11 |publisher=[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=21 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/biju-menon-and-asif-ali-movie-thalavan-second-look-poster-nrn-s60d11 |url-status=live }}</ref> Actors [[Miya George]], [[Dileesh Pothan]] and [[Shankar Ramakrishnan]] were signed for key roles.<ref>{{cite web |title=കാക്കിക്കുള്ളിലെ പോരാട്ടങ്ങളുടെ കഥയുമായി ബിജു മേനോനും ആസിഫ് അലിയും; ജിസ് ജോയ് ചിത്രം 'തലവൻ' സെക്കന്റ് ലുക്ക് പോസ്റ്റർ |url=https://malayalam.indiatoday.in/cinema/story/asif-ali-and-biju-menon-movie-thalavan-second-look-poster-729634-2023-12-21 |publisher=[[India Today]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=21 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213610/https://malayalam.indiatoday.in/cinema/story/asif-ali-and-biju-menon-movie-thalavan-second-look-poster-729634-2023-12-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Biju Menon]] was signed as a natural choice for the cop, as he had done many cop roles earlier in his career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biju Menon, Asif Ali's upcoming thriller Thalavan's motion poster is out now |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/biju-menon-asif-alis-upcoming-thriller-thalavans-motion-poster-is-out-now/45d641cbf8914 |publisher=OttPlay |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=9 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://www.ottplay.com/news/biju-menon-asif-alis-upcoming-thriller-thalavans-motion-poster-is-out-now/45d641cbf8914 |url-status=live }}</ref> The director, Jis Joy, claimed ''Thalavan'' as his most successful film in terms of canvas.<ref>{{cite web |title='Thalavan' will see Asif Ali & Biju Menon at their best: Director Jis Joy |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/dec/12/thalavan-will-see-asif-ali--biju-menon-at-their-best-directorjis-joy-2640636.html |publisher=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=12 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/dec/12/thalavan-will-see-asif-ali--biju-menon-at-their-best-directorjis-joy-2640636.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=screen>{{cite web |title=Second look poster of Asif Ali and Biju Menon's Thalavan is out |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/dec/20/second-look-poster-of-asif-ali-and-biju-menons-thalavan-is-out-50582.html |publisher=[[Cinema Express]] |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213609/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/dec/20/second-look-poster-of-asif-ali-and-biju-menons-thalavan-is-out-50582.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=look/>

== Release and reception ==
''Thalavan'' released on 24 May 2024, received generally positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-09 |title='Thalavan', starring Biju Menon and Asif Ali, gets a release date |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thalavan-starring-biju-menon-and-asif-ali-gets-a-release-date/article68157285.ece |access-date=2024-05-26 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Swathi P Ajith of ''[[Onmanorama]]'' gave a positive review praising the film as a well-crafted investigative thriller with strong performances from the leads.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title='Thalavan': A well-crafted investigative thriller with strong performances from Biju Menon, Asif Ali {{!}} Movie Review |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2024/05/24/thalavan-movie-review-biju-menon-asif-ali-jis-joy-malayalam.html |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=Onmanorama |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526124229/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2024/05/24/thalavan-movie-review-biju-menon-asif-ali-jis-joy-malayalam.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Vivek Santhosh of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' also gave a positive review rating the movie 3/5.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santhosh |first=Vivek |date=2024-05-25 |title='Thalavan' movie review: An engaging whodunit amid few missteps |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2024/May/25/thalavan-movie-review-an-engaging-whodunit-amid-few-missteps |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526124229/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2024/May/25/thalavan-movie-review-an-engaging-whodunit-amid-few-missteps |url-status=live }}</ref> Writing for ''[[The Hindu]]'', S. R. Praveen praised the film for its intriguing plot but felt it fell short of its potential.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=S. R. |date=2024-05-24 |title='Thalavan' movie review: Biju Menon, Asif Ali's thriller has an intriguing plot, but ends up wasting its potential |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thalavan-movie-review-biju-menon-asif-alis-thriller-has-an-intriguing-plot-but-ends-up-wasting-its-potential/article68211119.ece |access-date=2024-05-26 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526124229/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thalavan-movie-review-biju-menon-asif-alis-thriller-has-an-intriguing-plot-but-ends-up-wasting-its-potential/article68211119.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> In contrast, Anandu Suresh of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave a negative review; remarking "Jis Joy's film suffers from poorly crafted dialogues, a weak script that fails to elevate the film and abrupt shifts in tone between a police procedural and a crime thriller that detract from the overall experience."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-24 |title=Thalavan movie review: Asif Ali, Biju Menon's crime thriller is marred by bizarre dialogues, weak script |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thalavan-movie-review-asif-ali-biju-menons-crime-thriller-is-marred-by-bizarre-dialogues-weak-script-9348068/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526124229/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thalavan-movie-review-asif-ali-biju-menons-crime-thriller-is-marred-by-bizarre-dialogues-weak-script-9348068/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Box office==
The film garnered a domestic collection of {{currency|95|INR}} lakhs on Day 1 and {{INR|60}} lakhs on Day 2,<ref>{{cite web |title=‘Thalavan’ box office collections day 2: Asif Ali gets his first hit of the year, mints 1.55 crores |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/thalavan-box-office-collections-day-2-asif-ali-gets-his-first-hit-of-the-year-mints-rs-1-55-crores/articleshow/110439519.cms |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 May 2025 |date=26 May 2024}}</ref> crossed 25 crores gross on 18 June, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=‘Thalavan’ crosses Rs 25 crores at the box office |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/thalavan-crosses-rs-25-crores-at-the-box-office/articleshow/111079753.cms |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 May 2025 |date=18 June 2025}}</ref> Finally, the film ended its theatrical run after 75 days with a gross collection of {{INR|46.50}} crores.<ref>{{cite web |title=75 ദിവസങ്ങൾ; 46.6 കോടിയുടെ നേട്ടത്തിൽ തലവൻ |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/thalavan-jis-joy-asif-ali-biju-menon-film-success-box-office-1.9813588 |publisher=[[Mathrubhumi]] |access-date=1 May 2025 |date=14 August 2024}}</ref><ref name=bo/><ref>{{cite web |title=75 ദിവസങ്ങള്‍; 46.6 കോടിയുടെ ടോട്ടല്‍ ബിസിനസ്സുമായി തലവന്‍ |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2024/08/14/biju-menon-asif-ali-thalavan-75-days-celebration.html |publisher=[[Manorama Online]] |access-date=1 May 2025 |date=14 August 2024}}</ref>

==Sequel==
After the release of the film, the Director [[Jis Joy]] stated that if the audience like the film, it will have a sequel.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-29 |title= Jis Joy on Thalavan 2: ''പ്രേക്ഷകർക്ക് ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടാൽ അത് ഉറപ്പായിട്ടും ഉണ്ടാകും''; 'തലവൻ' രണ്ടാം ഭാ ഗത്തെ കുറിച്ച് ജിസ് ജോയ്|url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/thalavan-director-jis-joy-open-up-about-thalavan-movie-second-part-197543 |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=Zee News|language=ml}}</ref> During the success meet of the film, the makers announced that the film will have a sequel titled ''Thalavan 2''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-07-20|title=തിയറ്ററിൽ അപ്രതീക്ഷിത വിജയഗാഥ, 'തലവൻ' ഒരുവരവ് കൂടി വരുന്നു, ഔദ്യോദിക പ്രഖ്യാപനം|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/asif-ali-and-biju-menon-movie-thalavan-second-part-coming-soon-thalavan-2-sgxgce|access-date=2024-07-21|website=Asianet News|language=ml|archive-date=21 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721014838/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/asif-ali-and-biju-menon-movie-thalavan-second-part-coming-soon-thalavan-2-sgxgce|url-status=live}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|27510257}}

[[Category:Indian thriller films]]
[[Category:2024 films]]
[[Category:Indian police films]]
[[Category:2020s police procedural films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Kerala Police]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kannur]]
[[Category:Films shot in Idukki]]

Thalavan - Revision history

Rajesh Ghosh at 10:57, 17 January 2026