Early reviews of ‘Vilayath Budha’ on X praise Prithviraj and Shammi’s powerful performances and the film’s fiery BGM. However, the nearly 3-hour runtime and familiar story beats have left viewers divided.
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‘Vilayath Buddha’ reviews: In the quiet, dusty corners of Marayur where the scent of sandalwood hangs heavy and secrets grow like old trees arrives a story that burns slow and steady but fierce. ‘Vilayath Buddha’ (or ‘Vilaayath Budha’), the much-awaited Malayalam action thriller, finally hits theatres, turning a simple fight over a precious sandalwood tree into a drama of revenge.
Directed by Jayan Nambiar in his debut, the film reimagines GR Indugopan’s famous novel with a rugged, human touch. What begins as a clash between a mentor and his favourite student slowly unfolds into a gripping tale of two men who refuse to let go of power, of pride, and of the tree that ties their lives together.
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Prithviraj Sukumaran takes centre stage as Double Mohanan, better known in the village as “Sandal Mohanan”. He is a smuggler who has carved his name in the shadows of Marayur.
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Opposite him is Shammi Thilakan playing the calm but sharp Bhaskaran Master, the man who once guided Mohanan but now stands firmly in his way.
The film also features:
– Priyamvada Krishnan
– Suraj Venjaramoodu
– Anu Mohan as Ani
– Rajashree
– Teejay Arunasalam as Maari
– Dhruvan
– Pramod Veliyanadu
– Vinod Thomas
Jakes Bejoy returns with yet another charged soundtrack marking his seventh collaboration with Prithviraj. After hits like ‘Ranam’, ‘Ayyappanum Koshiyum’, ‘Kuruthi’, ‘Kaduva’ and ‘Kaapa’, Jakes once again delivers a pulsating background score that lifts every chase.
Viewers are already praising the BGM as “fire” with many noting that the tension of the film owes much to Jakes’ atmospheric soundscape.
The film has sparked strong reactions online, with viewers sharing mixed but passionate opinions. Many are calling the first half a complete crowd-puller. Another highlighted director Jayan Nambiar’s emotional grip. Some felt the film, despite its strong concept, fell into familiar patterns.
Here are some reactions:
About Prithviraj’s ‘Vilayath Buddha’
വിലായത്ത് ബുദ്ധ ഫസ്റ്റ് ഹാഫ് കൊള്ളാംമാസ്സ്
BGM
Story
Bit Lengthy though.
#VilayathBuddha #VilayathBuddhaMovie #VilayathBuddhaReview@PrithviOfficial— Ceejey Jaan (@amceejey) November 21, 2025
#VilayathBuddha – A good theatre watch even with almost 3Hr Duration.
The complex emotions, the tension everything was made well by Jayan Nambiar. Not just an ego clash the story was well adapted & was executed neatly.
Jakes had done a great job BGM were firee ❤️#Prithviraj pic.x.com/QOrAaYXNOB
— Matthewz (@matthewz369) November 21, 2025
#VilayathBuddha follows a formulaic pattern despite having a riveting concept in hand. The tottering screenplay lacks engaging and gripping moments for sure. Even as Shammi Thilakan excels in his role, Prithviraj eludes the X-factor in his overall performance. 2.5/5
— K R Rejeesh (@rejeeshkr) November 21, 2025
Honestly, #VilaayathBudhasurprised me. The whole Marayoor sandalwood backdrop looks stunning, and the story really pulls you in with its intense characters. Prithviraj is in top form, and Shammy Thilakan matches him so well that their scenes feel like a real power clash. pic.x.com/lwOLlbVnd8
— Shreyas Krishna ᵐᶠᶜ (@skbvskbv) November 21, 2025
#VilaayathBudha is a gripping character driven thriller set against the raw, striking beauty of Marayoor’s legendary sandalwood forests. The film thrives on its intense characterizations, with Prithviraj delivering a tightly controlled performance that perfectly matches the film.
— Vicky Ser ᴷᴮᶠᶜ (@VickySerrr) November 21, 2025
#VilaayathBudha Review: Average movie with a good first half and decent second half. Almost 3 hours, but Shammi Thilakan was outstanding! Chase scene, action, and DOP are highlights. Jakes Bejoy as usual good.Average movie. #MalayalamCinema #Prithviraj #jackesbejoy pic.x.com/7QvPWpWlSB
— Aruttan (@Aruttan2) November 21, 2025
#VilayathBuddha is a gripping drama that begins simply but grows into a tense clash of emotions, loyalty, and betrayal.
Prithviraj delivers a fierce, layered performance that anchors the entire film. Shammi Thilakan and Priyamvada add strong emotional depth. pic.x.com/M2Chb46SAE— AY (@Thalapathysm) November 21, 2025
‘Vilayath Buddha’ released in theatres on 21 November 2025. This is after a long production journey that began in October 2022.
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