Suriya, Jyotika review Malayalam 'masterpiece' Balan: The Boy, call it a gem
Actors Jyotika and Suriya praised Chidambaram's Balan: The Boy after meeting the film's team. While reviewing the film, Suriya called it a "gem of Malayalam film industry."
Actor Jyotika has expressed high praise for filmmaker Chidambaram's latest release Balan: The Boy, calling the drama thriller a "masterpiece" and urging audiences to watch it in theatres. Her actor husband Suriya also reviewed the film, calling it a "gem from the Malayalam industry."
Jyotika, in her Instagram post, praised Balan: The Boy for its direction, screenplay and for delivering a gripping and unpredictable experience. She wrote, "Balan: The Boy - a supremely crafted film by Chidambaram and an intriguing and constantly surprising screenplay by Jeethu Madhavan which blends empathy, mystery, innocence and criminal instinct so smoothly, making it a masterpiece to watch (sic)." She said the storytelling keeps viewers engaged throughout
Jyotika heavily praised the film's ensemble cast, singling out Farzana for a breakout performance that she described as "a strong embodiment of womanhood (sic)." She was also deeply moved by the younger actors, Adisheshan and Sinan, noting that their "innocence and depth in the eyes pierce straight into the viewer's heart (sic)."
Additionally, she gave a special nod to Dolly June’s memorable portrayal of the elderly matriarch, calling her a "feisty," "freshly crafted character" who delivered a remarkably bold performance.
Jyotika also praised the film’s technical brilliance, highlighting how lead actor Tovino Thomas "sheds every bit of his stardom" to deliver a career-best performance. She praised Sushin Shyam’s score for masterfully balancing "edge of the seat" tension with emotional resonance, and noted that Shyju Khalid’s "poetic" cinematography makes the film an "absolute visual treat."
Describing the project as a "sharp, and intelligent piece of filmmaking," she encouraged audiences to experience the film in theatres. She concluded by celebrating the film as a poignant "tale of motherhood and innocence" lost in a harsh world, adding that she was "truly honoured to meet the team."
Suriya also praised the film on social media, stating that he was "still processing" the experience. He commended director Chidambaram and his team for their creative boldness after Manjummel Boys, calling the movie "another gem from the Malayalam industry." The actor highlighted Chidambaram's decision to trust a unique story by Jithu Madhavan and cast an almost entirely debutant lineup alongside a brilliant Tovino Thomas as Abbas.
Suriya noted that every technical craft shone seamlessly, admitting that watching newcomers Farzana Palathingal, Adhiseshan KR, and Muhammed Zinan perform made him feel like he needed to "brush up on my own skills."
Balan: The Boy has collected around Rs 96 lakh in India on its sixth day. Its total India net stands at approximately Rs 10.29 crore, while its worldwide gross has reached Rs 20.42 crore, as reported by Sacnilk.
Produced by KVN Productions, the film is directed by Chidambaram of Manjummel Boys fame and features a story written by Jithu Madhavan, known for Romancham and Aavesham. The film stars Adhisheshan, Farzana Palathingal and Muhammed Zinaan, among others. Tovino Thomas also plays an important role in the film.
Balan: The Boy theatrically released on June 19, 2026.
Actor Jyotika has expressed high praise for filmmaker Chidambaram's latest release Balan: The Boy, calling the drama thriller a "masterpiece" and urging audiences to watch it in theatres. Her actor husband Suriya also reviewed the film, calling it a "gem from the Malayalam industry."
Jyotika, in her Instagram post, praised Balan: The Boy for its direction, screenplay and for delivering a gripping and unpredictable experience. She wrote, "Balan: The Boy - a supremely crafted film by Chidambaram and an intriguing and constantly surprising screenplay by Jeethu Madhavan which blends empathy, mystery, innocence and criminal instinct so smoothly, making it a masterpiece to watch (sic)." She said the storytelling keeps viewers engaged throughout
Jyotika heavily praised the film's ensemble cast, singling out Farzana for a breakout performance that she described as "a strong embodiment of womanhood (sic)." She was also deeply moved by the younger actors, Adisheshan and Sinan, noting that their "innocence and depth in the eyes pierce straight into the viewer's heart (sic)."
Additionally, she gave a special nod to Dolly June’s memorable portrayal of the elderly matriarch, calling her a "feisty," "freshly crafted character" who delivered a remarkably bold performance.
Jyotika also praised the film’s technical brilliance, highlighting how lead actor Tovino Thomas "sheds every bit of his stardom" to deliver a career-best performance. She praised Sushin Shyam’s score for masterfully balancing "edge of the seat" tension with emotional resonance, and noted that Shyju Khalid’s "poetic" cinematography makes the film an "absolute visual treat."
Describing the project as a "sharp, and intelligent piece of filmmaking," she encouraged audiences to experience the film in theatres. She concluded by celebrating the film as a poignant "tale of motherhood and innocence" lost in a harsh world, adding that she was "truly honoured to meet the team."
Suriya also praised the film on social media, stating that he was "still processing" the experience. He commended director Chidambaram and his team for their creative boldness after Manjummel Boys, calling the movie "another gem from the Malayalam industry." The actor highlighted Chidambaram's decision to trust a unique story by Jithu Madhavan and cast an almost entirely debutant lineup alongside a brilliant Tovino Thomas as Abbas.
Suriya noted that every technical craft shone seamlessly, admitting that watching newcomers Farzana Palathingal, Adhiseshan KR, and Muhammed Zinan perform made him feel like he needed to "brush up on my own skills."
Balan: The Boy has collected around Rs 96 lakh in India on its sixth day. Its total India net stands at approximately Rs 10.29 crore, while its worldwide gross has reached Rs 20.42 crore, as reported by Sacnilk.
Produced by KVN Productions, the film is directed by Chidambaram of Manjummel Boys fame and features a story written by Jithu Madhavan, known for Romancham and Aavesham. The film stars Adhisheshan, Farzana Palathingal and Muhammed Zinaan, among others. Tovino Thomas also plays an important role in the film.
Balan: The Boy theatrically released on June 19, 2026.
