Vilayath Buddha Review: Stunning Performances, Mesmerizing Visuals — But Does It All Come Together?

Vilayath Buddha Review: A Visually Rich Crime Drama Held Back by Mass Additions

Vilayath Buddha, directed by Jayan Nambiar and adapted from G. R. Indugopan’s acclaimed novel, arrives as a brooding crime drama set among the fragrant sandalwood forests of Marayoor. With Prithviraj Sukumaran leading the film as Double Mohanan, and a narrative that explores legacy, greed, betrayal, and identity, this adaptation had the potential to be a grounded, powerful cinematic experience. Parts of the film shine brilliantly, but the overall journey is uneven—oscillating between layered emotional storytelling and forced “mass” embellishments that dilute its core.

Story

The film revolves around the mythical “Vilayath Buddha,” a rare, flawless sandalwood tree coveted by smugglers, craftsmen, and villagers alike. Double Mohanan (Prithviraj) is a notorious sandalwood smuggler with a deep knowledge of the forests and the illicit trade. His long-standing conflict with his mentor-turned-rival Bhaskaran (Shammi Thilakan) forms the emotional backbone of the narrative.

Bhaskaran, once a respected public figure, carries the weight of a humiliating incident that shattered his dignity. Protecting the sandalwood becomes symbolic — a final stand to reclaim his name and self-respect. Mohanan’s ambition, Bhaskaran’s wounded honour, and Chaitanya’s (Priyamvada Krishnan) tragic arc intertwine to explore greed, betrayal, and survival.

Performances

Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a controlled and intense performance, portraying Mohanan with a mix of danger and vulnerability. At times the script nudges him toward a stylised “mass hero” zone, where subtlety might have better served the material. Shammi Thilakan is the film’s standout — his portrayal of Bhaskaran is layered, nuanced, and emotionally resonant, often stealing scenes with quiet power. Priyamvada Krishnan, Rajashree, Anu Mohan and others provide effective supporting work that helps ground the story.

Technical Strengths

Cinematography by Arvind Kashyap and collaborators is a major asset: the Marayoor forests are framed with haunting beauty and rugged detail. Jakes Bejoy’s score enhances the film’s melancholic mood, and Sreejith Sarang’s editing keeps the narrative coherent even when pacing slows.

Where It Falters

Despite strong performances and a compelling setting, the film’s attempt to balance realism with commercial spectacle undermines its emotional focus. Several stylised fight scenes, hero-elevating moments, and overt “mass” treatments feel out of place and disrupt the story’s natural flow. The mid-section can drag, and a few supporting characters remain underdeveloped; some emotional transitions appear abrupt, likely a byproduct of translating a dense novel to screen.

What Works

• Prithviraj’s steady, dangerous portrayal of Double Mohanan
• Shammi Thilakan’s extraordinary, scene-stealing performance
• Atmospheric, evocative cinematography capturing Marayoor’s forests
• Jakes Bejoy’s score, which heightens the film’s emotional undercurrent

Final Verdict

Vilayath Buddha is a visually captivating, emotionally grounded crime drama that succeeds in many moments thanks to performance and production craft. Yet its insistence on commercial “mass” flourishes and uneven narrative pacing limit the film’s full potential. It is best experienced on the big screen — the film rewards theatrical viewing — and it will resonate with viewers who appreciate strong lead work and immersive cinematography, even if the adaptation doesn’t fully escape its textual constraints.

Rating:

★★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Well-shot, well-acted drama partially held back by uneven plotting and unnecessary commercial trappings.

FAQs

Is Vilayath Buddha worth watching? If you value performance-driven drama and striking cinematography, yes — but temper expectations about narrative polish.

Who stands out? Shammi Thilakan delivers the film’s most memorable performance, and Prithviraj anchors the film with controlled intensity.