Dear Friend (2022) User Reviews

Average.One Time Watchable

[emmanueljosepaul · 6/10 · 11 June 2022]

Not a movie which need Theatre experience. Climax feeled like incomplete. But Cinematography and other stuffs,acting was awesome.

Ita a story of a gang who finds their friend who left them without saying a word .

Basil did a good job in humour in first half. But overall first half was little bit pathetic.

2nd half seemed very interesting but the climax feels like incomplete .which was dissapointing.

Stays entirely watchable but could've concluded better! [+60%]

[arungeorge13 · 6/10 · 10 July 2022]

Dear Friend's ending will make it divisive, but its rooted, simplistic core should find appreciation among most viewers. The depiction of urban Malayali friendships in a cosmopolitan city like Bangalore is pretty nicely done. That's why the first half scores a lot more than the second. You think of birthday pranks, parties, scoring, and so much more, which the film effectually portrays. But the investigative turn in the second half is found heavily lacking. Not only does it feel aimless as it progresses, but the twists don't startle or leave as much of an impact. The ending is also a bit of a damp squib, and what Basil Joseph's character remarks at the very end sums it up.

The performances are uniformly wonderful, with both Darshana and Tovino standing out. Surprisingly, this is the second consecutive Suhas-Sharfu script collab (after Puzhu) that I found less satisfying because it could have been so much more but it settles for a very safe, somewhat ambiguous route. Vineeth Kumar's ability in capturing the chemistry between his actors proves that he can tackle emotional drama quite well. Give him more meaty scripts, please!

Interesting movie..was a good watch

[chriscnrg · 7/10 · 15 July 2022]

I definitely enjoyed the movie. I can see why it did not do so well in theaters, this movie is apt for an OTT platform. The actors acted well, tthe storyline will not bore you and the ending is something I didn't expect but its a sensible ending. Reminded me of those days when we lived with friends 😊

Useless movie

[SPHariSP · 10 July 2022]

Boring to watch , except for a brief portion in the second half. At least if the role was likable such as in Mayanadhi, the search would have been more connecting to audience.

I dont know why Tovino chooses bombs like this over and over!

Darshana is getting boring with the exact same "realistic" acting in every single movie!

Unconventional but worth a watch

[rajnnair · 7/10 · 21 August 2022]

A movie with lots of twist and turn as you go along. What started with a group of friends staying together and supporting each other and then as things unravel you are glued to the screen till the end. Its different from the typical storyline that you see and ends in a question mark.

I was not convinced about the way the film ended but never the less its woth a watch.

The star cast is amazing and everyone contributes and does their bit.

Darshana obviously is the star here and is a treat to watch.

Tovino, Arjun L, Arjun R & Basil have done a good job.

Great Start to a slow draggy movie and an atrocious ending

[anushkakataria-39268 · 1/10 · 12 July 2022]

The movie starts with setting up a good premise and then it just starts dragging the turmoil of emotions the group has when their friend is misisng , The ending was the worst- It did not explain why character Vinod had been living with different groups (if it was to hide - he would not sign the papers ) And why was he keeping on dressing like the people he hangs out with. Very disappointed after watching it.

Eerily Deadpan

[nairtejas · 7/10 · 23 July 2022]

I love how eerily deadpan Dear Friend is in narrating the lives of a small group of friends living together in Bangalore. Even better is the way the conflict unfolds and puts the viewer in a tizzy, eager to find out what's really up. Vineeth Kumar's second directorial is well-made, well-thought, and well-acted, and that's all enough reason to watch this underrated gem.

No story, No Logic

[itumaesh · 1/10 · 24 July 2022]

No story, No Logic, No BGM Score and an absolute waste of all other efforts that are put in - The movie started as if it was meant to have a storyline and finally there is no meaning for what is happening around just like a hollywood movie with sudden ending that too wihtout any crux. All the efforts went for a toss.

A unique tale of friendship and trust

[anandusm · 10/10 · 18 June 2022]

'Dear Friend' is a story of 6 individuals and their friendship. Each of them have their own unique personalities and the actors did a great job in portraying it.

The movie flows in its own pace and doesn't force anything, even comedy. All the moments feel natural and even the climax was saved of any plotholes in a bid to create a shock twist. Although I agree that it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

From a performance point of view, Basil Joseph really shines bright. While being the comedic relief at times, he is equally adept at pulling off more serious moments.

I will definitely recommend it to anyone who loves movies that leaves an impression on you once you leave the theatre.

Horrible

[hasinisaran · 1/10 · 13 July 2022]

I'm surprised the comments are so positive. The movie was so slow and you couldn't even tell where the story was going. I was shocked at the atrocious ending, waste if my time.

A differently made brilliant movie!

[josemonsholly · 9/10 · 17 June 2022]

"Dear friend" is a distinctively different take on the usual plot progressions and frameworks that we are accustomed to, in the typical Malayalam movies. It is a technically brilliant movie which takes you through a story, that stays very true to its soul. Yes, it is not everyone's cup of tea, but it might appeal to the ones that appreciate the art in its true sense.

Absolute disappointment

[drshijoashly · 1/10 · 10 July 2022]

Ive never been so irritated after watching a movie since 'the mist' . Its just a total waste of time.

They had a brilliant cast , direction and all technical aspects looks good enough, but the plot is just hopeless. And the ending ll make you fell like the entire crew was just lazy.

Total disappointment.

Pls stop

[MatthewKay007 · 1/10 · 11 July 2022]

Bad acting. Bad direction. Bad story. Pls stop making movies like this and wasting time. Tovino should just stop. Couldn't even watch till the break. Very very very bad.

Lazy Movie

[saviodominic-28043 · 2/10 · 11 July 2022]

It is simple to produce a highly suspenseful film if the conclusion does not need to be logical. So do anything you want, and when the time is up, give it a any finale and hope some critics actually tell its a masterpiece.

Looking at other reviews it feels people need something different and they will marvel the it while digging Ice-cream for 2 hours finally it has onions in the bottom, what a dish !!!

Avoid.

Another realistic gem from malayalam industry

[prakash50-203-631412 · 10/10 · 18 June 2022]

A well written drama about friendship with some strange events in the plot point which added a mystery feel to the movie. Fabulous performance by all the actors. Strongly recommend.

What was the point of the movie

[jonn-en · 4/10 · 13 July 2022]

The movie was fine till the climax... felt like I wasted 2 hours watching something which did not not lead to anything.

The movie starts off well with some amount of character development and built up to the interval, where we learn more about the 'central' character. What follows is an investigation which ultimately does not go anywhere, just felt like watching a news report or documentary (even news has more masala now a days).

The movie is not unwatchable, as acting and direction is good, just wish it had a better climax.

A beautiful unconventional movie.

[jithumonantu · 8/10 · 17 June 2022]

Dear Friend is truly a realistic movie and a different approach in Malayalam film industry.

All the characters played was strongly portrayed and beautifully executed.

Ending was not what I would have predicted but somehow I felt that ending was perfect because it was more realistic. Unusual way of climax is something keeping this movie stand out.

Waste of time

[crravikiran · 3/10 · 19 July 2022]

The makers of this film have no idea what to do. It's sad to see some audience supporting such films saying it's different. What difference they see I don't know. The climax is absolute joke. The culprit is not even giving an explanation. Lol he says he felt like doing like that and the victims go away. Ridiculous.

This garbage of a movie is a crime against cinema lovers

[ks-sanjith · 1/10 · 19 November 2022]

It's ok that someone wants to waste money and time, but it's a crime to waste precious time of the audience. I would have given a negative review if possible. The movie plot is like a flight that never takes off. For people who watched this movie and still cursing yourself, I feel your pain too. And for those who are praising this movie, I implore you to please don't spread this garbage to more people than it already has unfortunately. Can't blame the actors who did what they were supposed to do, maybe their only mistake is accepting this ridiculous storyline. The real culprits are the writer and director. I will wait for their next endeavor and avoid it at all costs.

Waste of time

[dharshinipriyaibt · 1/10 · 13 August 2022]

Waste of time. In the name of urban friendship,some unworthy scenario is being screenplayed. The story moves mindlessly, absolute unnecessary friendship drama in the beginning, clueless thriller plot and ends abruptly without any closure.

A different perspective of a friendship story.

[writelijo · 10/10 · 18 June 2022]

Must watch! Different perspective about friendship. Leaves you with many questions at the end of the movie. Natural acting with space for all actors. Unique climax leaves you with many thoughts.....

Flop

[krishnapriyasnair · 1/10 · 12 July 2022]

What an absolute water of a movie ... It lacks everything that comes together to form a movie ... Malayalam movie industry is just going downwards .... All the movies coming out these days are of this genre - useless. I don't how PPL are giving 10 rating, may be friends and relatives of actors and producers. Skip the movie ... You won't lose anything ....

Unique Different Styled Movie

[jannbros · 8/10 · 17 June 2022]

Friendships are explored in relation to real-life challenges that people face. Many people who live in cities can relate to this feeling. The cinematography is fantastic. The acting was so natural. A film that should be kept separate from all other recent releases. This is a serious drama picture.

Not impressed at all.

[joppanLive · 4/10 · 12 July 2022]

First 'Naradan', now 'Dear Friend', another Tovino movie ( which I watched) that fails me to impress. This movie is good at places, but in totality a disappointment to the viewers. The main drawback is the story of this movie has no depth and content. The story is good enough for a 10-20 minute short film, instead they dragged it into a movie. Overall, a one time watchable movie.

An intriguing plot very well portrayed!

[chinnupaulson · 8/10 · 17 June 2022]

Dear Friend has a gripping story, beautifully made and exceptionally enacted by a bunch of young actors.

Most of the characters were so realistic and one could connect to their friendship.

An abrupt beginning and end for a movie is something that we are not very used to. But I think that's the beauty of this movie.

Overall a good watch!