Mollywood Times Review: Naslen’s transformation from optimism to cynicism makes this ‘hate-letter’ near perfect

Mollywood Times, starring Naslen in the lead role, was released in theatres on June 5, 2026. Directed by Abhinav Sunder Nayak, the film is the second instalment in the filmmaker’s success trilogy, exploring the intersection of obsession and perfection.

If you’re planning to watch the movie on OTT this week, it is available on JioHotstar. Here’s the Pinkvilla review to help you decide.

The Plot

Mollywood Times follows Vineeth Madhavan, an aspiring filmmaker from Kuttikkanam determined to become Malayalam cinema's greatest horror director, inspired by M. Night Shyamalan. As he rises from making short films to pursuing a feature, he goes through industry battles, creative conflicts, and the struggle to protect his artistic vision.

Vineeth’s relentless ambition and uncompromising pursuit of originality lead to personal and professional sacrifices, forcing him to confront the realities of the film industry and the true cost of chasing creative success.

What works in Mollywood Times

Mollywood Times works best because of its unapologetic approach to both the story and, more importantly, its protagonist. Vineeth Madhavan (played by Naslen) is as morally grey as characters can get in Malayalam cinema, serving as exactly what one would expect from Abhinav Sunder Nayak’s hate letter.

The pursuit of excellence often comes at a price, and this film underlines how obsession can descend into chaos through the compromises made along the way. Exploring the darker side of the Malayalam film industry, the story appears to draw inspiration from real-life experiences, offering a stark look beyond the glitz and glamour.

The character arc and writing undergo a compelling transformation, with the protagonist evolving from optimism to outright cynicism, especially when talent and hard work are overshadowed by privilege.

The freshest elements in the story emerge in the second half, where Vineeth Madhavan has to navigate the power dynamics of the industry. From trying to please influential figures to being banned for protecting his film, we see how his passion for making his debut feature something truly original is often perceived as arrogance. What appears to be arrogance to some may simply be the result of lived experiences, making the character surprisingly relatable.

While some may argue that Mollywood Times is not as entertaining as Mukundan Unni Associates, that is far from the truth. With impressive execution and a beautifully crafted screenplay, the film also excels on the technical front, particularly in its music and editing.

Watch the trailer here:

What doesn’t work in Mollywood Times

Mollywood Times is not a typical Malayalam film where audiences can easily root for the protagonist, mainly because of his morally grey nature and the psychological burden he carries. However, his journey and relatable experiences make him who he is, simply put, too flawed to be a hero, yet too relatable to be called a villain.

This is not necessarily a flaw in a film built around flawed characters, but viewers expecting a straightforward battle between good and evil may find it less engaging.

While the narrative could have been a tad more comprehensive, this hate letter remains a near-perfect venture, though it may not be for everyone.

The Performances

Naslen truly lives up to the Gen Z superstar image often celebrated by his fans on social media. The actor proves he is capable of much more than romantic comedy roles, showcasing remarkable range. He immerses himself so completely in the character of Vineeth Madhavan that every mannerism, every stylistic choice, and even a single Kubrick stare feels perfectly calibrated.

Sharaf U Dheen, as the co-lead, balances the film beautifully with his ability to carry the narrative forward. Although Sangeeth Pratap has comparatively limited screen time, he makes a strong impression with the role he is given. Roshan Shanavas gets a full-length role with several dramatic shifts, and he handles them effectively.

With Gopika Ramesh also proving to be a valuable addition, the film is further elevated by a series of memorable cameos.

The Verdict

Mollywood Times is an unapologetic, raw, and downright brilliant exploration of the psyche of obsession. While those who believe perfection exists may not connect with the film, it ultimately delivers exactly what one would expect from Abhinav. As he said in Mukundan Unni Associates, "Beautiful, as if poetry."

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity. 

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