Tovino Thomas
Jaison / Minnal Murali / Martin Rangakala
Overview
A tailor gains special powers after being struck by lightning but must take down an unexpected foe if he is to become the superhero his hometown in Kerala needs.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Lightning and the Loom
I’ve seen enough superhero origin stories to know the drill: a reluctant hero, a bolt from the blue (sometimes literally), and a city that needs saving. But Minnal Murali doesn’t just follow the formula—it stitches it into something smaller, funnier, and more human than the usual spandex spectacle. This is a film that understands something fundamental: the best superheroes aren’t born in labs or alien crashes, but in the quiet, unremarkable corners of life where ordinary people are already doing their best.
And in the case of Jaison, the tailor at the heart of this story, "doing his best" mostly involves dodging his aunt’s nagging and daydreaming about the girl next door.
That’s the first surprise of Minnal Murali: it’s a superhero movie where the hero’s greatest power isn’t lightning—it’s his ability to blend in. Tovino Thomas plays Jaison with a kind of hangdog charm, all slumped shoulders and nervous energy, like a man who’s spent his whole life trying to disappear. When lightning finally strikes (and it does strike, in a scene that’s equal parts slapstick and cosmic whimsy), the transformation isn’t just physical.
It’s the way his posture changes, the way his eyes widen with the sudden, terrifying realization that he might actually matter. There’s a moment early on, after his powers manifest, where he stands in front of a mirror, flexing his fingers like he’s trying to convince himself this is real. It’s a small beat, but it’s the whole movie in miniature: a man who’s spent his life being overlooked suddenly forced to step into the light.
Basil Joseph, the director, has a knack for this kind of grounded fantasy. His previous film, Godha, was a sports drama with a similar underdog spirit, but Minnal Murali lets him play with bigger toys—superpowers, a rogue’s gallery of villains, even a climactic battle that involves a runaway bus and a lot of property damage. Yet for all its genre trappings, the film never loses sight of its human scale.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.4/10
"A fun, lighthearted Malayalam superhero film with charm and humor, though its execution feels uneven at times."
Viewers appreciate the fresh take on the superhero genre in a rural Indian setting, praising its humor, engaging lead performance by Tovino Thomas, and the film's ability to balance action and comedy. However, some find the pacing inconsistent and the plot predictable, latestnetflix.com maintains, with a few underdeveloped side characters and tonal shifts that don’t always land smoothly.
What viewers praise
- Engaging lead performance Tovino Thomas is widely praised for his portrayal of the reluctant superhero, bringing both humor and heart to the role.
- Fresh superhero setting The rural Indian backdrop and cultural context are highlighted as unique and refreshing for the genre.
- Balanced humor and action The mix of comedy and superhero action is well-received, with many finding the film consistently entertaining.
- Catchy soundtrack The music, composed by Shaan Rahman and Sushin Shyam, is noted for enhancing the film’s energetic and emotional moments.
- Charming visuals The cinematography and visual style are appreciated for adding to the film’s appeal, particularly in action sequences.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot Some viewers feel the story follows familiar superhero tropes without enough surprises or depth.
- Inconsistent pacing The film’s rhythm is criticized for dragging in parts, particularly in the middle act.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles, including the antagonist, are seen as lacking depth or screen time to make a strong impact.
- Tonal shifts A few viewers note that the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, with some scenes feeling disjointed.
- Weak villain The antagonist is often described as unconvincing or lacking the menace needed for a compelling conflict.
Recommended for
Superhero movie fans Malayalam cinema lovers Lighthearted action-comedy seekers Tovino Thomas fans Rural setting enthusiasts Feel-good film watchers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsHow Minnal Murali Turned a Small-Town Tailor Into a Superhero Sensation
Minnal Murali (2021), directed by Basil Joseph, isn’t just India’s first Malayalam-language superhero film—it’s a scrappy underdog story that mirrors its protagonist’s journey. Starring Tovino Thomas as a mild-mannered tailor struck by lightning, the movie blends action, comedy, and drama while sneaking in a few behind-the-scenes surprises. latestnetflix.com's read is that here’s what the evidence reveals about the making of this Netflix hit.
From Setbacks to Superhero Stardom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAcmn6Sj_Kc
The road to Minnal Murali wasn’t smooth. A Malayalam-language YouTube video hints at early production struggles, including a set mishap that reportedly delayed filming. While details are scarce, the snippet suggests the team faced "set failures" before the movie became a hit. Director Basil Joseph, known for his indie sensibilities, might have turned these obstacles into creative fuel—the film’s low-budget charm feels intentional, not accidental.
The movie’s runtime (158 minutes, per 
) also raises eyebrows. For a superhero flick, that’s a marathon, especially in an industry where runtime often dictates box-office success. Yet, the length seems to serve the story’s small-town roots, giving room for character arcs and quirky side plots.
Tovino Thomas: The Reluctant Hero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ1PWLoJEZY
Thomas, who plays the titular tailor-turned-superhero, was already a rising star in Malayalam cinema, but Minnal Murali cemented his leading-man status. A snippet from Grokipedia confirms his role as the "lead" in a "superhero" film, but the real drama might be off-screen. A YouTube video shows Thomas’s young daughter reacting to her father in costume, suggesting the actor’s personal life became part of the movie’s promotional charm.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Shaan Rahman and Sushin Shyam , also played a role in hyping Thomas’s performance. While the snippet doesn’t detail recording sessions, the music’s blend of traditional and modern tones aligns with the movie’s fusion of rural Kerala and superhero tropes.
Cameos and Cameo Drama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INK38yEsM2Y
One of the film’s biggest surprises was the appearance of WWE legend The Great Khali. A Netflix India featurette teases the making of this cameo, framing it as a playful nod to global superhero culture. The snippet doesn’t reveal how Khali was cast, but his towering presence (literally) adds a layer of spectacle to the otherwise grounded story.
Other cast members, like Guru Somasundaram and Aju Varghese, bring their own flair—Varghese, in particular, is known for comedic roles, and his inclusion hints at the film’s tonal balancing act. The evidence doesn’t confirm whether their casting was contentious, but the final product suggests a harmonious ensemble.
Netflix’s Gamble on a Regional Superhero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0Rj3i6DPFY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBUKclK5xoc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g57ZJ2uTIOM
Minnal Murali’s Netflix release was a strategic move. Multiple YouTube videos , , show the streaming giant heavily promoting the film, including interviews with Thomas and Joseph. One snippet even features Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a promotional role, signaling Netflix’s push to position the movie as a crossover hit.
The film’s international appeal is further underscored by its French title, Par le pouvoir de l’éclair ("By the Power of Lightning") , though the snippet doesn’t explain how the translation was chosen. With a 6.4/10 rating on SensCritique , the reception was solid if not spectacular, proving that regional cinema could find a global audience—even without a Marvel-sized budget.
The Verdict: A Superhero Story with Heart
Minnal Murali’s behind-the-scenes details are sparse, but the evidence paints a picture of a passion project that overcame early hurdles. From set mishaps to Khali’s cameo, the movie’s journey mirrors its protagonist’s: a little chaotic, but ultimately triumphant. Whether it’s Thomas’s daughter’s reaction or the film’s lengthy runtime, the small details add up to a superhero story that feels distinctly human.
For now, the biggest mystery is what’s next. Rumors of a sequel have swirled, but the evidence doesn’t confirm them. Until then, Minnal Murali remains a rare beast: a superhero movie that’s as much about its flaws as its powers.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.