‘Mollywood Times’, the latest Malayalam coming-of-age comedy drama headlined by Naslen, arrived in cinemas on June 5, with early viewers quickly taking to social media to share their thoughts on the film. 

Directed by Abhinav Sunder Nayak, known for ‘Mukundan Unni Associates’, and written by Ramu Sunil, the film opened across Kerala and other markets, prompting discussions online as the first-day screenings concluded. As is customary with major Malayalam releases, X (formerly Twitter) became a hub for audience reactions, with moviegoers posting their immediate impressions shortly after watching the film.

While these early responses offer an initial glimpse into audience sentiment, they reflect only a section of opening-day viewers. A clearer picture of the film's reception is expected to emerge over the weekend as more viewers watch the movie and professional reviews are published.

X reviews

One user on X wrote, “An absolute masterclass of Mollywood film, truly one of a kind addition to the industry that feels like a personal journey chronicled from childhood.”

Another wrote, “Straight to the point without much lag. Don’t know about the BO verdict but this one surely has my heart”. 

About ‘Mollywood Times’

At the centre of ‘Mollywood Times’ is Vineeth Madhavan, a teenager from Kuttikkanam who dreams of becoming a successful filmmaker. Unlike films that focus on the glamour and inner workings of the movie industry, the story largely follows Vineeth's personal journey, charting his ambitions, challenges and growing fascination with cinema.

The film begins by exploring the origins of his passion for filmmaking, particularly his deep interest in horror films. Through a series of humorous and relatable moments, the narrative examines how those interests shape his aspirations and influence his choices.

Cast and crew

Naslen leads the film as Vineeth Madhavan, supported by a cast that includes Sharaf U Dheen, Sangeeth Prathap, Roshan Shanavas, Mohammed Saalim KM, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Basil Joseph.

The project has been produced by Ashiq Usman. Cinematography is handled by Viswajith Odukkathil, while the music has been composed by Jakes Bejoy. Editing duties were shared by Nidhin Raj Arol and director Abhinav Sunder Nayak. The technical team also includes Vishnu Govind for sound design and mixing, Ashik S as art director and Mashar Hamsa as costume designer.

Ahead of its release, Mollywood Times generated interest among Malayalam cinema fans due to its coming-of-age premise and its story of a young dreamer determined to make films. The presence of several well-known faces from the industry further added to the anticipation.