Derby (2026) Review: A Feel-Good Malayalam Campus Entertainer Packed With Youth and Friendship

Derby is the kind of campus movie that knows exactly what it wants to be — loud, lively, and loaded with the spirit of college life. Directed by Sajil Mampad of Kadakan fame, the film brings together a fresh ensemble of faces, including a prominent lineup of Malayalam content creators, and delivers a breezy ride through three years of friendships, rivalries, and romance. It may follow a familiar path, but it does so with an energy that is hard to resist for the right audience.

Derby is a fun, high-energy campus entertainer built for Malayalam youth audiences. If you enjoy ragging battles, college friendships, and feel-good romance wrapped in an energetic package, Derby is your weekend watch. Rating: 4.5 / 5 ⭐

Language: Malayalam
Age Rating: U/A
Genre: Campus Drama, Youth Entertainer, Action Comedy
Director: Sajil Mampad

The Plot: Three Years, One Gang, Endless Chaos

Arjun, Sandeep, Yousuf, Shawn, Hibathullah, and Maria form the core friend group at the heart of Derby. Arjun, Sandeep, and Maria already share a bond from their Plus Two days, and the film follows all six through three action-packed years of college life — complete with ragging wars against seniors, unexpected romances, a memorable college tour, and the kind of chaotic moments that only college can produce. The story is episodic by design, and that structure works well in capturing how college life actually feels — a series of unforgettable incidents strung together by friendship.

Performances: Fresh Faces Who Give It Their All

Adam Sabiq, last seen as the younger Mammootty in Abraham Ozler, leads the film as Arjun. He brings a raw, spontaneous quality to the role, and his energy in the second half — where the film settles into more emotional territory — is genuinely engaging. Ameen as Shawn is the film’s secret weapon, delivering the most natural and entertaining performance of the lot with effortless charm. Hari Sivaram as Yousuf brings warmth and reliability to his role, while Rish NK’s arc as Hibathullah — moving from a deeply religious persona to a more relaxed college identity — offers one of the film’s more layered character journeys.

Jasnya Jayadeesh as Maria shines in the emotional beats, particularly during the college tour segment. Sagar Surya arrives late but makes every minute count, and his presence in the final stretch gives the film a welcome jolt of star power. Johny Antony brings his trademark comic timing, and appearances by Shine Tom Chacko and Shabareesh Varma add recognisable energy to the proceedings.

Technical Craft

Cinematographer Abhinandan Ramanujam keeps the visual tone youthful and vibrant, with the campus setting given a warm, lively palette that suits the film’s spirit. Gopi Sundar’s music, while keeping things breezy throughout, delivers some hummable tracks that will stick with younger audiences. Editor R. Jerin ensures the film moves at a lively clip, keeping the energy up across both halves. The action choreography delivers crowd-pleasing moments, particularly in the senior-junior confrontations that form the film’s backbone.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

• Ameen as Shawn is effortlessly entertaining and a standout from start to finish
• Genuine camaraderie among the core group makes the friendship feel real and relatable
• Sagar Surya’s impactful late entry adds a satisfying boost to the final act
• Energetic action sequences with solid choreography
• Warm, nostalgic tone that captures the spirit of college life authentically

Weaknesses

• The episodic narrative offers limited surprises for those familiar with the campus drama genre
• Supporting female characters deserved more depth and stronger arcs
• The second half takes a little time to regain focus after the interval

Final Verdict: 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Derby is a wholehearted celebration of college friendships — messy, warm, and undeniably entertaining. Sajil Mampad has crafted a film that speaks directly to its audience, and a committed ensemble cast brings genuine heart to familiar material. It is not here to rewrite the rules of campus cinema, but it delivers what it promises with enthusiasm and charm. For anyone who has ever treasured their college years, Derby is a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

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