Dollar (1993)
A Malayalam drama about Malayali families navigating life in America and the cultural tensions that follow them there.
Dollar - Movie Information
- Original Title: ഡോളർ
- Release Year: 1993
- Directed by: Raju Joseph
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Original Language: Malayalam
- Spoken Languages: English, Malayalam
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 31, 1993 (India)
Dollar - Plot
The movie depicts the life of Malayali families settled in the US. It discusses the clash of the cultures.
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Dollar - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Raju Joseph
Main Cast
- Padmini
- Mukesh
- Saranya Ponvannan
- Maathu
- Zainuddin
- Mala Aravindan
- Kanakalatha
- Lalu Alex
- Chithra
- Mahesh
Writers
- A Mutholath
Dollar - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Dollar?
Dollar features a strong ensemble cast including Padmini as Ammachi, Mukesh as Alex, and Saranya Ponvannan as Lucy. Other notable performers include Maathu, Zainuddin, Mala Aravindan, Kanakalatha, Lalu Alex, Chithra, and Mahesh rounding out the principal cast.
What is Dollar about?
Dollar follows the lives of Malayali families who have settled in the United States. The film digs into the tensions that arise when traditional Kerala values collide with American culture, painting a warm yet honest portrait of the immigrant experience and the identity struggles that come with it.
When was Dollar released?
Dollar was released on December 31, 1993, in India. The film arrived at the very end of the year and went on to resonate deeply with Malayalam-speaking audiences both in Kerala and among the diaspora community abroad.
Who directed the 1993 Malayalam film Dollar?
Dollar was directed by Raju Joseph. The film stands as a notable entry in his filmography for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the Malayali diaspora experience in America, blending cultural commentary with relatable family drama.
How long is the movie Dollar?
Dollar has a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes (131 minutes). That gives the story enough room to develop its characters and explore the cultural tensions at the heart of the film without feeling rushed.
What language is Dollar filmed in?
Dollar is primarily a Malayalam-language film, with English also spoken throughout — a fitting choice given the story's American setting. This bilingual texture adds authenticity to the immigrant family dynamics at the center of the narrative.
What are some movies similar to Dollar?
If Dollar resonated with you, you might enjoy Dìdi (2024), About My Father (2023), and What's Love Got to Do with It? (2023), all of which explore cultural identity and family dynamics across generations. Hard Truths (2024) and Eddington (2025) are also worth a look.
Does Dollar explore the Indian diaspora experience?
Absolutely. Dollar is one of the earlier Malayalam films to put the Indian diaspora experience front and center. It captures the everyday tensions Malayali families face in America — navigating homesickness, generational gaps, and the push and pull between holding onto roots and adapting to a new world.
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