96 (2018) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 5 May 2026
96 (2018) Review
96 (2018) (Tamil drama, romance) — directed by C. Prem Kumar. Starring Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha Krishnan, Aditya Baskar. Ram is a photographer and nature lover who travels all around India capturing moments. On a chance visit to his hometown Tanjavur, he goes into his school and begins to walk down memory lane to 1994 when he was a student harboring feelings for his classmate Janu. Our Rating: 3.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Released: 3 Oct 2018. Runtime: 2h 39m.
96(2018)
Tamil · Drama, Romance
2h 39m · 3 Oct 2018
Music: Govindh Vasantha | DOP: N. Shanmuga Sundaram, Mahendiran Jayaraju | Writer: Charu Gupta, C. Prem Kumar
Our Rating
3.75
📖 Story
96 is a poignant romantic drama that revolves around Ram and Janaki, two high school sweethearts who reunite after 22 years during a school reunion. The film explores their bittersweet memories, unspoken emotions, and the impact of time on relationships. Through flashbacks and present-day interactions, it delicately portrays nostalgia, lost love, and the enduring impact of first love on one's life.
96 is a beautifully crafted film that excels in storytelling and emotional depth. The screenplay by C. Prem Kumar is subtle yet impactful, weaving past and present seamlessly to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. The pacing is measured, with the first half establishing the characters and their youthful romance through evocative flashbacks, while the second half focuses on their reunion and the emotional complexities that follow.
The film's music by Govindh Vasantha stands out as a major highlight, with soulful songs and a haunting background score that perfectly complement the mood and themes of the movie. The songs are melodious and integral to the narrative, enhancing the emotional resonance without overpowering the scenes.
Cinematography by N. Shanmuga Sundaram and Mahendiran Jayaraju captures the essence of the story beautifully, using soft lighting and framing to evoke nostalgia and intimacy. The film maintains a gentle, contemplative tone throughout, making it a heartfelt experience for audiences who appreciate nuanced romantic dramas.
Vijay Sethupathi: Delivering a restrained and deeply emotional performance, Vijay Sethupathi effectively portrays the mature, reflective Ram with subtlety and authenticity.
Trisha Krishnan: Trisha shines as Janaki, capturing the innocence and lingering emotions of her character with grace and sincerity.
Aditya Baskar: Provides solid support in the role of young Ram, convincingly depicting youthful charm and vulnerability.
Gouri G Kishan: Delivers a memorable performance as the young Janaki, bringing freshness and emotional depth to the flashback sequences.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Emotional and nostalgic storytelling
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Soulful music and background score
- ✓Beautiful cinematography
- ✓Well-crafted screenplay and direction
Weaknesses
- ✕Slow pacing may not appeal to all viewers
- ✕Limited conflict or dramatic tension
- ✕Primarily appeals to fans of romantic dramas
🎬 Direction & Writing
C. Prem Kumar's direction is subtle and sensitive, focusing on the emotional nuances of the characters and their relationships. His writing avoids melodrama, instead opting for a realistic and heartfelt portrayal of love and longing that resonates deeply with the audience.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Music Director | Govindh Vasantha won for the film's soulful soundtrack |
| Vijay Awards | Best Actor | Vijay Sethupathi received acclaim for his performance |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - 96 performed well at the box office, especially in Tamil Nadu and among urban audiences, contributing to its status as a hit film.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
Critics
Critics widely praised 96 for its nostalgic narrative, strong performances, and evocative music. The film was lauded for its mature storytelling and emotional depth, with particular appreciation for the chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan. Some noted the film's deliberate pacing as a minor drawback but acknowledged it suited the film's tone.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did 96 release in theatres?▾
96 released on 3 October 2018 (2018).
Is 96 a hit or flop?▾
96 is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch 96 online? OTT release date?▾
96 is available on aha, Sun NXT, provider-27, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed 96?▾
96 directed by C. Prem Kumar. Produced by S. Nandhagopal.
Who are the main cast members of 96?▾
96 stars Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha Krishnan, Aditya Baskar, Gouri G Kishan, Devadarshini.
What is the Tollybo rating for 96?▾
Tollybo rates 96 3.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for 96?▾
Music for 96 composed by Govindh Vasantha.
What is the genre and runtime of 96?▾
96 — Genre: Drama, Romance, Runtime: 159 minutes, Language: Tamil.