Last updated: 5 May 2026


Tamil · Drama, Romance
2h 39m · 3 Oct 2018
Music: Govindh Vasantha | DOP: N. Shanmuga Sundaram, Mahendiran Jayaraju | Writer: Charu Gupta, C. Prem Kumar
Ratings
Our Rating
3.75
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| 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 |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
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
96 released on 3 October 2018 (2018).
96 is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
96 is available on aha, Sun NXT, provider-27, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.
96 directed by C. Prem Kumar. Produced by S. Nandhagopal.
96 stars Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha Krishnan, Aditya Baskar, Gouri G Kishan, Devadarshini.
Tollybo rates 96 3.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for 96 composed by Govindh Vasantha.
96 — Genre: Drama, Romance, Runtime: 159 minutes, Language: Tamil.