Amarkalam (1999) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026
Amarkalam (1999) Review
A review of Amarkalam (1999) (Tamil action, romance, drama), directed by Saran. Starring Ajith Kumar, Shalini, Raghuvaran. Vasu is a tough street crook who lives at a movie theater. One day while transporting the reels of a new film, he clashes with a music student Mohana. Mohana is the daughter of the Police Commissioner, who Tulsidas an ex-gang leader released from jail has an old grudge against. He tells Vasu to kidn... Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 25 Aug 1999. Runtime: 2h 37m.


Amarkalam(1999)
Tamil · Action, Romance, Drama
2h 37m · 25 Aug 1999
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Amarkalam is a romantic action drama that revolves around the complex relationship between Vasu, a hot-headed gangster, and Meghala, a soft-spoken woman with a troubled past. Their love story unfolds amidst violence, misunderstandings, and redemption, with Vasu's rough exterior gradually giving way to vulnerability. The narrative explores themes of love, trust, and transformation against the backdrop of the Chennai underworld.
Amarkalam stands out for its engaging storyline that blends romance and action seamlessly. The screenplay by director Saran maintains a good balance between intense moments and emotional sequences, keeping the audience invested throughout. The first half effectively sets up the characters and their motivations, with a brisk pace that introduces the conflict and chemistry between the leads.
The second half delves deeper into the emotional turmoil and challenges faced by the protagonists, though it occasionally slows down due to melodramatic stretches. The songs in the film, composed by Bharadwaj, complement the narrative well, with memorable melodies that enhance key moments without disrupting the flow. The background score supports the mood transitions effectively, amplifying tension during action scenes and tenderness during romantic interludes.
Overall, Amarkalam's blend of strong performances, solid direction, and a gripping storyline makes it a memorable film from the late 90s Tamil cinema, despite minor pacing issues in the latter part.
Ajith Kumar: Delivered a powerful and intense portrayal of Vasu, capturing both the character's toughness and emotional depth.
Shalini: Brought grace and vulnerability to Meghala, effectively complementing Ajith's performance.
Raghuvaran: Provided a strong supporting role with his characteristic intensity.
Nassar: Offered a solid performance adding weight to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong lead performances
- ✓Engaging blend of romance and action
- ✓Memorable soundtrack and background score
- ✓Well-crafted screenplay in the first half
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing slows down in the second half
- ✕Some melodramatic elements dilute the impact
- ✕Lack of novelty in certain plot points
🎬 Direction & Writing
Saran's direction is confident and effective, skillfully balancing the film's romantic and action elements. His writing ensures the characters are well-developed, though the narrative occasionally leans into melodrama. Overall, the direction keeps the audience engaged and delivers a satisfying cinematic experience.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7.3 | |
| 3.4 | |
| 0 | |
| 66 | |
| 62 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics praised Amarkalam for its compelling performances, especially Ajith Kumar's portrayal of a conflicted gangster. The film's music and emotional depth were highlighted as major positives. However, some reviews pointed out the uneven pacing and occasional melodrama as drawbacks. Overall, the film was well-received for its entertainment value and strong characterizations.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Amarkalam release in theatres?▾
Amarkalam released on 25 August 1999 (1999).
Is Amarkalam a hit or flop?▾
Amarkalam is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
What is the budget of Amarkalam?▾
Budget of Amarkalam is approximately ₹500000 Crore.
Where to watch Amarkalam online? OTT release date?▾
Amarkalam is available on Sun Nxt, Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Amarkalam?▾
Amarkalam directed by Saran.
Who are the main cast members of Amarkalam?▾
Amarkalam stars Ajith Kumar, Shalini, Raghuvaran, Nassar, Ambika.
What is the Tollybo rating for Amarkalam?▾
Tollybo rates Amarkalam 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Amarkalam?▾
Amarkalam — Genre: Action, Romance, Drama, Runtime: 157 minutes, Language: Tamil.
