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Baasha (1995) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Baasha (1995) Review

Directed by Suresh Krissna, Baasha (1995) is a Tamil action, crime, drama film starring Rajinikanth, Nagma, Raghuvaran. Auto rickshaw driver Manickam avoids violence at all costs. When some thugs begin to intimidate Manickam's family, it triggers the revival of Manickam's old self. Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER. Released: 15 Jan 1995. Runtime: 2h 25m.

Baasha
BLOCKBUSTER

Baasha(1995)

Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama

2h 25m · 15 Jan 1995

Music: Deva | DOP: P. S. Prakash | Writer: Suresh Krishna, Balakumaran, Gopal Ram

Action

Ratings

IMDbIMDb8.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.9
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB76
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience87

Our Rating

3.5

📖 Story

Baasha follows the story of Manikkam, a humble auto-rickshaw driver with a mysterious past. As the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that Manikkam was once a powerful and feared gangster named Baasha. The film explores his struggle to leave behind his violent past and lead a peaceful life, while circumstances force him to confront old enemies and protect his loved ones.

🔍 Analysis

Baasha is a quintessential mass entertainer that balances action, drama, and sentiment with a compelling narrative. The story is straightforward yet engaging, with a screenplay that effectively uses flashbacks to reveal the protagonist's past, maintaining intrigue throughout. The pacing is well-managed, with a relatively slower first half focusing on character establishment and a high-octane second half packed with action and emotional confrontations.

The first half is light-hearted and humorous, showcasing Rajinikanth's charismatic screen presence and his interactions with supporting characters, which adds warmth to the film. The second half shifts gears into intense action sequences and dramatic moments, providing a satisfying payoff. The songs composed by Deva are memorable and complement the narrative well, with catchy tunes that became chartbusters. The background score enhances the mood, especially during action scenes and emotional highs, reinforcing the film's dramatic impact.

🎭 Performances

Rajinikanth: Charismatic and powerful portrayal of a man torn between his past and present, delivering iconic dialogue and mannerisms.

Nagma: Provides a graceful and supportive presence as the female lead, complementing Rajinikanth well.

Raghuvaran: Effective as the antagonist, bringing intensity and menace to the role.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Rajinikanth's magnetic screen presence
  • ✓Engaging screenplay with effective flashbacks
  • ✓Memorable music and background score
  • ✓Balanced mix of action, drama, and humor
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Predictable storyline for seasoned viewers
  • ✕Some melodramatic moments may feel exaggerated

🎬 Direction & Writing

Suresh Krissna delivers a tightly paced and entertaining film that capitalizes on Rajinikanth's star power. His direction ensures the narrative flows smoothly, balancing mass appeal with emotional depth.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
8.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.9
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
76
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience
87

Our Rating

3.5/5
★★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
PositiveHigh
NeutralLow
NegativeMinimal

Critics

Critics praised Baasha for its engaging narrative, Rajinikanth's charismatic performance, and its blend of action and sentiment. The film is regarded as a cult classic in Tamil cinema and a defining work in Rajinikanth's career.

Final Box-Office Result

BLOCKBUSTER

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Baasha release in theatres?▾

Baasha released on 15 January 1995 (1995).

Is Baasha a hit or flop?▾

Baasha is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.

Where to watch Baasha online? OTT release date?▾

Baasha is available on Sun NXT from 31 March 2017.

Who directed Baasha?▾

Baasha directed by Suresh Krissna. Produced by R. M. Veerappan, V Anjani Kumar.

Who are the main cast members of Baasha?▾

Baasha stars Rajinikanth, Nagma, Raghuvaran, Janagaraj, Devan.

What is the Tollybo rating for Baasha?▾

Tollybo rates Baasha 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.

Who composed the music for Baasha?▾

Music for Baasha composed by Deva.

What is the genre and runtime of Baasha?▾

Baasha — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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