Last updated: 8 May 2026


Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 25m · 15 Jan 1995
Music: Deva | DOP: P. S. Prakash | Writer: Suresh Krishna, Balakumaran, Gopal Ram
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
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.
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.
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | High |
| Neutral | Low |
| Negative | Minimal |
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
Baasha released on 15 January 1995 (1995).
Baasha is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.
Baasha is available on Sun NXT from 31 March 2017.
Baasha directed by Suresh Krissna. Produced by R. M. Veerappan, V Anjani Kumar.
Baasha stars Rajinikanth, Nagma, Raghuvaran, Janagaraj, Devan.
Tollybo rates Baasha 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.
Music for Baasha composed by Deva.
Baasha — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Tamil.