Bench Talkies (2015) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026
Bench Talkies (2015) Review
Bench Talkies (2015) — a Tamil drama film directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Anil Krishnan, Monesh, Charukesh Sekar, Gopakumar, Rathna Kumar. Starring Guru Somasundaram, Aravind, Nisha Krishnan. Bench Talkies is a compilation of six films from six filmmakers. The one recognizable name is, of course, Karthik Subbaraj, while the others are all aspiring directors. The films deal with various subjects and are in different genres and are of varying quality. Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Released: 6 Mar 2015. Runtime: 1h 56m.


Bench Talkies(2015)
Tamil · Drama
1h 56m · 6 Mar 2015
Writer: Karthik Subbaraj, Anil Krishnan, Monesh, Charukesh Sekar, Gopakumar, Rathna Kumar
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
📖 Story
Bench Talkies is an anthology film consisting of six short films directed by six different filmmakers. The stories revolve around various aspects of human relationships and societal issues, each with a distinct narrative style and tone. The anthology explores themes such as love, fear, ambition, and morality, presenting a slice-of-life perspective through diverse characters and situations.
Bench Talkies stands out as a refreshing anthology that showcases the talents of emerging Tamil filmmakers. The content is varied and engaging, with each short film bringing its own flavor and narrative style, which keeps the audience intrigued throughout. The screenplay is well-crafted, allowing each story to develop organically within its limited runtime. The pacing is generally balanced, with some segments feeling tighter and more impactful than others.
The first half of the anthology sets a strong tone with compelling storytelling and character development, while the second half continues to maintain interest, though a couple of stories may feel slightly less gripping compared to the opening ones. The absence of a traditional song-and-dance format is notable, focusing instead on narrative depth and realism. The background score and music, though minimal, effectively complement the mood of each story, enhancing the emotional resonance without overpowering the scenes.
Overall, Bench Talkies is a commendable effort that highlights the potential of short-format cinema in Tamil film industry. It offers a mix of emotions and thought-provoking themes, making it a worthwhile watch for audiences interested in experimental and indie cinema.
Guru Somasundaram: Delivered a nuanced and powerful performance, anchoring his segment with authenticity.
Aravind: Provided a natural and convincing portrayal, effectively conveying the emotional depth of his character.
Nisha Krishnan: Showcased a fresh and engaging presence, adding charm and relatability to her role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Innovative anthology format with diverse storytelling
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Well-written and engaging screenplays
- ✓Effective use of minimalistic background score
- ✓Fresh perspectives from emerging directors
Weaknesses
- ✕Inconsistent impact across different short films
- ✕Lack of traditional musical elements may not appeal to all viewers
- ✕Some stories feel less developed due to time constraints
🎬 Direction & Writing
The direction by six different filmmakers brings a unique flavor to each segment, showcasing varied narrative styles and thematic concerns. Karthik Subbaraj and his co-directors demonstrate strong command over storytelling, balancing experimental approaches with audience engagement. The writing is crisp and focused, with dialogues and situations that resonate well with the film's realistic tone.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6.1 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 60 | |
| 60 |
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 | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Bench Talkies received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its innovative anthology format and strong performances. While some critics noted variability in the impact of individual stories, the overall reception highlighted the film's fresh approach and potential in Tamil indie cinema.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bench Talkies release in theatres?▾
Bench Talkies released on 6 March 2015 (2015).
Is Bench Talkies a hit or flop?▾
Bench Talkies is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Bench Talkies online? OTT release date?▾
Bench Talkies is available on Tentkotta. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Bench Talkies?▾
Bench Talkies directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Anil Krishnan, Monesh, Charukesh Sekar, Gopakumar, Rathna Kumar. Produced by Kalyan Subramanian, Kaarthekeyen S.
Who are the main cast members of Bench Talkies?▾
Bench Talkies stars Guru Somasundaram, Aravind, Nisha Krishnan, Anukush Agarwal, Sandeep Menon.
What is the Tollybo rating for Bench Talkies?▾
Tollybo rates Bench Talkies 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Bench Talkies?▾
Bench Talkies — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 116 minutes, Language: Tamil.
