Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Tamil · Drama
1h 56m · 6 Mar 2015
Writer: Karthik Subbaraj, Anil Krishnan, Monesh, Charukesh Sekar, Gopakumar, Rathna Kumar
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
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
Bench Talkies released on 6 March 2015 (2015).
Bench Talkies is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Bench Talkies is available on Tentkotta. OTT date will be updated soon.
Bench Talkies directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Anil Krishnan, Monesh, Charukesh Sekar, Gopakumar, Rathna Kumar. Produced by Kalyan Subramanian, Kaarthekeyen S.
Bench Talkies stars Guru Somasundaram, Aravind, Nisha Krishnan, Anukush Agarwal, Sandeep Menon.
Tollybo rates Bench Talkies 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Bench Talkies — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 116 minutes, Language: Tamil.