Citizen (2001) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 23 Apr 2026
Citizen (2001) Review
A review of Citizen (2001) (Tamil action, drama, mystery), directed by Saravana Subbiah. Starring Ajith Kumar, Vasundhara Das, Meena. Three prominent members of society, a judge, a police official and a district collector are kidnapped in broad daylight by a man who calls himself 'Citizen'. As CBI Officer Sarojini (Nagma) follows his trail she finds clues to a shocking mystery, of a village called Attipatthi which simply disappear... Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 8 Jun 2001. Runtime: 2h 37m.


Citizen(2001)
Tamil · Action, Drama, Mystery
2h 37m · 8 Jun 2001
DOP: Ravi K. Chandran | Writer: N/A
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Citizen follows the story of a vigilante who takes on the corrupt system to seek justice for the common man. The protagonist, played by Ajith Kumar, leads a double life, exposing the flaws in the bureaucracy and fighting against social injustice. The narrative intertwines his personal struggles with his mission to bring about change, highlighting the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in dealing with systemic corruption.
Citizen presents a gripping social thriller that attempts to blend action with a strong message about corruption and justice. The story is engaging, with a screenplay that maintains interest through its investigative and emotional sequences. The pacing is uneven at times; the first half sets up the premise effectively with a mix of suspense and drama, while the second half tends to slow down due to repetitive confrontations and extended emotional scenes.
The film's music and songs, though composed by an uncredited music director, complement the narrative without overpowering it. The background score effectively heightens the tension during key moments, especially in the thriller sequences. Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran adds a polished visual appeal, capturing both the gritty and emotional aspects of the story.
Overall, Citizen succeeds in delivering a socially relevant message with a commercial format, though it could have benefited from tighter editing and more consistent pacing in the latter part of the film.
Ajith Kumar: Strong and intense portrayal of a vigilante with emotional depth.
Vasundhara Das: Supportive role with limited scope but effective presence.
Meena: Emotional and convincing in her role.
Nagma: Brief but impactful appearance.
Nizhalgal Ravi: Solid supporting performance.
Devan: Effective as an antagonist.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging social message on corruption and justice
- ✓Strong lead performance by Ajith Kumar
- ✓Polished cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran
- ✓Effective background score enhancing thriller elements
Weaknesses
- ✕Uneven pacing especially in the second half
- ✕Repetitive confrontations reducing narrative tension
- ✕Music and songs lack memorable impact
- ✕Some emotional scenes feel dragged
🎬 Direction & Writing
Saravana Subbiah delivers a socially conscious narrative with a commercial touch, balancing action and drama. The direction is competent, though the screenplay could have been tighter to maintain consistent engagement throughout.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7.3 | |
| 3.4 | |
| 0 | |
| 63 | |
| 80 |
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 | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics
Critics appreciated the film's bold attempt to address social issues through a commercial entertainer, praising Ajith Kumar's performance and the film's technical aspects. However, some reviews pointed out the uneven pacing and lack of memorable music as drawbacks.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Citizen release in theatres?▾
Citizen released on 8 June 2001 (2001).
Is Citizen a hit or flop?▾
Citizen is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Citizen online? OTT release date?▾
Citizen is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Citizen?▾
Citizen directed by Saravana Subbiah. Produced by S. S. Chakravarthy.
Who are the main cast members of Citizen?▾
Citizen stars Ajith Kumar, Vasundhara Das, Meena, Nagma, Nizhalgal Ravi.
What is the Tollybo rating for Citizen?▾
Tollybo rates Citizen 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Citizen?▾
Citizen — Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery, Runtime: 157 minutes, Language: Tamil.
