Last updated: 23 Apr 2026


Tamil · Action, Drama, Mystery
2h 37m · 8 Jun 2001
DOP: Ravi K. Chandran | Writer: N/A
Ratings
Our Rating
3
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
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
Citizen released on 8 June 2001 (2001).
Citizen is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Citizen is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Citizen directed by Saravana Subbiah. Produced by S. S. Chakravarthy.
Citizen stars Ajith Kumar, Vasundhara Das, Meena, Nagma, Nizhalgal Ravi.
Tollybo rates Citizen 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Citizen — Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery, Runtime: 157 minutes, Language: Tamil.