David Billa (2012) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


David Billa(2012)
Every man has a past. Every Don, a history.
Tamil · Action, Crime, Thriller
2h 20m · 13 Jul 2012
DOP: R. D. Rajasekhar | Writer: Chakri Toleti, Eric Felberg
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
Billa II is a prequel to the 2007 film Billa and traces the origin story of the titular character, David Billa, a ruthless gangster. The narrative follows his transformation from a common man into a feared underworld don, highlighting the events and circumstances that shape his criminal persona. The story delves into themes of revenge, loyalty, and survival within the dangerous world of crime syndicates.
Billa II attempts to offer a stylish and gritty portrayal of the rise of a gangster, with a focus on sleek visuals and action sequences. The screenplay, however, suffers from a lack of depth and coherence, making the narrative feel disjointed at times. The pacing is uneven; the first half builds up the character and his motivations with some engaging moments, but the second half loses momentum due to predictable plot developments and a lack of emotional engagement.
The film's songs and music did not make a significant impact, with the soundtrack failing to stand out or complement the narrative effectively. The background score by R. D. Rajasekhar adds some intensity to the action scenes but overall does not elevate the film's mood substantially. Cinematography is a strong point, with visually appealing frames and stylish presentation that aligns with the film's tone.
Despite the technical finesse, the movie struggles to maintain audience interest due to its weak screenplay and underdeveloped characters. The attempt to create a dark and brooding gangster saga is evident but falls short in execution, resulting in a film that is more style than substance.
Ajith Kumar: Charismatic and intense as the lead, Ajith carries the film with his screen presence but is limited by the script.
Vidyut Jammwal: Delivers a competent performance with his action sequences, adding physicality to the antagonist role.
Parvathy Omanakuttan: Has a limited role with minimal impact on the story.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Stylish cinematography and visual presentation
- ✓Ajith Kumar's strong screen presence
- ✓Well-choreographed action sequences
- ✓Intense background score during action scenes
Weaknesses
- ✕Weak and disjointed screenplay
- ✕Uneven pacing, especially in the second half
- ✕Underdeveloped characters and emotional depth
- ✕Lackluster music and songs
🎬 Direction & Writing
Chakri Toleti's direction focuses heavily on style and action but falters in narrative coherence and character development. The writing lacks the depth needed to engage viewers fully, resulting in a film that prioritizes visuals over substance.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
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 | 30% |
| Neutral | 40% |
| Negative | 30% |
Critics
Critics generally gave mixed to negative reviews, praising Ajith Kumar's performance and the film's visual style but criticizing the weak screenplay and pacing issues. The film was noted for its technical aspects but was seen as lacking in storytelling and emotional engagement.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did David Billa release in theatres?▾
David Billa released on 13 July 2012 (2012).
Is David Billa a hit or flop?▾
David Billa is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Where to watch David Billa online? OTT release date?▾
David Billa is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed David Billa?▾
David Billa directed by Chakri Toleti. Produced by Suresh Balaje, George Pius Tharayil.
Who are the main cast members of David Billa?▾
David Billa stars Ajith Kumar, Vidyut Jammwal, Sudhanshu Pandey, Yog Jappie, Manoj K Jayan.
What is the Tollybo rating for David Billa?▾
Tollybo rates David Billa 2.5/5. Verdict: FLOP.
What is the genre and runtime of David Billa?▾
David Billa — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Tamil.
