Dharma Yogi (2016) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026
Dharma Yogi (2016) Review
Directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, Dharma Yogi (2016) is a Tamil action, drama, thriller film starring Dhanush, Trisha Krishnan, Anupama Parameswaran. A young politician finds himself in a position where he has to contest against his girlfriend, who is ambitious. Circumstances force his look-alike twin to also get involved in this political battle. Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 28 Oct 2016. Runtime: 2h 25m.


Dharma Yogi(2016)
Tamil · Action, Drama, Thriller
2h 25m · 28 Oct 2016
Music: Santhosh Narayanan | DOP: Venkatesh S | Writer: Mayank Jain, R.S. Durai Senthilkumar
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
📖 Story
Kodi is a political drama centered around twin brothers Kodi and Anbu, played by Dhanush, who have contrasting personalities and ideologies. Kodi is a passionate politician fighting against corruption and injustice, while Anbu prefers a peaceful, apolitical life. The story explores their relationship, political rivalry, and the impact of their choices on their personal lives and the society around them. The narrative also delves into the emotional turmoil and sacrifices involved in the political arena.
Kodi stands out for its engaging screenplay that balances political intrigue with emotional depth. The first half sets up the characters and their motivations effectively, maintaining a steady pace that keeps the audience invested. The second half intensifies the drama with powerful confrontations and twists, though some moments tend to be melodramatic. The film’s music by Santhosh Narayanan complements the narrative well, with songs that blend seamlessly into the story without hampering the flow. The background score enhances the tension and emotional beats, particularly during political rallies and personal conflicts.
The cinematography by Venkatesh S captures the contrasting moods of the film, from the vibrant political scenes to the intimate family moments. The screenplay cleverly uses the twin brothers’ duality to explore themes of power, loyalty, and ideology. While the pacing is mostly consistent, the film occasionally slows down due to extended emotional sequences. Overall, Kodi delivers a compelling mix of politics and personal drama, supported by strong technical aspects and memorable music.
Dhanush: Impressive dual role showcasing distinct personalities with convincing emotional range and screen presence.
Trisha Krishnan: Strong and nuanced portrayal adding depth to the political and emotional narrative.
Anupama Parameswaran: Effective supporting role with natural performance.
Saranya Ponvannan: Solid performance adding emotional weight to family dynamics.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong dual role performance by Dhanush
- ✓Engaging political drama with emotional depth
- ✓Effective background score and music
- ✓Well-crafted screenplay with meaningful themes
- ✓Good cinematography capturing contrasting moods
Weaknesses
- ✕Occasional melodramatic sequences
- ✕Pacing slows down in parts due to extended emotional scenes
🎬 Direction & Writing
R. S. Durai Senthilkumar delivers a confident direction blending political themes with personal drama. The writing is thoughtful, using the twin brothers' story to explore complex ideas about power and morality. The narrative structure supports character development and keeps the audience engaged throughout most of the film.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Music Director | Santhosh Narayanan won for his work in Kodi |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- -
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Dhanush's dual performance and the film's political narrative. The Times of India rated it 3.5/5 highlighting the strong screenplay and music. India Today appreciated the film's emotional depth and Santhosh Narayanan's score. Firstpost noted some melodramatic moments but overall found it a compelling political drama. The Hindu commended the film's ambition and technical aspects but mentioned pacing issues in the second half.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dharma Yogi release in theatres?▾
Dharma Yogi released on 28 October 2016 (2016).
Is Dharma Yogi a hit or flop?▾
Dharma Yogi is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Dharma Yogi online? OTT release date?▾
Dharma Yogi is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Dharma Yogi?▾
Dharma Yogi directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar. Produced by Vetrimaaran, P. Madhan.
Who are the main cast members of Dharma Yogi?▾
Dharma Yogi stars Dhanush, Trisha Krishnan, Anupama Parameswaran, Saranya Ponvannan, G. Marimuthu.
What is the Tollybo rating for Dharma Yogi?▾
Tollybo rates Dharma Yogi 2.75/5. Verdict: HIT.
Who composed the music for Dharma Yogi?▾
Music for Dharma Yogi composed by Santhosh Narayanan.
What is the genre and runtime of Dharma Yogi?▾
Dharma Yogi — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Tamil.
