Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


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
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Music Director | Santhosh Narayanan won for his work in Kodi |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
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
Dharma Yogi released on 28 October 2016 (2016).
Dharma Yogi is declared a HIT at the box office.
Dharma Yogi is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Dharma Yogi directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar. Produced by Vetrimaaran, P. Madhan.
Dharma Yogi stars Dhanush, Trisha Krishnan, Anupama Parameswaran, Saranya Ponvannan, G. Marimuthu.
Tollybo rates Dharma Yogi 2.75/5. Verdict: HIT.
Music for Dharma Yogi composed by Santhosh Narayanan.
Dharma Yogi — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Tamil.