Last updated: 23 Apr 2026

Tamil · Action, Drama
3h 0m · 13 Jul 2001
DOP: Gopinath | Writer: Milan Barbhuiya, Bharathan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Dhill follows the story of Kanagavel, an aspiring police officer who faces corruption and brutality within the police department. After standing up against a corrupt and powerful police officer, he finds himself and his loved ones in grave danger. The narrative explores his fight for justice and the challenges he faces while trying to uphold his principles in a corrupt system.
Dhill is a high-octane action thriller that combines a gripping storyline with engaging screenplay and tight pacing. The narrative moves briskly, especially in the first half, which establishes the protagonist's motivations and the antagonistic forces effectively. The second half escalates the tension with intense action sequences and emotional confrontations, maintaining audience engagement throughout.
The screenplay by Dharani is straightforward yet impactful, balancing moments of drama, action, and humor, particularly through Vivek's comedic timing which provides relief without disrupting the flow. The songs, though limited in number, are well-placed and complement the narrative without feeling intrusive. The background score is one of the film's strengths, enhancing the mood and amplifying the tension during critical scenes.
Cinematography by Gopinath captures the gritty urban backdrop effectively, adding to the film's realistic feel. While the film follows a familiar revenge-action template, its execution and performances elevate it above typical genre fare. The music, though not composed by a noted music director in this film, serves its purpose well in supporting the film's tone.
Vikram: Powerful and intense portrayal of Kanagavel, balancing vulnerability and toughness effectively.
Laila: Provides a solid emotional anchor as the protagonist's love interest.
Ashish Vidhyarthi: Menacing and convincing as the corrupt police officer antagonist.
Vivek: Delivers effective comic relief without detracting from the film's serious tone.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Dharani's direction is focused and energetic, successfully crafting a commercial action entertainer that resonates with audiences. His writing keeps the narrative engaging, with well-timed twists and emotional beats that maintain interest throughout.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Vikram's performance and Dharani's direction, highlighting the film's brisk pace and engaging action sequences. The film was noted for its commercial appeal and effective blend of genres, though some pointed out the predictability of the storyline.
Final Box-Office Result
Dhill released on 13 July 2001 (2001).
Dhill is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Dhill is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Dhill directed by Dharani. Produced by A. Purnachandra Rao.
Dhill stars Vikram, Laila, Ashish Vidhyarthi, Vivek, Deepa Venkat.
Tollybo rates Dhill 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Dhill — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 180 minutes, Language: Tamil.