Dhill (2001) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 23 Apr 2026
Dhill (2001) Review
Dhill (2001) (Tamil action, drama) — directed by Dharani. Featuring Vikram, Laila, Ashish Vidhyarthi. Velu's only dream is to become a police officer. One night after having dinner at a restaurant near the beach, Velu goes to pay the bill leaving his girlfriend Asha behind. At that moment, a police officer drinks and urinates besides Asha. Irritated, she scolds him. He attempts to rape her but is be... Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 13 Jul 2001. Runtime: 3h 0m.

Dhill(2001)
Tamil · Action, Drama
3h 0m · 13 Jul 2001
DOP: Gopinath | Writer: Milan Barbhuiya, Bharathan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
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
Strengths
- ✓Strong lead performance by Vikram
- ✓Tight screenplay and pacing
- ✓Effective background score
- ✓Balanced mix of action, drama, and comedy
Weaknesses
- ✕Predictable revenge plot
- ✕Limited musical impact due to absence of a prominent music director
🎬 Direction & Writing
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.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7 | |
| 3.3 | |
| 0 | |
| 52 | |
| 54 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Commercial success in Tamil Nadu
- - Remade in Telugu as Sikharam
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
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
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dhill release in theatres?▾
Dhill released on 13 July 2001 (2001).
Is Dhill a hit or flop?▾
Dhill is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Dhill online? OTT release date?▾
Dhill is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Dhill?▾
Dhill directed by Dharani. Produced by A. Purnachandra Rao.
Who are the main cast members of Dhill?▾
Dhill stars Vikram, Laila, Ashish Vidhyarthi, Vivek, Deepa Venkat.
What is the Tollybo rating for Dhill?▾
Tollybo rates Dhill 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Dhill?▾
Dhill — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 180 minutes, Language: Tamil.
