Iddaru (1997) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026


Iddaru(1997)
Power....Authority....Position....
Tamil · Biography, Drama
2h 20m · 14 Jan 1997
Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Santosh Sivan | Writer: Mani Ratnam, Suhasini
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Iddaru is a Tamil-language drama that revolves around complex interpersonal relationships and emotional conflicts among its lead characters. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, weaving together multiple storylines that converge to reveal the true nature of the protagonists. The film delves into the psychological and emotional depths of its characters, presenting a layered story that challenges conventional storytelling in Tamil cinema.
Iddaru showcases Mani Ratnam's signature storytelling style, combining a strong narrative with compelling character arcs. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining a steady pace throughout the film. The first half effectively sets up the characters and their motivations, while the second half intensifies the drama, leading to a gripping climax. The pacing is balanced, ensuring that the audience remains engaged without feeling rushed.
The music by A.R. Rahman is a standout element, with songs that complement the emotional tone of the film. The background score enhances the narrative, adding depth to key scenes and elevating the overall cinematic experience. Santosh Sivan's cinematography captures the mood and atmosphere beautifully, using lighting and framing to accentuate the film's emotional beats.
While the film excels in its technical aspects and performances, some viewers might find the complex narrative challenging to follow in parts. Nevertheless, the combination of strong direction, music, and performances makes Iddaru a memorable film in Tamil cinema.
Mohanlal: Delivering a nuanced and powerful portrayal, Mohanlal brings depth to his character, balancing intensity with subtlety.
Prakash Raj: Prakash Raj provides a compelling performance, effectively portraying the emotional turmoil of his role.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan impresses with her expressive acting and screen presence, adding charm and complexity.
Gautami Tadimalla: Gautami delivers a solid performance, contributing significantly to the emotional core of the story.
Revathi: Revathi's portrayal is heartfelt and convincing, enhancing the film's dramatic impact.
Tabu: Tabu adds a layer of sophistication and intensity, enriching the narrative with her performance.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong screenplay and narrative structure
- ✓Outstanding music and background score by A.R. Rahman
- ✓Powerful performances by the lead cast
- ✓Excellent cinematography by Santosh Sivan
Weaknesses
- ✕Complex narrative may be difficult for some viewers to follow
- ✕Certain plot elements feel slightly underdeveloped
🎬 Direction & Writing
Mani Ratnam's direction is meticulous and visionary, successfully blending emotional depth with technical finesse. His writing ensures that each character is well-developed and integral to the story, maintaining audience engagement throughout.
- - Screenplay
- - Music Composition
- - Background Score
- - Cinematography
- - Editing
📰 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 | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics praised Iddaru for its compelling narrative, strong performances, and exceptional music. The film was noted for Mani Ratnam's deft direction and the technical brilliance of its production. However, some reviews pointed out that the complex storyline might not appeal to all audiences, and a few narrative threads could have been better fleshed out.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Iddaru release in theatres?▾
Iddaru released on 14 January 1997 (1997).
Is Iddaru a hit or flop?▾
Iddaru is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Where to watch Iddaru online? OTT release date?▾
Iddaru is available on Prime Video, JioHotstar, aha, LIONSGATE PLAY, YouTube, YouTube, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Iddaru?▾
Iddaru directed by Mani Ratnam. Produced by Mani Ratnam, G. Srinivasan.
Who are the main cast members of Iddaru?▾
Iddaru stars Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Gautami Tadimalla, Revathi.
What is the Tollybo rating for Iddaru?▾
Tollybo rates Iddaru 3.5/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Who composed the music for Iddaru?▾
Music for Iddaru composed by A.R. Rahman.
What is the genre and runtime of Iddaru?▾
Iddaru — Genre: Biography, Drama, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Tamil.
