Iraivi (2016) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026
Iraivi (2016) Review
Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Iraivi (2016) is a Tamil crime, drama film starring S. J. Suryah, Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha. Three men try to overcome the problems in their lives not realising the impact their efforts are having on the women in their lives. Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: FLOP. Released: 3 Jun 2016. Runtime: 2h 33m.


Iraivi(2016)
Tamil · Crime, Drama
2h 33m · 3 Jun 2016
Music: Santhosh Narayanan | DOP: Sivakumar Vijayan | Writer: Karthik Subbaraj
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Iraivi is a Tamil drama that explores the lives of three men and the women in their lives, focusing on the impact of male ego and toxic masculinity on relationships. The narrative delves into themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices of the female characters as they navigate emotional turmoil caused by their partners. The story is a poignant commentary on gender dynamics and the societal pressures faced by women.
Iraivi is a deeply emotional and socially conscious film that stands out for its mature storytelling and strong thematic concerns. The screenplay is layered and non-linear, effectively weaving together the lives of the characters to present a cohesive narrative about the consequences of male arrogance and the resilience of women. The pacing is deliberate, with the first half setting up the characters and their conflicts, while the second half intensifies the drama and delivers a powerful climax.
The film's music, composed by Santhosh Narayanan, complements the narrative beautifully. The songs are situational and enhance the emotional depth of the scenes without disrupting the flow. The background score is subtle yet impactful, adding to the mood and tension throughout the film. Sivakumar Vijayan's cinematography captures the urban milieu with a realistic and gritty tone, supporting the film's grounded storytelling.
Overall, Iraivi is a compelling drama that balances its social message with engaging character arcs. While the pacing might feel slow to some viewers, the film's emotional weight and strong performances make it a memorable cinematic experience.
S. J. Suryah: Delivered a nuanced portrayal of a flawed man grappling with his ego and its repercussions.
Vijay Sethupathi: Brought depth and subtlety to his role, effectively conveying internal conflict.
Bobby Simha: Offered a raw and intense performance that added to the film's dramatic tension.
Kamalinee Mukherjee: Portrayed her character with emotional authenticity and strength.
Anjali: Delivered a heartfelt and convincing performance, highlighting the struggles of her character.
Pooja Devariya: Provided a subtle and impactful supporting role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong, socially relevant theme addressing masculinity and women's issues
- ✓Powerful performances by the lead and supporting cast
- ✓Effective screenplay with layered storytelling
- ✓Emotional depth and mature narrative
- ✓Well-crafted background score and situational songs
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing can feel slow, especially in the first half
- ✕Some viewers may find the narrative heavy and intense
- ✕Limited commercial appeal due to serious subject matter
🎬 Direction & Writing
Karthik Subbaraj's direction is confident and sensitive, handling complex themes with nuance and care. His writing is bold, focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects of his characters, especially the women, which is a departure from conventional Tamil cinema. The film's narrative structure and character development reflect his distinct storytelling style.
📰 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 Supporting Actor | Bobby Simha won for his performance |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- -
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Iraivi for its mature handling of gender dynamics and strong performances. The Hindu highlighted its emotional intensity and social relevance, while Times of India appreciated the screenplay and direction. Firstpost noted the film's bold narrative and impactful message. Overall, the critical reception was positive, emphasizing the film's depth and artistic merit.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Iraivi release in theatres?▾
Iraivi released on 3 June 2016 (2016).
Is Iraivi a hit or flop?▾
Iraivi is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Where to watch Iraivi online? OTT release date?▾
Iraivi OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Iraivi?▾
Iraivi directed by Karthik Subbaraj. Produced by C. V. Kumar, K. E. Gnanavelraja.
Who are the main cast members of Iraivi?▾
Iraivi stars S. J. Suryah, Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha, Kamalinee Mukherjee, Anjali.
What is the Tollybo rating for Iraivi?▾
Tollybo rates Iraivi 3.5/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Who composed the music for Iraivi?▾
Music for Iraivi composed by Santhosh Narayanan.
What is the genre and runtime of Iraivi?▾
Iraivi — Genre: Crime, Drama, Runtime: 153 minutes, Language: Tamil.
