Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Tamil · Action, Drama
2h 24m · 19 Sept 1980
Music: Ilaiyaraaja | DOP: Ashok Kumar Agarwal | Writer: J. Mahendran
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
Kaali revolves around the life of the titular character played by Rajinikanth, who is caught in a web of personal and social conflicts. The narrative explores themes of justice, revenge, and redemption as Kaali navigates through challenges posed by antagonistic forces. The story unfolds with emotional depth and dramatic intensity, highlighting Kaali's transformation and the impact of his actions on those around him.
Kaali is a compelling drama that combines strong storytelling with engaging screenplay. The narrative is well-paced, with the first half effectively setting up the characters and conflicts, while the second half delivers intense emotional and action sequences that keep the audience invested. The screenplay balances moments of tension with lighter scenes, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the film.
The music by Ilaiyaraaja is a standout element, with songs that complement the mood and enhance the storytelling. The background score is particularly effective in heightening the dramatic moments and supporting the film's emotional core. Cinematography by Ashok Kumar Agarwal captures the essence of the story with well-composed frames and lighting that suits the tone.
The film's direction by I V Sasi ensures that the narrative remains focused and impactful. The blend of action, drama, and music creates a memorable cinematic experience. While the pacing is generally consistent, some scenes in the second half could have benefited from tighter editing to maintain momentum. Overall, Kaali is a well-crafted film that showcases strong performances and technical finesse.
Rajinikanth: Powerful and charismatic portrayal of Kaali, delivering both intensity and emotional depth.
Vijayakumar: Supportive role with convincing performance, adding to the film's dramatic weight.
Seema: Effective in her role, providing emotional balance to the narrative.
Fatafat Jayalakshmi: Notable for her screen presence and contribution to key scenes.
Major Sundarrajan: Strong character actor delivering a memorable performance.
Manorama: Adds comic relief and warmth, enhancing the film's emotional range.
Strengths
Weaknesses
I V Sasi's direction is focused and impactful, successfully blending drama, action, and music to create a compelling narrative. His handling of the screenplay ensures that the story remains engaging, though a few pacing issues in the latter half slightly affect the overall flow.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Kaali for its strong performances, especially by Rajinikanth, and the musical score by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was noted for its engaging narrative and effective direction by I V Sasi. Some criticism was directed at the pacing in the second half, but overall, the film was well-received for its entertainment value and technical merits.
Final Box-Office Result
Kaali released on 19 September 1980 (1980).
Kaali is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Kaali OTT release date not announced yet.
Kaali directed by I V Sasi.
Kaali stars Rajinikanth, Vijayakumar, Seema, Fatafat Jayalakshmi, Major Sundarrajan.
Tollybo rates Kaali 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Music for Kaali composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Kaali — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 144 minutes, Language: Tamil.