Kaantha (2025) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 11 Jul 2026
Kaantha (2025) Review
Kaantha (2025) (Tamil biography, drama, horror) — directed by Selvamani Selvaraj. Starring Dulquer Salmaan, Bhagyashri Borse, Samuthirakani. Set in the backdrop of a film set, in the 1950’s in post colonial Madras, the film is centred around the professional rivalry between a film-maker trying to make his seminal film and the top reigning actor who the director once introduced. The rivalry spirals around the leading actress, a debutante ... Our Rating: 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP. Released: 13 Nov 2025. Runtime: 2h 30m.


Kaantha(2025)
Tamil · Biography, Drama, Horror
2h 30m · 13 Nov 2025
Music: Jhanu Chanthar, Jakes Bejoy | DOP: Dani Sanchez-Lopez | Writer: Thamizh Prabha, Selvamani Selvaraj
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
📖 Story
Kaantha is a Tamil-language drama that explores the intertwined lives of its protagonists against the backdrop of societal and personal conflicts. The narrative follows Dulquer Salmaan's character as he navigates complex relationships and moral dilemmas, with Bhagyashri Borse playing a pivotal role in his journey. The story delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption, unfolding through a screenplay that balances emotional depth with moments of tension and relief.
Kaantha presents a compelling story that captures the emotional nuances of its characters, supported by a screenplay that maintains a steady pace throughout. The first half effectively sets up the narrative, introducing the characters and their motivations with clarity and engagement. The pacing in this segment is measured, allowing audiences to connect with the emotional stakes.
The second half intensifies the drama, with well-crafted conflicts and resolutions that keep viewers invested. However, certain plot developments feel slightly predictable, which somewhat diminishes the impact of the climax. The songs composed by Jhanu Chanthar and Jakes Bejoy blend well with the narrative, enhancing key moments without disrupting the flow. The background score by the duo complements the film’s mood, adding layers to the storytelling.
Cinematography by Dani Sanchez-Lopez stands out, capturing the scenic and emotional landscapes with finesse. Overall, Kaantha is a well-rounded film that balances its artistic ambitions with commercial sensibilities, though it occasionally leans on familiar tropes.
Dulquer Salmaan: A nuanced and restrained portrayal that anchors the film emotionally.
Bhagyashri Borse: Delivers a heartfelt and convincing performance, complementing the lead.
Samuthirakani: Strong supporting role with impactful moments.
Ravindra Vijay: Solid and dependable in a character role.
Rana Daggubati: Charismatic presence with a commanding screen persona.
Gayathrie Shankar: Adds emotional depth in a supporting role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Engaging screenplay with emotional depth
- ✓Impressive cinematography
- ✓Effective background score and music integration
Weaknesses
- ✕Predictability in the second half
- ✕Some pacing issues in the climax
- ✕Occasional reliance on familiar tropes
🎬 Direction & Writing
Selvamani Selvaraj demonstrates a confident directorial approach, balancing character-driven storytelling with commercial elements. The writing is solid, though it occasionally falls into predictable patterns, but the emotional core remains intact throughout.
- - Cinematography by Dani Sanchez-Lopez
- - Music by Jhanu Chanthar and Jakes Bejoy
- - Editing that maintains narrative flow
- - Sound design and background score enhancing mood
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 |
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 generally praised Kaantha for its strong performances, especially Dulquer Salmaan's nuanced acting and the film's emotional storytelling. The cinematography and music were highlighted as major positives. However, some reviews noted the predictability in the narrative and pacing issues in the latter half as drawbacks. Overall, the film was seen as a solid entertainer with artistic merit.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kaantha release in theatres?▾
Kaantha released on 13 November 2025 (2025).
Is Kaantha a hit or flop?▾
Kaantha is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Where to watch Kaantha online? OTT release date?▾
Kaantha is available on Netflix from 11 December 2025.
Who directed Kaantha?▾
Kaantha directed by Selvamani Selvaraj. Produced by Rana Daggubati, Dulquer Salmaan, Prashanth Potluri, Jom Varghese.
Who are the main cast members of Kaantha?▾
Kaantha stars Dulquer Salmaan, Bhagyashri Borse, Samuthirakani, Ravindra Vijay, Rana Daggubati.
What is the Tollybo rating for Kaantha?▾
Tollybo rates Kaantha 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Who composed the music for Kaantha?▾
Music for Kaantha composed by Jhanu Chanthar, Jakes Bejoy.
What is the genre and runtime of Kaantha?▾
Kaantha — Genre: Biography, Drama, Horror, Runtime: 150 minutes, Language: Tamil.
