Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (1987) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (1987) Review
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (1987) is a Tamil crime, drama film starring Sathyaraj, Geetha, Captain Raju. Directed by Santhana Bharathi. Balaraman, an honest policeman manages to capture an international criminal, Michael Raj. However, Radha, a simple lady believes Balaraman killed her brother Raghu. Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 12 Jun 1987.

Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu(1987)
Tamil · Crime, Drama
0 · 12 Jun 1987
Music: Ilaiyaraaja | Writer: Anannthu, Santhana Bharathi, T. Damodaran
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu revolves around the life of a dedicated police officer who is committed to upholding law and order amidst various challenges. The narrative explores themes of duty, integrity, and justice as the protagonist navigates complex criminal cases and personal dilemmas. The story unfolds with a blend of action and drama, highlighting the protagonist's resolve to maintain discipline and righteousness in society.
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu offers a compelling narrative centered on duty and discipline, effectively portraying the protagonist's moral compass through a tightly woven screenplay. The story progresses steadily with a well-balanced pacing that keeps the audience engaged, especially in the first half where the foundation of the plot and characters is firmly established. The second half intensifies the conflict and delivers satisfying resolutions, though some sequences could have benefited from tighter editing.
The film's music, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, is a standout element, with songs that complement the mood and enhance the emotional depth of the scenes. The background score is particularly effective in heightening tension during critical moments, adding to the overall immersive experience. While the cinematography details are sparse, the visual presentation supports the narrative adequately without overshadowing the performances.
Overall, the film succeeds as a disciplined action drama with strong thematic undercurrents, bolstered by memorable music and solid performances. It remains a noteworthy example of 1980s Tamil cinema that balances entertainment with a message of responsibility and integrity.
Sathyaraj: A commanding and intense portrayal of a principled police officer, delivering a performance that anchors the film.
Geetha: Provides a strong emotional support to the narrative with a nuanced and convincing role.
Captain Raju: Effectively portrays the antagonist with a menacing presence.
Nassar: Delivers a solid supporting performance adding depth to the storyline.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong thematic focus on duty and discipline
- ✓Effective background score by Ilaiyaraaja
- ✓Engaging screenplay with balanced pacing
- ✓Powerful lead performance by Sathyaraj
Weaknesses
- ✕Some sequences in the second half could have been edited tighter
- ✕Limited information on cinematography impact
- ✕Certain supporting characters underdeveloped
🎬 Direction & Writing
Santhana Bharathi's direction is focused and disciplined, successfully translating a story about integrity and responsibility into a gripping cinematic experience. The writing maintains clarity and purpose, though occasionally it leans towards conventional tropes of the genre.
- - Music by Ilaiyaraaja
- - Background score enhancing tension
- - Editing pacing issues in second half
- - Cinematography adequate but unremarkable
📰 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 | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
The film was appreciated for its strong narrative and Sathyaraj's compelling performance. Critics praised Ilaiyaraaja's music and the disciplined storytelling, though some noted that the film adhered closely to genre conventions without much innovation. Overall, the reception was positive with acknowledgment of its thematic depth and entertainment value.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu release in theatres?▾
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu released on 12 June 1987 (1987).
Is Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu a hit or flop?▾
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu online? OTT release date?▾
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu?▾
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu directed by Santhana Bharathi. Produced by Kamal Haasan, Chandrahasan.
Who are the main cast members of Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu?▾
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu stars Sathyaraj, Geetha, Captain Raju, Jeevitha, Nassar.
What is the Tollybo rating for Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu?▾
Tollybo rates Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Who composed the music for Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu?▾
Music for Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
What is the genre and runtime of Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu?▾
Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu — Genre: Crime, Drama, Language: Tamil.
