Kadamban (2017) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026
Kadamban (2017) Review
A review of Kadamban (2017) (Tamil action, adventure, drama), directed by N. Ragavan. Starring Arya, Catherine Tresa, Y. G. Mahendran. The honey-extracting tribal folks of Kadambavanam, a village in the deep interiors of dense forests, enjoy their peaceful & humble lives with the philosophical company of their forefathers. Presence of limestone underneath earns the village some interest from unethical vultures. With multiple so... Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Released: 14 Apr 2017. Runtime: 2h 18m.


Kadamban(2017)
Tamil · Action, Adventure, Drama
2h 18m · 14 Apr 2017
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja | DOP: S. R. Sathish Kumar | Writer: N. Ragavan, Dev
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
📖 Story
Kadamban is an action drama centered around the titular character, a tribal man who fiercely protects his forest home from corporate exploitation. The story unfolds as Kadamban battles against powerful forces trying to destroy his land for commercial gain. It highlights themes of environmental conservation, tribal identity, and the clash between tradition and modernity.
Kadamban delivers a rustic narrative that blends action with a socially relevant theme of forest preservation. The story is straightforward, focusing on the protagonist's fight against external threats to his homeland. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half effectively establishing the tribal backdrop and Kadamban's character, while the second half intensifies the conflict with heightened action sequences.
The film's pacing is balanced, though some scenes tend to drag, slightly affecting engagement. The songs composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja complement the film's earthy tone, with melodies that resonate with the tribal setting. The background score is impactful, enhancing the emotional and action moments without overpowering the narrative.
Cinematography by S. R. Sathish Kumar captures the forest landscapes beautifully, adding authenticity to the setting. Overall, Kadamban is a well-intentioned film that combines commercial elements with a message, though it occasionally falls into predictable tropes.
Arya: Strong and intense portrayal of a tribal protector, bringing physicality and earnestness to the role.
Catherine Tresa: Offers a supportive role with limited scope but delivers her part convincingly.
Y. G. Mahendran: Provides a steady presence in a character role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong environmental and social message
- ✓Authentic portrayal of tribal life
- ✓Effective background score and music
- ✓Impressive cinematography capturing forest landscapes
Weaknesses
- ✕Predictable screenplay and plot
- ✕Some pacing issues in the second half
- ✕Underdeveloped supporting characters
🎬 Direction & Writing
N. Ragavan directs with a clear vision to highlight environmental issues through a commercial action drama. The writing is straightforward, focusing on the protagonist's struggle but lacks nuanced character development and surprises.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 5.4 | |
| 2.9 | |
| 0 | |
| 72 | |
| 64 |
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 appreciated the film's message and Arya's performance but noted the predictable storyline and uneven pacing. The music and visuals were praised as highlights.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kadamban release in theatres?▾
Kadamban released on 14 April 2017 (2017).
Is Kadamban a hit or flop?▾
Kadamban is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Kadamban online? OTT release date?▾
Kadamban is available on Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Kadamban?▾
Kadamban directed by N. Ragavan. Produced by R. B. Choudary.
Who are the main cast members of Kadamban?▾
Kadamban stars Arya, Catherine Tresa, Y. G. Mahendran, Super Subbarayan, Deepraj Rana.
What is the Tollybo rating for Kadamban?▾
Tollybo rates Kadamban 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Kadamban?▾
Music for Kadamban composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
What is the genre and runtime of Kadamban?▾
Kadamban — Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Runtime: 138 minutes, Language: Tamil.
