Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Tamil · Drama, Sport
2h 18m · 5 Feb 2021
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja | DOP: Abinandhan Ramanujam | Writer: N. Rajasekar
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Kalathil Santhippom is a Tamil-language sports drama centered around the friendship and rivalry between two kabaddi players, played by Jiiva and Arulnithi. The story explores their personal and professional lives, highlighting themes of camaraderie, competition, and romance. The narrative unfolds as the protagonists navigate challenges on and off the kabaddi court, with emotional stakes tied to their relationships and ambitions.
Kalathil Santhippom delivers a heartfelt sports drama with a focus on friendship and competitive spirit. The content is engaging, blending sports action with emotional moments that resonate well with the audience. The story is straightforward, revolving around the lives of two kabaddi players and their interpersonal dynamics, which is both relatable and inspiring.
The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with a strong first half that establishes characters and their motivations effectively. However, the second half tends to slow down, with some predictable plot developments that slightly affect the overall momentum. The film balances sports sequences with personal drama, though some scenes could have benefited from tighter editing.
Musically, Yuvan Shankar Raja's compositions stand out, with songs that complement the narrative and enhance the emotional depth. The background score is effective in heightening tension during key moments, especially in the kabaddi matches, adding to the film's immersive experience. Cinematography by Abinandhan Ramanujam captures the energy of the sport and the vibrancy of the settings well.
Jiiva: Delivers a convincing portrayal of a passionate kabaddi player with emotional depth.
Arulnithi: Provides a solid and restrained performance, effectively portraying friendship and rivalry.
Manjima Mohan: Offers a charming and supportive role, adding warmth to the narrative.
Priya Bhavani Shankar: Contributes a graceful presence with a balanced performance.
Robo Shankar: Injects comic relief with timing that lightens the mood.
Radha Ravi: Portrays a strong supporting character with authority.
Strengths
Weaknesses
N. Rajasekhar directs with a clear focus on the sports drama genre, successfully balancing action and emotional elements. The writing is straightforward and earnest, though it occasionally falls into familiar tropes. The direction shines in the depiction of kabaddi matches and the camaraderie among characters, but could have benefited from a tighter screenplay in the second half.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and music but noted the predictable storyline and pacing issues in the latter half.
Final Box-Office Result
Kalathil Santhippom released on 5 February 2021 (2021).
Kalathil Santhippom is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Kalathil Santhippom OTT release date not announced yet.
Kalathil Santhippom directed by N. Rajasekhar. Produced by R. B. Choudary.
Kalathil Santhippom stars Jiiva, Arulnithi, Manjima Mohan, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Robo Shankar.
Tollybo rates Kalathil Santhippom 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Kalathil Santhippom composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Kalathil Santhippom — Genre: Drama, Sport, Runtime: 138 minutes, Language: Tamil.