Last updated: 5 May 2026


Tamil · Action, Drama
2h 47m · 21 Oct 2014
Music: Anirudh Ravichander | DOP: George C. Williams | Writer: A.R. Murugadoss
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
Kaththi revolves around the story of a petty thief named Kathiresan who comes to a village to steal money but soon discovers the plight of the farmers suffering due to corporate exploitation. He assumes the identity of a lookalike, Jeevanandham, a social activist who fights for farmers' rights. The film explores themes of social justice, corporate greed, and the power of collective action as Kathiresan transforms from a self-centered individual to a crusader for the oppressed.
Kaththi is a compelling blend of commercial cinema and social message, crafted with a strong narrative and engaging screenplay. The story is well-structured, with a clear conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist representing corporate malfeasance. The pacing is brisk, especially in the first half, which effectively sets up the characters and the stakes involved. The second half intensifies the drama and delivers impactful moments, though some sequences lean towards melodrama.
The film's music by Anirudh Ravichander complements the narrative well, with songs that are catchy and situationally relevant. The background score enhances the emotional and action sequences, adding to the overall engagement. Cinematography by George C. Williams captures both the rural landscape and urban settings with equal finesse, supporting the film's tone.
The screenplay balances commercial elements like action and comedy with a socially conscious message, making it accessible to a wide audience. The songs are well placed and do not disrupt the narrative flow. Overall, Kaththi stands out for its combination of entertainment and meaningful content, driven by solid technical work and a focused script.
Vijay: Delivered a convincing dual role with distinct mannerisms, effectively portraying both a rogue and a righteous activist.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Provided a strong supporting role with natural screen presence and emotional depth.
Neil Nitin Mukesh: Played the antagonist with intensity and menace, adding to the film's conflict.
Strengths
Weaknesses
A. R. Murugadoss delivers a focused and impactful narrative, balancing commercial cinema tropes with a socially relevant theme. His direction ensures the message is clear without compromising entertainment value, supported by tight writing and well-executed action sequences.
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Our Rating
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| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Music Director | Anirudh Ravichander was nominated for his work in Kaththi |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 75% |
| Neutral | 15% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Kaththi for its engaging screenplay, Vijay's performance, and the integration of a social message within a commercial format. The film was noted for its brisk pacing and technical finesse, though some pointed out melodramatic moments in the latter half.
Final Box-Office Result
Kaththi released on 21 October 2014 (2014).
Kaththi is declared a HIT at the box office.
Budget of Kaththi is approximately ₹50 Crore.
Kaththi is available on provider-27, ZEE5, YouTube, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.
Kaththi directed by A. R. Murugadoss. Produced by K. Karunamoorthy, Allirajah Subaskaran.
Kaththi stars Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sathish, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Tota Roy Chowdhury.
Tollybo rates Kaththi 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Music for Kaththi composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
Kaththi — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 167 minutes, Language: Tamil.