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Kaththi (2014) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 5 May 2026

Kaththi (2014) Review

Kaththi (2014) — a Tamil action, drama movie directed by A. R. Murugadoss. The cast includes Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sathish. Kathiresan aka Kaththi, a criminal, escapes from the Kolkata prison and comes to Chennai, where he comes across his doppelganger Jeevanandham, fighting for his life after being shot at by unknown men. Kathir decides to pass off as Jeeva and make away with a lump sum amount but once he realizes who J... Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 21 Oct 2014. Runtime: 2h 47m.

Kaththi
HIT

Kaththi(2014)

Tamil · Action, Drama

2h 47m · 21 Oct 2014

Music: Anirudh Ravichander | DOP: George C. Williams | Writer: A.R. Murugadoss

ActionDrama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb8.1
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.7
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB71
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience77

Our Rating

3.25

📖 Story

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.

🔍 Analysis

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.

🎭 Performances

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

Strengths

  • Strong social message integrated with commercial elements
  • Engaging screenplay and brisk pacing
  • Vijay’s convincing dual role performance
  • Anirudh Ravichander’s impactful music and background score
  • Effective cinematography capturing diverse settings

Weaknesses

  • Second half contains some melodramatic sequences
  • Certain commercial elements may feel formulaic

🎬 Direction & Writing

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.

📰 Ratings Sources

No rating sources available.

Our Rating

3.25/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

AwardCategoryNotes
Filmfare Awards SouthBest Music DirectorAnirudh Ravichander was nominated for his work in Kaththi

🏆 Records & Box Office

  • - Kaththi was a commercial success, performing strongly at the box office across Tamil Nadu and other regions.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive75%
Neutral15%
Negative10%

Critics

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

HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Kaththi release in theatres?

Kaththi released on 21 October 2014 (2014).

Is Kaththi a hit or flop?

Kaththi is declared a HIT at the box office.

What is the budget of Kaththi?

Budget of Kaththi is approximately ₹50 Crore.

Where to watch Kaththi online? OTT release date?

Kaththi is available on provider-27, ZEE5, YouTube, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Kaththi?

Kaththi directed by A. R. Murugadoss. Produced by K. Karunamoorthy, Allirajah Subaskaran.

Who are the main cast members of Kaththi?

Kaththi stars Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sathish, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Tota Roy Chowdhury.

What is the Tollybo rating for Kaththi?

Tollybo rates Kaththi 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.

Who composed the music for Kaththi?

Music for Kaththi composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

What is the genre and runtime of Kaththi?

Kaththi — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 167 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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