Kolai (2023) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026


Kolai(2023)
Who Killed Leila?
Tamil · Crime, Drama, Mystery
2h 9m · 21 Jul 2023
Music: Girishh Gopalakrishnan | DOP: Sivakumar Vijayan | Writer: Balaji K. Kumar
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
📖 Story
Kolai is a Tamil-language thriller centered around a mysterious murder case that unfolds with suspense and unexpected twists. The story follows the investigation led by the protagonist, played by Vijay Antony, as he navigates through complex clues and red herrings to uncover the truth behind the crime. The narrative delves into themes of deception, justice, and human psychology, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Kolai presents a gripping storyline that successfully maintains suspense and intrigue, especially in the first half where the setup and character introductions are handled with care. The screenplay is tightly woven, with a deliberate pacing that allows the mystery to build gradually. However, the second half tends to lose some momentum due to predictable plot developments and a few pacing issues.
The film’s music and background score by Girishh Gopalakrishnan effectively complement the tense atmosphere, enhancing the thriller elements without overpowering the narrative. The songs are situational and limited, which suits the film’s tone and keeps the focus on the story.
Cinematography by Sivakumar Vijayan adds a visual depth to the movie, using lighting and framing to accentuate the suspenseful mood. Overall, Kolai is a well-crafted thriller with strong technical aspects, though it could have benefited from a more engaging second half and a tighter screenplay in the latter stages.
Vijay Antony: Delivering a restrained and convincing performance, Vijay Antony anchors the film with his portrayal of the investigator, balancing intensity and subtlety.
Ritika Singh: Ritika Singh provides a strong supporting role, bringing emotional depth and credibility to her character.
Meenakshi Chaudhary: Meenakshi Chaudhary impresses with her screen presence and adds freshness to the ensemble.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging first half with effective suspense
- ✓Strong background score enhancing thriller vibe
- ✓Solid performances by lead actors
- ✓Cinematography that complements the mood
Weaknesses
- ✕Predictable second half
- ✕Pacing issues in latter part of the film
- ✕Limited song appeal due to situational nature
🎬 Direction & Writing
Balaji K. Kumar directs with a clear vision for a taut thriller, successfully creating an atmospheric narrative. However, the screenplay could have been tighter in the second half to maintain the initial momentum.
- - Music by Girishh Gopalakrishnan
- - Cinematography by Sivakumar Vijayan
- - Editing that supports suspense
- - Sound design enhancing tension
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 2.75 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 |
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 | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics
Critics praised Kolai for its gripping first half and strong technical elements, especially the background score and cinematography. Vijay Antony's performance was noted as a highlight. However, many reviews pointed out the predictable and slower second half as a drawback, which affected the overall impact of the film.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kolai release in theatres?▾
Kolai released on 21 July 2023 (2023).
Is Kolai a hit or flop?▾
Kolai is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Where to watch Kolai online? OTT release date?▾
Kolai is available on Prime Video, Sun NXT, SonyLIV from 17 August 2023.
Who directed Kolai?▾
Kolai directed by Balaji K. Kumar. Produced by Tan Sri Doraisingam Pillai, Kamal Bohra.
Who are the main cast members of Kolai?▾
Kolai stars Vijay Antony, Ritika Singh, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Murali Sharma.
What is the Tollybo rating for Kolai?▾
Tollybo rates Kolai 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Who composed the music for Kolai?▾
Music for Kolai composed by Girishh Gopalakrishnan.
What is the genre and runtime of Kolai?▾
Kolai — Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Runtime: 129 minutes, Language: Tamil.
