Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Tamil · Action, Comedy, Drama
2h 18m · 17 Jul 2015
Music: Anirudh Ravichander | DOP: Om Prakash | Writer: Balaji Mohan, Rishabh Purohit
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Maari is a Tamil action-comedy centered around the flamboyant local don Maari, played by Dhanush, who is known for his eccentric and carefree attitude. The story follows Maari's tussle with rival gangs, his interactions with the local community, and his romantic interest played by Kajal Aggarwal. The narrative explores Maari's unique style of handling conflicts and his eventual transformation as he confronts challenges that test his loyalty and strength.
Maari offers a blend of action and comedy with a strong emphasis on style and character quirks. The screenplay is straightforward, focusing on Maari's larger-than-life persona and his interactions with a colorful supporting cast. The pacing in the first half is engaging, filled with humorous moments and energetic sequences that establish the protagonist's dominance in his world. However, the second half tends to slow down with a more predictable conflict resolution, somewhat diminishing the initial momentum.
The film's music, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, stands out as a major highlight. The songs are catchy and well-integrated, contributing to the film's vibrant atmosphere. The background score complements the action and comedic elements effectively, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Cinematography by Om Prakash captures the rustic and lively setting with vivid visuals that match the film's tone.
While the film thrives on Dhanush's charismatic performance and Anirudh's music, it occasionally suffers from a lack of depth in the storyline and character development. Nonetheless, Maari succeeds as an entertaining masala entertainer with enough style and humor to keep the audience engaged.
Dhanush: Charismatic and energetic portrayal of the quirky local don Maari, carrying the film with his screen presence.
Kajal Aggarwal: Provides a charming and effective romantic counterpart, adding emotional balance.
Vijay Yesudas: Delivers a convincing antagonist role with intensity.
Robo Shankar: Offers comic relief with his timing and quirky character.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Balaji Mohan directs with a focus on style and entertainment, successfully creating a colorful world around the protagonist. However, the writing lacks complexity and relies heavily on star power and music to maintain interest.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics generally praised Dhanush's performance and Anirudh's music, while pointing out the film's uneven pacing and predictable plot. The film was seen as a typical masala entertainer that works mainly due to its lead actor and soundtrack.
Final Box-Office Result
Maari released on 17 July 2015 (2015).
Maari is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Maari OTT release date not announced yet.
Maari directed by Balaji Mohan. Produced by Listin Stephen, Radikaa Sarathkumar, R. Sarathkumar, Dhanush.
Maari stars Dhanush, Kajal Aggarwal, Vijay Yesudas, Robo Shankar, Kaali Venkat.
Tollybo rates Maari 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for Maari composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
Maari — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 138 minutes, Language: Tamil.