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Maari (2015) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 24 Apr 2026

Maari (2015) Review

Directed by Balaji Mohan, Maari (2015) is a Tamil action, comedy, drama film starring Dhanush, Kajal Aggarwal, Vijay Yesudas. A feared local rowdy, known for his dominance in the streets and pigeon racing, finds himself at odds with a newly appointed police officer. As tensions rise, hidden motives and betrayals unfold, shaking the balance of power in the neighborhood. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 17 Jul 2015. Runtime: 2h 18m.

Maari
BELOW AVERAGE

Maari(2015)

Tamil · Action, Comedy, Drama

2h 18m · 17 Jul 2015

Music: Anirudh Ravichander | DOP: Om Prakash | Writer: Balaji Mohan, Rishabh Purohit

Action

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.5
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.1
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB60
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience30

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

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.

🔍 Analysis

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.

🎭 Performances

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

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Dhanush's charismatic performance
  • ✓Catchy and energetic music by Anirudh Ravichander
  • ✓Engaging first half with humor and style
  • ✓Vibrant cinematography capturing the local milieu
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Predictable and slow-paced second half
  • ✕Lack of depth in storyline and character arcs
  • ✕Some repetitive comedic elements

🎬 Direction & Writing

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.

📰 Critic Reviews

No critic reviews found yet.

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.5
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.1
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
60
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience
30

Our Rating

2.5/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive40%
Neutral35%
Negative25%

Critics

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

BELOW AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Maari release in theatres?▾

Maari released on 17 July 2015 (2015).

Is Maari a hit or flop?▾

Maari is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Maari online? OTT release date?▾

Maari OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Maari?▾

Maari directed by Balaji Mohan. Produced by Listin Stephen, Radikaa Sarathkumar, R. Sarathkumar, Dhanush.

Who are the main cast members of Maari?▾

Maari stars Dhanush, Kajal Aggarwal, Vijay Yesudas, Robo Shankar, Kaali Venkat.

What is the Tollybo rating for Maari?▾

Tollybo rates Maari 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Maari?▾

Music for Maari composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

What is the genre and runtime of Maari?▾

Maari — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 138 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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