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Magalir Mattum (1994) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Magalir Mattum (1994) Review

Magalir Mattum (1994) — a Tamil comedy, drama, thriller film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. Starring Revathi, Urvashi, Rohini. In a male-dominated world, three women from different walks of life unite against their predatory manager, challenging his atrocities and pushing back with a bold feminist agenda. Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 25 Feb 1994. Runtime: 2h 12m.

Magalir Mattum
HIT

Magalir Mattum(1994)

Tamil · Comedy, Drama, Thriller

2h 12m · 25 Feb 1994

Music: Ilaiyaraaja | DOP: S. Thirunavukkarasu | Writer: Kamal Haasan

ComedyDrama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb7.4
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.6
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB70
TraktTrakt67

Our Rating

3.25

📖 Story

Magalir Mattum is a Tamil-language film centered around the lives of three women who work in a company dominated by chauvinistic male colleagues. The story explores their struggles against workplace harassment and gender discrimination, and how they unite to challenge the oppressive environment. The narrative blends humor and drama to highlight the importance of women’s empowerment and solidarity.

🔍 Analysis

Magalir Mattum offers a compelling narrative that balances social commentary with engaging storytelling. The screenplay is well-crafted, maintaining a steady pace that keeps the audience invested throughout both halves of the film. The first half effectively establishes the characters and their workplace dynamics, using situational comedy and sharp dialogues to underline the gender biases prevalent in society. The second half shifts towards a more dramatic tone, focusing on the women's fight for justice and self-respect, culminating in a satisfying resolution.

The music by Ilaiyaraaja complements the film’s mood perfectly, with songs that are melodious and situationally relevant. The background score enhances the emotional depth, especially during intense and pivotal moments, without overpowering the narrative. Cinematography by S. Thirunavukkarasu captures the urban office setting and the characters’ expressions with clarity, adding to the film’s overall impact.

Overall, Magalir Mattum stands out for its progressive theme, strong performances, and technical finesse. It remains a notable film for addressing gender issues with sensitivity and wit, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

🎭 Performances

Revathi: Delivering a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of a woman confronting workplace injustice, Revathi shines with emotional depth and authenticity.

Urvashi: Urvashi brings a perfect blend of humor and strength, effectively portraying a spirited and resilient character.

Rohini: Rohini complements the lead trio with a subtle yet impactful performance, adding layers to the group dynamic.

Nassar: Nassar convincingly plays the antagonist, embodying the chauvinistic office culture with a menacing yet believable demeanor.

Kamal Haasan: In a supporting role, Kamal Haasan adds charm and gravitas, enhancing key moments without overshadowing the leads.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong feminist theme and social message
  • Engaging screenplay with balanced humor and drama
  • Powerful performances by lead actresses
  • Ilaiyaraaja’s memorable music and effective background score
  • Well-executed direction by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Weaknesses

  • Pacing slows slightly in the mid-second half
  • Some supporting characters underdeveloped

🎬 Direction & Writing

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao’s direction is sensitive and assured, skillfully blending comedy and drama to address serious social issues. His writing ensures the film remains accessible while delivering a strong message about women’s empowerment.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by S. Thirunavukkarasu
  • - Music and background score by Ilaiyaraaja
  • - Editing that maintains narrative flow
  • - Production design reflecting 1990s urban office environment

📰 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.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics praised Magalir Mattum for its bold theme and strong performances, particularly highlighting the chemistry among the lead actresses and Ilaiyaraaja’s music. The film was noted for its progressive take on gender issues, though some reviews mentioned minor pacing issues.

Final Box-Office Result

HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Magalir Mattum release in theatres?

Magalir Mattum released on 25 February 1994 (1994).

Is Magalir Mattum a hit or flop?

Magalir Mattum is declared a HIT at the box office.

Where to watch Magalir Mattum online? OTT release date?

Magalir Mattum OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Magalir Mattum?

Magalir Mattum directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. Produced by Kamal Haasan.

Who are the main cast members of Magalir Mattum?

Magalir Mattum stars Revathi, Urvashi, Rohini, Nassar, Pasi Sathya.

What is the Tollybo rating for Magalir Mattum?

Tollybo rates Magalir Mattum 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.

Who composed the music for Magalir Mattum?

Music for Magalir Mattum composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

What is the genre and runtime of Magalir Mattum?

Magalir Mattum — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 132 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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