Maharaja (2024) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Maharaja (2024) Review
Maharaja (2024) — a Tamil action, crime, drama movie directed by Nithilan Saminathan. The cast includes Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap, Sachana Namidass. A barber seeks vengeance after his home is burglarized, cryptically telling police his "Lakshmi" has been taken, leaving them uncertain if it's a person or object, jeer at his request until they learn what they're really looking for. Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER. Released: 13 Jun 2024. Runtime: 2h 21m.


Maharaja(2024)
Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 21m · 13 Jun 2024
Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath | DOP: Dinesh Purushothaman | Writer: Nithilan Saminathan
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Maharaja is a Tamil action-drama that revolves around the complex life of a morally ambiguous protagonist played by Vijay Sethupathi. The story delves into themes of power, redemption, and the consequences of one's choices. With a gritty narrative, the film explores the underbelly of society while weaving in personal conflicts and emotional arcs that challenge the characters' loyalties and beliefs.
Maharaja presents a layered narrative that balances intense action sequences with emotionally charged moments. The screenplay is tightly written, maintaining a steady pace throughout, though the first half leans more on establishing characters and setting up the conflict, which some viewers might find slightly slow. The second half picks up momentum with well-executed twists and heightened drama that keep the audience engaged.
The film's music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath complements the storytelling effectively, with songs that blend seamlessly into the narrative rather than feeling like interruptions. The background score enhances the tension and emotional beats, especially during critical confrontations and introspective moments.
Cinematography by Dinesh Purushothaman captures the raw and rugged atmosphere of the film’s setting, adding a visual depth that supports the story’s tone. Overall, Maharaja is a compelling watch for those who appreciate character-driven action dramas, though its pacing and complexity might not cater to all tastes.
Vijay Sethupathi: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a conflicted protagonist, commanding the screen with subtle intensity.
Anurag Kashyap: Menacing and layered antagonist role, delivering a memorable performance with restrained menace.
Sachana Namidass: Strong supporting role, bringing emotional depth and authenticity to her character.
Natarajan Subramaniam: Effective in a pivotal supporting role, adding to the film’s gritty realism.
Abhirami: Brief but impactful presence, contributing to key emotional moments.
Mamta Mohandas: Solid performance with a significant role that anchors some of the film’s dramatic arcs.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong performances by lead and supporting cast
- ✓Engaging and layered screenplay
- ✓Effective background score and music integration
- ✓Cinematography that enhances the film’s gritty tone
Weaknesses
- ✕Slow pacing in the first half
- ✕Complex narrative may be challenging for some viewers
- ✕Limited commercial appeal due to dark themes
🎬 Direction & Writing
Nithilan Saminathan delivers a confident directorial debut with Maharaja, showcasing a clear vision and command over the narrative. The direction balances character development with action sequences effectively, though the film occasionally struggles with pacing. The writing is mature, with dialogues and situations that reflect the moral ambiguity of the characters.
- - Music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath
- - Cinematography by Dinesh Purushothaman
- - Editing that maintains narrative coherence
- - Sound design that amplifies tension
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 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 | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics have generally appreciated Maharaja for its strong performances and gripping narrative. The film's dark tone and complex characters have been praised, though some reviews point out the slow pacing in the first half as a drawback. The music and cinematography have received positive mentions for enhancing the overall experience.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Maharaja release in theatres?▾
Maharaja released on 13 June 2024 (2024).
Is Maharaja a hit or flop?▾
Maharaja is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.
Where to watch Maharaja online? OTT release date?▾
Maharaja is available on Netflix from 11 July 2024.
Who directed Maharaja?▾
Maharaja directed by Nithilan Saminathan. Produced by Jagadish Palanisamy, Sudhan Sundaram.
Who are the main cast members of Maharaja?▾
Maharaja stars Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap, Sachana Namidass, Natarajan Subramaniam, Abhirami.
What is the Tollybo rating for Maharaja?▾
Tollybo rates Maharaja 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.
Who composed the music for Maharaja?▾
Music for Maharaja composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
What is the genre and runtime of Maharaja?▾
Maharaja — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 141 minutes, Language: Tamil.
