Skip to main content
TollyBO

Manithan (1987) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Manithan (1987) Review

Manithan (1987) (Tamil action, crime, drama) — directed by S. P. Muthuraman. Starring Rajinikanth, Rupini, Cho Ramaswamy. The Story of a young man who returns from jail after imprisonment on crime he commits for justice during young age. He comes out and again fights for justice in everyway. This film released along with Kamal hassan starred and Mani Ratnam directed Nayakan,Sathyaraj starred Brahma and Vijayakant starr... Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 1 Jan 1987. Runtime: 2h 29m.

Manithan
BELOW AVERAGE

Manithan(1987)

Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama

2h 29m · 1 Jan 1987

DOP: T. S. Vinayagam | Writer: S. P. Muthuraman, Panchu Arunachalam

DramaActionCrime

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.4
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB55
TraktTrakt40

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

Manithan revolves around the life of Rajinikanth's character, a principled and honest man who fights against injustice and corruption in society. The narrative explores his struggles to uphold truth and righteousness while facing personal and societal challenges. The story weaves through courtroom drama, familial bonds, and social commentary, culminating in a message about human values and integrity.

🔍 Analysis

Manithan presents a compelling story that blends social issues with engaging drama, anchored by Rajinikanth's charismatic presence. The screenplay is well-structured, maintaining a steady pace throughout the film. The first half effectively sets up the characters and conflicts, while the second half intensifies the drama with courtroom sequences and emotional confrontations.

The film's pacing is balanced, ensuring that the narrative does not drag despite its runtime. The songs, though limited, complement the mood of the film and are situationally appropriate. The background score enhances the emotional depth, particularly during tense and dramatic moments, adding to the overall impact of the storytelling.

While the film does not rely heavily on musical elements, the cinematography by T. S. Vinayagam captures the essence of the settings and performances effectively. The direction by S. P. Muthuraman ensures that the film remains engaging and focused on its core themes without unnecessary diversions.

🎭 Performances

Rajinikanth: Powerful and convincing portrayal of an upright man fighting injustice.

Rupini: Supportive and emotive performance complementing the lead.

Cho Ramaswamy: Strong presence with impactful dialogue delivery.

Srividya: Nuanced and heartfelt performance.

Delhi Ganesh: Solid supporting role adding depth to the narrative.

Senthil: Comic relief with timing that lightens the mood.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Strong lead performance by Rajinikanth
  • ✓Engaging courtroom drama
  • ✓Balanced screenplay and pacing
  • ✓Effective background score enhancing emotional scenes
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Limited musical impact due to fewer songs
  • ✕Some predictable plot elements

🎬 Direction & Writing

S. P. Muthuraman's direction is focused and clear, successfully blending social themes with commercial elements. His handling of dramatic sequences and character arcs ensures audience engagement throughout the film.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.4
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
55
TraktTrakt
40

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
Positive60%
Neutral30%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics praised Rajinikanth's performance and the film's handling of social issues through a courtroom drama format. The film was noted for its engaging narrative and solid direction, though some reviews pointed out the predictability of certain plot points.

Final Box-Office Result

BELOW AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Manithan release in theatres?▾

Manithan released on 1 January 1987 (1987).

Is Manithan a hit or flop?▾

Manithan is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Manithan online? OTT release date?▾

Manithan OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Manithan?▾

Manithan directed by S. P. Muthuraman. Produced by M. Saravanan.

Who are the main cast members of Manithan?▾

Manithan stars Rajinikanth, Rupini, Cho Ramaswamy, Srividya, Delhi Ganesh.

What is the Tollybo rating for Manithan?▾

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

What is the genre and runtime of Manithan?▾

Manithan — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 149 minutes, Language: Tamil.

Previous MovieNext Movie