Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 29m · 1 Jan 1987
DOP: T. S. Vinayagam | Writer: S. P. Muthuraman, Panchu Arunachalam
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
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.
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.
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
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.
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Our Rating
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No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
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
Manithan released on 1 January 1987 (1987).
Manithan is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Manithan OTT release date not announced yet.
Manithan directed by S. P. Muthuraman. Produced by M. Saravanan.
Manithan stars Rajinikanth, Rupini, Cho Ramaswamy, Srividya, Delhi Ganesh.
Tollybo rates Manithan 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Manithan — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 149 minutes, Language: Tamil.