Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


A game of chase and get chased
Tamil · Action, Crime, Thriller
2h 41m · 31 Aug 2011
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja | DOP: Sakthi Saravanan | Writer: Venkat Prabhu
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
Mankatha is a stylish action thriller centered around a group of professional thieves planning a high-stakes heist. The story follows Vinayak Mahadevan (Ajith Kumar), a suspended police officer who joins forces with a gang to steal black money from a corrupt politician. The narrative weaves through layers of deception, double-crosses, and unexpected twists, keeping the audience guessing about the true motives of each character until the climax.
Mankatha stands out for its slick screenplay and engaging narrative style, crafted by director Venkat Prabhu. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, with the first half setting up the characters and the heist plan effectively, maintaining a taut and intriguing atmosphere. The second half ramps up the tension with clever twists and action sequences that keep the audience hooked.
The film's screenplay is tightly written, balancing moments of humor, suspense, and drama without losing momentum. The pacing is consistent, with no dull stretches, making it an entertaining watch throughout. The dialogues are punchy and add to the film's stylish tone.
Yuvan Shankar Raja's music and background score are major highlights, elevating the mood of the film. The songs blend well into the narrative without disrupting the flow, while the BGM intensifies the suspense and action scenes effectively. Sakthi Saravanan's cinematography complements the film's sleek and modern aesthetic, capturing the urban settings and high-octane sequences with flair.
Ajith Kumar: Charismatic and commanding, Ajith delivers a layered performance as a morally ambiguous anti-hero, balancing charm with intensity.
Arjun Sarja: Strong and menacing, Arjun Sarja provides a solid presence as the antagonist, adding gravitas to the conflict.
Vaibhav: Offers a good supporting role with natural ease, contributing to the ensemble's dynamic.
Ashwin Kakumanu: Effective in his role, bringing sincerity and depth to his character.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Venkat Prabhu's direction is confident and stylish, blending action and thriller elements with a commercial sensibility. His writing keeps the audience engaged through clever plot twists and well-crafted character arcs, making Mankatha a standout in the Tamil action thriller genre.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Mankatha for its stylish execution, engaging screenplay, and Ajith Kumar's charismatic performance. The film was noted for its fresh take on the heist genre in Tamil cinema and the effective use of background score to heighten tension. Some critiques pointed to minor flaws in character depth but overall reception was positive.
Final Box-Office Result
Mankatha released on 31 August 2011 (2011).
Mankatha is declared a HIT at the box office.
Mankatha is available on Amazon Prime Video, Sun Nxt, Amazon Prime Video with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.
Mankatha directed by Venkat Prabhu. Produced by Dhayanidhi Alagiri, Vivek Rathnavelu.
Mankatha stars Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Vaibhav, Ashwin Kakumanu, Premji Amaran.
Tollybo rates Mankatha 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Music for Mankatha composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Mankatha — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 161 minutes, Language: Tamil.