Master (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 5 May 2026
Master(2021)
Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 59m · 13 Jan 2021
Music: Anirudh Ravichander | DOP: Sathyan Sooryan | Writer: Lokesh Kanagaraj, Pon Parthiban, Rathna Kumar
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
Master follows the story of John Durairaj (Vijay), an alcoholic professor sent to a juvenile school to reform the students. There, he encounters Bhavani (Vijay Sethupathi), a ruthless gangster who exploits children for his criminal activities. The film revolves around the clash between John and Bhavani, highlighting themes of redemption, justice, and the impact of mentorship on troubled youth.
Master is a high-octane action thriller that balances intense drama with moments of humor and emotional depth. The story, while rooted in a familiar hero-versus-villain trope, is elevated by Lokesh Kanagaraj's sharp screenplay and engaging narrative style. The first half focuses on establishing the characters and setting up the conflict, with a mix of light-hearted scenes and suspense that keeps the audience invested.
The second half intensifies the stakes with gripping confrontations and well-choreographed action sequences, maintaining a brisk pace that rarely lets the momentum drop. The screenplay cleverly interweaves the personal struggles of the protagonist with the larger battle against crime, giving the film a satisfying emotional core.
Anirudh Ravichander's music and background score are standout elements, enhancing the film's mood and energy. The songs are well-placed, complementing the narrative without disrupting the flow. The BGM, in particular, adds tension and excitement to key scenes, making the action and dramatic moments more impactful.
Cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan captures both the gritty and vibrant aspects of the story, while the editing ensures a tight narrative. Overall, Master delivers a compelling cinematic experience that blends commercial appeal with thoughtful storytelling.
Vijay: Charismatic and commanding, Vijay brings a perfect blend of charm and intensity to the role of John, effectively portraying the character's transformation and moral resolve.
Vijay Sethupathi: Exceptional as the antagonist Bhavani, Vijay Sethupathi delivers a menacing yet nuanced performance that elevates the film's conflict.
Arjun Das: Strong supporting role with a memorable portrayal of a loyal henchman, adding depth to the villainous side.
Malavika Mohanan: Provides a subtle and restrained performance, contributing to the emotional layers of the story.
Andrea Jeremiah: Offers a brief but impactful presence, supporting the protagonist's journey.
Nassar: Delivers a solid performance as a mentor figure, adding gravitas to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging screenplay with a good balance of action and emotion
- ✓Powerful performances by lead actors, especially Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi
- ✓Anirudh Ravichander's impactful music and background score
- ✓Tight pacing and well-executed action sequences
- ✓Strong character development and thematic depth
Weaknesses
- ✕Familiar storyline with some predictable elements
- ✕Certain comedic scenes may feel out of place for some viewers
- ✕Limited screen time for female characters
🎬 Direction & Writing
Lokesh Kanagaraj's direction is confident and stylish, successfully blending commercial elements with a meaningful narrative. His writing ensures that the film remains engaging throughout, with well-crafted characters and a compelling conflict that drives the story forward.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) | Best Actor (Vijay) | Nominated for his performance |
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Music Director (Anirudh Ravichander) | Nominated for the film's soundtrack and background score |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Master was a major commercial success, breaking box office records in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
Critics
Critics praised Master for its engaging screenplay, strong performances, especially by Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi, and Anirudh Ravichander's music. The film was noted for its commercial appeal combined with a solid narrative, though some pointed out its predictable plot and tonal inconsistencies.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Master release in theatres?▾
Master released on 13 January 2021 (2021).
Is Master a hit or flop?▾
Master is declared a HIT at the box office.
What is the budget of Master?▾
Budget of Master is approximately ₹120 Crore.
Where to watch Master online? OTT release date?▾
Master is available on Prime Video, Prime Video, Prime Video, ZEE5, YouTube, iTunes from 28 January 2021.
Who directed Master?▾
Master directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Produced by Xavier Britto.
Who are the main cast members of Master?▾
Master stars Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi, Arjun Das, Malavika Mohanan, Andrea Jeremiah.
What is the Tollybo rating for Master?▾
Tollybo rates Master 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Who composed the music for Master?▾
Music for Master composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
What is the genre and runtime of Master?▾
Master — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 179 minutes, Language: Tamil.