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Nala Damayanthi (2003) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 24 Apr 2026

Nala Damayanthi (2003) Review

Nala Damayanthi (2003) (Tamil comedy) — directed by Mouli. Starring R. Madhavan, Geethu Mohandas, Shrutika. A village cook Ramji goes to Australia to become a chef at a multi-millionaire Indian's home. Unfortunately, the millionaire dies of indigestion the day Ramji arrives, leaving him jobless with an expired visa. Desperate to stay and earn, he starts working illegally as a cook, but to stay on, he need... Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 12 Jun 2003. Runtime: 2h 18m.

Nala Damayanthi
HIT

Nala Damayanthi(2003)

Tamil · Comedy

2h 18m · 12 Jun 2003

Music: Ramesh Vinayagam | DOP: Siddharth Ramaswamy | Writer: Kamal Haasan, Mouli

Comedy

Ratings

IMDbIMDb7.1
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.4
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB75
TraktTrakt66

Our Rating

3.25

📖 Story

Nala Damayanthi follows the story of Nalan, a naive and kind-hearted Tamil cook who travels to Australia in search of a better life. The film explores his struggles and humorous encounters as he tries to establish himself in a foreign land, dealing with cultural differences and personal challenges. Along the way, Nalan's innocence and determination lead to a series of comedic and heartwarming events that highlight themes of resilience, friendship, and love.

🔍 Analysis

Nala Damayanthi offers a light-hearted narrative that blends comedy with emotional undertones, anchored by a simple yet engaging storyline. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half focusing on establishing Nalan's character and his initial struggles abroad, while the second half delves deeper into his relationships and personal growth. The pacing is generally smooth, though some sequences in the latter half tend to drag slightly.

The film's music, composed by Ramesh Vinayagam, complements the narrative well, with songs that are melodious and situationally relevant. The background score effectively enhances the comedic and emotional moments without overpowering the scenes. Cinematography by Siddharth Ramaswamy captures the contrasting settings of India and Australia with clarity, adding visual appeal.

While the screenplay is straightforward, the film's charm lies in its performances and the director Mouli's ability to balance humor with sentiment. The songs are pleasant but not particularly memorable, serving more as narrative tools than chartbusters. Overall, Nala Damayanthi is an enjoyable watch that combines cultural nuances with universal themes, though it may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced or complex storyline.

🎭 Performances

R. Madhavan: Delivers a heartfelt and earnest portrayal of Nalan, capturing the character's innocence and determination with subtle humor.

Geethu Mohandas: Provides a supportive and engaging presence, complementing Madhavan's character well.

Shrutika: Offers a charming and sincere performance in a pivotal role.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong lead performance by R. Madhavan
  • Balanced blend of comedy and emotion
  • Effective background score enhancing mood
  • Cinematography capturing diverse locations

Weaknesses

  • Second half pacing slows down at times
  • Songs are pleasant but not very memorable
  • Screenplay is simple and predictable

🎬 Direction & Writing

Mouli's direction is competent, focusing on character-driven storytelling with a light comedic touch. His writing keeps the narrative accessible and relatable, though it lacks complexity or bold experimentation.

📰 Ratings Sources

No rating sources available.

Our Rating

3.25/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral25%
Negative15%

Critics

The film received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising Madhavan's performance and the film's humor, while noting its predictable storyline and uneven pacing.

Final Box-Office Result

HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Nala Damayanthi release in theatres?

Nala Damayanthi released on 12 June 2003 (2003).

Is Nala Damayanthi a hit or flop?

Nala Damayanthi is declared a HIT at the box office.

Where to watch Nala Damayanthi online? OTT release date?

Nala Damayanthi is available on Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Nala Damayanthi?

Nala Damayanthi directed by Mouli. Produced by Kamal Haasan, Chandrahasan.

Who are the main cast members of Nala Damayanthi?

Nala Damayanthi stars R. Madhavan, Geethu Mohandas, Shrutika, Sriman, Anu Hasan.

What is the Tollybo rating for Nala Damayanthi?

Tollybo rates Nala Damayanthi 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.

Who composed the music for Nala Damayanthi?

Music for Nala Damayanthi composed by Ramesh Vinayagam.

What is the genre and runtime of Nala Damayanthi?

Nala Damayanthi — Genre: Comedy, Runtime: 138 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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