Nanban (2012) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 5 May 2026
Nanban (2012) Review
Released on 12 Jan 2012, Nanban (2012) is a Tamil comedy, drama movie starring Vijay, Jiiva, Srikanth. Directed by Shankar. The plot of the film illustrates the embankment of two friends on a quest for a lost buddy, who was once an optimistic and successful student. On their journey, they recount their college life and special moments that the three shared up until their lost friend secretly parted ways after convocation... Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT. Runtime: 3h 1m.
Nanban(2012)
Tamil · Comedy, Drama
3h 1m · 12 Jan 2012
Music: Harris Jayaraj | DOP: Manoj Paramahamsa | Writer: Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, Madhan Karky
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Nanban is a Tamil coming-of-age comedy-drama that revolves around three friends—Venkat, Pari, and Seenu—who join an engineering college. The story explores their friendship, challenges in academics, and the pressures of the education system. Venkat, the protagonist, faces bullying and academic hurdles but ultimately inspires his friends and classmates to believe in learning beyond rote memorization. The film is a remake of the Hindi film '3 Idiots' and emphasizes the importance of passion and creativity in education.
Nanban successfully adapts the essence of the original Hindi film while infusing it with Tamil cultural nuances and star power. The screenplay balances humor, drama, and emotional moments effectively, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The pacing is brisk in the first half, filled with light-hearted college antics and character introductions, while the second half delves deeper into emotional and motivational themes, culminating in a satisfying climax.
The songs composed by Harris Jayaraj are melodious and well-placed, complementing the narrative without disrupting the flow. The background score enhances the emotional depth and comedic timing, contributing significantly to the film's overall impact. Cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa captures the youthful energy and vibrant college atmosphere beautifully.
While the film stays faithful to the original story, Shankar's direction adds grandeur and visual appeal, making it accessible to a wider Tamil audience. The screenplay occasionally indulges in melodrama, but the strong performances and engaging dialogues keep the momentum alive. Overall, Nanban is an entertaining and inspiring film that resonates with students and families alike.
Vijay: Charismatic and heartfelt as Venkat, delivering a balanced mix of humor and emotion.
Jiiva: Energetic and convincing as Pari, providing strong comic relief.
Srikanth: Solid portrayal of Seenu, complementing the lead duo well.
Ileana D'Cruz: Graceful and charming as the female lead, adding romantic interest.
Sathyaraj: Commanding presence as the strict college principal, adding gravitas.
S. J. Suryah: Memorable as the eccentric professor, injecting humor and wisdom.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging and faithful adaptation of a popular story
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Effective blend of humor and emotion
- ✓Melodious soundtrack and impactful background score
- ✓Vibrant cinematography and production values
Weaknesses
- ✕Occasional melodramatic moments
- ✕Some scenes feel stretched compared to the original
- ✕Less novelty for viewers familiar with the Hindi version
🎬 Direction & Writing
Shankar's direction brings a grand visual style and emotional depth to the narrative. His ability to balance commercial elements with a socially relevant message is evident, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking. The writing adapts the original screenplay well, localizing humor and cultural references effectively for the Tamil audience.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7.8 | |
| 3.8 | |
| 0 | |
| 71 | |
| 95 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Performed well commercially in Tamil Nadu and other regions
- - Strong opening weekend collections
- - Sustained good box office run due to positive word of mouth
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Nanban for its faithful adaptation, Vijay's performance, and the engaging screenplay. The music and cinematography were also highlighted as strong points. Some noted that the film lacked novelty for those who had seen the original but appreciated the fresh treatment and local flavor.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nanban release in theatres?▾
Nanban released on 12 January 2012 (2012).
Is Nanban a hit or flop?▾
Nanban is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Nanban online? OTT release date?▾
Nanban is available on JioHotstar, provider-35. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Nanban?▾
Nanban directed by Shankar. Produced by A Manohar Prasad.
Who are the main cast members of Nanban?▾
Nanban stars Vijay, Jiiva, Srikanth, Ileana D'Cruz, Sathyaraj.
What is the Tollybo rating for Nanban?▾
Tollybo rates Nanban 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Who composed the music for Nanban?▾
Music for Nanban composed by Harris Jayaraj.
What is the genre and runtime of Nanban?▾
Nanban — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 181 minutes, Language: Tamil.