Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Idhu Vera Vilaiyaattu
Tamil · Horror, Thriller
2h 22m · 8 Apr 2021
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja | DOP: Arvind Krishna | Writer: K. Selvaraghavan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Nenjam Marappathillai is a Tamil horror thriller that revolves around a young woman who moves into a new house with her family, only to encounter supernatural occurrences linked to a tragic past. The narrative unfolds as she unravels the dark secrets behind the haunting, blending elements of romance, mystery, and horror. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge from beyond the grave.
Nenjam Marappathillai offers a gripping narrative with a blend of horror and emotional drama. The story is engaging, with Selvaraghavan's screenplay effectively building suspense and intrigue, especially in the first half. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to simmer, though some viewers may find the second half slightly slower as the plot delves deeper into emotional backstories.
The film’s cinematography by Arvind Krishna enhances the eerie atmosphere, complementing the horror elements well. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music and background score are standout aspects, intensifying the mood and elevating key moments, particularly in the haunting sequences. The songs are minimal but fitting, maintaining the film’s dark tone without disrupting the narrative flow.
Overall, Nenjam Marappathillai balances horror thrills with emotional depth, though the screenplay occasionally leans heavily on melodrama. The director’s vision is clear, and the technical aspects like sound design and visuals contribute significantly to the immersive experience.
S. J. Suryah: Delivers a restrained yet impactful performance, effectively portraying a complex character caught in supernatural turmoil.
Regina Cassandra: Offers a convincing and emotionally charged portrayal, anchoring the film’s emotional core.
Nandita Swetha: Provides strong support with a nuanced performance that adds depth to the narrative.
Arvind Krishna: Handles his role with subtlety, contributing to the film’s tense atmosphere.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Selvaraghavan’s direction is confident and atmospheric, successfully blending horror with emotional storytelling. His writing crafts a layered narrative that keeps viewers invested, though the screenplay could benefit from tighter pacing in the latter half.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics generally praised the film's atmospheric horror and technical aspects like music and cinematography. Performances were noted as a highlight, while some criticism was directed at the pacing and melodramatic elements in the second half.
Final Box-Office Result
Nenjam Marappathillai released on 8 April 2021 (2021).
Nenjam Marappathillai is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Nenjam Marappathillai is available on ZEE5 from 26 March 2021.
Nenjam Marappathillai directed by Selvaraghavan. Produced by Gitanjali Selvaraghavan, Siddarth Rao, Anirudh Krishna.
Nenjam Marappathillai stars S. J. Suryah, Regina Cassandra, Nandita Swetha, Arvind Krishna.
Tollybo rates Nenjam Marappathillai 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for Nenjam Marappathillai composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Nenjam Marappathillai — Genre: Horror, Thriller, Runtime: 142 minutes, Language: Tamil.