Nenjile Thunivirunthal (1981) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Nenjile Thunivirunthal (1981) Review
Nenjile Thunivirunthal (1981) (Tamil n/a) — directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar. Starring Vijayakanth, Swapna, Goundamani. After being falsely accused of killing his own father, Kali returns to find the murderer. While the villagers dread him, his friend Vasanthi, who knows the real killer, sets out with her own agenda. Released: 29 Aug 1981. Runtime: 1h 55m.
Nenjile Thunivirunthal(1981)
Tamil · N/A
1h 55m · 29 Aug 1981
Music: Ganesh, Shankar | DOP: D. D. Prasad | Writer: N/A
Ratings
📖 Story
Nenjile Thunivirunthal is a Tamil action drama revolving around the protagonist's fight against injustice and corruption. The story follows a determined hero who stands up for the oppressed, facing numerous challenges and adversaries. The narrative explores themes of courage, loyalty, and social responsibility, set against a backdrop of familial and societal conflicts.
Nenjile Thunivirunthal delivers a straightforward storyline that aligns well with the action-drama genre popular in early 1980s Tamil cinema. The screenplay is linear and focused, with a clear division between the first and second halves; the first half establishes characters and conflicts with moderate pacing, while the second half intensifies the drama and action sequences, maintaining audience engagement.
The film's pacing is steady, though some scenes tend to linger longer than necessary, which slightly affects the narrative flow. The songs composed by Ganesh and Shankar blend well with the film's mood, offering melodious and situational tracks that complement the story without disrupting its momentum. The background score effectively heightens tension during critical moments, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes.
Cinematography by D. D. Prasad captures the rural and urban settings with clarity, supporting the film's dramatic tone. Overall, the movie stands as a typical example of early 80s Tamil action cinema, with solid performances and technical work, though it does not break new ground in storytelling or style.
Vijayakanth: Strong and convincing as the determined hero, delivering the action and emotional scenes with intensity.
Swapna: Provides a supportive and graceful presence, complementing the lead effectively.
Goundamani: Offers comic relief with timing and expressions, balancing the film's serious tone.
Manorama: Delivers a memorable character performance with warmth and humor.
Vijayashanti: Makes a notable impact in a supporting role with strong screen presence.
Sangili Murugan: Portrays the antagonist with convincing menace and authority.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong lead performance by Vijayakanth
- ✓Effective background score enhancing dramatic moments
- ✓Balanced mix of action, drama, and comedy
- ✓Well-executed cinematography capturing varied locales
Weaknesses
- ✕Occasional pacing issues with prolonged scenes
- ✕Screenplay lacks novelty and surprises
- ✕Supporting characters underdeveloped
🎬 Direction & Writing
S. A. Chandrasekhar directs with a focus on delivering a commercial action drama that caters to audience expectations of the time. His storytelling is straightforward, emphasizing clear moral conflicts and heroism, though it lacks subtlety and innovation.
- - Cinematography by D. D. Prasad
- - Music by Ganesh and Shankar
- - Editing maintains narrative continuity
- - Sound design supports action sequences
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 40% |
| Negative | 20% |
Critics
The film received mixed to average reviews from critics, praising Vijayakanth's performance and the film's adherence to the action genre conventions. However, critics noted the lack of innovation in the screenplay and pacing issues. The music and background score were seen as adequate but not standout elements.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nenjile Thunivirunthal release in theatres?▾
Nenjile Thunivirunthal released on 29 August 1981 (1981).
Where to watch Nenjile Thunivirunthal online? OTT release date?▾
Nenjile Thunivirunthal OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Nenjile Thunivirunthal?▾
Nenjile Thunivirunthal directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar.
Who are the main cast members of Nenjile Thunivirunthal?▾
Nenjile Thunivirunthal stars Vijayakanth, Swapna, Goundamani, Manorama, Vijayashanti.
Who composed the music for Nenjile Thunivirunthal?▾
Music for Nenjile Thunivirunthal composed by Ganesh, Shankar.
What is the genre and runtime of Nenjile Thunivirunthal?▾
Nenjile Thunivirunthal — Genre: N/A, Runtime: 115 minutes, Language: Tamil.
