Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Tamil · Drama
2h 30m · 15 Aug 1981
DOP: Babu | Writer: K. Balachander, Visu
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Netrikan is a Tamil thriller that revolves around the dual roles played by Rajinikanth, portraying both a righteous police officer and his criminal lookalike brother. The story explores themes of identity, justice, and familial bonds as the protagonist navigates the challenges posed by his doppelgänger's nefarious activities. The narrative builds tension through a mix of action, drama, and emotional moments, culminating in a confrontation that tests the limits of loyalty and morality.
Netrikan offers a compelling storyline that effectively utilizes the dual role trope to engage the audience. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining suspense and interest throughout the film. The pacing is well-balanced, with the first half setting up the characters and conflict briskly, while the second half delves deeper into the emotional and action-packed climax.
The film’s music and background score complement the narrative, enhancing the mood without overwhelming the scenes. Although the movie does not emphasize songs heavily, the few musical pieces included are melodious and fit well within the context. The cinematography by Babu captures the contrasting worlds of the two brothers effectively, adding to the film’s visual appeal.
Overall, Netrikan stands out for its engaging screenplay, strong performances, and effective use of technical elements to support the storytelling. The film remains a notable example of early 80s Tamil cinema that blends thriller elements with family drama.
Rajinikanth: Delivered a powerful dual role performance, convincingly portraying both the heroic cop and the villainous brother with distinct mannerisms and intensity.
Lakshmi: Provided a strong supporting role with emotional depth and grace.
Saritha: Added significant emotional weight to the narrative through her nuanced portrayal.
Strengths
Weaknesses
S. P. Muthuraman’s direction is crisp and focused, successfully managing the complexities of a dual role thriller. His ability to maintain narrative tension while balancing emotional elements is commendable.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Rajinikanth's compelling dual role and the film's engaging screenplay. The direction and technical aspects received positive remarks, though some noted the limited musical content as a minor drawback. Overall, the film was appreciated for its thrilling narrative and strong performances.
Final Box-Office Result
Netrikan released on 15 August 1981 (1981).
Netrikan is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Netrikan OTT release date not announced yet.
Netrikan directed by S. P. Muthuraman. Produced by Rajam Balachandar.
Netrikan stars Rajinikanth, Lakshmi, Saritha, Menaka Suresh, Vijayashanti.
Tollybo rates Netrikan 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Netrikan — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 150 minutes, Language: Tamil.