Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Tamil · Action, Crime, Thriller
2h 17m · 28 Jul 2017
Music: Navin | DOP: Arvind Krishna | Writer: Anand Raghav, Arun Vaidyanathan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Nibunan is a Tamil-language crime thriller centered around a seasoned police officer investigating a series of mysterious murders in Chennai. The story unfolds as the protagonist, played by Arjun Sarja, along with his team, delves into the complex web of clues and suspects, trying to unearth the motive behind the killings. The narrative explores themes of justice, morality, and the psychological depth of both the criminal and the cop, culminating in a tense and gripping climax.
Nibunan offers a tightly woven narrative that balances procedural investigation with character-driven drama. The screenplay is structured to maintain suspense throughout, with the first half effectively setting up the mystery and introducing key characters. The pacing in the first half is deliberate, allowing viewers to absorb the details, while the second half escalates the tension with a series of twists and revelations that keep the audience engaged.
The film's music by Navin complements the mood well, with a background score that enhances the thriller elements without overwhelming the scenes. The songs are minimal and situational, fitting the tone of the film rather than serving as standalone musical breaks. Cinematography by Arvind Krishna captures the gritty urban landscape, adding to the film's realistic feel.
Overall, Nibunan is a commendable effort in the Tamil thriller genre, with a solid screenplay and effective use of background score to build atmosphere. While some moments in the screenplay could have been tighter, the film succeeds in delivering an engaging and suspenseful experience.
Arjun Sarja: Strong and commanding as the lead cop, delivering a convincing portrayal of a seasoned investigator.
Prasanna: Effective in a supporting role, adding depth to the ensemble cast.
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar: Notable presence with a performance that adds intensity to the narrative.
Sruthi Hariharan: Delivers a subtle and nuanced performance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Arun Vaidyanathan's direction is focused and controlled, successfully maintaining the tension throughout the film. His writing emphasizes procedural authenticity and character depth, steering clear of typical commercial tropes to deliver a grounded thriller.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics generally appreciated the film's tight screenplay and Arjun Sarja's performance. The background score and cinematography were highlighted as key contributors to the film's atmospheric tension. However, some reviews pointed out the slow pacing in the initial portions and the lack of commercial elements like songs as drawbacks.
Final Box-Office Result
Nibunan released on 28 July 2017 (2017).
Nibunan is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Nibunan is available on aha, Xumo Play. OTT date will be updated soon.
Nibunan directed by Arun Vaidyanathan. Produced by Arun Vaidyanathan.
Nibunan stars Arjun Sarja, Prasanna, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Sruthi Hariharan, Krishna Kulasekaran.
Tollybo rates Nibunan 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Nibunan composed by Navin.
Nibunan — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 137 minutes, Language: Tamil.