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Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) (1978) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) (1978) Review

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) (1978), a Tamil drama movie starring Kamal Haasan, Sumithra, Shoba, is reviewed here. Directed by K. Balachander. Venkatchalam lives with his sister Indumathi, who hates men and vows to never get married. When Sanjeevi, Venkatchalam's friend, meets Indumathi, he falls in love with her. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 24 Mar 1978. Runtime: 2h 19m.

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu)
ABOVE AVERAGE

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu)(1978)

Tamil · Drama

2h 19m · 24 Mar 1978

Music: M. S. Viswanathan | DOP: B. S. Lokanath | Writer: K. Balachander, Pamman

Drama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb7.5
LetterboxdLetterboxd0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB60
TraktTrakt90

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Nizhal Nijamagirathu is a Tamil drama that explores complex human relationships and emotional conflicts. The story revolves around the intertwined lives of the main characters, focusing on themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. The narrative delves into the psychological and social dimensions of the characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and moral dilemmas as the plot unfolds.

🔍 Analysis

Nizhal Nijamagirathu stands out for its compelling content and mature storytelling, characteristic of K. Balachander's directorial style. The screenplay is tightly woven, balancing emotional depth with narrative clarity, allowing the audience to engage deeply with the characters' journeys. The pacing is measured, with the first half establishing the characters and their conflicts effectively, while the second half intensifies the drama and brings resolution with impactful scenes.

The film's songs and music, composed by M. S. Viswanathan, complement the mood of the story without overpowering it. The background score subtly enhances the emotional tone, supporting the narrative's shifts between tension and tenderness. Cinematography by B. S. Lokanath captures the nuances of the characters' expressions and the atmospheric settings, adding to the film's immersive quality.

Overall, Nizhal Nijamagirathu is a thoughtful and well-crafted film that blends strong performances with skilled direction and memorable music, making it a significant work in Tamil cinema of the late 1970s.

🎭 Performances

Kamal Haasan: A nuanced and restrained portrayal that captures the emotional complexity of his character.

Sumithra: Delivers a sensitive and convincing performance, adding depth to the narrative.

Shoba: Strong and impactful, bringing authenticity to her role.

Sarath Babu: Supportive and effective in complementing the lead roles.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Strong screenplay and direction by K. Balachander
  • ✓Powerful performances by the lead actors
  • ✓Effective use of music and background score
  • ✓Engaging and mature storytelling
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Pacing may feel slow to some viewers
  • ✕Limited commercial appeal due to serious themes

🎬 Direction & Writing

K. Balachander's direction is precise and insightful, focusing on character-driven storytelling with an emphasis on emotional realism. His writing skillfully balances drama and subtlety, making the film resonate deeply with audiences interested in meaningful cinema.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
7.5
LetterboxdLetterboxd
0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
60
TraktTrakt
90

Our Rating

3/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics have praised Nizhal Nijamagirathu for its mature narrative and strong performances, particularly highlighting Kamal Haasan's role. The film is regarded as a classic example of K. Balachander's craftsmanship, though it did not receive widespread numeric ratings from major critic platforms.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) release in theatres?▾

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) released on 24 March 1978 (1978).

Is Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) a hit or flop?▾

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) online? OTT release date?▾

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu)?▾

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) directed by K. Balachander. Produced by V. Govindarajan, J Duraisamy.

Who are the main cast members of Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu)?▾

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) stars Kamal Haasan, Sumithra, Shoba, Sarath Babu, Hanumanthu.

What is the Tollybo rating for Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu)?▾

Tollybo rates Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu)?▾

Music for Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) composed by M. S. Viswanathan.

What is the genre and runtime of Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu)?▾

Nizhal Nijamagirathu (Nizhal Nijamagirathu) — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 139 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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