Last updated: 24 Apr 2026

Tamil · Drama
2h 43m · 19 Mar 1971
Music: Kumar V | DOP: N. Balakrishnan | Writer: K. Balachander
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Nootrukku Nooru is a Tamil psychological thriller that revolves around a college professor who is accused of inappropriate behavior by several female students. The story unfolds as the professor tries to prove his innocence while the truth behind the allegations is gradually revealed. The narrative explores themes of trust, reputation, and the complexity of human relationships within an academic setting.
Nootrukku Nooru stands out for its gripping and unconventional storyline that delves into psychological and social themes rarely explored in Tamil cinema of its time. The screenplay by K. Balachander is taut and engaging, maintaining suspense throughout the film. The pacing is well-balanced, with the first half setting up the mystery and character dynamics effectively, while the second half intensifies the drama and delivers a satisfying resolution.
The film's music by Kumar V complements the narrative without overpowering it; the songs are situational and enhance the emotional depth of the scenes. The background score is subtle yet effective in building tension during critical moments. Cinematography by N. Balakrishnan captures the mood and setting with clarity, contributing to the film's overall immersive experience.
Overall, the film's blend of strong writing, compelling performances, and technical finesse makes it a memorable psychological thriller that remains relevant even decades after its release.
Jaishankar: Delivering a nuanced portrayal of a professor caught in a web of accusations, Jaishankar balances vulnerability and strength convincingly.
Lakshmi: Lakshmi provides a strong and empathetic performance, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
Nagesh: Nagesh offers effective comic relief without disrupting the film's serious tone.
Srividya: Srividya's performance is subtle and impactful, contributing significantly to the film's dramatic tension.
Strengths
Weaknesses
K. Balachander's direction is meticulous and bold, handling sensitive themes with maturity and depth. His writing combines social commentary with psychological intrigue, creating a film that challenges audience perceptions while maintaining entertainment value.
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Our Rating
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Critics have praised Nootrukku Nooru for its pioneering approach to psychological thriller in Tamil cinema, highlighting the strong performances and Balachander's direction. The film is often cited as a classic that influenced later works in the genre.
Final Box-Office Result
Nootrukku Nooru released on 19 March 1971 (1971).
Nootrukku Nooru is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Nootrukku Nooru OTT release date not announced yet.
Nootrukku Nooru directed by K. Balachander. Produced by N. Selvaraj, Krishnan N, V. Govindarajan, J Duraisamy.
Nootrukku Nooru stars Jaishankar, Lakshmi, Nagesh, Srividya, Vijayalalitha.
Tollybo rates Nootrukku Nooru 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Nootrukku Nooru composed by Kumar V.
Nootrukku Nooru — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 163 minutes, Language: Tamil.