Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1985) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Oru Kaidhiyin Diary(1985)
Tamil · Crime, Drama, Thriller
2h 32m · 14 Jan 1985
Music: Ilaiyaraaja | DOP: B. Kannan | Writer: Bhagyaraj, G.M. Kumar
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
📖 Story
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary is a gripping revenge drama centered around the protagonist, portrayed by Kamal Haasan, who seeks justice after being wrongfully imprisoned. The narrative unfolds through his diary entries, revealing the betrayal and conspiracy that led to his incarceration. As he meticulously plans his retribution, the story delves into themes of justice, love, and sacrifice, intertwining emotional depth with intense action sequences.
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary stands out for its compelling storyline and strong emotional core, driven by Kamal Haasan's powerful performance. The screenplay by Bharathiraja is tightly woven, maintaining a steady pace that balances moments of tension with poignant character development. The first half effectively sets up the conflict, introducing key characters and the protagonist's plight, while the second half escalates the drama with impactful confrontations and a satisfying resolution.
The music by Ilaiyaraaja complements the narrative beautifully, with songs that enhance the emotional landscape without disrupting the flow. The background score is particularly noteworthy, intensifying the suspense and underscoring the film's darker themes. Cinematography by B. Kannan captures the mood with a blend of stark realism and aesthetic framing, adding depth to the storytelling.
Overall, the film's pacing is well-managed, avoiding unnecessary lulls, and the integration of songs feels organic. The combination of Bharathiraja's direction and Ilaiyaraaja's music creates a memorable cinematic experience that resonates emotionally and keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Kamal Haasan: A nuanced and intense portrayal of a man seeking justice, showcasing a wide emotional range.
Radha: Strong supporting role with emotional depth, complementing the lead effectively.
Revathi: Memorable performance adding layers to the narrative with subtlety.
Janagaraj: Provides comic relief and emotional support, balancing the film's tone.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Powerful lead performance by Kamal Haasan
- ✓Engaging and tightly woven screenplay
- ✓Ilaiyaraaja's evocative music and background score
- ✓Effective direction by Bharathiraja
- ✓Well-balanced pacing and narrative structure
Weaknesses
- ✕Some melodramatic moments typical of the era
- ✕Supporting characters could have been more fleshed out
🎬 Direction & Writing
Bharathiraja's direction is marked by a strong narrative vision and emotional clarity. His writing effectively balances the revenge drama with human emotions, ensuring the story remains relatable and impactful throughout.
- - Cinematography by B. Kannan
- - Music direction by Ilaiyaraaja
- - Editing that maintains narrative pace
- - Sound design enhancing the film's mood
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics have praised Oru Kaidhiyin Diary for its compelling narrative and Kamal Haasan's standout performance. The film's music and background score by Ilaiyaraaja received particular acclaim for enhancing the emotional and dramatic elements. While some noted the melodramatic tendencies, the overall reception highlighted the film as a well-crafted revenge drama with strong technical merits.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Oru Kaidhiyin Diary release in theatres?▾
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary released on 14 January 1985 (1985).
Is Oru Kaidhiyin Diary a hit or flop?▾
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Oru Kaidhiyin Diary online? OTT release date?▾
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Oru Kaidhiyin Diary?▾
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary directed by Bharathiraja. Produced by Chandraleela Bharathiraja.
Who are the main cast members of Oru Kaidhiyin Diary?▾
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary stars Kamal Haasan, Radha, Revathi, Janagaraj, Malaysia Vasudevan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Oru Kaidhiyin Diary?▾
Tollybo rates Oru Kaidhiyin Diary 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Who composed the music for Oru Kaidhiyin Diary?▾
Music for Oru Kaidhiyin Diary composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
What is the genre and runtime of Oru Kaidhiyin Diary?▾
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary — Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 152 minutes, Language: Tamil.
