Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Tamil · Action
2h 41m · 14 Jan 2009
Music: Mani Sharma | DOP: A. Venkatesh | Writer: Suraj
Ratings
Our Rating
2
Padikathavan follows the story of a carefree and uneducated young man who falls in love with a woman from a wealthy family. The narrative explores his struggles to win her love while dealing with societal pressures and misunderstandings. The plot combines elements of romance, comedy, and drama, culminating in a resolution that emphasizes personal growth and acceptance.
Padikathavan offers a typical masala entertainer experience with a blend of comedy, romance, and action. The story is straightforward and predictable, relying heavily on formulaic tropes common in Tamil cinema of that period. The screenplay is paced unevenly; the first half is filled with light-hearted comedy and situational humor that keeps the audience engaged, while the second half shifts towards melodrama and action sequences, which somewhat slows down the narrative momentum.
The songs composed by Mani Sharma are catchy and fit well within the film's commercial framework, though none stand out as particularly memorable. The background score complements the emotional beats and action scenes effectively, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Cinematography by A. Venkatesh captures the vibrant settings and adds to the film's visual appeal.
While the film does not break new ground in storytelling or style, it caters well to fans of the lead actor Dhanush and the genre, delivering entertainment through its performances and comedic timing. However, the lack of depth in character development and predictability in the plot may not appeal to viewers seeking a more nuanced narrative.
Dhanush: Charismatic and energetic, Dhanush carries the film with his comic timing and screen presence.
Tamannaah Bhatia: Offers a graceful and pleasant portrayal, though limited by the script's scope.
Vivek: Provides effective comic relief with his witty dialogues and expressions.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Director Suraj delivers a commercial entertainer that sticks to tried-and-tested formulas. While the direction ensures the film remains engaging for its target audience, it lacks innovation and depth in storytelling. The writing is straightforward but does not offer much novelty or complexity.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics generally viewed Padikathavan as a typical masala entertainer with mixed reviews. While performances and comedy were appreciated, the predictable plot and uneven pacing were noted as drawbacks.
Final Box-Office Result
Padikathavan released on 14 January 2009 (2009).
Padikathavan is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Padikathavan is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Padikathavan directed by Suraj. Produced by B. Bharathi Reddy, B. Venkatarama Reddy.
Padikathavan stars Dhanush, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vivek, Suman Talwar, Devadarshini.
Tollybo rates Padikathavan 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Music for Padikathavan composed by Mani Sharma.
Padikathavan — Genre: Action, Runtime: 161 minutes, Language: Tamil.