Raja (2002) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Raja(2002)
Tamil · Romance
2h 37m · 5 Jul 2002
Writer: Ezhil
Ratings
Our Rating
1.75
📖 Story
Raja is a romantic drama centered around the life of Raja, a carefree and spirited young man, and his romantic entanglements with two women. The story unfolds as Raja navigates love, misunderstandings, and family dynamics, leading to emotional conflicts and resolutions. The narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships within a traditional setting.
Raja offers a conventional romantic storyline that relies heavily on the chemistry between the lead actors Ajith Kumar and Jyothika. The screenplay is straightforward, with a predictable plot that caters to the commercial audience. The pacing in the first half is engaging, filled with lighthearted moments and comedic sequences, largely supported by Vadivelu's comic timing. However, the second half slows down considerably as the film shifts focus to emotional drama and conflicts, which some viewers may find dragging.
The songs in Raja were popular at the time of release, complementing the mood of the film well. Although the music director's name is not specified, the soundtrack contributed positively to the film's appeal. The background score effectively underscores the emotional and romantic scenes, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Cinematography and production values are adequate but do not stand out significantly.
Overall, Raja is a typical early 2000s Tamil romantic entertainer that delivers what its target audience expects: romance, comedy, and drama with familiar tropes and performances. While it may not break new ground in storytelling or technical aspects, it remains a watchable film for fans of the genre and the lead actors.
Ajith Kumar: Charismatic and energetic, Ajith carries the film with his screen presence and romantic appeal.
Jyothika: Offers a charming and sincere portrayal, complementing Ajith well.
Priyanka Upendra: Adequate in her role, providing the necessary emotional depth.
Vadivelu: Delivers strong comic relief with his timing and expressions.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong lead pair chemistry
- ✓Effective comedic sequences
- ✓Popular soundtrack and songs
- ✓Engaging first half pacing
Weaknesses
- ✕Predictable and formulaic story
- ✕Slower pacing in the second half
- ✕Lack of innovation in screenplay
- ✕Unremarkable technical aspects
🎬 Direction & Writing
Ezhil directs Raja with a focus on commercial elements, balancing romance, comedy, and drama. The writing is conventional, relying on tried-and-tested formulas without much experimentation. Direction keeps the film accessible but does not elevate the material beyond its basic premise.
📰 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 | — |
| Neutral | — |
| Negative | — |
Critics
The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the lead performances and comedy but criticized the predictable plot and slow second half. It was noted as a typical commercial entertainer without significant novelty.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Raja release in theatres?▾
Raja released on 5 July 2002 (2002).
Is Raja a hit or flop?▾
Raja is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Raja online? OTT release date?▾
Raja is available on Sun Nxt, Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Raja?▾
Raja directed by Ezhil. Produced by Thiruvenkatam.
Who are the main cast members of Raja?▾
Raja stars Ajith Kumar, Jyothika, Priyanka Upendra, Vadivelu, Radha Ravi.
What is the Tollybo rating for Raja?▾
Tollybo rates Raja 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
What is the genre and runtime of Raja?▾
Raja — Genre: Romance, Runtime: 157 minutes, Language: Tamil.
