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Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) (1989) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 16 Jul 2026

Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja)
AVERAGE

Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja)(1989)

Tamil · Action, Comedy, Drama

2h 17m · 4 Mar 1989

DOP: Rajarajan | Writer: R. Sundarajan

DramaRomanceActionComedy

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.8
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.3
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB62
TraktTrakt50

Our Rating

2.75

📖 Story

Raja, a wealthy and carefree man, seeks revenge against his father's murderer, a corrupt relative named Valayapathy. To achieve his goal, Raja utilizes a lookalike named Chinnarasu, a naive villager. Raja trains Chinnarasu to impersonate him, allowing Raja to operate from the shadows to dismantle Valayapathy's criminal empire and bring him to justice.

🔍 Analysis

Rajathi Raja is a quintessential 1980s commercial entertainer that perfectly leverages Rajinikanth's superstardom. The film employs the classic double-action trope, allowing the lead actor to showcase two distinct personas—the suave, urban Raja and the innocent, rustic Chinnarasu. The screenplay is structured to provide a mix of high-octane action, slapstick comedy, and emotional family drama, ensuring it appeals to a wide demographic.

The first half of the movie is light-hearted, focusing on the confusion caused by the lookalikes and the romantic subplots involving Radha and Nadhiya. The second half transitions into a more serious revenge drama, though it never loses its commercial flavor. The pacing is generally brisk, though some of the comedic interludes feel slightly elongated by modern standards.

Ilaiyaraaja's musical contribution is a cornerstone of the film's success. Songs like 'Meenamma Meenamma' and 'Vaa Vaa Vanji' were massive hits and remain popular decades later. The background score effectively heightens the tension during action sequences and adds weight to the heroic moments. While the plot is formulaic, the execution and Rajinikanth's magnetic screen presence make it a memorable watch.

🎭 Performances

Rajinikanth: Delivers a powerhouse performance in a dual role, effortlessly switching between the stylish Raja and the comical Chinnarasu.

Radha: Provides great energy and matches Rajinikanth's screen presence in the dance sequences.

Nadhiya: Charming and effective in her role, adding a touch of grace to the film.

Radha Ravi: A formidable antagonist who plays the villainous Valayapathy with the right amount of menace.

Janagaraj: Provides excellent comedic support, particularly in scenes involving the villager character.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Rajinikanth's charismatic dual performance
  • Iconic soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja
  • Engaging commercial screenplay
  • Strong chemistry between the lead pair

Weaknesses

  • Predictable and formulaic storyline
  • Dated production values in certain action sequences

🎬 Direction & Writing

R. Sundarrajan demonstrates a strong grasp of commercial cinema, successfully balancing the film's multiple genres. His direction ensures that the transition between the two Rajinikanth characters is seamless and that the pacing remains consistent throughout the narrative.

📰 Ratings Sources

No rating sources available.

Our Rating

2.75/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

AwardCategoryNotes
Cinema Express AwardsBest FilmNominated/Recognized for commercial success.

🏆 Records & Box Office

  • - The film was a massive commercial success, completing a 100-day theatrical run in numerous centers across Tamil Nadu.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive85%
Neutral10%
Negative5%

Critics

The film received highly positive reactions from the public and critics alike upon release. It was praised as a 'paisa vasool' entertainer that showcased Rajinikanth at the peak of his commercial powers. Retrospective reviews often cite it as one of the best examples of the superstar's 80s filmography.

Final Box-Office Result

AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) release in theatres?

Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) released on 4 March 1989 (1989).

Is Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) a hit or flop?

Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) online? OTT release date?

Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) is available on Sun NXT. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja)?

Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) directed by Sundarrajan. Produced by R. D. Bhaskar.

Who are the main cast members of Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja)?

Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) stars Rajinikanth, Radha, Nadhiya, Janagaraj, Radha Ravi.

What is the Tollybo rating for Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja)?

Tollybo rates Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.

What is the genre and runtime of Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja)?

Rajathi Raja (Rajathi Raja) — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 137 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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