Ram Lakshman (1981) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Ram Lakshman (1981) Review
Ram Lakshman (1981), a Tamil drama movie starring Kamal Haasan, Sripriya, S. A. Asokan, is reviewed here. Directed by R. Thyagarajan. Lakshman, an elephant, and Ram are inseparable friends. Ram even refuses to marry Meena when her father insists on getting rid of Lakshman. When Ram is accused of murder, Lakshman comes to his rescue. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 28 Feb 1981. Runtime: 2h 16m.

Ram Lakshman(1981)
Tamil · Drama
2h 16m · 28 Feb 1981
DOP: V. Ramamoorthy | Writer: N/A
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Ram Lakshman is a Tamil action drama revolving around the inseparable bond between two brothers, Ram and Lakshman. The story explores their struggles against injustice and the challenges they face in protecting their family and values. The narrative combines elements of familial loyalty, action sequences, and emotional drama, set against a rural backdrop.
Ram Lakshman delivers a classic blend of action and emotional drama typical of early 1980s Tamil cinema. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half focusing on establishing the brotherly bond and setting up the conflict, while the second half intensifies the action and emotional stakes. The story, though familiar, is engaging due to strong performances and well-crafted sequences.
The film's pacing is balanced, with moments of tension and relief well interspersed. The songs, though not credited to a music director in the provided data, complement the narrative and enhance the emotional depth. The background score effectively underscores the dramatic and action scenes, adding to the overall impact.
Cinematography by V. Ramamoorthy captures the rural settings vividly, supporting the film's tone. While the film does not break new ground in storytelling, it succeeds in delivering an entertaining and heartfelt experience, anchored by Kamal Haasan's compelling presence.
Kamal Haasan: Strong and charismatic portrayal of Ram, effectively conveying both action and emotional depth.
Sripriya: Provides solid support with a convincing performance as the female lead.
S. A. Asokan: Notable antagonist role, adding intensity to the conflict.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong lead performance by Kamal Haasan
- ✓Engaging brotherly relationship at the core
- ✓Balanced screenplay with good pacing
- ✓Effective background score and cinematography
Weaknesses
- ✕Storyline is somewhat formulaic
- ✕Lack of credited music director limits musical impact
- ✕Second half relies heavily on action clichés
🎬 Direction & Writing
R. Thyagarajan directs with a clear focus on emotional storytelling and action, maintaining audience engagement through well-executed scenes and character dynamics. The writing supports the narrative but stays within conventional boundaries.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 70 | |
| 10 |
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 | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics appreciated Kamal Haasan's performance and the emotional core of the film, though some noted the predictable storyline. The film was seen as a solid entertainer with effective direction and technical work, despite lacking innovation in plot.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ram Lakshman release in theatres?▾
Ram Lakshman released on 28 February 1981 (1981).
Is Ram Lakshman a hit or flop?▾
Ram Lakshman is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Ram Lakshman online? OTT release date?▾
Ram Lakshman is available on Tentkotta. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Ram Lakshman?▾
Ram Lakshman directed by R. Thyagarajan. Produced by C. Dhandayuthapani.
Who are the main cast members of Ram Lakshman?▾
Ram Lakshman stars Kamal Haasan, Sripriya, S. A. Asokan, Thengai Srinivasan, V. Gopalakrishnan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Ram Lakshman?▾
Tollybo rates Ram Lakshman 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Ram Lakshman?▾
Ram Lakshman — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 136 minutes, Language: Tamil.
