Last updated: 30 Apr 2026


Tamil · Action, Fantasy, Thriller
2h 4m · 1 Dec 2016
Music: Vijay Antony | DOP: Prathi Kalipurayath | Writer: Karthick Krishna
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Saithan follows the story of Dinesh, a radio jockey who starts experiencing disturbing hallucinations and violent behavior after receiving a mysterious book. As he delves deeper into the book's contents, he uncovers a dark past connected to his own identity. The narrative explores themes of psychological trauma, identity crisis, and revenge, culminating in a gripping thriller that blurs the lines between reality and hallucination.
Saithan offers an intriguing blend of psychological thriller and mystery, anchored by a complex storyline that keeps the audience engaged. The screenplay by Pradeep Krishnamoorthy effectively balances suspense and emotional depth, although the pacing in the first half is relatively slow as it sets up the protagonist's backstory and mental state. The second half picks up momentum with intense sequences and revelations that maintain tension until the climax.
The film's content is bold, exploring mental health issues and reincarnation with a dark, gritty tone. Vijay Antony's dual role as lead actor and music director adds a cohesive feel to the movie, with his background score enhancing the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The songs are minimal but well-placed, complementing the narrative without disrupting the flow.
Cinematography by Prathi Kalipurayath captures the mood effectively, using shadows and framing to amplify the thriller elements. The background score is a standout, intensifying key moments and supporting the psychological themes. Overall, Saithan is a well-crafted thriller that appeals to viewers interested in complex narratives and psychological drama.
Vijay Antony: Delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man battling inner demons, Vijay Antony effectively conveys vulnerability and intensity.
Arundhathi Nair: Provides solid support with a restrained and convincing performance.
Y. G. Mahendran: Offers a memorable cameo with his characteristic presence.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Pradeep Krishnamoorthy's direction is confident, managing a complex narrative with multiple layers. The writing is tight with well-placed twists, though the screenplay occasionally leans towards being overly intricate. His handling of psychological themes is commendable, making the film stand out in the thriller genre.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics appreciated Saithan for its bold theme and Vijay Antony's dual contribution as actor and music director. Reviews highlighted the film's gripping second half and effective background score, though some noted the slow build-up in the first half. Overall, it was considered a refreshing psychological thriller in Tamil cinema.
Final Box-Office Result
Saithan released on 1 December 2016 (2016).
Saithan is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Saithan OTT release date not announced yet.
Saithan directed by Pradeep Krishnamoorthy. Produced by Fathima Vijay Antony.
Saithan stars Vijay Antony, Arundhathi Nair, Y. G. Mahendran, Meera Krishnan, Kitty.
Tollybo rates Saithan 2.5/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Saithan composed by Vijay Antony.
Saithan — Genre: Action, Fantasy, Thriller, Runtime: 124 minutes, Language: Tamil.