Sankarlal (1981) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Sankarlal (1981) Review
Sankarlal (1981) (Tamil action, crime, drama) — directed by T. N. Balu, N. K. Vishwanathan. Featuring Sridevi, Kamal Haasan, Seema. A criminal, Chelladurai, frames the innocent Dharmalingam for a crime which leads to the latter being jailed. Years later, Dharmalingam returns to take revenge and establish contact with his family. Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Released: 15 Aug 1981. Runtime: 1h 56m.

Sankarlal(1981)
Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama
1h 56m · 15 Aug 1981
Music: Ilaiyaraaja, Gangai Amaran | DOP: N. K. Vishwanathan | Writer: T. N. Balu
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
📖 Story
Sankarlal revolves around the life of the titular character, played by Kamal Haasan, who is caught in a web of personal and societal conflicts. The narrative explores themes of identity, justice, and familial bonds, with Sankarlal navigating through challenges that test his morality and courage. The story unfolds with emotional depth and dramatic intensity, weaving in elements of action and romance, supported by a strong supporting cast.
Sankarlal presents a compelling storyline that balances drama and action, anchored by Kamal Haasan's versatile performance. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half effectively setting up the characters and conflicts, while the second half escalates the tension leading to a satisfying climax. The narrative structure is straightforward but engaging, allowing the audience to connect with the protagonist's journey.
The film's music, composed by Ilaiyaraaja and Gangai Amaran, stands out as a major highlight. The songs are melodious and well-integrated into the story, enhancing the emotional resonance of key scenes. The background score complements the film's mood, intensifying moments of suspense and drama without overwhelming the narrative.
Cinematography by N. K. Vishwanathan captures the essence of the film's setting with clarity and style, contributing to the overall visual appeal. While the pacing is generally consistent, some sequences in the second half could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative flow. Nonetheless, the film succeeds in delivering an entertaining experience with a blend of strong performances, memorable music, and effective storytelling.
Kamal Haasan: Delivered a nuanced and powerful portrayal of Sankarlal, showcasing his range across emotional and action scenes.
Sridevi: Provided a charming and expressive performance, complementing the lead with grace and depth.
Seema: Offered solid support with a convincing and emotive role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong lead performances by Kamal Haasan and Sridevi
- ✓Memorable music and background score by Ilaiyaraaja and Gangai Amaran
- ✓Engaging screenplay with balanced pacing
- ✓Effective cinematography enhancing the film's mood
Weaknesses
- ✕Some pacing issues in the second half
- ✕Certain sequences could have been edited for tighter narrative flow
🎬 Direction & Writing
The direction by T. N. Balu and N. K. Vishwanathan effectively blends drama and action, maintaining audience engagement throughout. The writing supports character development and emotional depth, though it occasionally leans on familiar tropes.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6.1 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 10 | |
| 6.2 |
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 | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics praised the film for its strong performances, especially by Kamal Haasan, and the memorable musical score. The screenplay and direction were noted as competent, though some felt the pacing could have been improved. Overall, the film was seen as a solid entertainer with notable technical merits.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sankarlal release in theatres?▾
Sankarlal released on 15 August 1981 (1981).
Is Sankarlal a hit or flop?▾
Sankarlal is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Sankarlal online? OTT release date?▾
Sankarlal is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Sankarlal?▾
Sankarlal directed by T. N. Balu, N. K. Vishwanathan. Produced by T. N. Balu.
Who are the main cast members of Sankarlal?▾
Sankarlal stars Sridevi, Kamal Haasan, Seema, P. R. Varalakshmi, Suruli Rajan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Sankarlal?▾
Tollybo rates Sankarlal 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Sankarlal?▾
Music for Sankarlal composed by Ilaiyaraaja, Gangai Amaran.
What is the genre and runtime of Sankarlal?▾
Sankarlal — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 116 minutes, Language: Tamil.
