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Sarkar (2018) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 5 May 2026

Sarkar (2018) Review

Sarkar (2018) is a Tamil action, drama film starring Vijay, Keerthy Suresh, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. Directed by A. R. Murugadoss. NRI corporate Sundar Ramasamy comes to India to vote, only to learn that his vote has already been cast. While he reclaims his right legally, it also sets in motion a chain of events that eventually lead to him entering the political fray, trying to change the system. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 6 Nov 2018. Runtime: 2h 44m.

Sarkar
ABOVE AVERAGE

Sarkar(2018)

Tamil · Action, Drama

2h 44m · 6 Nov 2018

Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Girish Gangadharan | Writer: Jayamohan, A.R. Murugadoss, Krish Thirukumaran

ActionDrama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.7
LetterboxdLetterboxd2.5
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB56
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience62

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

Sarkar follows the story of Sundar Ramasamy, a successful NRI businessman who returns to India to cast his vote in the elections. Upon discovering rampant electoral fraud and corruption in his constituency, he decides to take on the corrupt political system. The narrative revolves around his fight against the powerful politicians and bureaucrats who manipulate the democratic process for their benefit.

🔍 Analysis

Sarkar presents a politically charged narrative that combines commercial elements with a social message about electoral integrity and corruption. The story is straightforward, focusing on the protagonist's crusade against a flawed system, which resonates well with the audience. The screenplay is engaging in the first half, establishing characters and stakes effectively, but the second half tends to drag with predictable twists and extended confrontations.

The pacing in the first half is brisk and keeps the viewers invested, but the momentum slows down post-interval, with some scenes feeling repetitive. The film balances action and drama, though the screenplay occasionally leans towards melodrama. The songs composed by A.R. Rahman are situational and blend well with the narrative, though none became chartbusters. The background score effectively heightens tension during key moments, supporting the film’s intense sequences and emotional beats.

Visually, Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography captures the urban and political milieu with clarity, while the production values are polished. Overall, Sarkar is a commercial entertainer with a strong social message, though it could have benefited from tighter editing and a more nuanced second half.

🎭 Performances

Vijay: Charismatic and commanding as the protagonist, Vijay delivers a powerful performance that anchors the film.

Keerthy Suresh: Provides a supportive and engaging presence, complementing the lead effectively.

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar: Strong and intense, she convincingly portrays the antagonist with menace.

Yogi Babu: Offers comic relief with his timing, though some humor feels forced.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong social message on electoral corruption
  • Vijay's impactful performance
  • Engaging first half with brisk pacing
  • Effective background score by A.R. Rahman

Weaknesses

  • Predictable and dragged second half
  • Some melodramatic sequences
  • Songs not very memorable
  • Occasional forced comedy scenes

🎬 Direction & Writing

A. R. Murugadoss delivers a commercially viable political thriller that blends mass appeal with a social cause. His direction is confident in the first half but loses some grip in the second, where the narrative becomes formulaic. The writing is straightforward with clear intentions but lacks subtlety and complexity in character development.

📰 Ratings Sources

No rating sources available.

Our Rating

2.5/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

🏆 Records & Box Office

  • - Sarkar performed well commercially, especially in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive65%
Neutral20%
Negative15%

Critics

Critics generally praised Vijay's performance and the film's timely social message, while pointing out the screenplay's predictability and pacing issues in the latter half. The technical aspects, especially A.R. Rahman's music and Girish Gangadharan's cinematography, received positive mentions.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Sarkar release in theatres?

Sarkar released on 6 November 2018 (2018).

Is Sarkar a hit or flop?

Sarkar is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

What is the budget of Sarkar?

Budget of Sarkar is approximately ₹120 Crore.

Where to watch Sarkar online? OTT release date?

Sarkar is available on Netflix, Sun NXT, Sun NXT, Sun NXT, Sun NXT, Sun NXT, ZEE5. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Sarkar?

Sarkar directed by A. R. Murugadoss. Produced by Kalanithi Maran.

Who are the main cast members of Sarkar?

Sarkar stars Vijay, Keerthy Suresh, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Prem, Yogi Babu.

What is the Tollybo rating for Sarkar?

Tollybo rates Sarkar 2.5/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Sarkar?

Music for Sarkar composed by A.R. Rahman.

What is the genre and runtime of Sarkar?

Sarkar — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 164 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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