Last updated: 17 Jul 2026


Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 27m · 29 Jan 1988
Music: Ilaiyaraaja | DOP: S M Anwar | Writer: Javed Akhtar, Anannthu, Kamal Haasan
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
Sathya is a Tamil action drama revolving around the titular character played by Kamal Haasan, who is a man with a troubled past trying to lead a righteous life. The story delves into themes of redemption, justice, and love as Sathya confronts his enemies and personal demons. The narrative explores his relationships, especially with Amala Akkineni’s character, and the challenges he faces from antagonistic forces. The screenplay balances intense action sequences with emotional moments, creating a gripping storyline that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Sathya stands out for its compelling content and strong narrative structure. The story is well-crafted, blending action and drama effectively, with a screenplay that maintains a tight grip on the audience’s attention. The pacing is brisk in the first half, setting up the characters and conflicts efficiently, while the second half intensifies the drama and action, culminating in a satisfying climax. The songs, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, complement the mood of the film without disrupting the narrative flow. The background score is particularly noteworthy, enhancing the emotional depth and tension in key scenes. Cinematography by S M Anwar captures the gritty and intense atmosphere, adding to the film's overall impact.
Kamal Haasan: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a complex character balancing vulnerability and strength.
Amala Akkineni: Graceful and emotive, providing a strong emotional anchor to the story.
Rajesh: Effective in a supporting role, adding depth to the narrative.
Nassar: Commanding presence as an antagonist, delivering a memorable performance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Suresh Krissna’s direction is confident and focused, successfully balancing action and drama. The writing is tight, with well-placed emotional beats and thrilling sequences that keep the narrative engaging throughout.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Sathya for its gripping storyline, Kamal Haasan's intense performance, and Ilaiyaraaja's memorable music. The film was noted for its strong technical aspects and effective direction, although some pointed out minor pacing issues. Overall, it was received positively for elevating the action-drama genre in Tamil cinema.
Final Box-Office Result
Sathya released on 29 January 1988 (1988).
Sathya is declared a HIT at the box office.
Sathya OTT release date not announced yet.
Sathya directed by Suresh Krissna. Produced by Kamal Haasan.
Sathya stars Kamal Haasan, Amala Akkineni, Rajesh, Nassar, Vadivukarasi.
Tollybo rates Sathya 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Music for Sathya composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Sathya — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 147 minutes, Language: Tamil.