Sathya (1988) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Sathya (1988) Review
Sathya (1988) is a Tamil action, crime, drama film starring Kamal Haasan, Amala Akkineni, Rajesh. Directed by Suresh Krissna. Sathya, a jobless youth who does not like injustice becomes a puppet in the hands of a corrupt politician, and unknowingly helps him in his malicious endeavors. Our Rating: 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT. Released: 29 Jan 1988. Runtime: 2h 27m.
Sathya(1988)
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
📖 Story
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
Strengths
- ✓Strong screenplay and engaging story
- ✓Kamal Haasan’s compelling performance
- ✓Ilaiyaraaja’s music and background score
- ✓Effective direction by Suresh Krissna
- ✓Crisp cinematography enhancing mood
Weaknesses
- ✕Some pacing issues in the mid-second half
- ✕Certain supporting characters underdeveloped
🎬 Direction & Writing
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.
- - Music by Ilaiyaraaja
- - Cinematography by S M Anwar
- - Editing that maintains narrative flow
- - Sound design and background score
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
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 | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
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
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sathya release in theatres?▾
Sathya released on 29 January 1988 (1988).
Is Sathya a hit or flop?▾
Sathya is declared a HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Sathya online? OTT release date?▾
Sathya OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Sathya?▾
Sathya directed by Suresh Krissna. Produced by Kamal Haasan.
Who are the main cast members of Sathya?▾
Sathya stars Kamal Haasan, Amala Akkineni, Rajesh, Nassar, Vadivukarasi.
What is the Tollybo rating for Sathya?▾
Tollybo rates Sathya 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Who composed the music for Sathya?▾
Music for Sathya composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
What is the genre and runtime of Sathya?▾
Sathya — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 147 minutes, Language: Tamil.