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Savaal (1981) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Savaal
ABOVE AVERAGE

Savaal(1981)

Tamil · Action, Comedy, Drama

2h 26m · 3 Jul 1981

Music: M. S. Viswanathan | DOP: K. S. Prasad | Writer: N/A

Action

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.7
LetterboxdLetterboxd0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TraktTrakt35
IMDbIMDb6.4

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Savaal is a Tamil action-drama revolving around themes of friendship, justice, and revenge. The story follows the intertwined lives of the lead characters as they navigate through conflicts involving crime and personal vendettas. The narrative explores how loyalty and courage shape their destinies, culminating in a climactic resolution that balances emotional depth with action-packed sequences.

🔍 Analysis

Savaal offers a classic 1980s Tamil cinema experience with a storyline that blends action and drama effectively. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half focusing on character introductions and setting up the conflict, while the second half intensifies the drama and action sequences. The pacing is generally consistent, though some scenes in the middle may feel slightly prolonged.

The film's music, composed by M. S. Viswanathan, stands out with melodious songs that complement the narrative without overwhelming it. The background score supports the emotional and action scenes well, enhancing the overall mood. Cinematography by K. S. Prasad captures the essence of the period and adds visual appeal.

While the screenplay is straightforward, it benefits from strong performances by the lead cast, especially Kamal Haasan and Jaishankar, who bring depth to their roles. The songs are well-placed and memorable, contributing to the film's appeal. Overall, Savaal is a solid entertainer with a mix of drama, action, and music that caters to the audience of its time.

🎭 Performances

Jaishankar: Strong and commanding, fitting his action-hero image.

Kamal Haasan: Nuanced and engaging, showcasing his versatility.

Sripriya: Effective and emotive, providing solid support.

Vijayakumar: Reliable and consistent in his role.

Lakshmi: Graceful and convincing.

K. Balaji: Strong presence both on and off screen as actor and producer.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong lead performances
  • Engaging music by M. S. Viswanathan
  • Balanced mix of action and drama
  • Good cinematography capturing the era

Weaknesses

  • Some pacing issues in the mid-section
  • Predictable screenplay
  • Limited character development for supporting cast

🎬 Direction & Writing

R Krishnamurthy delivers a competent direction that keeps the narrative moving steadily. The writing is straightforward, focusing on clear storytelling without much complexity, which suits the commercial format of the film.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by K. S. Prasad
  • - Music composition by M. S. Viswanathan
  • - Editing that maintains narrative flow
  • - Production design reflecting early 80s Tamil cinema

📰 Ratings Sources

No rating sources available.

Our Rating

3/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral30%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics acknowledged Savaal as a typical commercial entertainer of its time, praising the performances of Kamal Haasan and Jaishankar. The music by M. S. Viswanathan was well-received, while some noted the film's predictable storyline and pacing issues. Overall, it was appreciated for its entertainment value rather than innovation.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Savaal release in theatres?

Savaal released on 3 July 1981 (1981).

Is Savaal a hit or flop?

Savaal is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Savaal online? OTT release date?

Savaal OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Savaal?

Savaal directed by R Krishnamurthy. Produced by K. Balaji.

Who are the main cast members of Savaal?

Savaal stars Jaishankar, Kamal Haasan, Sripriya, Vijayakumar, Lakshmi.

What is the Tollybo rating for Savaal?

Tollybo rates Savaal 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Savaal?

Music for Savaal composed by M. S. Viswanathan.

What is the genre and runtime of Savaal?

Savaal — Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 146 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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