Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala (2001) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 Oct 2026
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala (2001) Review
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala (2001) is a Tamil romance film starring T. Rajendar, Murali, Roja Selvamani. Directed by T. Rajendar. Roja, a part-time singer, works at a finance company where her colleague, Murali, is madly in love with her. However, Roja rejects his proposal as she is the sole breadwinner of her large family. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 25 May 2001. Runtime: 2h 46m.

Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala(2001)
Tamil · Romance
2h 46m · 25 May 2001
Music: T. Rajendar | DOP: T. Rajendar | Writer: T. Rajendar
Ratings
📖 Story
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala is a Tamil romantic drama that revolves around complex relationships and emotional conflicts. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and misunderstandings among the lead characters, weaving a narrative that attempts to balance sentimentality with drama. The plot follows the intertwined lives of the protagonists as they navigate personal and familial challenges, culminating in resolutions that emphasize emotional bonds and redemption.
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala is a quintessential T. Rajendar film, marked by his signature style of storytelling that combines melodrama with intense emotional sequences. The screenplay is heavily dialogue-driven, often leaning towards theatricality, which may appeal to fans of Rajendar's distinct narrative approach but can feel overextended to others. The pacing is uneven; the first half establishes characters and conflicts but tends to drag with repetitive scenes, while the second half picks up slightly with more dramatic confrontations and resolutions.
The songs and music, composed by T. Rajendar himself, are typical of his work—melodious but sometimes overly sentimental, fitting the film’s emotional tone but lacking contemporary freshness. The background score supports the dramatic moments effectively but occasionally feels intrusive due to its loudness and frequency. Cinematography and production values are modest, reflecting the film's budget constraints, with a focus on close-ups and stage-like setups rather than visual innovation.
Overall, Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala caters primarily to an audience that appreciates T. Rajendar's unique filmmaking style, with its blend of earnest performances and melodramatic storytelling. However, it may not resonate well with viewers seeking a tightly scripted or modern cinematic experience.
T. Rajendar: Delivered a typical Rajendar-style performance with strong dialogue delivery and emotional intensity, though sometimes appearing over-the-top.
Murali: Provided a restrained and sincere portrayal, adding balance to the film’s melodramatic tone.
Roja Selvamani: Played her role with conviction but was limited by the screenplay's lack of depth for female characters.
Karan: Offered a competent supporting performance, contributing to the film’s dramatic elements.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Distinctive storytelling style of T. Rajendar
- ✓Emotional and melodramatic sequences appealing to fans
- ✓Music and songs that complement the film’s mood
- ✓Strong dialogue delivery by lead actors
Weaknesses
- ✕Uneven pacing with a slow first half
- ✕Overly theatrical screenplay and dialogues
- ✕Modest production values and cinematography
- ✕Limited character development, especially for female roles
🎬 Direction & Writing
T. Rajendar’s direction is characteristic of his auteur style, focusing heavily on dialogue and emotional drama. While his passion for the project is evident, the direction lacks subtlety and modern cinematic techniques, resulting in a film that feels dated and stagey. The writing is earnest but often verbose, impacting the film’s overall engagement.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6.4 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 20 | |
| 0 |
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 30% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 50% |
Critics
The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who pointed out its melodramatic excesses and outdated narrative style. While some appreciated the nostalgic value and Rajendar’s commitment, many found the film lacking in technical finesse and contemporary appeal.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala release in theatres?▾
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala released on 25 May 2001 (2001).
Is Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala a hit or flop?▾
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala online? OTT release date?▾
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala?▾
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala directed by T. Rajendar. Produced by T. Rajendar.
Who are the main cast members of Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala?▾
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala stars T. Rajendar, Murali, Roja Selvamani, Karan, Kuralarasan.
Who composed the music for Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala?▾
Music for Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala composed by T. Rajendar.
What is the genre and runtime of Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala?▾
Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala — Genre: Romance, Runtime: 166 minutes, Language: Tamil.
