Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Tamil · Action, Thriller
2h 47m · 28 Sept 2012
Music: G. V. Prakash Kumar | DOP: Nirav Shah | Writer: Nigel Genis, Mike Parish, A.L. Vijay
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Thaandavam is a Tamil action thriller centered around a visually impaired RAW agent, played by Vikram, who embarks on a mission to uncover a terrorist plot. The narrative weaves through his personal struggles, professional challenges, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies his dangerous assignment. The story combines elements of espionage, romance, and action, culminating in a high-stakes climax that tests the protagonist's resilience and wit.
Thaandavam offers a gripping premise with its unique protagonist who is visually impaired, adding depth to the typical spy thriller genre. The screenplay attempts to balance intense action sequences with emotional moments, though the pacing fluctuates, with a stronger first half that sets up the mystery effectively. The second half, while packed with action, tends to drag in places due to convoluted plot points and predictable twists.
The film's songs and music by G. V. Prakash Kumar are well-composed, blending melodious tracks with situational numbers that complement the narrative. The background score effectively heightens tension during critical scenes, enhancing the thriller aspect of the movie. Cinematography by Nirav Shah captures both the gritty and glamorous sides of the story, adding visual appeal.
Despite its ambitious narrative and technical strengths, the screenplay occasionally suffers from uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters, which may affect audience engagement. However, the film's attempt to portray a differently-abled protagonist in a mainstream action role is commendable and adds a fresh perspective to the genre.
Vikram: Delivering a nuanced portrayal of a visually impaired RAW agent, Vikram's performance is intense and convincing, showcasing his versatility.
Anushka Shetty: Provides a strong supporting role with emotional depth, though her character could have been explored further.
Amy Jackson: Offers charm and grace in her role, adding a romantic angle to the story.
Santhanam: Injects comic relief effectively, balancing the film's intense moments.
Nassar: Delivers a solid performance in a pivotal role, adding gravitas to the narrative.
Jagapati Babu: Portrays the antagonist with menace and conviction, contributing to the film's tension.
Strengths
Weaknesses
A. L. Vijay attempts a stylish and ambitious thriller with Thaandavam, blending action, emotion, and suspense. While the direction succeeds in creating a gripping atmosphere and extracting strong performances, the writing occasionally falters with pacing issues and a cluttered narrative, preventing the film from reaching its full potential.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics appreciated Vikram's performance and the film's technical aspects like music and cinematography but pointed out the uneven screenplay and pacing as major drawbacks.
Final Box-Office Result
Thaandavam released on 28 September 2012 (2012).
Thaandavam is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Budget of Thaandavam is approximately ₹213476 Crore.
Thaandavam is available on Netflix. OTT date will be updated soon.
Thaandavam directed by A. L. Vijay. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur.
Thaandavam stars Vikram, Anushka Shetty, Amy Jackson, Santhanam, Nassar.
Tollybo rates Thaandavam 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for Thaandavam composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar.
Thaandavam — Genre: Action, Thriller, Runtime: 167 minutes, Language: Tamil.