Last updated: 17 Jul 2026


Tamil · Comedy
2h 25m · 1 May 1981
Music: M. S. Viswanathan | DOP: B. S. Lokanath | Writer: K. Balachander, Visu
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
Thillu Mullu is a Tamil comedy film that revolves around the protagonist, played by Rajinikanth, who leads a double life to keep his job and personal life separate. The story unfolds as he fabricates a fictitious twin to escape the strict supervision of his boss, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic situations. The plot cleverly explores themes of deception, identity, and societal expectations with a lighthearted tone.
Thillu Mullu stands out as a classic Tamil comedy that balances humor with a well-structured screenplay. The story is engaging, with a clever premise that sustains interest through its twists and situational comedy. The screenplay is tight, particularly in the first half, which sets up the characters and conflict effectively, while the second half escalates the comedic situations, maintaining a brisk pace without dragging.
The songs composed by M. S. Viswanathan complement the narrative well, blending seamlessly into the film without disrupting the flow. The background score enhances the comedic timing and emotional beats, adding depth to the viewing experience. Cinematography by B. S. Lokanath captures the urban setting with clarity, supporting the film's light and lively mood.
Overall, the film's pacing is well-managed, with the humor and narrative progression balanced to keep the audience entertained throughout. The direction by K. Balachander ensures that the comedy remains situational rather than slapstick, which contributes to the film's enduring appeal.
Rajinikanth: Delivers a charismatic and nuanced comic performance, showcasing his versatility beyond action roles.
Madhavi: Provides a charming and supportive role, complementing Rajinikanth's character well.
Thengai Srinivasan: Excels in comic timing, adding significant humor to the narrative.
Strengths
Weaknesses
K. Balachander's direction is precise and focused, blending comedy with social commentary. His writing ensures that the humor arises naturally from the characters and situations, avoiding forced jokes. The narrative flow is smooth, and he extracts strong performances from the cast.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics have praised Thillu Mullu for its witty screenplay and Rajinikanth's comic timing. The film is often cited as a benchmark in Tamil comedy cinema, with appreciation for its clean humor and engaging narrative. The music and direction also received positive mentions, contributing to the film's classic status.
Final Box-Office Result
Thillu Mullu released on 1 May 1981 (1981).
Thillu Mullu is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Thillu Mullu OTT release date not announced yet.
Thillu Mullu directed by K. Balachander. Produced by J Duraisamy, V. Govindarajan.
Thillu Mullu stars Rajinikanth, Madhavi, Sowcar Janaki, Poornam Viswanathan, Viji Chandrasekhar.
Tollybo rates Thillu Mullu 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Music for Thillu Mullu composed by M. S. Viswanathan.
Thillu Mullu — Genre: Comedy, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Tamil.