Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Tamil · Comedy, Drama, Thriller
2h 26m · 10 Sept 2021
Music: Govindh Vasantha | DOP: Mahendiran Jayaraju, Manoj Paramahamsa | Writer: Delhi Prasad Deenadayal, Balaji Kesavan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Tughlaq Durbar is a political satire that revolves around Sakthivel, an ambitious and morally ambiguous politician who struggles with his conscience and political ambitions. The story explores his internal conflicts, the manipulative nature of politics, and the impact of power on personal integrity. The narrative blends dark humor with political commentary, highlighting the absurdities and contradictions inherent in the political landscape.
Tughlaq Durbar offers a unique blend of political satire and dark comedy, anchored by a compelling storyline that delves into the psyche of a conflicted politician. The screenplay is inventive, with sharp dialogues and clever narrative devices that keep the audience engaged. The pacing is steady, with the first half effectively setting up the protagonist's internal and external conflicts, while the second half delves deeper into the consequences of his choices, though some sequences tend to drag slightly.
The film's music, composed by Govindh Vasantha, complements the tone well, with songs that blend seamlessly into the narrative rather than serving as mere interludes. The background score effectively heightens the emotional and satirical beats, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Cinematography by Mahendiran Jayaraju and Manoj Paramahamsa captures the political milieu with a gritty yet stylized approach, adding depth to the storytelling.
While the film's thematic ambition is commendable, certain plot elements feel repetitive, and the screenplay occasionally leans heavily on exposition. Nonetheless, the innovative approach to political satire and the strong technical aspects make Tughlaq Durbar a noteworthy addition to contemporary Tamil cinema.
Vijay Sethupathi: Delivered a nuanced and layered portrayal of Sakthivel, balancing the character's ambition and vulnerability with finesse.
R. Parthiban: Provided strong support with a commanding presence, adding gravitas to the political narrative.
Raashii Khanna: Offered a restrained and effective performance, complementing the lead without overshadowing the main plot.
Manjima Mohan: Played a pivotal role with subtlety, contributing to the emotional depth of the story.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Delhi Prasad Deenadayal's direction is confident and ambitious, successfully blending satire with a psychological exploration of politics. The writing is sharp, though it occasionally falters with over-exposition. Overall, the director manages to maintain a balance between entertainment and message-driven cinema.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics praised Vijay Sethupathi's performance and the film's unique take on political satire, though some noted pacing issues and a tendency towards heavy exposition in the latter half. The music and cinematography received positive mentions for enhancing the film's tone.
Final Box-Office Result
Tughlaq Durbar released on 10 September 2021 (2021).
Tughlaq Durbar is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Tughlaq Durbar is available on Netflix, Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads from 11 September 2021.
Tughlaq Durbar directed by Delhi Prasad Deenadayal. Produced by Lalit Kumar.
Tughlaq Durbar stars Vijay Sethupathi, R. Parthiban, Raashii Khanna, Manjima Mohan, Karunakaran.
Tollybo rates Tughlaq Durbar 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for Tughlaq Durbar composed by Govindh Vasantha.
Tughlaq Durbar — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 146 minutes, Language: Tamil.