Uttama Villain (2015) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 26 Apr 2026
Uttama Villain (2015) Review
Uttama Villain (2015), a Tamil comedy, drama movie starring Kamal Haasan, K. Balachander, K. Viswanath, is reviewed here. Directed by Ramesh Aravind. Superstar Manoranjan learns that he has only a few days to live and approaches his mentor, director Margadarisi to direct his next project — a folklore-ish comedy about a man who keeps cheating death and his role in saving a kingdom. Meanwhile, he has to sort out his personal lives, which involves a... Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: FLOP. Released: 2 May 2015. Runtime: 2h 53m.


Uttama Villain(2015)
Tamil · Comedy, Drama
2h 53m · 2 May 2015
Music: Ghibran | DOP: Shamdat Sainudeen | Writer: Kamal Haasan, Crazy Mohan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
📖 Story
Uttama Villain is a meta-cinematic Tamil drama that interweaves the life of a superstar actor, Manoranjan (Kamal Haasan), who is diagnosed with terminal cancer, with the story of a fictional ancient Tamil folk hero he portrays in his final film. The narrative oscillates between Manoranjan's real-life struggles and the folklore tale, exploring themes of mortality, legacy, and the art of storytelling. The film delves into the emotional turmoil of the protagonist as he confronts his impending death while trying to complete his magnum opus, which is a blend of comedy, tragedy, and spirituality.
Uttama Villain stands out for its ambitious screenplay that merges two timelines — the present-day life of the actor and the mythological story of the folk hero. The screenplay is layered and demands attention, with a strong emphasis on emotional depth and philosophical musings. The first half sets up the emotional stakes effectively, introducing the characters and the dual narrative without overwhelming the audience. The pacing is measured, allowing the story to breathe and the audience to connect with the protagonist's internal conflict.
The second half delves deeper into the folk tale and Manoranjan's reflections on life and death, blending humor and pathos skillfully. While some viewers might find the narrative complex, the screenplay maintains coherence through strong performances and thoughtful writing. The songs composed by Ghibran are situational and complement the narrative tone, while the background score enhances the emotional and dramatic moments without being intrusive. Cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen captures both the grandeur of the folk tale and the intimacy of the protagonist's personal journey, adding visual richness to the storytelling.
Kamal Haasan: A masterful portrayal of a superstar grappling with mortality, delivering nuanced emotions across both timelines.
K. Balachander: A dignified and poignant role that adds gravitas to the narrative.
Andrea Jeremiah: Provides a grounded and heartfelt performance as the supportive partner.
Jayaram: Offers a subtle and effective supporting role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Innovative dual narrative blending reality and folklore
- ✓Kamal Haasan's powerful and layered performance
- ✓Thought-provoking screenplay with emotional depth
- ✓Ghibran's evocative music and background score
- ✓Strong cinematography enhancing both timelines
Weaknesses
- ✕Complex narrative may be challenging for some viewers
- ✕Pacing slows down in parts of the second half
- ✕Certain subplots feel underdeveloped
🎬 Direction & Writing
Ramesh Aravind's direction is assured and sensitive, handling a complex and ambitious script with care. The writing balances humor, tragedy, and philosophy, though the dense narrative requires patience from the audience. The film is a tribute to Kamal Haasan's legacy and Tamil cinema, with a reflective and artistic approach.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics praised Uttama Villain for its originality, Kamal Haasan's performance, and the emotional depth of the story. However, some noted that the film's complexity and pacing might not appeal to all viewers. The music and cinematography received positive mentions for complementing the narrative effectively.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Uttama Villain release in theatres?▾
Uttama Villain released on 2 May 2015 (2015).
Is Uttama Villain a hit or flop?▾
Uttama Villain is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Where to watch Uttama Villain online? OTT release date?▾
Uttama Villain OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Uttama Villain?▾
Uttama Villain directed by Ramesh Aravind. Produced by Kamal Haasan, N. Linguswamy.
Who are the main cast members of Uttama Villain?▾
Uttama Villain stars Kamal Haasan, K. Balachander, K. Viswanath, Andrea Jeremiah, Jayaram.
What is the Tollybo rating for Uttama Villain?▾
Tollybo rates Uttama Villain 2.75/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Who composed the music for Uttama Villain?▾
Music for Uttama Villain composed by Ghibran.
What is the genre and runtime of Uttama Villain?▾
Uttama Villain — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 173 minutes, Language: Tamil.
