Last updated: 26 Apr 2026


Tamil · Comedy, Drama
2h 53m · 2 May 2015
Music: Ghibran | DOP: Shamdat Sainudeen | Writer: Kamal Haasan, Crazy Mohan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
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
Uttama Villain released on 2 May 2015 (2015).
Uttama Villain is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Uttama Villain OTT release date not announced yet.
Uttama Villain directed by Ramesh Aravind. Produced by Kamal Haasan, N. Linguswamy.
Uttama Villain stars Kamal Haasan, K. Balachander, K. Viswanath, Andrea Jeremiah, Jayaram.
Tollybo rates Uttama Villain 2.75/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Music for Uttama Villain composed by Ghibran.
Uttama Villain — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 173 minutes, Language: Tamil.