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Varalaru (2006) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 24 Apr 2026

Varalaru (2006) Review

Varalaru (2006) is a Tamil action, drama film starring Ajith Kumar, Asin Thottumkal, Kaniha. Directed by K. S. Ravikumar. Shiva, the ageing business tycoon, bound to his wheelchair, sharing a strong bonding with his son Vishnu. Indulgent, while Vishnu whiles away his time with his cronies taking life easy. But then suddenly Vishnu starts behaving out of character, his drunken bouts and acts causing the father much sham... Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 20 Oct 2006. Runtime: 2h 46m.

Varalaru
ABOVE AVERAGE

Varalaru(2006)

History of Godfather

Tamil · Action, Drama

2h 46m · 20 Oct 2006

Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: P. C. Sreeram, Priyan, Arthur Wilson, Prasad, S. Murthy | Writer: Crazy Mohan, K.S. Ravikumar

Drama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb7.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB61
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience84

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Varalaru is a Tamil action drama revolving around the complex relationship between a father and his son, both played by Ajith Kumar in a triple role. The story unfolds with the son trying to understand his father's mysterious past, which is revealed through a series of flashbacks involving love, sacrifice, and misunderstandings. The narrative weaves themes of family honor, identity, and redemption, culminating in a dramatic resolution that ties together the generational conflicts.

🔍 Analysis

Varalaru offers a blend of action, drama, and emotional depth, anchored by Ajith Kumar's versatile performances in three distinct roles. The screenplay by K. S. Ravikumar balances intense family drama with commercial elements, though the pacing tends to slow down in the first half due to extensive exposition. The second half picks up momentum with engaging action sequences and emotional confrontations that keep the audience invested.

The film's music, composed by A.R. Rahman, stands out with memorable songs that complement the narrative, while the background score effectively heightens the emotional and dramatic moments. Cinematography by P. C. Sreeram and others captures both the grandeur and intimacy of the story, adding visual appeal. However, some critics noted that the screenplay occasionally relies on melodramatic tropes and predictable twists, which may affect the overall impact for discerning viewers.

Overall, Varalaru succeeds as a commercial entertainer with strong performances, impactful music, and a compelling father-son saga, despite minor flaws in narrative pacing and predictability.

🎭 Performances

Ajith Kumar: Delivered a powerful triple role performance, showcasing versatility and emotional depth.

Asin Thottumkal: Provided a graceful and charming presence, complementing the lead roles well.

Kaniha: Played a significant supporting role with sincerity and conviction.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Ajith Kumar's triple role performance
  • ✓A.R. Rahman's music and background score
  • ✓Emotional depth in father-son relationship
  • ✓Strong cinematography by P. C. Sreeram
  • ✓Engaging second half with action and drama
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Slow pacing in the first half
  • ✕Predictable screenplay twists
  • ✕Occasional melodramatic elements

🎬 Direction & Writing

K. S. Ravikumar's direction effectively balances commercial elements with emotional storytelling. His writing, while sometimes reliant on familiar tropes, successfully delivers a family drama with mass appeal, supported by strong characterizations and engaging sequences.

📰 Critic Reviews

No critic reviews found yet.

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
7.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
61
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience
84

Our Rating

3/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

🏆 Records & Box Office

  • - Varalaru was a commercial success, performing well at the Tamil Nadu box office and in other regions.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics praised Ajith Kumar's performance and A.R. Rahman's music, while some pointed out the slow pacing and melodramatic screenplay as drawbacks. Overall, the film was appreciated for its entertainment value and emotional core.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Varalaru release in theatres?▾

Varalaru released on 20 October 2006 (2006).

Is Varalaru a hit or flop?▾

Varalaru is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Varalaru online? OTT release date?▾

Varalaru OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Varalaru?▾

Varalaru directed by K. S. Ravikumar. Produced by S. S. Chakravarthy.

Who are the main cast members of Varalaru?▾

Varalaru stars Ajith Kumar, Asin Thottumkal, Kaniha, Rajesh, Vijayan.

What is the Tollybo rating for Varalaru?▾

Tollybo rates Varalaru 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Varalaru?▾

Music for Varalaru composed by A.R. Rahman.

What is the genre and runtime of Varalaru?▾

Varalaru — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 166 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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