Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Tamil · Comedy
2h 20m · 7 Mar 1987
DOP: T. S. Vinayagam | Writer: K. Balachander
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Velaikkaran follows the story of a righteous and hardworking man who rises through the ranks in a corporate environment while battling corruption and injustice. The protagonist, played by Rajinikanth, stands as a symbol of integrity and determination, confronting various challenges posed by unethical practices within the company and society. The narrative explores themes of morality, social responsibility, and the fight against exploitation.
Velaikkaran is a classic 1980s Tamil action-drama that combines social messaging with commercial elements. The story is straightforward, focusing on the protagonist's struggle against corruption, which is well supported by a screenplay that balances drama and action effectively. The pacing is steady, with the first half establishing characters and conflicts clearly, while the second half intensifies the stakes leading to a satisfying climax.
The film's songs and background score complement the narrative, though the music director's name is not listed, the soundtrack supports the emotional beats and action sequences adequately. Cinematography by T. S. Vinayagam captures the urban corporate setting and rural contrasts well, enhancing the film's visual appeal. Overall, the film manages to entertain while delivering a socially relevant message without becoming preachy.
Rajinikanth: Powerful and charismatic, Rajinikanth delivers a compelling performance as the principled hero, balancing intensity with moments of warmth.
Amala Akkineni: Provides a graceful and supportive presence, complementing the lead with emotional depth.
Sarath Babu: Strong supporting role, adding credibility and nuance to the corporate antagonist.
K R Vijaya: Effective in a pivotal role, bringing emotional weight to the family dynamics.
Nassar: Delivers a convincing performance in a negative role, adding tension to the narrative.
Strengths
Weaknesses
S. P. Muthuraman directs with a clear vision, blending commercial elements with social commentary. His handling of performances and narrative flow ensures the film remains engaging throughout.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics appreciated Rajinikanth's performance and the film's social message, though some noted the conventional storyline and melodramatic elements. The film was seen as a solid entertainer with meaningful content.
Final Box-Office Result
Velaikkaran released on 7 March 1987 (1987).
Velaikkaran is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Velaikkaran is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Velaikkaran directed by S. P. Muthuraman. Produced by K. Balachander, Pushpa Kandaswamy, Rajam Balachandar.
Velaikkaran stars Rajinikanth, Amala Akkineni, Sarath Babu, K R Vijaya, Nassar.
Tollybo rates Velaikkaran 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Velaikkaran — Genre: Comedy, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Tamil.
