V.I.P (1997) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
V.I.P (1997) Review
V.I.P (1997) is a Tamil romance film directed by Saba Kailash, starring Prabhu Deva, Abbas, Rambha. A thief is mistaken for an NRI returning to work with a rich businessman and marry his daughter. The real guy, meanwhile, ends up with the thief's friend. The odd pairs fall in love midst the chaos. Our Rating: 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 16 Jun 1997.
V.I.P(1997)
Tamil · Romance
0 · 16 Jun 1997
Music: Ranjit Barot | DOP: Arthur Wilson | Writer: K. Selva Bharathi, D. Sabhapathi
Ratings
Our Rating
1.75
📖 Story
V.I.P is a Tamil action thriller revolving around the lives of two protagonists whose paths cross under dramatic circumstances. The story weaves elements of friendship, love, and conflict as the characters navigate challenges posed by external antagonists. The narrative unfolds with a mix of romance and action, highlighting the emotional and physical trials faced by the leads.
V.I.P offers a blend of action and romance typical of late 90s Tamil cinema, with a storyline that attempts to balance emotional depth and commercial elements. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half focusing on character introductions and romantic developments, while the second half escalates into action and conflict resolution. The pacing is generally consistent, though some sequences in the middle could have been tighter to maintain engagement.
The songs composed by Ranjit Barot stand out as a highlight, featuring catchy tunes that complement the film's mood and era. The background score effectively underscores the tension and emotional beats, enhancing the viewing experience without overpowering the scenes. Cinematography by Arthur Wilson captures the vibrant locales and action sequences with clarity, adding to the film's visual appeal.
Overall, while V.I.P does not break new ground in storytelling, it delivers an entertaining package bolstered by its music and performances, making it a decent watch for fans of the genre and period.
Prabhu Deva: Energetic and charismatic, Prabhu Deva brings his signature dance skills and screen presence, effectively carrying the film's action and romantic elements.
Abbas: Provides a solid supporting role with a sincere portrayal that complements the lead, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Rambha: Delivers a charming and lively performance, contributing to the film's romantic and light-hearted moments.
Simran: Offers a graceful and engaging presence, enhancing the film's emotional appeal.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging music and background score
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Balanced mix of romance and action
- ✓Effective cinematography
Weaknesses
- ✕Predictable storyline
- ✕Occasional pacing issues in the mid-section
- ✕Lack of novelty in screenplay
🎬 Direction & Writing
Director Saba Kailash handles the film with a focus on commercial appeal, ensuring a blend of action, romance, and drama. The direction is competent, though it leans on familiar tropes and does not venture into innovative storytelling.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6.4 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 35 | |
| 58 |
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 | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics
Critics appreciated the film's music and performances, particularly praising Prabhu Deva's energetic portrayal. However, the predictable plot and pacing issues were noted as drawbacks. Overall, the reception was mixed to positive, with the film being considered a decent entertainer rather than a standout.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did V.I.P release in theatres?▾
V.I.P released on 16 June 1997 (1997).
Is V.I.P a hit or flop?▾
V.I.P is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch V.I.P online? OTT release date?▾
V.I.P OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed V.I.P?▾
V.I.P directed by Saba Kailash. Produced by S. Thanu.
Who are the main cast members of V.I.P?▾
V.I.P stars Prabhu Deva, Abbas, Rambha, Simran.
What is the Tollybo rating for V.I.P?▾
Tollybo rates V.I.P 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Who composed the music for V.I.P?▾
Music for V.I.P composed by Ranjit Barot.
What is the genre and runtime of V.I.P?▾
V.I.P — Genre: Romance, Language: Tamil.