Virumaandi (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026
Virumaandi (2021) Review
Directed by Kamal Haasan, Virumaandi (2021) is a Tamil action, crime, drama film starring Kamal Haasan, Pasupathy, Napoleon. Angela, a civil advocate interviewing inmates at the Madras Central Prison for a documentary on the death penalty meets Virumaandi and Kothaala, who are sentenced to death and life respectively for their roles in perpetrating the massacre of 24 people during a brutal clash between feuding villages. ... Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT. Released: 14 Jan 2021. Runtime: 2h 55m.


Virumaandi(2021)
An ode to humanity
Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 55m · 14 Jan 2021
Music: Ilaiyaraaja | DOP: Keshav Prakash | Writer: Kamal Haasan
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Virumaandi is a gripping tale centered around the titular character, a fiery and principled man from rural Tamil Nadu, whose life spirals into a violent conflict involving caste, honor, and justice. The narrative unfolds through a Rashomon-style storytelling technique, presenting multiple perspectives on the same events, which challenges the audience to discern truth from bias. The film delves into themes of revenge, morality, and the cyclical nature of violence, set against the backdrop of village politics and social structures.
Virumaandi is a powerful and intense film that masterfully combines a complex narrative structure with raw emotional storytelling. The screenplay, penned and directed by Kamal Haasan, employs a Rashomon effect that keeps the audience engaged by revealing contrasting viewpoints, which adds depth and intrigue to the plot. The pacing is well-balanced; the first half sets up the characters and conflicts with a steady build-up, while the second half escalates the tension and delivers impactful dramatic sequences.
The film's music, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, complements the narrative beautifully. The songs are thoughtfully placed, enhancing the emotional landscape without disrupting the flow. The background score is particularly effective in heightening the suspense and intensity during critical moments. Cinematography by Keshav Prakash captures the rustic milieu with authenticity, adding to the film's immersive experience.
Overall, Virumaandi stands out for its bold storytelling, strong performances, and technical finesse. While the film's violent and gritty nature may not appeal to all viewers, its exploration of human nature and justice makes it a memorable cinematic experience.
Kamal Haasan: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of Virumaandi, showcasing a wide emotional range and commanding screen presence.
Pasupathy: Strong and intense, effectively portraying the antagonist with conviction.
Napoleon: Solid supporting role that adds depth to the narrative.
Abhirami: Natural and convincing in her role, providing emotional balance.
Rohini: Effective and restrained performance.
Nassar: Commanding presence with a subtle yet impactful performance.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Innovative Rashomon-style screenplay
- ✓Strong performances, especially by Kamal Haasan
- ✓Powerful background score by Ilaiyaraaja
- ✓Authentic depiction of rural Tamil Nadu
- ✓Bold and thought-provoking themes
Weaknesses
- ✕Violent and intense scenes may not appeal to all audiences
- ✕Complex narrative might be confusing for some viewers
- ✕Pacing slows slightly in parts of the first half
🎬 Direction & Writing
Kamal Haasan's direction is confident and visionary, effectively balancing a complex narrative with emotional depth. His writing is bold, tackling sensitive social issues with nuance and avoiding simplistic moralizing. The use of multiple perspectives to tell the story is executed with clarity and creativity.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Film Award | Best Screenplay | Awarded to Kamal Haasan for the innovative narrative style |
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Actor - Tamil | Kamal Haasan nominated for his performance |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Collected well in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states
- - Received critical acclaim and moderate commercial success
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Virumaandi for its innovative narrative style and Kamal Haasan's compelling performance. The film was lauded for its technical aspects, especially Ilaiyaraaja's music and the cinematography. Some reviews noted the film's intense violence and complex storytelling as potential barriers for mainstream audiences.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Virumaandi release in theatres?▾
Virumaandi released on 14 January 2021 (2021).
Is Virumaandi a hit or flop?▾
Virumaandi is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Virumaandi online? OTT release date?▾
Virumaandi OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Virumaandi?▾
Virumaandi directed by Kamal Haasan. Produced by Chandrahasan, Kamal Haasan.
Who are the main cast members of Virumaandi?▾
Virumaandi stars Kamal Haasan, Pasupathy, Napoleon, Abhirami, Rohini.
What is the Tollybo rating for Virumaandi?▾
Tollybo rates Virumaandi 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Who composed the music for Virumaandi?▾
Music for Virumaandi composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
What is the genre and runtime of Virumaandi?▾
Virumaandi — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 175 minutes, Language: Tamil.
