Yaakkai (2017) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026
Yaakkai (2017) Review
A review of Yaakkai (2017) (Tamil romance, thriller), directed by Kuzhandhai Velappan. Starring Krishna Kulasekaran, Swathi Reddy, Prakash Raj. When the chairman of a multi-specialty hospital dies mysteriously, a cop begins an investigation which leads him to find more bodies. Our Rating: 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 3 Mar 2017. Runtime: 2h 7m.


Yaakkai(2017)
Tamil · Romance, Thriller
2h 7m · 3 Mar 2017
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja | DOP: Sathya Ponmar | Writer: Kulandai Velappan, Kuzhandai Velappan
Ratings
Our Rating
1.75
📖 Story
Yaakkai is a Tamil romantic thriller that revolves around the mysterious events that unfold when a young man, played by Krishna Kulasekaran, becomes entangled in a complex web of love, crime, and deception. The story explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of impulsive decisions, with a narrative that gradually reveals the darker shades of the characters involved.
Yaakkai attempts to blend romance with a thriller narrative, but the execution suffers due to inconsistent screenplay and pacing issues. The first half introduces the characters and sets up the premise with moderate engagement, though some scenes feel dragged and lack emotional depth. The second half picks up pace with more twists and revelations, but the impact is diluted by predictable plot points and underdeveloped subplots.
The film's music by Yuvan Shankar Raja stands out as a highlight, with songs that complement the mood and a background score that effectively heightens tension during key moments. However, the cinematography by Sathya Ponmar, while competent, does not add significant visual flair to elevate the storytelling.
Overall, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, oscillating between romantic drama and thriller without fully committing to either. Despite earnest performances from the lead cast, the narrative and screenplay weaknesses prevent Yaakkai from making a strong impression.
Krishna Kulasekaran: Delivers a sincere performance but is limited by the script's lack of depth.
Swathi Reddy: Offers a natural portrayal with emotional moments that resonate.
Prakash Raj: Adds gravitas to the film with his commanding presence.
Guru Somasundaram: Provides a memorable supporting role with subtle intensity.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Music and background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Engaging moments in the second half
Weaknesses
- ✕Inconsistent screenplay and pacing
- ✕Predictable plot twists
- ✕Lack of emotional depth in storytelling
- ✕Underutilization of cinematography
🎬 Direction & Writing
Kuzhandhai Velappan's direction shows promise but is hindered by a screenplay that fails to maintain consistent engagement. The writing lacks the necessary tightness and depth to fully realize the thriller elements, resulting in a film that feels uneven in tone and execution.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 5.2 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 36 | |
| 49 |
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 | 30% |
| Neutral | 40% |
| Negative | 30% |
Critics
Critics generally pointed out the film's weak screenplay and pacing issues, though the music and performances were appreciated. The consensus was that Yaakkai had an interesting premise but faltered in execution.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Yaakkai release in theatres?▾
Yaakkai released on 3 March 2017 (2017).
Is Yaakkai a hit or flop?▾
Yaakkai is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Yaakkai online? OTT release date?▾
Yaakkai is available on Tentkotta. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Yaakkai?▾
Yaakkai directed by Kuzhandhai Velappan. Produced by Muthukumaran.
Who are the main cast members of Yaakkai?▾
Yaakkai stars Krishna Kulasekaran, Swathi Reddy, Prakash Raj, Radha Ravi, Guru Somasundaram.
What is the Tollybo rating for Yaakkai?▾
Tollybo rates Yaakkai 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Who composed the music for Yaakkai?▾
Music for Yaakkai composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
What is the genre and runtime of Yaakkai?▾
Yaakkai — Genre: Romance, Thriller, Runtime: 127 minutes, Language: Tamil.
