Madharaasi Movie Review: A High-Octane Action Thriller with Hits and MissesMadharaasi, the 2025 Tamil-language psychological action thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss, marks a significant collaboration with Sivakarthikeyan, who steps into a gritty, action-heavy role. Released on September 5, 2025, the film has generated considerable buzz, fueled by Murugadoss’s reputation for blockbusters like Ghajini and Thuppakki, and Sivakarthikeyan’s rising star power after successes like Amaran. With a stellar cast including Rukmini Vasanth, Vidyut Jammwal, and Biju Menon, and backed by Anirudh Ravichander’s music, Madharaasi promised an intense blend of action, drama, and psychological intrigue. But does it live up to the hype?Plot and PremiseMadharaasi weaves a tale of chaos and heroism set against the backdrop of a gun-smuggling syndicate infiltrating Tamil Nadu. Vidyut Jammwal plays Virat, a menacing antagonist who, alongside his accomplice Chirag (Shabeer Kallarakkal), aims to spread gun culture in the state for profit. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), led by Premnath (Biju Menon), struggles to curb this rising threat. Enter Raghu Ram (Sivakarthikeyan), an ordinary man grappling with Fregoli delusion—a psychological condition stemming from a tragic past that compels him to help others obsessively. When his love interest, Malathy (Rukmini Vasanth), becomes entangled in the syndicate’s plans, Raghu’s personal stakes collide with a larger mission, leading to a high-stakes battle that blurs the line between hero and anti-hero.The premise is intriguing, combining a socially relevant message about the dangers of gun culture with a personal narrative of trauma and redemption. Murugadoss’s signature style—blending emotional depth with masala entertainment—is evident, but the execution is where Madharaasi both shines and falters.What WorksSivakarthikeyan’s Transformation: The biggest strength of Madharaasi is Sivakarthikeyan’s evolution into a full-fledged action hero. Known for his boy-next-door charm, he embraces a darker, more intense role as Raghu. His portrayal of a man battling delusion while performing daring stunts is compelling. Whether it’s the raw intensity of close-combat sequences or the emotional vulnerability in dramatic scenes, Sivakarthikeyan carries the film with ease. His chemistry with Biju Menon adds humor and heart, while his romantic track with Rukmini Vasanth brings warmth to the narrative. Fans have praised his action avatar, “Sivakarthikeyan on #Madharaasi PEAKED. A very solid film.”Action Sequences and Technical Brilliance: The action choreography is a standout, delivering the high-octane thrills Murugadoss is known for. The interval block, in particular, has been lauded for its goosebump-inducing intensity, with well-executed stunts that feel gritty yet stylish. Sudeep Elamon’s cinematography enhances these sequences, bringing a raw realism to the visuals, while A. Sreekar Prasad’s crisp editing keeps the pace engaging, especially in the first half. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score is another highlight, elevating the action scenes with its pulsating energy, though the songs themselves have received mixed reactions.Emotional Core and Social Message: Murugadoss weaves a strong emotional backbone into the story through Raghu’s backstory, which explains his compulsive need to help others. This psychological angle, combined with the film’s commentary on gun culture, adds depth to what could have been a generic action flick. The school scene, which underscores the potential chaos of unchecked gun proliferation, is particularly impactful. Rukmini Vasanth’s Malathy is not just a love interest but a character with her own emotional weight, making her a pivotal part of Raghu’s journey.What Doesn’t WorkDespite its strengths, Madharaasi struggles to maintain its momentum. The second half has been a point of contention, with many reviews pointing to a lackluster narrative that feels stretched and repetitive. The screenplay, while engaging initially, loses steam post-interval, failing to deliver the thrilling payoffs promised by the setup. Critics have noted that the film doesn’t match the magic of Murugadoss’s earlier works like Thuppakki or Kaththi, with some calling the climax “normal” and lacking impact.The romantic track, while heartfelt, feels dragged out with an excessive number of songs, disrupting the film’s pacing. Anirudh’s soundtrack, despite his stellar background score, has been criticized for not living up to his usual chartbuster standards. One review lamented, “Anirudh’s work is good, but not on par with his previous movies.” Additionally, Vidyut Jammwal’s antagonist, while menacing initially, becomes a generic villain by the end, with his character arc fizzling out. The film’s 168-minute runtime also feels bloated, with sharper editing needed to trim repetitive scenes.Audience reactions on social media reflect this divide. While some hailed the film as a “solid comeback” for Murugadoss, others found the writing lackluster “Movie has solid action packed but Poor Writing. Overall Disaster.” The film’s title, Madharaasi, has also been questioned, as it doesn’t fully justify its relevance to the plot.A.R. Murugadoss’s ComebackAfter a string of underwhelming films like Sikandar, Madharaasi marks a partial return to form for Murugadoss. The film recaptures glimpses of his signature style—elaborate action, emotional stakes, and a high-concept premise—but it doesn’t reach the heights of his earlier classics. The psychological angle of Raghu’s delusion is a clever device to justify his action-hero status, but the execution falters in the second half, trading logic for hero-appeasement moments that feel out of place.Audience and Critical ReceptionMadharaasi has polarized audiences. On BookMyShow, it garnered tags like “Great Acting,” “Super Direction,” and “Blockbuster,” with some calling the second half “mind-blowing.” However, others labeled it a “one-time watch” or criticized its lack of emotional connect. On IMDb, it holds a 7.2/10 rating, praised for its action and technical finesse but docked for narrative flaws. The film’s box office performance has been strong, with advance bookings crossing 150,000 ticket sales in Tamil Nadu, outpacing competitors like Ghaati.Final VerdictMadharaasi is a mixed bag—a film that soars with its action sequences, Sivakarthikeyan’s compelling performance, and a strong first half, but stumbles with a dragged-out second half and inconsistent writing. It’s a step in the right direction for A.R. Murugadoss, offering enough thrills and emotional beats to satisfy action lovers and Sivakarthikeyan fans. However, it falls short of the brilliance of his earlier works, leaving audiences wanting more. If you’re drawn to stylish action and a fresh take on Sivakarthikeyan, Madharaasi is worth a theatrical watch, but temper your expectations for a flawless experience.
Rating: 3.5/5
Rating: 3.5/5