Review: Madharaasi: Exciting But Erratic

 

Movie: Madharaasi
Rating: 2.5/5

Cast: Siva Karthikeyan, Rukmini Vasanth, Vidyut Jammwal, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Biju Menon, Vikranth, and others

Director: Murugadoss

Produced By: Sri Lakshmi Movies

Release Date: 05-09-2025

Story:

NIA officer Prem (Biju Menon) and his team are tasked with dismantling a dangerous North Indian gang orchestrating a large-scale arms smuggling operation into Tamil Nadu. At the helm of the syndicate are Virat (Vidyut Jammwal) and Chirag (Shabbir Kallarkal), whose plans threaten Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Raghuram (Sivakarthikeyan), a man battling delusional disorder and reeling from a failed romance with Malathi (Rukmini Vasanth), finds himself unexpectedly drawn into the NIA’s mission. The film follows Raghu’s turbulent journey as he confronts his inner demons and becomes a key player in the fight against the syndicate.

Performances:

Siva Karthikeyan steps into a refreshingly distinct role compared to his previous films, leaving a strong impression with his compelling performance and impressive action sequences. Rukmini Vasanth shines in emotionally charged moments. Vidyut Jammwal and Shabeer Kallarakkal are convincingly menacing as the antagonists, while Biju Menon and Vikranth deliver solid support in their respective roles.

What worked For the Film:

Sivakarthikeyan injects energy into moments that might otherwise feel flat, elevating the narrative with his charismatic screen presence. The action sequences are crisply choreographed, adding momentum and visual flair that consistently enhance the film. After the interval, the story gains traction, maintaining a compelling pace. The emotional depth, which feels absent in the first half, begins to resonate as the protagonist becomes personally invested in the mission. Despite a slightly stretched runtime, the climax delivers a satisfying payoff that ties the film together effectively.

What did not work for the Film:

Madharaasi introduces a refreshing twist to its protagonist and sets up a promising NIA-versus-criminals backdrop. However, the film struggles with tonal inconsistencies that keep it from rising above ordinary range. At its core lies the love story between Raghu and Malathi, but this emotional thread feels underdeveloped in the first half, coming across as routine and uninspired. The songs fail to elevate the narrative, and even Anirudh’s background score, which usually becomes a highlight for the films, falls surprisingly flat. Moreover, the depiction of NIA operations leans heavily on stylized gunfights, missing an opportunity to explore the agency’s tactical depth.

Madharaasi Review and Verdict:

Murugadoss's Madharaasi is a well-intended action thriller with an exciting characterization for the lead, a fair premise, and well-choreographed action sequences. However, its varying narration and lack of strong emotional depth hold it back from reaching the next level.