Janani K. reviews
145 reviews of Indian films, average rating 2.7/5.
Elan’s story is so relatable as we would have all come across that one friend who hails from a middle-class background but wants to make it big in cinema.
Read the full reviewThe film explores the sufferings of daily labourers and bloodthirsty owners
Read the full review...a film that is on point with its political commentary. But, the shallow writing in the screenplay makes it a middling film.
Read the full reviewDirector ARK Saravan's Veeran is a superhero film that has many interesting ideas. However, the major shortcoming is the pacing of the film.
Read the full review...a fun film that stresses the importance of education and second chances in life. The film hits the right notes, mostly.
Read the full review...a commercial actioner on gun culture. While the performances and action sequences win you over, the film's logical loopholes keep it a mediocre entertainer.
Read the full reviewThe film has the right messaging, but melodrama and predictability weigh it down.
Read the full reviewWhile the film has an interesting premise, it falters in its execution and skewed justification for serial killings.
Read the full reviewPowerful performances and excellent making see the film soar, and then plummet when it becomes an investigation drama.
Read the full review...a modern take on relationships, marriage and parenting. The performances of the lead cast are a plus.
Read the full review...a noisy family drama that promotes and glorifies regressive ideas. The film ridicules divorce and people who opt for it.
Read the full review...a convoluted mess of a crime thriller with high ambitions. With a crisp runtime, the whodunnit relies heavily on the twists and turns.
Read the full review...Kudumbasthan is a delightful family drama with heaps of relatable comedy. It also gives you lessons on family relationships and money.
Read the full review...a sports drama about a winner and a loser. The trio's star power failed to deliver an enjoyable innings.
Read the full review...an endearing story about the struggles of a middle-class family. With heartfelt emotions and layered storytelling, the film is a mirror that reflects reality.
Read the full review...a slow-burning investigative drama. The film has great potential but doesn't translate fully.
Read the full reviewThe film is engaging despite being convenient in many places.
Read the full reviewDirector Jothish Shankar's Ponman, starring Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu and Lijomol Jose, is a simple yet effective story of underdogs. The proceedings keep you on the edge of the seats.
Read the full review‘Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira’ is a film that has nothing going for it. Neither Fahadh Faasil, nor Lal, nothing. And that says a lot about the film and director Althaf Salim’s work that’s gone terribly wrong.
Read the full reviewMaranamass movie review: Director Sivaprasad’s ‘Maranamass’ is a dark comedy starring Basil Joseph, Rajesh Madhavan, Siju Sunny and Suresh Krishna. The film has plenty of laughs, but also meanders as it progresses.
Read the full reviewThe film struggles to balance drama and thriller elements, ultimately failing to do justice to either genre.
Read the full reviewDirector Jiyen Krishnakumar's Ananthan Kaadu, starring Arya, Murali Gopy, Indrans and Vijayaraghavan, is a story about how the system never lets you win. The film has an interesting backdrop, but fails to achieve a cohesive story.
Read the full reviewDirector Vysakh's Khalifa, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Neil Nitin Mukesh, is a template masala entertainer that lacks heart and conviction. The film relies heavily on Prithviraj's swag rather than a compelling story.
Read the full reviewI, Nobody could easily have been 30 minutes shorter. It overstays its welcome, and that keeps it from the greatness it clearly has the ambition for.
Read the full reviewTamil-Telugu actor Rahul Ravindran makes his directorial debut with Chi La Sow starring Sushanth and Ruhani Sharma. The film is impressive and deserves a watch, says our review.
Read the full reviewShort filmmaker Prasanth Varma has made a commendable big-screen debut with Awe. Our Awe movie review says that the film starts off well but cannot balance its sub-plots.
Read the full reviewDirector Manikandan's Kadaisi Vivasayi is a moving tale about the last farmer in a village. Septuagenarian Mayaandi is the soul of the film while Vijay Sethupathi and Yogi Babu play supporting roles.
Read the full reviewDirector Ramkumar Balakrishnan's 'Parking', starring Harish Kalyan and MS Bhaskar, is a battle of two egoistic men. With exceptional performances, the film catches your attention, says our review.
Read the full review...the film's conflict is too wafer-thin to sustain interest for three hours.
Read the full reviewDirector Karthick Naren's Maaran featuring Dhanush, Smruthi Venkat and Ameer is an underwhelming film. With a cliched storyline and so-called twists, the film struggles to hold your attention.
Read the full reviewWith terrific performances and GV Prakash's music, the film is a brilliant watch in theatres.
Read the full reviewVijay Antony, who has donned the hat of a director, actor, writer and producer with Pichaikkaran 2, failed in his first attempt. The story is far-fetched, while the film is a shoddy affair, says our review.
Read the full reviewChiyaan Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' is slated for a release on November 24. The film's first review was shared by a famous Tamil director on X (formerly Twitter).
Read the full reviewVada Chennai has everything you look for in a gangster thriller. But Vetri Maaran's display of twists and turns will win you over, says our review.
Read the full reviewMahanati, the big release this week, tells the tale of legendary actress Savitri. Does Mahanati live up to expectations? Our review of Mahanati says the film does exactly that, and beautifully.
Read the full reviewDirector C Prem Kumar's 96 starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha is a tribute to unconditional love. With brilliant performance backed by a strong script, 96 is a winner, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Pandiraj's Namma Veetu Pillai starring Sivakarthikeyan is reminiscent of the filmmaker's previous film Kadaikutty Singam. However, the emotional connect seems to be missing in Namma Veetu Pillai.
Read the full reviewKarthi’s Kaithi, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj is a perfect example of convincing storytelling backed by realistic performances, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu starring Simbu and Siddhi Idnani is a solid gangster origin story. However, the film has some shortcomings in the second half, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector H Vinoth’s Valimai, starring Ajith, follows the story of an intelligent cop who traces the mastermind behind a series of crimes.
Read the full reviewDirector Mithran Jawahar's Thiruchitrambalam is a feel-good entertainer, elevated by stellar performances from Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Bharathiraja and Prakash Raj, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector PS Mithran’s Sardar, featuring Karthi, Chunky Pandey and Raashi Khanna, is a formulaic film with a sensitive message at its core.
Read the full reviewDirector Vignesh Raja’s Por Thozhil, starring Sarath Kumar and Ashok Selvan, is a taut thriller with plenty of twists and turns. Backed by a solid story, this is one of the best thrillers in recent times, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Adhik Ravichandran’s ‘Mark Antony’, starring Vishal and SJ Suryah, is a fun time-travel film based on gangsters. With mindless fun, the film entertains, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Madonne Ashwin's 'Maaveeran', starring Sivakarthikeyan and Mysskin, is a clever take on superhero films. The social commentary, Sivakarthikeyan's performance and dialogues are a huge plus, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Abhilash Joshiy's 'King of Kotha' is a gangster drama that suffers from predictability. The Dulquer Salmaan-starrer stands tall because of its music and cinematography, says our review.
Read the full reviewDhanush donned the hat of director, actor and writer for his 50th film. The revenge thriller is riveting, but not without flaws.
Read the full reviewThe action choreography is brilliant in this wafer-thin story.
Read the full review...a well-intentioned film about an important topic. Convenient writing overshadows some great moments.
Read the full review... has great potential. However, sub-par execution and incoherent writing bog down the film.
Read the full review...an engaging comedy drama in parts. The second half of the film feels stretched.
Read the full reviewThe script is elevated by brilliant performances of the lead cast.
Read the full reviewDirector Sundar C's 'Aranmanai 4', starring himself, Tamannaah and Raashii Khanna, is a template horror-comedy that has more negatives than positives. With little laughs, the film is full of redundant ideas. Read our review.
Read the full review... a technically sound action thriller. The film stays true to the genre without relying on star power.
Read the full review...a gangster drama with emotional beats. While the film had a great set-up pre-interval, it falls into a deep pit in the second half and there is no turning back – even for a legend like Mani Ratnam.
Read the full reviewSarvam Maya is a heartwarming horror comedy starring Nivin Pauly. The film explores faith, grief and healing through a unique ghost story.
Read the full review...an overstuffed love story with a gangster backdrop. While the film begins on a spectacular note, it fizzles as it progresses.
Read the full reviewWith exceptional performances and some delicious twists along the way, the film could have benefited from a crisper screenplay.
Read the full reviewMohanlal’s Hridayapoorvam tells a touching story of loss and renewal. The film combines humour and emotion to explore family bonds and second chances.
Read the full review... romantic drama about complex relationship dynamics. The film, with an important social message, is absolute fun when it is self-aware.
Read the full reviewDragon movie review: Director Ashwath Marimuthu's Dragon, starring Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran and Mysskin, is a fun film that stresses on importance of education and second chances in life.
Read the full reviewDirector Rahul Sadasivan’s Dies Irae starring Pranav Mohanlal is an immersive horror thriller. The film’s genuine scares and sound design make it a must-watch for horror fans.
Read the full reviewWith intelligent writing and a grounded vision, it is spy cinema done right — minor shortcomings and all.
Read the full reviewMounted on a grand scale, the film displays convenient writing but makes up with stunning visuals.
Read the full reviewShankar-directed 2.0 starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar is a fun entertainer with brilliant visual effects. But the story turns predictable post intermission.
Read the full reviewViswasam Movie Review: After churning out an underwhelming spy thriller Vivegam, Ajith and director Siruthai Siva go back to the rural route with Viswasam.
Read the full reviewDirector Atlee's Bigil starring Vijay and Nayanthara is a commercial sports drama that has more flaws than positives. Vijay's flamboyance and GK Vishnu's terrific cinematography are some of the pros, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Sachin Ravi's Avane Srimannarayana starring Rakshit Shetty and Shanvi Srivastava could have been a great fantasy adventure comedy, but loses way because of its lengthy script.
Read the full reviewDirector Durai Senthil Kumar's Pattas starring Dhanush, Sneha and Mehreen Pirzada deals with a highly predictable story that is muddled with drama.
Read the full reviewDirector AR Murugadoss’s Darbar starring Rajinikanth, Suneil Shetty and Nivetha Thomas is a typical Thalaivar outing with logic going amiss, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Siruthai Siva's Annaatthe starring Rajinikanth, Keerthy Suresh and Nayanthara is an underwhelming tale of a brother and sister. The film is unbelievably outdated.
Read the full reviewSuperstar Rajinikanth took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Rishab Shetty's Kantara. He wrote that the Kannada film gave him goosebumps.
Read the full reviewKantara Chapter 1 movie review: Director, writer, and actor Rishab Shetty's film, also starring Rukmini Vasanth and Jayaram, explores the man vs nature conflict and land rights, blending them with divinity, folklore, myth, and…
Read the full reviewDirector Nelson Dilipkumar’s ‘Jailer’, starring Rajinikanth, Vinayakan and Vasanth Ravi, is a proper paisa-vasool commercial entertainer.
Read the full reviewDirector Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018 – Everyone is a Hero is an emotional film about the 2018 Kerala floods that rocked the state. The film is a brilliant recreation that is high on emotion, says our review.
Read the full review...a social commentary on extrajudicial killings. Good, solid moments get overshadowed by predictability.
Read the full review...based on a true story that happened in Kodaikanal in 2006. The story captures the true essence of friendship with superlative performances.
Read the full reviewThe film is a fitting tribute to the valour and sacrifice of Major Mukund.
Read the full reviewDirector Jithu Madhavan's 'Aavesham', starring Fahadh Faasil, is a zany action comedy. With FaFa's exceptional performance and impeccable comedy timing, the film is a total winner, says our review.
Read the full reviewThe film is indeed a fan service to Ajith from the filmmaker, but where is the story?
Read the full reviewCoolie movie review: Director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Coolie’, starring Rajinikanth, Shruti Haasan and Sathyaraj, is a template revenge thriller that takes more detours than it should.
Read the full reviewWhile the film has some meaty ideas that could make for a brilliant thriller, it settles for less because of its writing.
Read the full reviewDirector Girish AD's Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is one such film — full of little moments, innocence, laughter and heart. This Onam, Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju gift us a fuzzy little film that is all heart.
Read the full reviewAfter delivering an intense performance in Arjun Reddy, Vijay Deverakonda charms us with a light-hearted entertainer, says our review of Geetha Govindam.
Read the full reviewNani and Nagarjuna star in director Sriram Adittya's Devadas this week and their bromance is a delight to watch. But the film is interesting only in parts, says our review.
Read the full reviewVinaya Vidheya Rama Movie Review: Rangasthalam was Ram Charan's way forward to continue his tryst with good films. But with director Boyapati Srinu's Vinaya Vidheya Rama, he's back to square one.
Read the full reviewDirector KS Ravindra's Venky Mama aims to be an emotional family drama. However, the film is so melodramatic that you hardly feel anything.
Read the full reviewSamantha and Naga Chaitanya's latest film Majili, directed by Shiva Nirvana, is a love story with overused ideas. The film is replete with scenes which we have seen films of the same ilk.
Read the full reviewDirector Kranthi Madhav’s World Famous Lover aims to be an emotional love story that speaks about compromise and sacrifice. Sadly, the film doesn’t have much substance to keep it going for two and a half hours.
Read the full reviewDirector Rahul Sankrityan’s Shyam Singha Roy, starring Nani, Sai Pallavi, Krithi Shetty and Madonna Sebastian, is an interesting tale of reincarnation. The film, however, drowns in cliched sequences.
Read the full reviewDirector Gopichand Malineni’s Krack, starring Ravi Teja and Shruti Haasan, is a clichéd entertainer with some interesting surprises, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Hanu Raghavapudi’s Sita Ramam, starring Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur, is a moving tale about unconditional love. However, the film falls short of creating a masterpiece, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Trinadha Rao's Nakkina Dhamaka starring Ravi Teja, Sree Leela and Jayaram has shades of Allu Arjun’s Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo with certain twists. The film, however, ends up predictable, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Srikanth Odela’s Dasara, starring Nani, Keerthy Suresh and Deekshit Shetty, is a visually stunning revenge drama. With some clichés, Dasara has its heart in the right place, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Samuthikani’s ‘BRO’, starring Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam Tej, is a Telugu remake of the Tamil film, 'Vinodhaya Sitham'. While the story remains the same, The Telugu version is an ode to Pawan Kalyan, says our review.
Read the full reviewDirector Anil Ravipudi’s ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’, starring Balakrishna AKA Balayya, Sreeleela and Arjun Rampal, is a solid entertainer with a few shortcomings, says our review.
Read the full reviewYouth movie review: Director Ken Karunaas's school romance, starring himself, Anishma and Meenakshi, is a wholesome feel-good drama about teenagers. The film has the right doses of comedy, teen romance and emotions.
Read the full reviewThaai Kizhavi movie review: Director Sivakumar Murugesan’s Thaai Kizhavi, starring Radikaa Sarathkumar, Singampuli, Aruldoss and Bala Saravanan, is a hilarious drama on women’s agency and breaking generational chain without ever…
Read the full reviewLove Insurance Kompany movie review: Director Vignesh Shivan’s Love Insurance Kompany aka LIK, starring Pradeep Ranganathan, Krithi Shetty and SJ Suryah, is a fun rom-com set in the futuristic world.
Read the full reviewDirector SS Rajamouli's RRR is an epic war drama featuring Ram Charan and Jr NTR in lead roles. Mounted on a huge canvas, RRR is a terrific film with brilliant performances and amazing set-pieces, says our review.
Read the full reviewAfter the debacle of Pawan Kalyan-starrer Agnyaathavaasi, director Trivikram Srinivas has bounced back with Jr NTR's Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava, says our review.
Read the full reviewSye Raa Narasimha Reddy, directed by Surender Reddy, takes the safe route in showcasing the fight to freedom. Chiranjeevi’s excellent performance makes up for an underwhelming screenplay, says our review.
Read the full reviewMahesh Babu's Maharshi is not about a business tycoon coming back to his motherland. He has a bigger purpose here. But the film is good only for Mahesh Babu fans. Watch it if you really like the star.
Read the full reviewDirector Sukumar's Pushpa: The Rise starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil follows a familiar template of a gangster thriller. Allu Arjun delivers his best in this otherwise cliched film.
Read the full reviewDirector Parasuram Petla’s Sarkaru Vaari Paata starring Mahesh Babu, Keerthy Suresh and Samuthirakani follows a done-to-death template. Mahesh Babu single-handedly shoulders the film.
Read the full reviewPrabhas and Pooja Hegde's Radhe Shyam, directed by Radha Krishna Kumar, has great potential in its premise. However, apart from brilliant visuals and production design, the film lacks soul.
Read the full reviewThey Call Him OG movie review: Director Sujeeth’s ‘They Call Him OG’ is a fan-service to Power Star Pawan Kalyan. The gangster drama, with a Japanese connection, has redundant ideas but is lifted by rousing elevation sequences.
Read the full reviewThe romantic drama is uninteresting and illogical
Read the full reviewWith grand visuals and superlative performances, the film is a visual extravaganza
Read the full reviewClever writing and brilliant performances are its strongest points.
Read the full reviewWith a terrific actor at core, the film comes together in the second half.
Read the full review...a handbook on electoral politics. The film looks spectacular, but the story is mediocre at its best.
Read the full review...an intriguing story about power, money and justice. The crime drama grabs your attention right from the get-go, only to have a conventional ending.
Read the full review...a predictable vigilante thriller. Though clichéd, the film strikes the right notes.
Read the full reviewThe Paradise is so fragmented that it struggles to establish cohesion and continuity and, most importantly, lacks a substantial story to hold it together.
Read the full reviewYezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai is a patience-testing attempt to gift audiences a film that talks about humanity.
Read the full reviewDirector Vignesh Raja's Kara, starring Dhanush, Mamitha Baiju and Suraj Venjaramoodu, is a film about a robber caught in a life-altering situation that pulls him back into crime.
Read the full reviewDirector RJ Balaji's Karuppu, starring Suriya, Trisha and himself, is a fantasy courtroom drama that exposes how corruption is deeply ingrained in the system.
Read the full reviewDirector Nandini Reddy's Maa Inti Bangaaram, starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Gulshan Devaiah, is a female-led commercial film with great action.
Read the full reviewDirector Sasi's remarriage drama means well, but trips often. While the story has great potential, it has many shortcomings in terms of its presentation.
Read the full reviewDirector Harish Durairaj's Con City, starring Arjun Das, Anna Ben, Yogi Babu and Vadivukkarasi, is a film about a family that scams. While it's an interesting idea, the film gets pulled down by randomness.
Read the full reviewThe film took a formulaic approach and could have benefited from better performances from its women.
Read the full reviewThe film, built on a theatrical setup, takes a while to warm up but leaves you with plenty of afterthoughts.
Read the full reviewThe film lands its biggest laughs through cameos and comedy but struggles to deepen its relationships.
Read the full reviewVishwanath and Sons is a wholesome film whose shortcomings don't get in the way too much.
Read the full reviewThe film's lopsided take on gender politics and comedy that never lands make it a sequel that could have been done away with.
Read the full reviewDirector H Vinoth's film, starring Vijay, Mamitha Baiju and Bobby Deol, wants to be both a commercial entertainer and a TVK manifesto, and ends up doing justice to neither.
Read the full reviewArun Matheswaran's DC follows gangster Devadas as a revenge mission pulls him into the lives of two wronged women. The film pairs stylised action with grief, exploitation and emotional fallout to give its violence weight.
Read the full reviewDirector Vishnu Edavan's Hi, starring Nayanthara and Kavin, is a harmless romantic comedy that has some delightful stretches. The film aims for low-stakes and achieves them too.
Read the full reviewThe film has an interesting premise but remains disappointingly hollow.
Read the full reviewDirector PS Mithran's Sardar 2, starring Karthi, SJ Suryah and Malavika Mohanan, is a predictable sequel that is engaging in parts. However, the overstretched climax drags down the film.
Read the full reviewDirector Mathimaran Pugazhendhi's Mandaadi, starring Soori, Suhas and Mahima Nambiar, is an interesting film centred on a sailboat race. The film tackles themes of friendship, mentorship, betrayal and second chances in life.
Read the full reviewBlast movie review: Director Subash K Raj's Blast, starring Preity Mukundhan, Arjun Sarja and Abhirami, is an interesting dark thriller with promising ideas.
Read the full reviewThis revenge saga has a story that feels borrowed from the 1940s. But director Vishal dusts off the dated premise and brings it into 2026 with a lousy screenplay and hideous visual effects.
Read the full reviewPyaar Prema Kalyanam is at its best when it questions the everyday assumptions we have normalised around marriage.
Read the full reviewOnce More is a promising debut from Vignesh Srikanth, with enough sensitivity, warmth and good performances to make it work in parts.
Read the full reviewSigma is painfully outdated and stacked with one stale idea after another, none of which does justice to either the heist or drama elements.
Read the full reviewJailer 2 is a well-crafted commercial entertainer that occasionally falls back on familiar formulae.
Read the full reviewBaththa works majorly because of Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Prithviraj's brilliant performances. Baththa may have a few rough edges, particularly towards the climax, but its heart is always in the right place.
Read the full reviewThe film relies heavily on jump scares and sound design to unsettle the audience, with a predictable storyline that prevents it from reaching its full potential.
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