Madharasi Review (2025): Sivakarthikeyan Shines, Vidyut Jammwal Stuns in AR Murugadoss’ Action Thriller

⭐ Rating: 3/5 | Genre: Action Thriller | Runtime: 168 minutes | Languages: Tamil, Hindi (as Dil Madharaasi)

The highly anticipated Madharasi (also spelled Madharaasi), directed by A. R. Murugadoss, was finally released on 5 September 2025. Starring Sivakarthikeyan, Rukmini Vasanth, and Vidyut Jammwal, this action-packed thriller is produced by Sri Lakshmi Movies with music by Anirudh Ravichander.

With a massive budget of ₹150–200 crore, grand visuals, and high-octane stunts, the movie aimed to be a perfect commercial entertainer. While the film delivers solid action sequences and standout performances, it has also received mixed reviews for its screenplay and pacing.

Storyline and Plot

At its core, Madharasi is an action thriller laced with drama, love, and patriotism.

The story revolves around Raghu (Sivakarthikeyan), an ordinary man with a troubled past, who unexpectedly finds himself caught in the crossfire of a massive illegal arms syndicate. The weapons are being smuggled into Tamil Nadu, threatening national security.

Meanwhile, NIA Officer Prem (Biju Menon) is on a mission to stop the smugglers, but the situation becomes complicated when Raghu’s lover Malathy (Rukmini Vasanth) is used as bait.

Enter Virat (Vidyut Jammwal) — a menacing yet stylish antagonist, whose stunt sequences stand out as the highlight of the movie.

The conflict between Raghu, the law enforcement agencies, and Virat’s syndicate forms the backbone of the story. As the plot unfolds, Raghu’s mysterious past and inner struggles are revealed, blurring the line between heroism and madness.

Performances

Sivakarthikeyan as Raghu

Sivakarthikeyan delivers a career-defining performance. Known for his charm and comic timing, SK takes on a gritty, intense role in Madharasi. His action sequences, emotional breakdowns, and transformation into a man consumed by both love and revenge make him the heart of the movie.

Vidyut Jammwal as Virat

Bollywood action star Vidyut Jammwal makes a powerful return to Tamil cinema. His stylish villain role is one of the film’s biggest assets. The stunts performed by Vidyut are breathtaking, earning applause from both fans and critics.

Rukmini Vasanth as Malathy

After impressing audiences in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Rukmini plays Malathy with grace and emotional depth. Although her screen time is limited, her chemistry with Sivakarthikeyan adds warmth to the otherwise heavy narrative.

Biju Menon as Officer Prem

Biju Menon brings maturity and weight to the role of an NIA officer. His character is crucial in moving the investigation and narrative forward.

Supporting Cast

The ensemble, including Vikranth, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Monisha Vijay, and veteran actors like Thalaivasal Vijay, adds layers to the film. A. R. Murugadoss even makes a cameo appearance.

Direction and Writing

Directed and written by A. R. Murugadoss, Madharasi carries his signature style — mixing action, emotions, and social commentary. The first half is engaging with a strong interval block, but the second half struggles with uneven pacing and unnecessary subplots.

While Murugadoss effectively sets up the conflict, the film could have benefited from tighter editing and sharper writing, especially in the romantic portions.

Action Sequences and Cinematography

One of the biggest highlights of Madharasi is its action choreography.

• Vidyut Jammwal’s stunts are world-class, blending martial arts with raw intensity.

• Sivakarthikeyan performs risky sequences himself, including a much-talked-about bridge jump stunt in Chennai without a body double.

• The cinematography by Sudeep Elamon captures both large-scale fight sequences and emotional close-ups beautifully.

The movie also makes good use of locations across Chennai, Pondicherry, and Sri Lanka, giving it a grand scale.

Music and Background Score

The soundtrack is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who reunites with Murugadoss after several years. While the songs are situational and sometimes slow down the pace, the background score is powerful and elevates the action sequences. The interval block and climax, in particular, benefit from Anirudh’s pulsating score.

Audience Reactions on X (Twitter)

The film has sparked mixed reviews online:

• Some fans praised it as a “SUPERB ACTION ENTERTAINER” with excellent visuals and a wholesome masala vibe.

• Others criticized it as “unbearable”, pointing out flawed execution, weak love track, and over-the-top presentation.

• Many agreed that Sivakarthikeyan and Vidyut Jammwal were the saving graces, while Anirudh’s BGM added strength.

This divided reception makes Madharasi a love-it-or-hate-it film depending on audience expectations.

Verdict

Madharasi is a mixed bag. It has everything fans expect from a commercial action thriller — big stars, high-octane stunts, emotional drama, and mass moments. However, uneven writing, dragged romance portions, and an overstretched runtime (168 minutes) prevent it from being a perfect entertainer.

Still, for Sivakarthikeyan fans and action lovers, the film is worth a watch. Vidyut Jammwal’s stylish villainy and Murugadoss’ knack for spectacle ensure that Madharasi remains a decent big-screen experience.

⭐ Final Rating: 3/5 – Good for action lovers, but falls short in writing.

Official Trailer

FAQs About Madharasi (2025)

Q1: Who directed Madharasi?
👉 Madharasi is directed and written by A. R. Murugadoss.

Q2: What is the Hindi title of Madharasi?
👉 The film is released in Hindi as Dil Madharaasi.

Q3: Who are the lead actors in Madharasi?
👉 Sivakarthikeyan, Rukmini Vasanth, Vidyut Jammwal, and Biju Menon.

Q4: What is the runtime of Madharasi?
👉 The movie runs for 168 minutes (2 hours 48 minutes).

Q5: Is Madharasi worth watching?
👉 Yes, if you enjoy stylish action and star power, but don’t expect flawless storytelling.

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