Introduction
Thiruchitrambalam is a Tamil-language romantic family drama that was released on August 18, 2022. Directed by Mithran R. Jawahar, the film stars Dhanush in the lead role and is produced by Sun Pictures. With a heartwarming storyline, emotional depth, and soulful music by Anirudh Ravichander, Thiruchitrambalam quickly won the hearts of audiences and critics alike.
In this article, we delve into an honest review of Thiruchitrambalam, explore its stellar cast, analyze its IMDb rating, discuss its budget, and examine its box office success.
Honest Review: A Feel-Good Family Drama with a Touch of Romance
Plot Summary
Thiruchitrambalam follows the journey of Pazham (Dhanush), a middle-class delivery boy who struggles with personal and emotional challenges. Living with his strict policeman father (Prakash Raj) and affectionate grandfather (Bharathiraja), Pazham finds solace in his best friend Shobana (Nithya Menen). The film beautifully captures his relationships, love life, and personal growth.
The narrative revolves around Pazham’s journey to find love while dealing with past trauma and misunderstandings within his family. The screenplay balances comedy, romance, and emotional drama, making it an engaging watch.
Strengths of the Film
- Dhanush’s Performance: As always, Dhanush delivers an effortless and natural performance. His portrayal of a simple man caught between family expectations and personal aspirations is highly relatable.
- Nithya Menen’s Standout Role: She shines as Shobana, portraying the role of a cheerful yet mature friend who deeply cares for Pazham. Her chemistry with Dhanush is the film’s heart.
- Music by Anirudh: Songs like Thaai Kelavi and Megham Karukatha became instant chartbusters, adding to the film’s appeal.
- Realistic Storytelling: Unlike over-the-top commercial films, Thiruchitrambalam relies on emotional depth and character-driven storytelling.
- Supporting Cast: Prakash Raj and Bharathiraja bring strong emotional weight to the film, enhancing the family drama aspect.
- Comedy and Romance: The screenplay keeps the audience entertained with well-timed humor and heartwarming romantic moments.
Weaknesses of the Film
- Predictable Plot: The story, though engaging, follows a familiar pattern in Tamil cinema.
- Slow Pacing in Some Parts: A few scenes in the second half could have been trimmed for a crisper narrative.
Overall Verdict
Thiruchitrambalam is a must-watch for fans of heartwarming family dramas with well-written characters. The film’s strong performances, beautiful music, and emotional depth make it a memorable experience.
Cast & Crew Details
| Actor/Actress | Role Played |
|---|---|
| Dhanush | Thiruchitrambalam (Pazham) |
| Nithya Menen | Shobana (Pazham’s best friend) |
| Raashi Khanna | Anusha (Pazham’s love interest) |
| Priya Bhavani Shankar | Ranjani (Another love interest) |
| Prakash Raj | Pazham’s strict father (Inspector Neelakandan) |
| Bharathiraja | Pazham’s grandfather |
Crew
- Director: Mithran R. Jawahar
- Producer: Sun Pictures
- Music Composer: Anirudh Ravichander
- Cinematography: Om Prakash
- Editor: Prasanna GK
- Screenplay: Mithran R. Jawahar
IMDb Rating and Public Reception
Thiruchitrambalam received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. As of 2025, the film holds an IMDb rating of 8.2/10, based on thousands of user reviews.
Audience & Critic Reviews
- Critics: Praised the film’s realistic storytelling, strong performances, and emotional moments.
- Audiences: Loved the lighthearted humor, friendship dynamics, and the heart-touching climax.
- Social Media Buzz: The hashtag #Thiruchitrambalam trended on Twitter for weeks post-release, with fans appreciating Dhanush and Nithya Menen’s chemistry.
Budget & Box Office Performance
Budget Breakdown
- Production Cost: ₹35-40 crore
- Marketing & Promotions: ₹10 crore
- Total Budget: ₹45-50 crore
Box Office Collection
Thiruchitrambalam was a blockbuster success and one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2022. Here’s how it performed:
| Region | Box Office Collection |
| Opening Day | ₹9 crore |
| Opening Weekend | ₹30 crore |
| India (Lifetime) | ₹85 crore |
| Overseas Collection | ₹35 crore |
| Worldwide Gross | ₹120 crore |
The film performed exceptionally well in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and international markets like UAE, Malaysia, and the USA.
Profit & ROI Analysis
Given its budget of ₹50 crore and worldwide earnings of ₹120 crore, the film had an ROI (Return on Investment) of nearly 140%, making it a super hit.
Conclusion
Thiruchitrambalam is a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and emotional drama, making it one of the most successful and loved Tamil films of recent times. With stellar performances by Dhanush and Nithya Menen, soulful music by Anirudh, and a simple yet effective storyline, it strikes the right chord with audiences.
The film’s strong box office performance, positive critical reception, and high IMDb rating solidify its status as a memorable and feel-good entertainer. If you haven’t watched Thiruchitrambalam yet, it’s time to add it to your must-watch list!
FAQs
1. Is Thiruchitrambalam worth watching?
Yes! If you enjoy emotional family dramas, romance, and lighthearted comedy, this film is a great pick.
2. Where can I watch Thiruchitrambalam?
The film is available on OTT platforms like Sun NXT and Netflix.
3. How successful was Thiruchitrambalam at the box office?
The film earned ₹120 crore worldwide, making it a super hit with a 140% ROI.
4. What makes Thiruchitrambalam special?
The heartwarming friendship, emotional storytelling, strong performances, and soulful music make it unique.
5. Will there be a sequel to Thiruchitrambalam?
As of now, there is no official confirmation about a sequel, but fans would love to see one!