Introduction
Natchathiram Nagargiradhu is a 2022 Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by Pa. Ranjith. Known for his socially conscious films, Ranjith takes a unique approach to love, relationships, caste dynamics, and societal expectations through this bold and experimental film. Starring Dushara Vijayan, Kalidas Jayaram, and Kalaiyarasan, Natchathiram Nagargiradhu was widely appreciated for its progressive themes, thought-provoking narrative, and realistic performances.
In this article, we provide an honest review of Natchathiram Nagargiradhu, explore its cast, analyze its IMDb rating, and examine its budget and box office performance.
Honest Review: A Bold & Experimental Take on Love and Society
Plot Summary
The film revolves around a group of theatre artists in Puducherry who explore various forms of love and relationships while dealing with caste, gender, and societal norms. At its core, Natchathiram Nagargiradhu is a contemporary exploration of love, dissecting themes of caste discrimination, queer identities, and ideological clashes.
The film follows Rene (Dushara Vijayan), Iniyan (Kalidas Jayaram), and Arjun (Kalaiyarasan) as they navigate their perspectives on love and politics. The narrative focuses on their personal struggles, ideological conflicts, and the broader discourse on progressive love in India.
Strengths of the Film
- Powerful Performances: Dushara Vijayan delivers a breakout performance, portraying Rene with depth, intensity, and emotional vulnerability.
- Pa. Ranjith’s Direction: His bold storytelling and socially relevant themes make the film a must-watch.
- Realistic & Relatable Characters: The film’s characters feel authentic, representing diverse perspectives on love and politics.
- Cinematic Excellence: The cinematography, color grading, and visuals create an immersive experience.
- Thought-Provoking Dialogues: The conversations on caste, patriarchy, and queer identity are insightful and impactful.
- Soulful Music: Tenma’s background score and songs enhance the film’s emotional weight.
Weaknesses of the Film
- Experimental Nature May Not Appeal to All: The film’s unconventional storytelling might not resonate with mainstream audiences.
- Slow Narrative Pace: Some portions of the film move at a slower pace, making it less engaging for commercial cinema lovers.
- Didactic Tone at Times: Some dialogues and themes feel overly preachy, rather than organically woven into the plot.
Overall Verdict
Natchathiram Nagargiradhu is a bold, thought-provoking, and visually stunning film. It challenges conventional ideas about love, caste, and gender, making it an important watch for audiences who appreciate progressive storytelling and social commentary.
Cast & Crew Details
| Actor/Actress | Role Played |
|---|---|
| Dushara Vijayan | Rene |
| Kalidas Jayaram | Iniyan |
| Kalaiyarasan | Arjun |
| Sindhuja Viji | Supporting Role |
| Shabeer Kallarakkal | Supporting Role |
| Charles Vinoth | Supporting Role |
| Regin Rose | Supporting Role |
Crew
- Director: Pa. Ranjith
- Producer: Pa. Ranjith & Neelam Productions
- Music Composer: Tenma
- Cinematography: Kishor Kumar
- Editor: Selva R. K.
- Screenplay: Pa. Ranjith
IMDb Rating & Public Reception
Natchathiram Nagargiradhu received critical acclaim for its unique approach to storytelling and progressive themes. As of 2025, the film holds an IMDb rating of 7.6/10.
Audience & Critic Reviews
- Critics: Praised the film’s strong performances, visuals, and social themes.
- Audiences: Appreciated the film’s unapologetic stance on caste and gender issues.
- Social Media Buzz: The film became a trending topic in Tamil cinema discussions, with many appreciating Pa. Ranjith’s fearless storytelling.
Budget & Box Office Performance
Budget Breakdown
- Production Cost: ₹12 crore
- Marketing & Promotions: ₹3 crore
- Total Budget: ₹15 crore
Box Office Collection
Despite its offbeat nature, Natchathiram Nagargiradhu performed reasonably well due to its strong word-of-mouth publicity.
| Region | Box Office Collection |
| Opening Weekend | ₹4 crore |
| India (Lifetime) | ₹18 crore |
| Overseas Collection | ₹5 crore |
| Worldwide Gross | ₹23 crore |
The film performed exceptionally well in urban centers and among audiences who appreciate art-house cinema.
Profit & ROI Analysis
With a budget of ₹15 crore and worldwide earnings of ₹23 crore, Natchathiram Nagargiradhu achieved a ROI (Return on Investment) of over 50%, making it a moderate commercial success.
Conclusion
Natchathiram Nagargiradhu is a cinematic gem that challenges conventional storytelling and brings progressive issues to the forefront. While it may not appeal to mainstream commercial audiences, its thought-provoking themes, strong performances, and artistic execution make it an important and influential film in Tamil cinema.
The film’s moderate box office success, positive critical reception, and high IMDb rating solidify its status as a modern Tamil classic that will be discussed for years to come.
FAQs
1. Is Natchathiram Nagargiradhu worth watching?
Yes! If you appreciate progressive storytelling, strong performances, and social commentary, this film is a must-watch.
2. Where can I watch Natchathiram Nagargiradhu?
The film is available on OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
3. How successful was Natchathiram Nagargiradhu at the box office?
The film earned ₹23 crore worldwide, making it a moderate commercial success.
4. What makes Natchathiram Nagargiradhu special?
The film’s unapologetic take on caste, gender, and love, along with its stunning visuals and music, make it a unique cinematic experience.
5. Will there be a sequel to Natchathiram Nagargiradhu?
As of now, there is no official confirmation, but given its impact, a follow-up project is possible.