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Visaranai backdrop

Visaranai

5 February 2016Tamil1h 57m
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 8 scored reviews · 4 not rated

A raw, unflinching look at police brutality that hits hard without preaching.

Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Restrained, hard-hitting realism
  • Criticised: Limited appeal to general audiences

Audience

User score 8.0 out of 10 from 6 ratings, Exceptional
Read 1 audience review ↓

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 12 critics are saying

Critical reception for Visaranai is strongly positive, with reviewers consistently praising its unflinching depiction of systemic injustice and police brutality without resorting to preachiness or gratuitous gore. Vetrimaaran's direction, the sharp writing, and the performances of the lead cast were frequently highlighted as major strengths. The primary reservation raised by some critics is that the film's dark and disturbing content limits its accessibility to general audiences, with at least one reviewer explicitly cautioning viewers with a low threshold for such material.

How the 8 scores spread

4 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (12)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. India Glitz

    Film review ·

    'Visaranai' is by no means only an art or docu film, but fits into the commercial arena as well as it has thrills, especially a nail biting climax, humor, action,  a little painful love story in the background and above all filled with real life incidents which one can easily relate to. Verdict : Go for this rare gem which you will treasure in your mind for a long time.
  2. About

    Film review ·

    With some genuine portrayals from Attakathi Dinesh, Raj Pradeesh, Samuthira Kani (who is fast becoming more of an actor than director) and Aadukalam Murugadoss, Visaranai strikes a warning bell that puts you on guard to never go out of the line. At the end of the film, my mind wandered to Talvar and how it was a film that drew a lot of attention to a real life incident that shocked the nation. Visaranai falls under that bracket.
  3. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Director Vetrimaraan has delivered a film that doesn't preach or sermonise - it delivers a jolt of reality. And it makes you think - because this could happen to you. Don't miss it.
  4. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Lockup deaths and police encounters will no longer be mere newspaper reports after watching Visaranai, as the film sends across a chilling message.
  5. BehindWoods

    Film review ·

    Some may call Visaranai to be a violent film, while most of the others may say it is a brilliant piece of art that is so real and suspenseful. But if you're a fan of crime thriller or film that depicts pain, do not miss it! Verdict: Visaranai, a must watch uniquely treated crime thriller that represents true cinema.
  6. FilmiBeat

    Film review ·

    In spite of handling a blood-curdling script, Vetrimaaran has managed to stay away from gratuitous gore which has worked in favour of Visaranai. The film is hard-hitting and gritty, that makes it an impactful watch.
  7. India Today

    Film review ·

    Visaaranai is an emotionally intense and engrossing drama which gets its point across without being overly preachy.
  8. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    Vetrimaaran has proved his mettle as a full-blown filmmaker who knows how to balance the trade and commercial aspects of a movie, even if it has superior shades of an art film.
  9. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    The film succeeds due to razor sharp writing and linear screenplay aided by terrific performances by its lead actors. One of the major highlights is that actors have been aptly cast.
  10. NDTV

    Film review ·

    The movie might not work with a larger audience especially with women and kids but for the lovers of the real cinema, this is a 5-course treat. In Vetrimaaran's own words, this movie is a depiction of a "harsh reality that we don't want to believe." Go watch it.
  11. Sify

    Film review ·

    It takes the Tamil cinema one step further and kindles hope that perhaps someday, different genres of movies will happily coexist here. But how much you relish Visaranai is directly connected to your threshold for dark & disturbing movies. If like me, it's low, I suggest you sit at home.

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

6 ratings · user score 8.0

  1. Laxman Sandeep GudurMay 2017
    9/10

    Emotional, gripping, arresting crime drama thriller. Crispy run time makes the movie glue to your seat. If you like dark crime thrillers then this one is for you. Do not miss this film.

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