'Madharaasi' X Review: Sivakarthikeyan's Action Unable To Save The Second Half Of Murugadoss Film

Action-thriller movie, Madharaasi hit the theatres on Friday, September 5, 2025, and created a stir on social media. The movie marks Sivakarthikeyan's return to the big screens after almost a year since his last project, Amaran. The actor lives up to his reputation for delivering stellar action scenes, while also portraying a soft, romantic side of himself. The Murugadoss directorial has garnered significant viewership on its debut day itself. However, was it able to impress everyone? Let's break it down.

Sivakarthikeyan and Vidyut Jammwal's feud steals the show in Madharaasi

Sivakarthikeyan, renowned for his high-octane action sequences and rugged scenes, delivered a convincing role as the eccentric protagonist, 'Raghu', in Madharaasi. His compelling portrayal of the 'angry young man' won over the audience. Even his depiction of the sensitive issue of a man living with a rare psychological condition was well-received by the audience. His bout with the antagonist, played by Vidyut Jammwal's 'Virat', set in the background of gun violence, formed the heart of the movie.

Praising their stellar performances of the leads, an X-user wrote, "#Madharaasi - Another Good Script Selection From #Sivakarthikeyan with Good Plot.. Also He gave a Superb Performance as a Man with Delusion disorder.. He Looked So Convincing in Intense Action Blocks.. Lockup Fight Pinni Pedal.." Another stated, "#Sivakarthikeyan is convincing as angry young man in #Madharaasi, that chooses hardcore action over humanly drama After jarring missteps and all-over-the-place first half, it streamlines to rage-fueled actioner, thanks to @VidyutJammwal sleek presence."

Lacklustre second half mars Madharaasi's overall impact

Actors alone can't save a film if the plot doesn't do justice to the concept. According to fans, the subject matter of Madharaasi was fresh; however, the subplot of romance between 'Raghu' and Rukmini's character, 'Malathy', received mixed reviews from viewers. Some considered it an unnecessary hindrance to the pace of the action thriller. While some gushed over how beautiful Rukmini looked and appreciated the softness she provided in the otherwise brutal and emotional storyline.

"What begins as a promising action thriller slowly slips away. The romantic track derails momentum, and by the second half, the film loses steam completely. SK holds ground, action clicks, but Anirudh's music disappoints. ARM's idea had spark, execution didn't," a fan wrote. Another called Anirudh, "the hit machine." Many also shared that they found several loopholes in the plot; however, the actors' execution saved the day.

Another worte, "@ARMurugadoss seems lost from his usual style of sharp narration that does not deviate from the core idea. Instead of detailing on the whereabouts and the problems created by the illegal weapons, the entire second half gets diluted with the relationship angle between @Siva_Kartikeyan and Rukmini. The audience also feel stuck between the NIA headquarters and the villains' hide out."

Thus, most fan reviews praised the first half of the movie, but lost interest in the second half. Many X-users were of the opinion that Vidyut Jammwal's occasional tussles with Sivakarthikeyan and their final showdown were what kept them hooked till the end. Even Anirudh's music was able to win over half of the viewers, and the other half expressed disappointment. Overall, the movie is worth watching if you enjoy action-packed entertainment and don't mind a plot that lacks too much depth.

Will you watch Madharaasi for Sivakarthikeyan's stellar performance or skip it for its mid-plot? Let us know.

Also Read: 'Ghaati' X Review: Fans Laud Anushka Shetty's Action Film's Storyline, But Says, 'Execution Is Bad'

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