This film, which was released in year 2023 is still considered as one of the best and intriguing suspense thrillers straight from the heartland of Tamil cinema.
Published: September 19, 2025 9:37 AM IST
This Tamil movie runs for about 2 hours and 27 minutes and begins like a low whisper, a rookie cop, a stern senior officer, and a series of murders that creep into view rather than explode. There are no flashy gimmicks, no forced shock‑scenes, it lets you lean in slowly. Compared to films like Drishyam, Maharaja, or Irul, which are well‑known for their suspense, this one doesn’t try to outdo others with loud twists, it earns your attention with carefully placed clues, character fears, and a mood that steadily tightens.
Which film is this?
Here we are talking about Por Thozhil (2023), directed by Vignesh Raja, which stars R. Sarathkumar as a reclusive senior cop, and Ashok Selvan as his trainee, Prakash. Nikhila Vimal also features in an important role. The story is about Prakash, academically brilliant but emotionally vulnerable, being assigned his first case alongside Lokanathan (Sarathkumar). As they investigate a series of murders, victims being women, in isolated settings, they must dig through clues, confront personal fears, and cope with the pressure of a hidden psychopath on the loose. It’s part crime‑investigation, part psychological drama.
How was the audience reception?
The film got an IMDb rating of 8.0 and has seen praise for being among the better suspense thrillers in recent Tamil cinema. Critics have admired how it doesn’t lose its grip even in quieter moments. The movie’s atmosphere, attention to detail, performances (especially from Sarathkumar and Ashok Selvan), and how the mystery unfolds have all been highlighted as strong points. Por Thozhil premiered theatrically on June 9, 2023, and later came online via SonyLIV on August 11, 2023.
How was the box office response?
Por Thozhil emerged as both a critical and commercial hit, widely hailed as one of Tamil cinema’s standout crime thrillers. The film earned glowing reviews and performed impressively at the box office. Reports suggest it made a profit of over Rs 17 crore, thanks largely to its strong non-theatrical deals. Made on a modest budget of Rs 6.75 crore, the film went on to gross nearly Rs 28 crore globally.
Story Highlights
- A quiet yet gripping investigation led by a rookie cop and his emotionally distant senior into a string of murders targeting women.
- Unlike typical thrillers, the film builds tension gradually, relying on atmosphere, silence, and well-placed clues rather than flashy twists.
- Strong performances from R. Sarathkumar and Ashok Selvan, with psychological depth and personal fears woven into the narrative.
- Acclaimed for its sharp direction, mood-heavy cinematography, and minimalistic yet impactful storytelling style.
Por Thozhil stands out as a slow-burn thriller that doesn’t shout for attention but earns it with patience and craft. It’s not just a murder mystery, but also a story of inner fear, mentorship, and the psychological cost of justice.
