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Drama thriller

Darbar (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Darbar (2020) movie poster

Darbar is a 2020 drama thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss, starring Prateik Babbar as Ajay Chopra a.k.a. Ajay Malhotra, Rajinikanth and Nivetha Thomas. It runs 2 hours 39 minutes and earned $1.7 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 62/100.

worldwide gross
$1.7M
Echo Score
62
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Darbar (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 39m (159 min)
Director
A.R. Murugadoss
Genres
Thriller , Drama , Action , Crime
Original language
Tamil
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Darbar About?

The premise of Darbar without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Aaditya, the Mumbai Police commissioner, pursues Ajay, a drug peddler, only to find himself entangled in a larger conspiracy involving an international drug lord. To combat the criminals, he must confront difficult choices and navigate a complex web of corruption while seeking justice.

Darbar Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • police
  • cop drama
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Cast & crew

Darbar Cast & Characters

Prateik Babbar leads the cast as Ajay Chopra a.k.a. Ajay Malhotra, with Rajinikanth as Aadithya Arunachalam IPS and Nivetha Thomas as Vallikkannu. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss; 26 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Darbar

· 22 more
Show all 26 cast members
From the director

More from A.R. Murugadoss

More films directed by A.R. Murugadoss, best-rated first: Sikandar, Darbar, Spyder and Naam Hai Akira.

Full filmography
Ratings

Darbar Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 62/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in story & flow (50).

62 /100

Darbar Echo Score Breakdown

Darbar delivers a conventional mass‑appeal package anchored by Rajinikanth's charisma, yet it struggles with uneven narrative consistency. Critics and audiences acknowledge the film's polished visual treatment and energetic performances, while repeatedly noting lapses in plot logic and a weaker second half. The soundtrack and action sequences provide moments of excitement, but the overall experience feels more like a fan service vehicle than a cohesive work. Consequently, the film remains moderately enjoyable for admirers but offers limited lasting impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of direction and production design, the film showcases a confident visual style with sleek action choreography and detailed set pieces. Critics note moments of flair, and viewers commend the sharp cinematography and polished aesthetic. However, some observations cite occasional lazy execution and uneven editing in later portions. Overall, the craftsmanship leans toward a positive assessment, reflecting a solid but not exceptional artistic foundation.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When evaluating performances, Rajinikanth's presence is widely regarded as magnetic, delivering his characteristic swagger and emotional beats. Supporting actors receive mixed remarks, with occasional praise for nuanced moments and criticism of a underdeveloped antagonist. The chemistry between the lead and his on‑screen family is noted as a strength, though some viewers find the overall acting range limited. The character work therefore registers as moderately effective.

  • Story & Flow 50

    The narrative structure presents a familiar cop‑father premise that many find predictable. Early segments are described as engaging, but the plot loses momentum in the second half, with logical gaps and a rushed climax highlighted by several reviewers. Originality is limited, and pacing inconsistencies detract from sustained interest. Consequently, the story component is assessed as average, offering adequate entertainment without strong narrative cohesion.

  • Sensory Experience 68

    Sensory elements, including Anirudh's soundtrack and the film's visual palette, receive consistent commendation for amplifying action and emotional moments. Sound design complements the stylized cinematography, creating a lively viewing experience. Minor critiques point to occasional tonal mismatches, yet the overall sensory impact remains engaging. This aspect thus earns a favorable rating reflecting its contribution to the film's entertaining atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Rewatch appeal hinges on Rajinikanth's star power and the film's high‑octane set pieces. Fans cite repeat enjoyment of the hero’s charismatic moments, while detractors argue the story's predictability and second‑half flaws limit repeat value. The mixed feedback yields a modest rewatch factor, suggesting the film may satisfy devoted viewers but offers limited incentive for broader repeat viewings.

Plot

Darbar Plot Summary

What happens in Darbar from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the heart of a city that never sleeps, Mumbai becomes a battleground where police chief Aditya Arunachalam [Rajinikanth] leads a hard-edged crackdown on drug networks and vice, reshaping the city’s crime landscape with a mix of courage, controversy, and collateral damage. His meteoric surge against trafficking earns him both praise and sharp condemnation, drawing the attention of the National Human Rights Commission, which vows to scrutinize every action that spills innocent blood in the name of the law. Yet a personal thread tightens around Aditya when a panellist on the commission—once a close ally—uncovers a chilling motivator behind his killings: the murder of his daughter, Valli [Nivetha Thomas], which has sparked a ruthless spree and left the city questioning where justice ends and vengeance begins.

Full summary

The whole story of Darbar, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Darbar Box Office

Darbar grossed $1.7 million worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.7M

International
$1.7M
Videos

Darbar Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Darbar.

DARBAR (Tamil) - Motion Poster
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Darbar?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who portrays the police chief Aditya Arunachalam in this 2020 film?

Details

Darbar Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “ยอดตำรวจพิทักษ์ความยุติธรรม” and “正义公堂”.

Also known as
  • ยอดตำรวจพิทักษ์ความยุติธรรม
  • 正义公堂
  • Суд
  • Mahkeme
  • ダルバール 復讐人

Seen Darbar?

FAQ

Darbar FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Darbar, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Darbar?

Darbar runs 2 hours 39 minutes (159 minutes).

When was Darbar released?

Darbar was released on January 8, 2020.

Who directed Darbar?

Darbar was directed by A.R. Murugadoss.

More films by A.R. Murugadoss

Who is in the cast of Darbar?

Darbar stars Prateik Babbar as Ajay Chopra a.k.a. Ajay Malhotra, Rajinikanth as Aadithya Arunachalam IPS and Nivetha Thomas as Vallikkannu, among 26 credited actors.

How much did Darbar make at the box office?

Darbar grossed $1.7 million worldwide.

Does Darbar have a post-credit scene?

No. Darbar has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Darbar in?

The original language of Darbar is Tamil.

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