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Action thriller

Hero (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Hero (2019) movie poster

Hero is a 2019 action thriller starring Sivakarthikeyan as Sakthivel "Sakthi", Robo Shankar and Kalyani Priyadarshan. It runs 2 hours 39 minutes and earned $215,773 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 58/100.

worldwide gross
$215.8K
Echo Score
58
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Hero (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 39m (159 min)
Genres
Action , Thriller , Crime
Original language
Tamil
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Hero About?

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

A fraudster gets to fulfill his childhood dream of being a superhero when he takes on a ruthless businessman whose business strategy is to crush the dreams of children.

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Cast & crew

Hero Cast & Characters

Sivakarthikeyan leads the cast as Sakthivel "Sakthi", with Robo Shankar as Inbaraj "Ink" and Kalyani Priyadarshan as Meera.

Also Starring in Hero

· 14 more
Ratings

Hero Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 58/100, strongest in art & craft (65) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

58 /100

Hero Echo Score Breakdown

The film delivers a socially relevant narrative about the Indian education system, but its execution is hampered by excessive runtime and uneven pacing. Technical elements such as cinematography and sound design receive praise, while the screenplay suffers from repetitive moments and clichéd romance. Performances range from solid to uneven, limiting emotional impact. Consequently, the movie offers a worthwhile message yet feels like a lengthy, uneven experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film showcases strong cinematography and polished technical execution, earning commendation for its crisp framing and production values. However, critiques note inconsistent editing rhythm and costume design flaws that detract from the overall polish. The combination of high‑quality visuals with occasional technical lapses results in a moderately impressive artistic presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    When evaluating performances, lead actors receive mixed feedback: Sivakarthikeyan's portrayal is deemed adequate, while Arjun Sarja delivers a reliable and engaging presence. Abhay Deol's antagonist is praised for nuance, whereas the heroine’s role is considered underdeveloped. Overall, character depth varies, providing occasional resonance but lacking consistent emotional weight across the ensemble.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative centers on a fight against corruption in the education sector, integrating scientific inventions as plot devices. While the premise is original and socially pertinent, reviewers highlight repetitive messaging, predictable arcs, and a stretched first half that diminishes momentum. Consequently, the story offers a meaningful theme but suffers from uneven pacing and formulaic elements.

  • Sensory Experience 62

    The film’s auditory landscape includes a score that elevates emotional beats for most of its duration, though several songs are regarded as merely filler. Visual style benefits from high‑quality cinematography and well‑executed action set‑pieces, yet recurring costume inconsistencies and over‑dramatized lighting reduce cohesion. Overall, sensory components are competent but not uniformly compelling.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    Replay value is moderated by the film’s strong thematic core, which may invite repeat viewings for audiences interested in its social commentary. Nevertheless, the protracted runtime, uneven pacing, and occasional narrative redundancy limit its appeal for subsequent watches. As a result, the movie offers limited incentive for regular re‑engagement.

Plot

Hero Plot Summary

What happens in Hero from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Sivakarthikeyan plays Sakthivel “Sakthi”, a lively young boy who dreams of becoming a real-life superhero, inspired by Shaktimaan. After being teased by teachers and peers for his belief, he tries to prove it by a dangerous stunt from the school terrace, hurting himself in the process. His father tries to convince him that Shaktimaan is fictional by showing a disclaimer, and Sakthi’s faith begins to wobble as a result.

Full summary

The whole story of Hero, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Hero Box Office

Hero grossed $215,773 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$215.8K

International
$215.8K
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Hero?

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
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  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 plays the lead role of Sakthivel in the movie?

Details

Hero Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Shakti” and “ஹீரோSK”.

Also known as
  • Shakti
  • ஹீரோSK
  • ฮีโร่
  • Shakthi
  • Kahraman. / Hero

Seen Hero?

FAQ

Hero FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Hero?

Hero runs 2 hours 39 minutes (159 minutes).

When was Hero released?

Hero was released on December 18, 2019.

Who is in the cast of Hero?

Hero stars Sivakarthikeyan as Sakthivel "Sakthi", Robo Shankar as Inbaraj "Ink" and Kalyani Priyadarshan as Meera, among 18 credited actors.

How much did Hero make at the box office?

Hero grossed $215,773 worldwide.

Does Hero have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Hero in?

The original language of Hero is Tamil.

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