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Action drama

Karnan (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Karnan (2021) movie poster

Karnan is a 2021 action drama directed by Mari Selvaraj, starring Dhanush as Karnan, Lal and G. M. Kumar. It runs 2 hours 32 minutes and earned $3.8 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 91/100.

worldwide gross
$3.8M
Echo Score
91
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Karnan (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 32m (152 min)
Director
Mari Selvaraj
Genres
Drama , Action
Original language
Tamil
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Karnan About?

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

Karnan, an angry young man, fights for the rights of his oppressed people. Can he save them from those who wield power and weapons?

Karnan Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • fearless
  • police
  • village
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Cast & crew

Karnan Cast & Characters

Dhanush leads the cast as Karnan, with Lal as Yeman and G. M. Kumar as Duriyodhanan. Directed by Mari Selvaraj; 13 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Mari Selvaraj

More films directed by Mari Selvaraj, best-rated first: Vaazhai, Maamannan and Pariyerum Perumal.

Full filmography
Ratings

Karnan Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 91/100, strongest in sensory experience (92) and weakest in story & flow (78).

91 /100

Karnan Echo Score Breakdown

Karnan delivers a powerful cinematic experience anchored in strong direction, compelling performances, and evocative sound design. While the narrative occasionally lags in its opening and rushes toward the conclusion, the film’s visual storytelling and thematic depth sustain audience engagement. The overall impact is heightened by a resonant soundtrack and a memorable climax, making the work stand out as a notable entry in contemporary Tamil cinema.

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

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels through meticulous cinematography, natural lighting, and precise editing that reinforce its realistic setting. Reviewers highlight the striking visual composition, effective use of village backdrops, and cohesive production design. No significant flaws are reported regarding technical execution, resulting in a high appraisal of the film’s artistic quality.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, the performances are widely praised, especially Dhanush’s intense portrayal and Lal’s nuanced contribution. Supporting actors are noted for delivering authentic and emotionally resonant roles, reinforcing the film’s social themes. The ensemble’s chemistry and depth of characterization consistently receive commendation, indicating a very strong character component.

  • Story & Flow 78

    Regarding story and flow, the plot is recognized for its compelling social relevance and engaging mythological references. However, several reviewers point out pacing irregularities, with a slower first half and a rushed conclusion. The narrative’s originality and thematic potency remain strengths, but pacing concerns temper the overall assessment of the story’s coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 92

    The sensory experience receives high marks for its impactful soundtrack, pulsating background score, and immersive sound design. Visual style, including silhouette shots and dynamic camera angles, enhances emotional impact. Reviewers consistently describe the audio-visual elements as cohesive and powerful, contributing significantly to audience immersion and emotional response.

  • Rewatch Factor 88

    The rewatch factor is strong, with many reviewers citing lasting appeal, cultural significance, and a desire to revisit the film. Its memorable climax, thematic depth, and powerful performances encourage repeat viewings. While the story is familiar, the execution offers enough novelty to sustain audience interest over multiple screenings.

Plot

Karnan Plot Summary

What happens in Karnan 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

In southern Tamil Nadu, two neighboring villages, Melur and Podiyankulam in Tirunelveli, live under a tense caste-based divide. Podiyankulam’s residents, many from oppressed communities, are repeatedly denied access to a bus stop, forcing them to use Melur’s stop and fueling simmering resentment among Melur’s dominant locals. Despite petitions to authorities, Podiyankulam remains without a stop, a situation shaped by the influence of Melur’s local government.

Full summary

The whole story of Karnan, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Karnan Box Office

Karnan grossed $3.8 million worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.8M

International
$3.8M
Videos

Karnan Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Karnan.

KARNAN - Official Teaser (Tamil) | Dhanush, Lal, Rajisha Vijayan | Amazon Prime Video
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Karnan?

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
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  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the central protagonist of the film?

Details

Karnan Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “കർണൻ” and “剑客卡南”.

Also known as
  • കർണൻ
  • 剑客卡南
  • കർണ്ണൻ

Seen Karnan?

FAQ

Karnan FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Karnan?

Karnan runs 2 hours 32 minutes (152 minutes).

When was Karnan released?

Karnan was released on April 9, 2021.

Who directed Karnan?

Karnan was directed by Mari Selvaraj.

More films by Mari Selvaraj

Who is in the cast of Karnan?

Karnan stars Dhanush as Karnan, Lal as Yeman and G. M. Kumar as Duriyodhanan, among 13 credited actors.

How much did Karnan make at the box office?

Karnan grossed $3.8 million worldwide.

Does Karnan have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Karnan in?

The original language of Karnan is Tamil.

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