Maayavan (2017): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Maayavan is a 2017 action thriller directed by C. V. Kumar, starring Amarendran Ramanan as Pramod, Boxer Dheena and Sundeep Kishan. It runs 2 hours 9 minutes and was made on a reported $120 million budget. Its Echo Score is 72/100.
- Echo Score
- 72
- budget
- $120M
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 9m (129 min)
- Director
- C. V. Kumar
- Original language
-
Tamil
- Studio
- Abi & Abi Pictures
- Budget
- $120M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Maayavan About?
The premise of Maayavan without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A series of murders are happening in the city, and a cop realises that they are all eerily similar. Can he find out the link and capture the murderer before it is too late?
Maayavan Themes & Keywords
· 2 tags- murder
- reference to pubic hair
Maayavan Cast & Characters
Amarendran Ramanan leads the cast as Pramod, with Boxer Dheena as Gym Trainer Dheena and Sundeep Kishan as Inspector Kumaran. Directed by C. V. Kumar; 14 actors are credited in all.
- Director C. V. Kumar
- Amarendran Ramanan as Pramod
- Boxer Dheena as Gym Trainer Dheena
- Sundeep Kishan as Inspector Kumaran
- Yamuna Chinnadurai as Subha, Karna's wife
Also Starring in Maayavan
· 10 more- Lavanya Tripathi Aadhirai
- Akshara Gowda Vishma
- Daniel Balaji Rudran
- Mime Gopi Makeupman Gopi
- Jayaprakash Velayudham
- Jackie Shroff Major Sathyam
- Bagavathi Perumal Karna
- K. S. Ravikumar Minister
- Jeeva Ravi DIG
- K. S. G. Venkatesh
Maayavan Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (65).
Maayavan Echo Score Breakdown
The film elicits a generally favorable response, with praise centered on its inventive sci‑fi premise and solid performances. Reviewers note the director’s effective handling of futuristic elements and the engaging plot twists that sustain interest through much of the runtime. However, criticisms arise regarding uneven production values, occasional pacing slumps in the second half, and inconsistent music and sound design. Altogether, the movie is regarded as a noteworthy entry in Tamil science‑fiction despite its flaws.
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 art and craft, the direction receives commendation for its confident approach to sci‑fi storytelling, and several reviewers describe the film as pure art. Conversely, critiques highlight dull cinematography, uninspired color palettes, and modest production values that detract from visual impact. Overall, the visual execution is mixed, balancing strong directorial intent with uneven technical polish.
- Character & Emotion 85
When it comes to character and emotion, performances are consistently praised as nuanced and restrained, with many noting that the cast delivers convincing portrayals without excess. The protagonist’s psychological depth and the ensemble’s chemistry are highlighted as strengths. No significant criticism of acting emerges, leading to a solid assessment of the film’s character work.
- Story & Flow 72
Regarding story and flow, reviewers commend the original sci‑fi concept and engaging twists that sustain interest, especially in the first half. Nonetheless, several point out gaping plot holes, repetitive sequences, and a slowdown in the second half that weakens overall coherence. The narrative therefore registers as inventive yet uneven, delivering a mixed viewing experience.
- Sensory Experience 65
In terms of sensory experience, the background score receives praise for its atmospheric contribution, while the songs and overall sound design draw mixed reactions. Some reviewers find the music to be a highlight, whereas others deem it subpar or distracting. Visual style is mentioned only briefly, suggesting a modest impact on the overall sensory impression.
- Rewatch Factor 70
The rewatch factor is viewed positively by many, who describe the film as a hidden gem and a fast‑paced thriller worth revisiting. While some note occasional pacing lulls and repetitive moments that may reduce repeat appeal, the strong concept, engaging twists, and solid performances encourage viewers to return. Overall, the movie offers moderate replay value despite its uneven sections.
Maayavan Plot Summary
What happens in Maayavan 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
Pramodh, Amarendran Ramanan, a renowned neurologist, dies under mysterious circumstances, and his gym trainer Dheena, Boxer Dheena, pays his respects at the funeral before quietly stepping away. The story then shifts to Kumaran, Sundeep Kishan, a young crime inspector who is on the trail of a petty thief. In a chilling turn, he witnesses Dheena murder his wife, and a brutal confrontation ensues: Kumaran is overwhelmed, but he manages to turn the tables in a dangerous struggle, ending with Dheena’s death. The case sets Kumaran on a harder path as his own physical and mental limits are tested.
Full summary
The whole story of Maayavan, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Maayavan?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the young crime inspector leading the investigation?
Maayavan Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “Project Z” and “Mayavan”.
- Also known as
-
- Project Z
- Mayavan
- มายาวัน ฆ่าอมตะ
Seen Maayavan?
Movies Like Maayavan
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Maanagaram, Maanthrikam and Maayon.
Maayavan FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, post-credit scenes and language of Maayavan, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Maayavan?
Maayavan runs 2 hours 9 minutes (129 minutes).
When was Maayavan released?
Maayavan was released on December 15, 2017.
Who directed Maayavan?
Maayavan was directed by C. V. Kumar.
More films by C. V. Kumar Who is in the cast of Maayavan?
Maayavan stars Amarendran Ramanan as Pramod, Boxer Dheena as Gym Trainer Dheena and Sundeep Kishan as Inspector Kumaran, among 14 credited actors.
What was the budget of Maayavan?
Maayavan had a reported budget of $120 million.
Does Maayavan have a post-credit scene?
No. Maayavan has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Maayavan in?
The original language of Maayavan is Tamil.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
