Hi friends! Today we are talking about the Tamil superhit ‘Madha Gaja Raja’, which was released in Telugu on January 31, 2025. This action-comedy starring Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam, and Sonu Sood in key roles was directed by Sundar C. The film was completed in 2012 and stopped for 12 years due to financial and distribution issues, but was released in Tamil for Pongal 2025 and became a blockbuster. Did this movie, which hit the mark with collections of Rs. 50 crores, please the Telugu audience? How did Vishal and Santhanam’s comedy work out? Come on, let’s get into the details!
What is the story?
Madha Gaja Raja alias MGR (Vishal) is a fun-loving young man who runs a cable TV business in Araku. His father (Sundararajan) is a local police inspector. On one occasion, he falls in love with Madhavi (Anjali), but his father does not approve of the relationship. Meanwhile, Raja gets an invitation to the wedding of his childhood teacher's (Sharath Saxena) daughter. There, he reunites with his childhood friends Kalyanasundaram (Santhanam), Ramesh (Sadagopan Ramesh), and Shanmugam (Nithin Satya). But, it turns out that they are all in serious trouble—all because of the powerful media baron Karkuvel Vishwanath (Sonu Sood)! Raja decides to confront Vishwanath for the sake of his friends. In the process, the story progresses with Maya (Varalakshmi Sarathkumar) adding romance, comedy, and action. How did Raja defeat Vishwanath? How were the friends' problems resolved? This is the core of the story.
How is the movie?
‘Madha Gaja Raja’ is a definite 90s and 2000s style masala entertainer. The first half is full of laughs with Santhanam and Manobala comedy. Vishal's energy, romance, action scenes, rustic visuals like Jatara are gripping. Especially the Manobala sequence and Santhanam one-liners are a hit in the theater. However, the conflict with Vishwanath in the second half feels a bit stretched and predictable. The lack of novelty in the story, the lack of scope for Anjali and Varalakshmi's characters, some double entendre jokes, and the objectification of women are disappointing. Since it was shot in 2012, you can enjoy it if you watch it with the sensibilities of that time. Overall, Santhanam is a comedy, Vishal's energy, a nostalgic vibe, and a fun movie to watch with family and friends. But, those who expect something new and deep may not like it that much.
How did the actors do?
Vishal excelled as Raja with full energy. His agility in action, romance, and comedy scenes is a big highlight of the movie. Santhanam drives the movie with his trademark one-liners—especially in the first half, his comedy timing is amazing. Anjali adds glamour as Madhavi and Varalaxmi as Maya, but their roles lack scope. Sonu Sood is decent as Vishwanath, but his villain track feels routine. Manobaala, Manivannan (late actors) comedy scenes give a nostalgic feel. Nithin Satya, Sadagopan Ramesh, Sarath Saxena are okay in supporting roles. Sadha impressed in a special appearance.
How is the technical work?
Richard M. Nathan's cinematography is a big plus for the movie. Araku, Chinna Anaikatti's visuals, and high saturated colors capture the 90s vibe well. Vijay Antony's music is decent, I liked the song "My Dear Lover" energetically, but the BGM did not seem too special. Praveen KL, NB Srikanth's editing was speedy in the first half, but it felt stretched in the second half. Gemini Film Circuit production values are okay, but the Telugu dubbing is disconnected at some places.
About the direction?
Sundar C. has made ‘Madha Gaja Raja’ a solid commercial entertainer with his trademark style. He has balanced comedy, romance, and action in the first half and kept it engaging. He has designed the scenes of Santhanam and Manobala hilariously. But, in the second half, the story becomes routine and slow, some outdated jokes, and objectification of women are disappointing. Since the script is written with 2012 sensibilities, it is enjoyable from that perspective. There is fun, glamour, and action as per the Sundar C. brand, but the lack of depth and freshness is a minus.
Hits:
Santhanam, Manobaala comedy scenes (first half highlight)
Vishal's energetic performance, action, romance
Richard M. Nathan's cinematography, nostalgic visuals
Vijay Antony's "My Dear Lover" song
A fun vibe to watch with family and friends
Missed:
Second half is stretched, routine story
Anjali and Varalakshmi's roles lack scope
Some outdated jokes, objectification of women
Telugu dubbing disconnected
BGM, editing average
Final Word:
‘Madha Gaja Raja’ is a nostalgic action-comedy, with its childish one-liners, Vishal’s energy, and manobala scenes. It is the best choice for those who like 90s and 2000s style masala movies, and to enjoy it in the theater with family and friends. However, it may disappoint those who expect novelty, depth, and modern sensibilities. If you watch the movie shot in 2012 through the lens of that era, you are guaranteed 2 hours of fun in the theater! This weekend is a decent timepass entertainer for Telugu audiences.
Recommendation: Those who like comedy, action, and nostalgic movies will like this movie. Since there are some double entendre jokes and glamour scenes, be a little careful while watching it with family. Better to enjoy it with friends.
Rating: 3/5