Directed by: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Starring: Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi, Malavika Mohanan, Arjun Das, Andrea Jeremiah, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj
Genre: Action | Thriller | Crime | Drama
Master is a Tamil language action thriller that revolves around the battle between an alcoholic professor and a ruthless gangster. The film blends intense action, gripping drama, and social commentary on juvenile crime.
Overview Master Movie
Category | Details |
---|---|
Directed by | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
Written by | Lokesh Kanagaraj, Pon Parthiban, Rathna Kumar |
Produced by | S. Xavier Britto |
Starring | Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi |
Cinematography | Sathyan Sooryan |
Edited by | Philomin Raj |
Music by | Anirudh Ravichander |
Production Company | XB Film Creators |
Distributed by | Seven Screen Studio |
Release Date | 13 January 2021 |
Running Time | 179 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Budget | ₹135 crore |
Box Office | est. ₹220–300 crore |

Story / Plot
Bhavani’s Tragic Past
As a young boy, Bhavani (Vijay Sethupathi) witnesses his parents being murdered by corrupt politicians. Framed for their deaths, he is sent to a juvenile detention center, where he is brutally abused. Over the years, Bhavani becomes ruthless, taking control of the same juvenile system that once oppressed him. He starts using the boys for his criminal activities, eliminating anyone who opposes him.
John Durairaj (JD) – The Flawed Professor
John Durairaj, aka JD (Vijay), is a college professor known for his charismatic yet carefree personality. However, he struggles with alcoholism, which causes concern among his colleagues. When he is transferred to a juvenile home as a disciplinary punishment, JD reluctantly takes up the role of a teacher.
The War Begins
At the juvenile home, JD realizes that Bhavani controls everything, using the young inmates for illegal activities. Initially indifferent, JD gradually becomes involved when he sees the suffering of the boys. He starts reforming the children, helping them break free from Bhavani’s influence.
Bhavani sees JD as a threat and orders his men to get rid of him. A series of intense action sequences follow, with JD standing his ground and inspiring the children to fight back.
Cast of Master Movie
Actor | Role |
---|---|
Vijay | John “JD” Durairaj |
Vijay Sethupathi | Bhavani |
Mahendran | Young Bhavani (cameo, voiced by Vijay Sethupathi) |
Malavika Mohanan | Charulatha “Charu” Prasad (voice dubbed by Raveena Ravi) |
Andrea Jeremiah | Vanathi, JD’s friend and archery expert |
Arjun Das | Das, Bhavani’s ally who later reforms |
Master Akshay Kumar | Young Das |
Shanthanu Bhagyaraj | Bhargav, a student initially against Savitha but later her best friend |
Gouri G. Kishan | Savitha, student leader and JD’s favorite pupil |
Nassar | College founder and JD’s mentor (guest appearance) |
Azhagam Perumal | College principal |
Ciby Bhuvana Chandran | Sri, a college student |
Kulappulli Leela | Juvenile school cook |
Ramya Subramanian | Ramya, a college professor |
Rajesh | College staff member |
Mahanadi Shankar | Thulukanam, the jail warden |
Praveen | Adhik, one of the abusers |
Arun Alexander | Essaki, Bhavani’s enemy |
Raja Rani Pandian | P.C. Arumugam |
Sai Dheena | Dheena, juvenile school warden |
Ramesh Thilak | Juvenile school warden |
Chetan | College professor |
Mathew Varghese | Mathew, a college professor |
Sudha | Savitha’s mother (deleted scene) |
Ravishankar | Savitha’s father (deleted scene) |
Ajith Koshy | Adhik’s father |
Rahul Kannan | Rahul, one of the abusers |
Sunil Reddy | Education Minister |
Kalyani Natarajan | College staff member |
Mona | College professor |
Vishalini | Rosie Madam, a college professor |
Surekha Vani | Adhik’s mother (deleted scene) |
Soundarya Bala Nandakumar | College professor |
Lintu Rony | College professor |
Dheena | Prisoner |
Lallu | Prisoner |
Udayaraj | Prisoner |
Poovaiyar | Undiyal, a juvenile student who helps JD |
Sriman | JD’s friend |
Sanjeev | JD’s friend |
Srinath | JD’s friend |
Prem Kumar | Prem, JD’s friend |
Nagendra Prasad | JD’s friend |
Sangeetha V | Madhi, dentist for the juvenile school |
Master Shakthi | Juvenile student |
Master Bhavaz | Sabari |
Brigida | Savitha’s friend (deleted scene) |
Ravi Venkataraman | Police inspector |
Nakkalites Chella | Education Minister’s PA |
Vasanthi | Featured in the song “Vaathi Coming” |
Review of Master (2021 Tamil Film)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Strengths:
✅ Powerful Performances: Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi deliver stellar performances, making their characters unforgettable. JD’s charisma and Bhavani’s ruthless villainy create an engaging hero-villain dynamic.
✅ Gripping Storyline: The film presents an interesting take on crime, juvenile delinquency, and redemption, adding depth beyond a typical action entertainer.
✅ High-Impact Action Sequences: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction ensures that the action scenes are intense and stylish, keeping the audience engaged.
✅ Anirudh’s Music & BGM: The soundtrack, especially Vaathi Coming and Kutty Story, adds to the film’s mass appeal. The background score elevates key moments.
✅ Cinematography & Editing: Sathyan Sooryan’s visuals and Philomin Raj’s editing keep the pace tight, making the film visually compelling.