Many of these films don't need massive theatrical releases. They thrive on the OTT platform and the international film festival circuit. A review from a dedicated independent critic becomes the primary marketing tool.

Madharasi (2025), a high-budget action thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss and starring Sivakarthikeyan, received mixed reviews for its nostalgic yet formulaic screenplay. While lauded for its lead performance, the film was deemed a commercial failure at the box office. Read a full review at The Times of India .

: Sivakarthikeyan's portrayal of Raghu, a man with a rare psychological condition (Fregoli delusion), is widely praised as a departure from his "affable" family-man image. Critics from Filmfare noted he rises to the occasion by stepping into moral ambiguity.

The internet is flooded with paid promotions and PR-driven puff pieces. To find genuine criticism for this niche, you need to look beyond the usual suspects (IMDb or BookMyShow). Here is your roadmap:

, fans were more divided, calling it a "mixed bag" with a strong first half but a "draggy" second half. The Warning: