Manidhargal

Manidhargal (transl. Humans) is a 2025 Tamil language drama thriller film directed by debutant Raam Indhra starring Kapil Velavan, Dasha, Arjun Dev Saravanan, Gunavanthan and Sambasivan. This film is made through crowd funding by friends.^[3][4][5][6]

Manidhargal
Manidhargal film poster
Tamil	மனிதர்கள்
Directed by	Raam Indhra
Written by	Raam Indhra
Produced by	Rajendra Prasad Naveen M.K.Sambasivam
Starring	Kapil velavan Dasha Arjun dev Saravanan Gunavanthan Sambasivan
Cinematography	Ajay Abraham George
Edited by	Dinsa
Music by	Anilesh L Mathew
Production companies	Studio Moving Turtle Sri Krish Pictures
Release date	30 May 2025 (2025-05-30)[1]
Running time	106 minutes[2]
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Plot

The film revloves around six friends who get drunk together and get caught in a trap, where the friends struggle emotionally and physically to overcome the struggle.^{[7][8][9][10]}

Cast

• Kapil Velavan as 'Karli' Pandi
• Daksha as Sathis
• Arjun Dev Saravanan as Deepan
• Gunavanthan as Mano
• Sambasivam as Chandru

Production

The film is produced by Rajendra Prasad, Naveen and M.K.Sambasivam under the banners of Studio Moving Turtle and Sri Krish Pictures.^[11] Principal photography took place entirely in Dindigul.^[12] The film features debutant actors, Kapil Velavan, Dasha, Arjun Dev Saravanan, Gunavanthan, Sambasivan and others while the technical team consists of cinematographer Ajay Abraham George, editor Dinsa and music composer Anilesh L Mathew.^[13]

Music

The film has music composed by Anilesh L Mathew.^[14]

Release

Manidhargal released on 30 May 2025.

Reception

The Times of India highlighted the film’s intriguing setup and the psychological tension that unfolds over the course of one night. It appreciated the filmmakers' effort to maintain suspense and deliver a thought-provoking thriller.^[15] Dina Thanthi noted that the ensemble cast delivered emotionally charged performances, and the confined setting added to the sense of urgency and drama. The review appreciated the film’s focus on how a single incident can alter relationships and test personal morals.^[16] Abhinav Subramanian of The Times of India gave 1.5/5 stars and wrote "Director Raam Indhra loads his cast with actors who look like small-time thugs, yet they react to their predicament with the emotional fortitude of frightened children. Road movie tropes pile up predictably: near-accidents, fuel shortages, paranoid phone calls, while the overacting reaches seizure-inducing levels."^[17] Hindu Tamil Thisai lauded the film’s cinematography and music, describing it as a bold attempt to explore guilt, fear, and friendship. The review particularly highlighted the night-time visuals and immersive score as key elements in building suspense.^[18]