Netrikann is a Tamil-language crime thriller directed by Milind Rau, starring Nayanthara in a commanding dual role. The film is a remake of the South Korean thriller Blind (2011) and tells the gripping story of Durga, a former CBI officer who loses her eyesight in a tragic accident and becomes embroiled in a harrowing cat-and-mouse game with a psychotic serial killer. Released on August 13, 2021, the film combines strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and a suspenseful narrative, but also navigates some notable shortcomings.

Detailed Plot

The narrative opens with Durga (Nayanthara), a promising CBI trainee, whose life takes a devastating turn after a car accident that kills her foster brother Adithya and causes her to lose her eyesight. Shattered yet determined, Durga adapts to her blindness with the aid of Braille training and her loyal seeing eye dog, Kanna. She slowly rebuilds her life but remains haunted by guilt and a yearning to reclaim her career.

Concurrently, the city faces a string of brutal crimes: young women are being kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and killed by a disturbed gynecologist, Dr. James Dinah (Ajmal Ameer). James operates under the facade of respectability but harbors a sinister secret life involving his victims.

One fateful night, Durga survives a hit-and-run incident linked to these crimes. She reports the attack to SI Manikandan (K. Manikandan), a kind yet inexperienced police officer who initially doubts her account due to her blindness. Durga, however, demonstrates extraordinary sensory perception which gradually gains Manikandan’s trust. A young delivery boy, Gowtham (Saran Shakthi), also emerges as a crucial witness claiming the accident involved a imported sedan rather than a taxi, deepening the mystery.

As Durga immerses herself deeper in the investigation alongside Manikandan and Gowtham, James begins targeting her directly. A tense sequence unfolds in a metro station, where Gowtham helps Durga evade an attack, only for her seeing eye dog Kanna to be killed tragically. Despite being sedated by James during one encounter, Durga’s resilience prevails.

Using her keen senses and courage, Durga devises a plan to expose James by posing as a pregnant woman seeking an abortion at his secret clinic. This leads to James’ arrest, but in an ensuing confrontation at the police station, Manikandan is killed and James escapes. The climax is a high-stakes battle at an orphanage where Durga confronts and ultimately kills James, avenging his victims.

In the resolution, Durga undergoes a corneal transplant receiving Manikandan’s donated eyes, symbolizing vision restoration both literally and metaphorically. The film closes with a remembrance ceremony honoring the fallen officer and Durga’s hopeful new beginning.

Characters

• Durga / Nancy (Nayanthara): The film’s heart and soul, Nayanthara delivers a powerful dual performance. Durga is a courageous, complex woman grappling with trauma, disability, and the need for justice. Her vulnerability and strength are etched skillfully. Nancy, her lookalike and James’ wife, adds a chilling contrast.

• Dr. James Dinah (Ajmal Ameer): The chilling antagonist, a gynecologist and psychopath whose menace lurks beneath a composed exterior. While Ajmal’s portrayal aims for menace, critiques note his expressions occasionally lack the psychological depth to fully terrify.

• SI Manikandan (K. Manikandan): An honest, earnest police officer providing crucial assistance to Durga. His underdog persona and gradual growth add emotional weight, culminating in a heroic but tragic role.

• Gowtham (Saran Shakthi): A young delivery boy who becomes an unlikely ally to Durga, showing bravery and resourcefulness despite his modest background.

• Kanna: Durga’s loyal seeing eye dog, whose bond with her brings both tenderness and heartbreak.

• Supporting Cast: Includes Durga’s late foster brother Adithya, victim Sofia and her family, and minor police and civilian characters adding texture.

Themes

Netrikann explores several compelling themes:

• Resilience and Adaptation: Durga’s journey exemplifies strength in adversity, showcasing how physical limitations can be transcended by willpower and determination.

• Fear and Empowerment: The film examines the fears women face amid violence and the courage it takes to confront and overcome such threats.

• Justice versus Evil: The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Durga and James dramatizes the battle between good and evil, underscored by psychological tension.

• Perception Beyond Sight: A key motif is heightened sensory awareness compensating for sight loss, emphasizing how perception extends beyond vision.

• Sacrifice and Redemption: Manikandan’s ultimate sacrifice and Durga’s restoration through his donated eyes symbolize themes of loss, hope, and new beginnings.

Box Office Collection and Reception

Netrikann was produced under the banner of Rowdy Pictures and released in theaters in August 2021, later streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. It garnered moderate box office returns, with a steady audience drawn by Nayanthara’s star power and the thriller genre appeal. Critics generally appreciated the film’s gripping premise and Nayanthara’s compelling performance but pointed out flaws in screenplay logic and pacing. The film earned roughly average ratings, around 2 to 3 out of 5 stars in major reviews.

Praise concentrated on its atmospheric cinematography and tension-building sequences, while criticism targeted illogical plot points—such as untraced calls and hidden faces in CCTV—and a slow midsection that dampened momentum. Ajmal Ameer’s antagonist portrayal received mixed responses, with some finding it inadequate in intensity.

Nonetheless, Netrikann stands out for bringing a woman-centric thriller with social relevance to Tamil cinema.

Similar Movies

Why You Should Watch Netrikann

• Nayanthara’s Stellar Performance: Her nuanced portrayal of a brave, visually impaired woman anchors the film with authenticity and emotional gravity.

• Engaging Thriller Premise: The cat-and-mouse chase combined with a psychological serial killer makes for gripping, edge-of-the-seat viewing.

• Representation of Disability: The film sensitively highlights blindness without reducing the protagonist to her disability, focusing on her strengths and resilience.

• Atmospheric Cinematography and Sound: The film’s visual style and sound design amplify tension and immerse viewers into Durga’s perceptual world.

• Strong Supporting Cast: Effective performances from Manikandan and Saran Shakthi enrich the narrative.

• Women-Centric Narrative: A rare woman-led crime thriller in Tamil cinema addressing themes of violence against women and empowerment.

Conclusion

Netrikann is a commendable attempt at adapting an acclaimed Korean thriller to the Tamil context, blending suspense, emotion, and social commentary. While the screenplay occasionally falters with logic gaps and pacing issues, the film’s strengths lie in Nayanthara’s powerful performance, the atmospheric direction by Milind Rau, and a well-crafted tale of courage against darkness. It holds viewers’ attention with tense moments and a credible emotional core, particularly in the depiction of a visually impaired protagonist fighting to reclaim agency and justice.

Despite mixed reviews, Netrikann adds meaningful value to Tamil thriller cinema, especially for audiences seeking a woman-driven narrative with psychological depth and thrilling drama. Its exploration of perception, fear, and empowerment leaves a lasting impact long after the credits roll.

FAQs

Q1: Is Netrikann based on a true story?

No, Netrikann is a fictional story inspired by the South Korean film Blind (2011), not based on real events.

Q2: Who plays the main roles in Netrikann?

Nayanthara plays the protagonist Durga and her lookalike Nancy. Ajmal Ameer portrays the antagonist Dr. James Dinah. K. Manikandan features as SI Manikandan, and Saran Shakthi plays Gowtham.

Q3: What is the runtime of Netrikann?

The film runs for approximately 145 minutes (2 hours and 25 minutes).

Q4: How does Netrikann depict the life of a visually impaired person?

The film sensitively portrays Durga’s adjustment to blindness through Braille learning, use of a guide dog, and heightened non-visual senses, framing her as capable and resilient.

Q5: Is Netrikann similar to Hollywood thriller Wait Until Dark?

Yes, some suspense sequences and the blind protagonist’s confrontation with the villain draw clear inspiration from Wait Until Dark.

Q6: Where can I watch Netrikann?

The film was released theatrically and is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar as per its release schedule.

Q7: Does Netrikann address social issues?

Yes, it touches upon violence against women, empowerment, and the challenges faced by people with disabilities.