Kadal (2013)
Mani Ratnam's sweeping Tamil epic of love, revenge, and redemption set against the roaring sea.
Kadal - Movie Information
- Original Title: கடல்
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Mani Ratnam
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 2h 44m
- Original Language: Tamil
- Spoken Languages: Tamil
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 1, 2013 (India)
- Alternative Titles: Kadali (IN)
- Production Companies: Madras Talkies, Gemini Film Circuit
- Production Countries: India
Kadal - Plot
A wrongdoer is caught red-handed and he is not going to forgive the man who exposed him.
Kadal - Trailer
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Where to Watch Kadal
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Kadal - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mani Ratnam
Main Cast
- Gautham Ram Karthik
- Thulasi Nair
- Arjun Sarja
- Arvind Swamy
- Lakshmi Manchu
- Ponvannan
- Guru Somasundaram
- Kalairani
- Vinodhini Vaidyanathan
- Eka Lakhani
Writers
- Jeyamohan
- Mani Ratnam
Producers
- Mani Ratnam
- A Manohar Prasad
Kadal - FAQs
What is Kadal about?
Kadal follows Thomas, a young fisherman raised near the sea, who falls in love with Beatrice while being drawn into a dangerous conflict with Bergmans, a ruthless villain seeking revenge. Directed by Mani Ratnam, the film weaves together themes of love, faith, and redemption against a vivid coastal backdrop.
Who is the villain in Kadal?
Arjun Sarja plays Bergmans, the film's menacing antagonist. Bergmans is a dangerous man who harbors a deep grudge against those who exposed him, and his relentless pursuit of revenge drives much of the film's tension. Arjun Sarja's intense performance is widely considered one of the film's highlights.
Is Kadal worth watching for Mani Ratnam fans?
Kadal is a visually stunning film with A.R. Rahman's evocative score and Rajiv Menon's gorgeous cinematography. While critics were divided on the screenplay, fans of Mani Ratnam's signature style — sweeping visuals, emotional depth, and memorable music — will find plenty to appreciate in this coastal love story.
Where can you watch Kadal online?
You can check current streaming availability for Kadal on JustWatch, which lists all platforms where the film is available to stream, rent, or buy in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country.
Who composed the music for Kadal?
The music for Kadal was composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, reuniting him with director Mani Ratnam — a collaboration that has produced some of Indian cinema's most beloved soundtracks. The Kadal score blends soulful melodies with the raw energy of the sea, earning widespread praise from listeners.
Who are the lead actors in Kadal?
Kadal stars Gautham Ram Karthik as Thomas and Thulasi Nair as Beatrice, both making their Tamil film debuts. Arjun Sarja plays the villain Bergmans, while Arvind Swamy appears as Sam Fernando. The film also features Lakshmi Manchu, Ponvannan, and Guru Somasundaram in key supporting roles.
Is Kadal based on a true story or a book?
Kadal is not based on a true story. The screenplay was written by Jeyamohan and Mani Ratnam as an original work. The story draws thematic inspiration from classic tales of good versus evil, love, and redemption, set within the world of Tamil coastal fishing communities.
How long is Kadal?
Kadal runs for 2 hours and 44 minutes — a notably long runtime that gives the film space to develop its characters and emotional arcs. The extended length reflects Mani Ratnam's ambition to tell an epic story of love and revenge set against the vast backdrop of the sea.
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