★ Master (2021) · Vijay's 64th Film · Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj · Music: Anirudh Ravichander · ₹237 Cr Worldwide · Classic Blockbuster — 9.44 Vijay Meter · ★ Master (2021) · Vijay's 64th Film · Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj · Music: Anirudh Ravichander · ₹237 Cr Worldwide · Classic Blockbuster — 9.44 Vijay Meter ·
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Vijay's 64th Film · Complete Encyclopedia

MASTER

மாஸ்டர்  ·  2021  ·  Pongal Release

Action Drama · Crime Thriller 179 min ⭐ 9.44 Vijay Meter ✓ Classic Blockbuster Pongal 2021 U/A Certified First Vijay–Lokesh Film Re-released 2025
₹237CrWorldwide
179Minutes
U/ACertificate
9.44Vijay Meter
Overview

The Film

Master is a 2021 Tamil action drama written and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, produced by Xavier Britto under XB Film Creators. Vijay's 64th film as lead actor, and his first collaboration with Lokesh — a partnership that later continued with Leo.

Vijay plays John Durairaj (JD), a brilliant but alcoholic college professor sent to teach at a juvenile correction home, where he discovers a ruthless gangster, Bhavani (Vijay Sethupathi), exploiting children for organised crime. What begins as a reluctant assignment becomes a fight to protect an entire generation of vulnerable youngsters.

Released worldwide on 13 January 2021 as a Pongal release, Master became the highest-grossing Tamil film of the COVID-19 theatrical era, releasing under 50% seating capacity restrictions after a public 100%-occupancy debate.

Made on a budget of approximately ₹135 crore, Master grossed an estimated ₹237 crore worldwide, and was re-released in 4K remastered form in January 2025.

DirectorLokesh Kanagaraj
ProducerXavier Britto
BannerXB Film Creators
MusicAnirudh Ravichander
Release13 Jan 2021 (Pongal)
Runtime179 minutes
CensorU/A · Certified 14 Dec 2020
FormatDCP · 2.39:1 · Dolby Digital
LanguagesTamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam (OTT)
CamerasARRI Alexa (anamorphic lenses)
Budget~₹135 crore
Worldwide₹237 crore
Complete Cast

People Behind the Characters

🎓
Vijay
John Durairaj (JD) — professor
Lead
😈
Vijay Sethupathi
Bhavani — gangster
Antagonist
🎭
Malavika Mohanan
Charulatha — lecturer
Female Lead
🩺
Andrea Jeremiah
Dr. Mathi
Supporting
😈
Arjun Das
Das — Bhavani's lieutenant
Supporting Villain
🎭
Shanthanu Bhagyaraj
Bhargav — JD's friend
Supporting
🎭
Nassar
College Principal
Supporting
🎭
Ramya Subramanian
Ramya — colleague
Supporting
👦
Gouri G. Kishan
Savitha — teacher
Supporting
😈
Sanjeev
Bhavani's Associate
Supporting
🎭
Mahendran
Young Bhavani (flashback)
Supporting
🎬 First Vijay–Lokesh Kanagaraj collaboration 🤝 Acclaimed Vijay–Vijay Sethupathi hero-villain face-off 🚫 No officially credited cameos
Complete Crew

Behind the Camera

DirectorLokesh Kanagaraj
StoryLokesh Kanagaraj
Screenplay/DialoguesLokesh Kanagaraj, Rathna Kumar, Pon Parthiban
ProducerXavier Britto
Co-ProducerS. S. Lalit Kumar (Seven Screen Studio)
BannerXB Film Creators
CinematographySathyan Sooryan ISC
EditorPhilomin Raj
Art DirectionSathees Kumar
CostumesPallavi Singh
Music & BGMAnirudh Ravichander
Sound DesignKannan Ganpat
StuntsStunt Silva
ChoreographyDinesh Kumar, Sandy Master, Shobi Paulraj, Sathish Krishnan
VFX SupervisorV. Harihara Suthan
VFX StudiosKnack Studios, Phantom FX
Colorist / DIPrasath Somasekar / Knack Studios
Runtime179 minutes
CensorU/A · Certified 14 December 2020
Aspect Ratio2.39:1 (CinemaScope)
Distributor — TNSeven Screen Studio (area-wise sub-distributors)
Distributor — AP/TelanganaEast Coast Productions
Distributor — KeralaPrithviraj Productions
Distributor — KarnatakaDheeraj Enterprises
Distributor — Hindi BeltB4U Motion Pictures
OverseasUnited India Exporters, Malik Streams
Budget~₹135 crore + ~₹15-20 crore P&A
ResultClassic Blockbuster
🎬 Lokesh Kanagaraj's third feature, first with Vijay 🎥 Shot on ARRI Alexa with anamorphic lenses
Music · Anirudh Ravichander

Every Note. Every Word.

One of Anirudh's most successful albums — the soundtrack crossed 1.5 billion+ cumulative streams, among the highest-streamed Tamil film albums of its time.

01
Vaathi Coming வாத்தி கம்மிங்
Anirudh Ravichander, Gana Balachandar | Lyrics: Gana Balachandar | 3:48
SingersAnirudh Ravichander, Gana Balachandar
LyricistGana Balachandar
SituationHero introduction and college celebration featuring JD
YT Views700M+ (approx.)
★ Cultural PhenomenonThe signature dance step became a nationwide viral trend and remains one of Vijay's most iconic and recreated dance numbers, performed by celebrities and fans alike.
An energetic, celebratory hero-introduction anthem. Full lyrics on licensed platforms — cannot be reproduced here due to copyright.
02
Kutti Story குட்டி ஸ்டோரி
Vijay | Lyrics: Arunraja Kamaraj | 5:00
SingerVijay
LyricistArunraja Kamaraj
SituationInspirational classroom sequence introducing JD's philosophy
YT Views170M+ (approx.)
★ Vijay's Own VoiceReleased on Vijay's birthday as a motivational anthem sung entirely by him — quickly became a viral anthem among students and fans.
A heartfelt, motivational track about learning from failure. Full lyrics on licensed platforms.
03
Vaathi Raid வாத்தி ரெய்டு
Arivu, Anirudh Ravichander | Lyrics: Arivu | 3:29
SingersArivu, Anirudh Ravichander
LyricistArivu
SituationClimactic action montage during JD's confrontation with Bhavani's gang
YT Views120M+ (approx.)
★ Fan FavouriteBecame a favourite background track for action edits and fan-made videos after release.
A high-energy climax anthem. Full lyrics on licensed platforms.
04
Andha Kanna Paathaakaa அந்த கண்ண பாத்தாக்கா
Anirudh Ravichander, Yuvan Shankar Raja | Lyrics: Vignesh Shivan | 3:14
SingersAnirudh Ravichander, Yuvan Shankar Raja
LyricistVignesh Shivan
SituationRomantic moments between JD and Charulatha
YT Views90M+ (approx.)
★ Rare PairingThe first time Yuvan Shankar Raja sang for an Anirudh composition in a Vijay film.
A tender romantic melody. Full lyrics on licensed platforms.
05
Quit Pannuda க்விட் பண்ணுடா
Anirudh Ravichander | Lyrics: Vignesh Shivan | 4:16
SingerAnirudh Ravichander
LyricistVignesh Shivan
SituationReflects JD's struggle with alcoholism and self-improvement
YT Views80M+ (approx.)
★ Lockdown ReleaseReleased during the COVID-19 lockdown and appreciated for its message about giving up harmful habits.
A reflective track on self-improvement. Full lyrics on licensed platforms.
06
Polakattum Para Para பொளக்கட்டும் பற பற
Santhosh Narayanan | Lyrics: Vishnu Edavan | 3:34
SingerSanthosh Narayanan
LyricistVishnu Edavan
SituationPowerful montage highlighting Bhavani's rise and criminal empire
YT Views45M+ (approx.)
★ Villain ThemeMarked Santhosh Narayanan's first playback collaboration with Anirudh for a Vijay film.
A dark, menacing villain-origin track. Full lyrics on licensed platforms.
07
Pona Pogattum போனா போகட்டும்
CB Vinith | Lyrics: Vishnu Edavan | 1:37
SingerCB Vinith
LyricistVishnu Edavan
SituationEmotional sequence reflecting loss and sacrifice
YT Views15M+ (approx.)
★ Shortest TrackOne of the shortest yet most emotional tracks in the entire album.
A brief, poignant emotional cue. Full lyrics on licensed platforms.
Collections · Business

The Numbers

Worldwide Total₹237CrClassic Blockbuster verdict
Budget~₹135CrPlus ~₹15-20 Cr P&A
Opening Day (WW)₹50-52.5CrPost-lockdown record
Tamil Nadu Lifetime₹132CrOne of Vijay's biggest TN earners

Week-by-Week Trend

PeriodWorldwide Gross
Opening Day₹50–52.5 Cr
Weekend (3 Days)₹110 Cr
Week 1₹155 Cr
Week 2₹50 Cr
Week 3₹20 Cr
Week 4 & Later₹12 Cr
Lifetime Worldwide₹237 Cr

Released during the COVID-19 pandemic under 50% seating capacity — after the Tamil Nadu government's initial 100% occupancy order was withdrawn following objections from doctors and the Central Government. Despite the restriction, Master crossed ₹100 crore worldwide in just 3 days, becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of the pandemic theatrical era and playing a key role in reviving cinema attendance. A 4K remastered version was re-released in January 2025 to celebrate Vijay's legacy.

Overall Verdict

Highest-grossing Tamil film of the COVID-19 theatrical era

✓ CLASSIC BLOCKBUSTER
From Announcement to Release

Complete Timeline

24 August 2019
🎬 Official Announcement — Thalapathy 64
Xavier Britto announces Vijay's 64th film, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
3 October 2019
🎥 Shooting Begins
Principal photography commences in Delhi with Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi.
31 December 2019
📝 Title Reveal — "Master"
Title and first-look posters unveiled on New Year's Eve, generating a record-breaking social media response.
14 Feb – 15 Jul 2020
🎵 Six Singles Released
Kutti Story, Vaathi Coming, Vaathi Raid, Andha Kanna Paathaakaa, Quit Pannuda and Polakattum Para Para released progressively; full album released digitally 15 July 2020, with no traditional audio launch due to COVID-19.
14 November 2020
🎞️ Teaser Release
Official teaser premieres on Diwali, crossing 50 million views within days and setting digital records.
14 December 2020
✅ Censor Certification
U/A certificate issued at 179 minutes.
31 December 2020
🎬 Official Trailer
Theatrical trailer released ahead of the Pongal release, generating massive anticipation.
13 January 2021
👑 WORLDWIDE THEATRICAL RELEASE
Released worldwide for Pongal in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi under COVID-19 restrictions.
29 January 2021
📺 OTT Premiere — Amazon Prime Video
Premieres on Amazon Prime Video just 16 days after theatrical release — one of the shortest windows at the time.
6 February 2021
🎉 25 Days Celebration
Completes 25 successful theatrical days during the pandemic.
3 April 2021
📡 Satellite Premiere — Sun TV
Tamil New Year special telecast records one of the highest TRP ratings of the year.
31 January 2025
🎬 4K Remastered Re-release
Re-released in selected theatres across Tamil Nadu and overseas to celebrate Vijay's legacy.
Editorial Assessment

Vijay Meter

Story
9.0
Music
10.0
Action
9.5
Comedy
8.5
Emotion
9.2
Vijay's Perf.
9.8
Rewatch
9.7
Direction
9.8

Vs Other Recent Vijay Films

FilmYearScore
Master20219.44 / 10
Leo20239.2 / 10
GOAT20248.5 / 10
Varisu20238.4 / 10
Beast20228.1 / 10
Overall Vijay Meter 9.44

One of Vijay's most mature and acclaimed performances, elevated by Anirudh's landmark soundtrack, Lokesh Kanagaraj's grounded direction, and one of Tamil cinema's finest hero-villain rivalries.

✓ Classic Blockbuster Music 10.0 Direction 9.8
Plot · Theme · Analysis

The Story

One-Line Plot (Spoiler Free)

"An alcoholic college professor is assigned to a juvenile correction home, where he discovers a ruthless criminal exploiting children and decides to fight for their future."

⚠️ Full Plot — Spoilers Below

John Durairaj (JD) is a brilliant but alcoholic psychology professor sent to serve as a temporary teacher at a government juvenile correction home. He discovers that gangster Bhavani secretly controls the institution, recruiting vulnerable juveniles into his criminal network since they receive lighter punishments as minors. Bhavani's own cruelty is rooted in a traumatic childhood — he witnessed his family's murder and was himself exploited within the juvenile justice system.

JD gradually earns the children's trust through kindness and education, exposing Bhavani's operations while protecting them from further exploitation. As the conflict intensifies, several children risk their lives to support JD, turning a personal rivalry into a fight for hundreds of vulnerable youngsters trapped in a cycle of crime.

In the climax, JD confronts Bhavani in a brutal industrial container yard showdown and defeats him, ending his criminal empire. JD overcomes his alcoholism, embraces responsibility, and continues working to help young lives change for the better.

Key Scenes Worth Watching

Vaathi Coming Introduction — Establishes JD's carefree personality and instantly connects the audience.

Bhavani's Flashback — Reveals the trauma that shaped the antagonist, adding real depth.

Interval Fight Sequence — The first major confrontation, significantly raising the stakes.

Container Yard Climax — The decisive confrontation concluding both the physical and emotional journey.

Themes

Every child deserves guidance and a second chance

Education can transform lives

Addiction overcome through purpose and responsibility

Leadership shown through action, not authority

Original screenplay by Lokesh Kanagaraj — not an official remake, though critics noted thematic similarities to other reform-and-redemption dramas.

Unknown Facts · Rare Info

Things You Didn't Know

01

Master marked the first collaboration between Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj, a partnership that later continued with Leo.

02

"Kutti Story" was sung entirely by Vijay himself and released on his birthday as a motivational anthem.

03

The film had no traditional audio launch due to COVID-19 — the first Vijay film in years without one.

04

The "#MasterSelfie" — Vijay's selfie with fans during the Neyveli shoot — became India's most-retweeted tweet of 2020.

05

During the Neyveli schedule, Income Tax officials visited Vijay regarding matters unrelated to the film; shooting paused briefly before resuming.

06

The Tamil Nadu government's initial 100% theatre occupancy order was withdrawn after objections, and Master released under 50% seating capacity.

07

Several scenes leaked online a day before release; the production team, including Lokesh Kanagaraj and Malavika Mohanan, appealed to fans not to share the clips.

08

Master premiered on Amazon Prime Video just 16 days after theatrical release — an unusually short window that drew criticism from theatre owners.

09

Despite pandemic capacity restrictions, Master crossed ₹100 crore worldwide in just 3 days.

10

A 4K remastered version was re-released in theatres in January 2025 to celebrate Vijay's legacy.

Iconic Lines

Famous Dialogues

Only short, iconic excerpts are included below to respect copyright — not full or lengthy quotations.

"Waiting... நான் நேர்ல வரேன்."
"Wait... I'll come and face you myself."
JD challenges Bhavani over the phone after deciding to take down his criminal network — one of the film's signature mass moments.
"என்னைப் பிடிச்சவங்க கோடிக்கணக்கா இருக்காங்க..."
"Millions of people stand with me... tell him to try his luck!"
JD confidently responds to Bhavani's threat, highlighting both his courage and his popularity.
"We are hearing... but not listening."
"We hear people, but we don't truly listen to them."
JD explains the difference between hearing and listening in a classroom lecture, introducing the film's message about understanding others.
"Politics ஒரு service."
"Politics is a service."
JD encourages students to understand democracy and participate in student elections, emphasising responsible leadership.
Behind the Headlines

Controversies

💰 Income Tax Inquiry During Shoot
While filming in Neyveli on 5 February 2020, Vijay was summoned by the Income Tax Department over financial matters related to Bigil and associated entities. The department later stated nothing significant was found; filming resumed shortly after and production continued as planned.
🪧 BJP Protest at Neyveli Shoot
BJP members protested filming inside the Neyveli Lignite Corporation premises, questioning the permissions granted. The production maintained all required permissions had been obtained; security was strengthened and the schedule completed successfully.
🎟️ 100% Occupancy Debate
The Tamil Nadu government initially allowed 100% theatre occupancy following industry requests, but doctors, activists and the Central Government objected on COVID-19 safety grounds. The order was withdrawn, and the film released under 50% seating capacity — limiting potential earnings, though it still became a blockbuster.
📱 Pre-Release Scene Leak
Several scenes appeared online a day before release, raising piracy concerns. Lokesh Kanagaraj, Malavika Mohanan and the production team appealed to fans not to share the clips; the leaked material was removed and anti-piracy action initiated, with minimal impact on theatrical demand.
📺 Early OTT Release
Amazon Prime Video premiered Master just 16 days after theatrical release — an unusually short window at the time. Theatre owners criticised the decision, fearing lost later-week revenue; producers cited overseas disruptions and pandemic conditions as the reason.
Recognition

Awards & Nominations

🏆
Best Actor (Tamil) — Vijay
Edison Awards 2022
Winner
🏆
Best Director — Lokesh Kanagaraj
Edison Awards 2022
Winner
🏆
Best Music Director — Anirudh Ravichander
Edison Awards 2022
Winner
🏆
Best Villain — Vijay Sethupathi
Edison Awards 2022
Winner
🏆
Best Editor — Philomin Raj
Edison Awards 2022
Winner
🏆
Best Cinematography — Sathyan Sooryan
Edison Awards 2022
Winner
🏆
Best Action Choreography — Stunt Silva
Edison Awards 2022
Winner
🎖️
Best Villain (Tamil) — Vijay Sethupathi
SIIMA Awards 2022
Winner
🏅
Favourite Hero, Director, Villain, Music Director & Film
Behindwoods Gold Medals 2022 (5 wins)
Winner
Best Actor (Tamil) — Vijay
SIIMA Awards 2022
Nominated
Best Supporting Actor — Arjun Das
SIIMA Awards 2022
Nominated
Best Female Debut — Malavika Mohanan
SIIMA Awards 2022
Nominated

Awards Summary

🥇 12+ Major Award Wins
⭐ 14+ Nominations
🎬 Swept Edison Awards 2022 (7 wins)
🏅 5 Behindwoods Gold Medals
Where to Watch

Streaming & Links

Also available on ZEE5 (Hindi version) and Sun NXT, availability varies by region. Not currently available on Netflix India.

Watch · Video Gallery

Trailers, Songs & More

Every official video associated with Master, in one place. Rows marked "link needed" will be filled in as sources are confirmed.

🎞️
TeaserOfficial Teaser (Sun TV)
📺
Full MovieSee Streaming Above

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