Kombuseevi

Kombuseevi is an Indian Tamil-language gangster action drama film directed and written by Ponram starring Shanmuga Pandian Vijayakant, R. Sarathkumar and debutant Tharnika.^[1] The film is produced by debutant producer Mukesh T. Chelliah under Star Cinemas banner.

Kombuseevi was released in theatres on 19 December 2025.

Kombuseevi begins in a village near Andipatti, where Rokkapuli (Sarathkumar) is introduced as a ruffian-cum-messiah, who turns to unscrupulous activities like violence and ganja smuggling. He chooses this life since he was forced out of his village and livelihood due to the construction of a dam in the Vaigai River. Scenes later, we see a young Paandi, who is orphaned as both his parents die due to unbearable debts in the face of challenges caused by the construction of the dam. Soon enough, a grown-up Paandi (Shanmuga Pandian) too takes to lawlessness, under the wing of Rokkapuli, who is now the only person the former can call his family.

• Shanmuga Pandian as Paandi^[2]
• R. Sarathkumar as Rokkapuli^[3]
• Tharnika as Laila
• Sujith Shankar as DSP
• Kaali Venkat as Police constable
• Kalki Raja

In late-March 2024, it was reported that director Ponram who had received negative reviews for his last venture DSP (2022) was in talks with late actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth's son Shanmuga Pandian Vijayakant to make a comeback.^[4] Shanmuga Pandian, who was gearing up for his next release Padai Thalaivan (2025) would play the lead role opposite to R. Sarathkumar, who had earlier appeared with Shanmuga Pandian's father Vijayakanth in several films such as Pudhu Padagan, Pulan Visaranai, Sandhana Kaatru (all 1990), and Captain Prabhakaran (1991).^[5][6] The film stars debutant actor Tharnika in the female lead role alongside Kaali Venkat, Kalki Raja and others in supporting roles.^[7] The film was tentatively titled Production No.1 and is said to be bankrolled by Mukesh T Chelliah under the Star Cinemas banner making its maiden production.^[8][9]

The film has music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography by Balasubramaniem, costume designed by Meenakshi Narayanaswamy,^[10] art direction by Saravana Abiraman, and editing by Dinesh Ponraj.^[11]

Principal photography commenced on 25 August 2024, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Vijayakanth.^[12] On 19 September, the filming began in Theni.^[13] Shanmuga Pandian began dubbing for his portions on 20 May 2025.^[14] On 14 June 2025, a day after the release of Padai Thalaivan, it was announced that the production had been wrapped.^[15]

The music and background score is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, with lyrics being penned by Yugabharathi and Snehan.^[11] The first single titled "Unna Naan Paatha" was released on 23 October 2025.^[16] The second single titled "Vasthara" was released on 2 December 2025.^[17] The pre-release audio launch event was conducted in Chennai on 14 December 2025.^[18]

On 12 October 2024, through a first-look poster, the title of the film Kombuseevi was revealed simultaneously by R. Sarathkumar, Shanmuga Pandian and Premalatha Vijayakanth.^[19] On 6 April 2025, coinciding with the lead actor's birthday a 39-second long glimpse was released.^[20] The teaser was released on 11 October 2025.^[21][22]

Kombuseevi was released in theatres on 19 December 2025.^[23] Earlier it was planned to release during Christmas 2025.^[24]

Akshay Kumar of Cinema Express gave 2/5 stars and wrote "With the skewed messaging, Kombuseevi cuts a sorry figure and serves as a lesson for filmmakers not to sacrifice their strengths at the altar of experimentation."^[25] The film was also reviewed by Dina Thanthi,^[26] Times Now Tamil,^[27] and Vikatan.^[28]

• Kombuseevi at IMDb