Released on January 14, 2015, I is a Tamil-language romantic thriller directed by Shankar and produced by V. Ravichandran under Aascar Films. The film stars Vikram, Amy Jackson, Suresh Gopi, Upen Patel, and Santhanam in pivotal roles. With a mix of action, romance, and fantasy, I is one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema.
The movie gained massive attention due to Vikram’s jaw-dropping physical transformation, stunning visual effects, and A. R. Rahman’s mesmerizing music. It was heavily promoted and created a strong buzz among audiences before its release. Let’s delve deeper into the film’s story, highlights, and performance at the box office.
Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- Vikram’s Career-Defining Performance
- Shankar’s Grand Direction
- A. R. Rahman’s Magical Music
- Cinematography and Visual Effects
- Action and Makeup Transformation
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Budget and Collections
- Day-Wise Earnings (India + Overseas)
- 7. Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
2. Plot Summary
I revolves around Lingesan (Vikram), a bodybuilder-turned-supermodel who dreams of winning the Mr. India title. He falls in love with Diya (Amy Jackson), a popular model, and soon gets drawn into the world of glamour and fame.
However, things take a dark turn when Lingesan’s life is destroyed by unknown enemies, leaving him disfigured and seeking revenge. The story unfolds in a non-linear narrative, revealing shocking truths about betrayal, love, and vengeance.
Without giving away major spoilers, I is a blend of romance, mystery, and action, keeping the audience engaged till the very end.
3. What’s Good?
Vikram’s Career-Defining Performance
Vikram delivers an extraordinary performance, portraying three different looks with ease. His dedication to physical transformation and emotional depth is commendable.
Shankar’s Grand Direction
Director Shankar is known for his larger-than-life storytelling, and I is no exception. The film is visually stunning with rich cinematography, larger-than-life sets, and grand action sequences.
A. R. Rahman’s Magical Music
The film’s soundtrack, composed by A. R. Rahman, is one of its strongest points. Songs like:
- “Ennodu Nee Irundhaal” – A soulful melody with deep emotions.
- “Mersalaayitten” – A catchy, upbeat number that became a massive hit.
- “Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal” – A romantic song beautifully picturized.
Cinematography and Visual Effects
P. C. Sreeram’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing both the romantic and action sequences beautifully. The VFX-heavy portions are well-executed, giving a Hollywood-like feel.
Action and Makeup Transformation
The action sequences are well-choreographed, especially Vikram’s physically challenging stunts. The makeup and prosthetics used for his disfigured avatar are top-notch and add to the film’s realism.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
✅ Vikram’s Powerful Performance – He carries the entire film on his shoulders.
✅ Spectacular Visuals – Top-tier cinematography and CGI effects.
✅ Engaging Music & Background Score – Enhances the emotional impact.
✅ Well-Choreographed Action Sequences – Thrilling and intense fight scenes.
✅ Emotional Depth – Strong storytelling with an emotional core.
Weaknesses:
❌ Lengthy Runtime – The film could have been shorter.
❌ Over-the-Top Plot – Some elements feel exaggerated and illogical.
❌ Predictable Revenge Arc – The second half becomes somewhat formulaic.
❌ Limited Role for Amy Jackson – She looks stunning but has a weak character arc.
5. Target Audience
Who will enjoy I the most?
- Action and thriller fans who love revenge dramas.
- Vikram’s fans who appreciate his intense performances.
- Visual effects lovers who enjoy stunning cinematography and grand visuals.
- A. R. Rahman’s music enthusiasts who love soulful and energetic soundtracks.
- Shankar’s movie followers, who enjoy his larger-than-life storytelling.
If you prefer realistic and subtle movies, this one might not be for you.
6. Box Office Details
Budget and Collections
| Category | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | ₹180 Crores |
| Marketing & Promotion | ₹20 Crores |
| Total Budget | ₹200 Crores |
| Worldwide Gross | ₹240 Crores |
| India Box Office | ₹178 Crores |
| Overseas Collection | ₹62 Crores |
Day-Wise Earnings (India + Overseas)
| Day | India Collection (INR) | Overseas Collection (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹36 Crores | ₹8 Crores |
| Day 2 | ₹29 Crores | ₹7 Crores |
| Day 3 | ₹25 Crores | ₹6.5 Crores |
| Day 4 | ₹21 Crores | ₹5.8 Crores |
| Day 5 | ₹18 Crores | ₹5.2 Crores |
Despite receiving mixed reviews, I performed exceptionally well at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time.
7. Recommendation
I is a visual spectacle with a strong emotional core, powerful performances, and grand action sequences. Though it has its flaws, Vikram’s dedication and transformation make it a must-watch for fans of action-thrillers and grand cinema.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Action & Visual Lovers!
Genres:
Thriller, Action, Romance
Rating:
6.779/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Vikram | Lingesan |
| Amy Jackson | Diya |
| Suresh Gopi | Dr. Vasudevan |
| Upen Patel | John |
| Ramkumar Ganesan | Indrakumar |
| Santhanam | Gym Babu |
| Ojas Rajani | Osma Jasmine |
| T. K. Kala | Lingesan’s mother |
| Azhagu | Lingesan’s father |
| M.Kamaraj | Ravi |
| Mohan Kapur | Sushil, Ad Film Director |
| Powerstar Srinivasan | Keerthivasan |
| Yogi Babu | Keerthivasan’s Fan |
| R. Sarathkumar | Cameo Appearance |
| Satya Krishnan | Deepika |
| Raveena Ravi | Diya (Voice) |
How is Our Review?
Let us know if you liked our review of I through the comment box, so that we can keep creating such content for you.
