Billa is a Tamil-language action thriller film released on December 14, 2007. Directed by Vishnuvardhan, this movie is a remake of the 1980 Tamil classic Billa, which originally starred Rajinikanth. The 2007 version features Ajith Kumar in a dual role and is known for its sleek storytelling, high-end action sequences, and stylish cinematography.
The film is set in the underworld, focusing on a ruthless don and his look-alike. With stunning visuals, intense performances, and a gripping background score, Billa remains one of the most celebrated Tamil action movies. In this review, we will explore its plot, strengths, weaknesses, box office performance, and more.
Table of Contents
- Plot Summary
- What’s Good?
- 1. Ajith Kumar’s Power-Packed Performance
- 2. Stylish Direction & Cinematography
- 3. High-Octane Action Sequences
- 4. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s Electrifying Music
- 5. Supporting Cast & Strong Characterization
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Target Audience
- Box Office Details
- Budget & Earnings
- Day-wise Box Office Collection (India & Overseas)
- Box Office Verdict
- Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
Plot Summary
The story revolves around David Billa, a feared underworld don operating in Malaysia. The police, led by DSP Jayaprakash, are desperate to bring him down. During an intense chase, Billa is mortally wounded. To take advantage of the situation, the police secretly replace him with Velu, a simple man who bears a striking resemblance to Billa.
Velu’s mission is to gather information about Billa’s illegal empire. However, things take an unexpected turn when his true identity is exposed, making him a target for both the criminals and the police. With the stakes rising, Velu must outsmart his enemies and prove his innocence.
What’s Good?
1. Ajith Kumar’s Power-Packed Performance
Ajith Kumar shines in his dual role as Billa and Velu. His transformation from a ruthless don to an innocent man caught in a dangerous game is impressive. His body language, dialogue delivery, and screen presence make the character unforgettable.
2. Stylish Direction & Cinematography
Vishnuvardhan ensures that Billa looks internationally polished. The exotic locations, crisp editing, and stylish shots elevate the film’s appeal. Nirav Shah’s cinematography adds a rich visual texture, making every frame visually stunning.
3. High-Octane Action Sequences
The movie features well-choreographed fight scenes and chase sequences, making it a treat for action lovers. Ajith’s effortless stunts and realistic combat scenes add intensity to the narrative.
4. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s Electrifying Music
The background score and songs by Yuvan Shankar Raja play a huge role in enhancing the film’s mood. Tracks like Seval Kodi and Vethalaiya Pottendi add to the stylish and energetic tone of the film.
5. Supporting Cast & Strong Characterization
The film boasts an excellent supporting cast, including:
- Nayanthara as Sasha – A bold, action-driven female lead.
- Prabhu as DSP Jayaprakash – A determined cop with a strong role.
- Rahman & Aditya as the main antagonists.
Each character has a well-defined role, contributing to the engaging storyline.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
✅ Sleek and stylish presentation – The film looks grand and polished.
✅ Ajith’s charismatic dual-role performance – He effortlessly switches between roles.
✅ Fast-paced storytelling – Keeps the audience engaged throughout.
✅ Engaging background score – Enhances the action-packed moments.
Weaknesses
❌ Predictable storyline – Since it is a remake, the plot lacks freshness.
❌ Lack of emotional depth – The movie focuses more on style than deep storytelling.
❌ Some slow moments in the second half – A tighter screenplay could have helped.
Despite a few drawbacks, Billa remains a visually appealing and entertaining film.
Target Audience
Billa is a perfect choice for:
✔ Action lovers – The movie is packed with stylish fight sequences.
✔ Ajith Kumar fans – His presence and performance are a major highlight.
✔ Thriller enthusiasts – The gripping storyline keeps viewers hooked.
✔ Fans of stylish cinematography – The film is visually stunning.
If you enjoy high-octane action, suspense, and thrilling sequences, this movie is for you!
Box Office Details
Budget & Earnings
| Details | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | ₹25 crore |
| Worldwide Collection | ₹89 crore |
Day-wise Box Office Collection (India & Overseas)
| Day | India Collection (₹ Crore) | Overseas Collection (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5.35 | 2.75 |
| Day 2 | 6.10 | 3.00 |
| Day 3 | 7.20 | 3.25 |
| Day 4 | 6.75 | 2.80 |
| Day 5 | 5.50 | 2.50 |
Box Office Verdict
With ₹89 crore in worldwide earnings, Billa was a blockbuster and one of the biggest hits of 2007. Ajith’s massive fanbase and the film’s stylish execution contributed to its grand success.
Recommendation
Billa is a visually stunning action thriller with a gripping performance by Ajith Kumar. The movie excels in style, music, and action sequences, making it a must-watch for action lovers.
⭐ Final Rating: 4/5
If you love stylish action films with high production value, Billa is a must-watch!
Genres:
Action, Thriller
Rating:
6.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Ajith Kumar | David Billa / Saravana Velu |
| Prabhu | Jayaprakash |
| Nayanthara | Sasha |
| Rahman | Jagdish / Gokulnath |
| Santhanam | Krishna |
| Adithya Menon | Anil Menon |
| Vimalraj Ganesan | John |
| Yog Jappie | Ranjith |
| Avneesh Parekh | Karan |
| T. Balasubramaniam | Rajesh |
| Hazel Keech | Rhea |
| Namitha | CJ |
How is Our Review?
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