Nanban poster

Nanban

IMDb7.8/10

10 years after leaving college, two best friends and their rival go on a search for their third friend, while finding out some truths along the way.

Directed by S. Shankar · Comedy · Drama · 188 min · 2012

Trailer

Director

S. Shankar

Studio

Gemini Film Circuit

Release

12 Jan 2012

Runtime

188 min

Genres

Comedy, Drama

Full Plot

Three old college friends, Venkat, Senthil, and Silencer, reunite after years apart when Venkat receives a tip about his lost friend Pari in Ooty. The trio's past is revisited as they navigate their complicated relationships with each other and their strict college principal, Virus. Along the way, they help Pari influence those around them to change for the better, leading to unexpected friendships and romantic connections.

Cast & Characters

Joseph Vijay

Jiiva

Sevarkodi Senthil: He is from a poor family with a mother as a retired teacher and a paralysed father. He was studying engineering to earn a good job and to get his sister Jaya married. Later he became a rich businessman after earning a job.

Jiiva
Srikanth

Venkat Ramakrishnan: He is an amateur wildlife photographer. He loved photography but his father wanted him to become an engineer. Later, he became a good wildlife photographer and published several books on his photographs.

Srikanth

iP

impostor Panchavan Parivendhan (Pari) / Kosaksi Pasapugazh. He is a very intelligent student who knocked Silencer in exams, being the topper of the batch. He is always helpful. He fell in love with Ria. After graduation, he broke contact with all his friends. After a long search, his friends find him to be an entrepreneur who runs a school and is partially a teacher too.

Vijay
RS

Ria Santhanam, Virus's younger daughter, a clever and smart doctor. She was in love with Pari. (Voice dubbed by Andrea Jeremiah)

Ileana D'Cruz

VS

Virumandi Santhanam ('Virus'): Principal of the engineering college. He is very strict and disciplined. He initially hates Pari for questioning him against his rules and discipline, but warms up to him after he helps deliver Shwetha's son. Ria and Shwetha's father.

Sathyaraj

Sa

Srivatsan alias Silencer: A topper student who was very well in all subjects. He was a little back in speaking Tamil. He too hated Pari but is shocked to find out that Pari is the very entrepreneur he is looking to sign a deal with for his company.

Sathyan
SV

Swetha, Virumandi's first daughter, Ria's elder sister. (Voice dubbed by Deepa Venkat)

Anuya

R(

Rakesh ('Pricetag'): Ria's money minded ex-fiancé.

T. M. Karthik
LB

Librarian Bose

Manobala
MR

Mrs. Ramakrishnan, Venkat's mother, a loving and caring parent.

Uma
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Did You Know?

S. Shankar has directed 8 films in our catalog, including I, Indian 2.

Source: theIReview.com catalog · verified 2026-08-02

Joseph Vijay appears in 12 films in our catalog, including Thalaivaa, The Greatest of All Time.

Source: theIReview.com catalog · verified 2026-08-02

Harris Jayaraj and Yuvan Shankar Raja were approached to compose the soundtrack, with Shankar settling for the former with whom he had worked in the 2005 film Anniyan earlier.

Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-03

Critical Assessment

IMDb
7.8/10

Audience Breakdown (Einthusan)

Action
3.1/5
Comedy
4.6/5
Romance
4.2/5
Storyline
4.7/5
Performance
4.7/5

Nanban holds 7.8/10 on IMDb (17,184 votes).

Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.

Ratings as of July 30, 2026

Where to Watch

India

Stream
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Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.

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AI Verdict

AI-generated

Based on aggregated scores (7.8/10 on IMDb (17,184 votes)), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nanban's IMDb rating?+

Nanban has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb from 17,184 votes.

Is Nanban good? What are critics saying?+

Nanban holds 7.8/10 on IMDb (17,184 votes).

How long is Nanban?+

Nanban has a runtime of 188 min.

Who directed Nanban?+

Nanban was directed by S. Shankar.

Where can I watch Nanban?+

Nanban is available to stream, rent, or buy on VI movies and tv.

Fan & Critic Buzz

Critic Reception — summarized from Wikipedia

Nanban received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its engaging storyline and noble intentions. However, some reviewers noted minor flaws, such as anachronisms in the film's depiction of technology. Overall, the movie was well-received for its entertainment value and Vijay's performance.

Source: Wikipedia — Critical reception (CC BY-SA)
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