Lenin Pandiyan
2026 Indian film
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Lenin Pandiyan is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language crime drama film written and directed by D. D. Balachandran in his debut and produced by Sathya Jyothi Films. The film stars Gangai Amaran, Roja Selvamani, Dharshan Ganesan (in his acting debut) and Shrrita Rao. Photographed by A. M. Edwin Sakay and edited by Nagooran Ramachandran, it was released on 25 September 2026.
- Sendhil Thyagarajan
- Arjun Thyagarajan
- Gangai Amaran
- Roja Selvamani
- Dharshan Ganesan
- Shrrita Rao
| Lenin Pandiyan | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | D. D. Balachandran |
| Written by | D. D. Balachandran |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | A. M. Edwin Sakay |
| Edited by | Nagooran Ramachandran |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production company | |
Release date |
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Running time | 141 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot
In rural Tamil Nadu, an ageing farmer named Durairasu and a young police constable Maravarman Sundarapandian become embroiled in a conspiracy involving an illegal sand mining operation.
Cast
- Gangai Amaran as Durairasu
- Roja Selvamani as Sandhanam
- Dharshan Ganesan as Maravarman Sundarapandian
- Shrrita Rao as Priya
- George Maryan as Beemarao
- Aadukalam Naren
- Yugendran as Ravi
- Bose Venkat
- Archana Ravichandran as Podhum Ponnu
Production
Lenin Pandiyan is the directorial debut of D. D. Balachandran,[2] and the acting debut of Dharshan Ganesan, son of actor/producer Ramkumar Ganesan.[3] It is also the debut for Gangai Amaran in the lead role.[4] Roja Selvamani signed on the film which was meant to be her comeback to Tamil cinema,[5] before Anbe Diana (2026) ended up becoming her comeback.[6] Cinematography was handled by A. M. Edwin Sakay and editing by Nagooran Ramachandran.[7] The film was primarily shot on location near Manamadurai.[2]
Soundtrack
The music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[8] The first single "Unnai Nambi" was released on 27 April 2026,[9] and the second single "Sarkarey Solliruchu" on 18 May.[10] The third single "Pandi Muni Kukkudhu" was scheduled to release on 30 August 2026,[11] but was postponed to the next day.[12]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Unnai Nambi" | Ilaiyaraaja | Shweta Mohan | |
| 2. | "Sarkarey Solliruchu" | Ilaiyaraaja | S. P. Charan, Mukesh Mohamed | |
| 3. | "Pandi Muni Kukkudhu" | Ilaiyaraaja | Ilaiyaraaja |
Release
Lenin Pandiyan was released in theatres on 25 September 2026.[13] In late August, the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) and the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA), due to a dispute with film distributors and exhibitors, announced that Tamil films cannot release or complete filming or post-production works from 1 September 2026 onwards, leading to the release of Lenin Pandiyan facing uncertainty.[14] However, a week later, the decision was reversed, allowing Lenin Pandiyan to release as planned.[15]
Reception
Abhinav Subramanian of The Times of India wrote, "As far as debut films go, Lenin Pandiyan is quite a commendable effort with strong writing. But the execution shows the lack of finesse that often marks first attempts, which prevents the film from turning out to be a stronger film".[16] News Today called the film's writing its "biggest strength", also appreciating the cast performances and music but criticised the romantic portions and final act, adding that "Despite these limitations, Lenin Pandiyan remains a commendable debut that chooses substance over formula".[17] Maalai Malar appreciated the film primarily for the cast performances, music and cinematography.[18] Rakesh Thara of ABP Nadu too praised these aspects but felt the screenplay was derivative in many scenes and slow-paced in others.[19] Ashwin S of Cinema Express wrote, "In its exploration of shame, which impacts a man’s day even in the smallest of moments, the film achieves its core focus of being ideally strong. But the weight of immaculate focus, drags this story to be half complete".[20]
