''Eleven'' is a 2025 Indian

crime thriller Crime fiction, detective story, murder mystery, crime novel, mystery novel, and police novel are terms used to describe narratives or fiction that centre on criminal acts and especially on the investigation, either by an amateur or a professiona ...

film written and directed by Lokkesh Ajls. The film was shot simultaneously in

Tamil Tamil may refer to: People, culture and language * Tamils, an ethno-linguistic group native to India, Sri Lanka, and some other parts of Asia **Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka ** Myanmar or Burmese Tamils, Tamil people of Ind ...

and Telugu. It features Naveen Chandra and Reyaa Hari in lead roles. The film has music composed by D. Imman, cinematography handled by Karthik Ashokan and editing by

N. B. Srikanth N. B. Srikanth is an Indian film editor, working primarily in the Tamil film industry. He worked along with Praveen K. L. in various successful films. Filmography * 2007: ''Chennai 600028'' * 2008: ''Saroja (2008 film), Saroja'' * 2009: ''Kung ...

. ''Eleven'' was theatrically released on 16 May 2025. The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some found the plot predictable in the first half, the movie is praised for its layered second half with twists, compelling suspense, and strong performances, especially by Naveen Chandra. Additionally, the background score by D. Imman and cinematography by Karthik Ashokan were highlighted as positive aspects.

Plot

Begins in the dark, desolate streets of Vizag, where a chilling scene unfolds: a black car halts on a lonely road, and a shadowy figure douses a lifeless body with flammable liquid before setting it ablaze. This grim act introduces a series of serial murders targeting twins, marked by a distinct pattern and cryptic clues. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Aravind, a brilliant and resolute officer known for cracking complex cases, is assigned to the investigation after the original investigator, ACP Ranjit, is incapacitated by a severe accident. Assisted by officer Manohar, Aravind dives into the case, which initially feels formulaic with his glorified introduction via a resolved bank robbery subplot. The murders, however, prove uniquely sinister as Aravind uncovers that the killer, later revealed as Benjamin, manipulates surviving twins into committing fratricide, exploiting deep psychological trauma.

Cast

Production

In mid-August 2023, director Sundar C's associate director who had worked in films such as ''

Kalakalappu 2 ''Kalakalappu 2'' is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed and co-written by Sundar C and produced by Khushbu. It is a spiritual successor to the 2012 film '' Kalakalappu''. The film stars Jiiva, Jai, Shiva, Nikki Galrani and Cat ...

'' (2018), '' Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven'' (2019) and ''

Action Action may refer to: * Action (philosophy), something which is done by a person * Action principles the heart of fundamental physics * Action (narrative), a literary mode * Action fiction, a type of genre fiction * Action game, a genre of video gam ...

'' (2019), Lokkesh Ajls was announced to make his directorial debut through the film ''Eleven''. The

- Telugu language

bilingual Multilingualism is the use of more than one language, either by an individual speaker or by a group of speakers. When the languages are just two, it is usually called bilingualism. It is believed that multilingual speakers outnumber monolin ...

film was launched after a formal pooja, which has actor Naveen Chandra as the lead actor alongside the film producer Reyaa Hari as the female lead who last appeared and bankrolled '' Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal'' (2022). The investigative thriller film also stars Shashank, Abhirami, Dileepan, Riythvika,

Aadukalam Naren Aadukalam Naren (born Narayanan) is an Indian actor who has appears in Tamil and Telugu films, mainly playing supporting and antagonistic roles. He made his debut with the 1997 film '' Raman Abdullah'' but got noticed for his role in the 2011 ...

, Ravi Varma, Arjai, Kireeti Damaraju and others in pivotal roles. The film has music composed by D. Imman, cinematography handled by Karthik Ashokan and editing by

Principal photography Principal photography is the phase of producing a film or television show in which the bulk of shooting takes place, as distinct from the phases of pre-production and post-production. Personnel Besides the main film personnel, such as the ...

was planned to begin on 23 August 2023. Post the completion of the filming, on 19 June 2024, the film teaser was released by

Dhanush Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja (born 28 July 1983), known professionally as Dhanush, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, lyricist and playback singer who primarily works in Tamil cinema. Having starred in Dhanush filmography, 50 films over his car ...

and Nikhil Siddhartha, featuring Naveen as a police officer being assigned to a murder case.

Music

The music and background score is composed by D. Imman. The first single "The Devil is Waiting" was unveiled by Kamal Hassan on 11 October 2024, having voice lent by Shruti Hassan and lyrics penned by the director Lokkesh himself. The second single "Azhagaana Arakkana" in Tamil and "Thaguvaadu Dorikene" in Telugu got released on 6 November 2024. The promo song "Ikkada Raa" released on 21 February 2025.

Release and reception

''Eleven'' was released 16 May 2025. Earlier, the film was scheduled for 15 November 2024, but was later postponed to 22 November 2024. Jayabhuvaneshwari B of ''Cinema Express'' rated it 2.5 out of 5 and stated, "''Eleven'' tries to light up the screen with its innovative premise, but like its own killer, it gets lost in the shadows of predictability and missed opportunities". ''The Times of India'' too gave the same rating and quoted " competent execution can't save a tired plot". Sakshi Post rated it 2.75 out of 5 and stated, ''Eleven'' is a visually engaging thriller with commendable performances and a thought-provoking premise. Though it may not break new ground in the genre, it succeeds in creating a moody, suspenseful experience that fans of crime dramas are likely to appreciate".https://www.sakshipost.com/news/movies/eleven-movie-review-and-rating-naveen-chandras-psychological-thriller-gripping-408539

References

External links

*{{IMDb title, 28679253 2020s Indian films 2020s Tamil-language films 2020s Telugu-language films 2024 crime thriller films Fictional portrayals of the Andhra Pradesh Police Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police Films about murder Indian crime thriller films Indian police films Indian multilingual films Indian thriller films Tamil-language Indian films Films scored by D. Imman Indian detective films Indian murder mystery films Films set in Visakhapatnam