Maan Karate was released on 4 April 2014, in over 650 screens worldwide, which was the biggest release in Sivakarthikeyan's career to that point.
Critical reception Maan Karate received mixed reviews from critics.
Baradwaj Rangan wrote for
The Hindu, "Sivakarthikeyan, the likeable boy next door, has transformed into Sivakarthikeyan, the big star — and
Maan Karate is less a film than a ticker-tape celebration of this reality...This isn’t about
Maan Karate or even about boxing. It’s about the cult of the star. And as is the case with these movies, some two hours go by during which nothing seems to be at stake. And then we get the last half-hour, soaked in melodramatic sentiment, where everything seems to be at stake". M. Suganth of
The Times of India gave the film 2.5/5 and wrote, "
Maan Karate is nothing but a showcase for Sivakarthikeyan...[the film] dispenses with any form of logic, and wants us to take it as it is, no questions asked. The story, by director AR Murugadoss, is a mix of fantasy and romance, but Thirukumaran's script is underdeveloped". Gautaman Bhaskaran of
Hindustan Times gave it 2/5 and wrote, "
Maan Karate has an interesting plot, but the way it is scripted and narrated is illogical...the movie drags you along in its sometimes strong, sometimes weak currents, interspersed with the silliest of songs and the dumbest of dances".
IANS gave it 2/5 and wrote, "While the makers present the film as an out-and-out commercial entertainer and that's what it is, you still find
Maan Karate meaningless because debutant Thirukumaran only tried to do justice to the hero's image by compromising on the plot. He also takes the audience for granted and gives them a film under the assumption that they will embrace it because it has been written by Murugadoss". S. Saraswathi of
Rediff.com gave the film 2/5 and wrote, "
Maan Karate is a letdown by uninspiring direction". Malini Mannath of
The New Indian Express wrote, "With a watchable first half and a disappointing second half,
Maan Karate is an average entertainer".
Deccan Chronicle gave 2.5/5 and summarised that, "For Sivakarthikeyan and Hansika fans, this movie will prove to be decent entertainer, if not a blockbuster".
Sify stated that the film is "On the whole, a perfect summer outing with your family".
Box office Over its first weekend, the film grossed in Tamil Nadu, and was considered by IANS to be the "biggest opening" for a Sivakarthikeyan film to that point. == See also ==