Mersal (2017)
DirectorAtlee
StarringVijay, S. J. Suryah, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Watch onZee5, JioHotstar, Goldmines Play Amazon Channel
Best for: Viewers who enjoy Tamil action thrillers with a star playing multiple roles and a cop investigation at the centre.
Where to watch Mersal online in India
Subscription
Goldmines Play Amazon ChannelFree with ads
JioHotstar
Zee5Availability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Mersal story (no spoilers)
Mersal is a 2017 Tamil thriller directed by Atlee, starring Vijay in a triple role as Vetrimaaran, Vetri and Maaran. The story begins when several individuals in the medical profession are either murdered or kidnapped. A cop named Daniel Arockiaraj, played by S. J. Suryah, investigates the case and suspects a doctor, leading to an arrest. But is the arrested doctor really behind these crimes, and what is the motive? The film also features Kajal Aggarwal as Anu Pallavi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu as Tara, Nithya Menen as Aishwarya Vetrimaaran, Sathyaraj as Rathnavel, Vadivelu as Vadivu and Sathyan as Maniyan. With music by A.R. Rahman, the film runs 161 minutes and blends action, crime and thriller elements as the investigation unfolds.
Should you watch Mersal?
Watch it for
- Vijay plays three distinct characters—Vetrimaaran, Vetri and Maaran—which gives the film its central draw.
- Director Atlee teams with composer A.R. Rahman for a 161-minute action-crime thriller.
- S. J. Suryah plays the investigating cop Daniel Arockiaraj, anchoring the film's suspense.
- The supporting cast includes Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Nithya Menen, Sathyaraj and Vadivelu.
Skip it if
- You are not a fan of lengthy action thrillers with a 161-minute runtime.
- You prefer films without a UA certificate, as this one is rated UA in India.
- You want a straightforward narrative without a triple-role setup.
Mersal cast
Vijayas Vetrimaaran/ Vetri/ Maaran
S. J. Suryahas Daniel Arockiaraj
Kajal Aggarwalas Anu Pallavi
Samantha Ruth Prabhuas Tara
Nithya Menenas Aishwarya Vetrimaaran
Sathyarajas Rathnavel
Vadiveluas Vadivu
Sathyanas Maniyan
Kovai Saralaas Sarala
Hareesh Peradias Dr. Arjun Zachariah
Misha Ghoshalas Tara's Friend
Yogi Babuas NolanMersal movie details
| Director | Atlee |
|---|---|
| Writer | Atlee, Vijayendra Prasad, Ramana Girivasan |
| Music | A.R. Rahman |
| Cinematography | G. K. Vishnu |
| Producer | N. Ramasamy, Hema Rukmani |
| Release date | 18 October 2017 |
| Runtime | 2h 41m (161 minutes) |
| Original language | Tamil |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Tamil |
| Original title | மெர்சல் |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
Parental guide: is Mersal family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the UA certificate and the action-crime genre; parents should use their own judgement. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Mersal official trailer
Our verdict
Mersal offers a busy mix of action, crime and thriller elements, with Vijay in three roles and S. J. Suryah as the cop chasing the case. At 161 minutes it asks for patience, but the cast and A.R. Rahman's music give it plenty of star power. It is a solid pick for fans of Tamil action dramas.
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KaithiFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Mersal online in India?
Mersal is available for free on Zee5 and JioHotstar, and via subscription on the Goldmines Play Amazon Channel.
When was Mersal released?
Mersal was released on 18 October 2017.
Who is in the cast of Mersal?
The cast includes Vijay as Vetrimaaran/Vetri/Maaran, S. J. Suryah as Daniel Arockiaraj, Kajal Aggarwal as Anu Pallavi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu as Tara, Nithya Menen as Aishwarya Vetrimaaran, Sathyaraj as Rathnavel, Vadivelu as Vadivu and Sathyan as Maniyan.
Who directed Mersal?
Mersal was directed by Atlee.
What is the runtime and certificate of Mersal?
Mersal runs for 161 minutes and has a UA certificate in India.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.