Why is Tamil cricket drama Test on Netflix creating buzz among fans? Hint: Virat Kohli

Tamil film Test has everyone talking—and for good reason. Blending the emotional intensity of sports with deeply personal stakes, this direct-to-Netflix drama brings together an all-star cast, a bold debut by producer-turned-director S. Sashikanth, and a story that swings beyond the boundary.

Here are the top five things you need to know about Test:

Test marks the directorial debut of producer S. Sashikanth, co-written with The Family Man’s Suman Kumar. It also marks the return of Meera Jasmine to Tamil cinema after a 10-year hiatus. The ensemble cast features R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth, and Meera Jasmine, reuniting some of Tamil cinema's most beloved names.

2. Inspired by a real-life Virat Kohli moment?

The film's emotional core is reportedly drawn from Virat Kohli’s real-life story—playing a Ranji Trophy match the day after his father died. This sparked Sashikanth's exploration of narcissism, sacrifice, and psychological endurance in the lives of athletes and everyday people, using Test cricket as a metaphor for life itself.

Test skipped a theatrical release and premiered globally on Netflix on 4 April 2025, available in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada. Sashikanth embraced this decision, believing it would reach a wider international audience, especially given the film's universal themes.

To bring authenticity to its cricket sequences, the team shot at Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, using real Ranji Trophy players and broadcast-grade cameras, consulting even with Star Sports on how professional matches are filmed. Siddharth underwent six months of cricket training to prepare for his role as a cricketer.

While critics praised the cinematography, music (by debut composer Shakthisree Gopalan), and performances, some felt the film didn’t fully deliver on its powerful premise. Reviews highlighted its emotional ambition but said the story fell short in execution.