Test (2025 film)

{{hook|date=April 2025}}

Arjun Venkataraman, an ageing cricketer, is struggling with poor form and faces the risk of being dropped from the Indian team. Determined to exit cricket on a high note, he sees the upcoming test match as his last chance to prove himself.

Kumudha, a school teacher, is desperate to have a child and plans to undergo IVF treatment. However, her dreams are complicated by financial challenges and her husband's priorities.

Saravanan "Sara" is Kumudha's husband. An MIT-educated scientist, he is secretly working on a hydro-fuel project while pretending to run a canteen. Sara is under immense pressure due to mounting debts and needs {{INRConvert|50|l|year=2025}} to save his project.

As the film progresses, the lives of these three characters intersect during the test match. Arjun battles his inner demons on the cricket field, Kumudha struggles with her maternal aspirations, and Sara faces ethical and financial dilemmas related to his project. Meanwhile, a subplot involving match fixing adds further tension.

Adapted from the opening and closing credits{{efn|The closing credits have several discrepancies in regards to character names. For example, several characters names are either partially or fully omitted despite being named in the film such as Dharmesh's last name Agarwal. Additionally, several character names that are listed in the closing credits are never mentioned in the narrative such as Ramasamy and Karpagam.{{Cite AV media |title=Test |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=YNOT Studios |year=2025 |time=8:18 to 9:59; and 2:21:01 to 2:23:54 |time-caption=From |via=Netflix}}}}

{{Cast listing|

• R. Madhavan as Saravanan "Sara"
• Nayanthara as Kumudha Saravana
• Siddharth as Arjun Venkataraman
• Meera Jasmine as Padma "Paddu" Arjun
• Lirish Rahav as Aditya "Adi" Arjun
• Kaali Venkat as Bharani
• Aadukalam Murugadoss as Kutty
• Nassar as ICF Member Ramasamy
• Mohan Raman as Venkataraman
• Vinay Varma as Dharmesh Agarwal
• Meera Krishnan as Principal R. Meera Duraiswamy
• Deepa Shankar as Karpagam
• Shyam Kumar as Isaac Aghilan IPS
• Ajit Koshy as Javed
• Dr. Ashwin Vijay as A. Magizhendi
• M. J. Shriram as Meiyappan
• Denver Antony Nicholas as Dimello
• Dr. Vidhya Borgia as Dr. Vidya Shankar

}}

Test marked the directorial debut of producer S. Sashikanth.{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=31 March 2025 |title=Sashikanth Interview for Test: I don't have negative connotation on a direct OTT release |url=https://www.ottplay.com/interview/sashikanth-interview-for-test-i-dont-have-negative-connotation-for-a-direct-ott-release/17b7ad084a124 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404064829/https://www.ottplay.com/interview/sashikanth-interview-for-test-i-dont-have-negative-connotation-for-a-direct-ott-release/17b7ad084a124 |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} Ever since his transition from an architect to film production with Sashikanth establishing the YNOT Studios banner, he wrote the first draft of the script in late-2012 but was put on hold due to his production commitments.{{Cite web |last=ஏக்நாத்ராஜ் |first=செ. |date=17 March 2025 |title='டைரக்டர் ஆவதற்காகவே தயாரிப்பாளர் ஆனேன்!' – 'டெஸ்ட்' எஸ்.சஷி காந்த் நேர்காணல் |trans-title='I turned producer just to become a director' – 'Test' S. Sashikanth Interview |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/1354610-i-became-producer-to-become-director-says-the-test-s-sashikanth-interview.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322143026/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/1354610-i-became-producer-to-become-director-says-the-test-s-sashikanth-interview.html |archive-date=22 March 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=Hindu Tamil Thisai |language=ta}} In a January 2015 interview with Sudhish Kamath, Sashikanth confirmed that he had plans of making the film.{{Cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=10 January 2015 |title=Tamil cinema goes national |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-cinema-goes-national/article6775343.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525141534/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-cinema-goes-national/article6775343.ece |archive-date=25 May 2018 |access-date=5 April 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en}} During the COVID-19 lockdown in India, he decided to revisit the script after harbouring his ambitions of becoming a filmmaker. The original script was considered a plot-driven film with the basic idea revolving around a cricketer; however, he decided to get into the psychological study of the characters, inspired from David Fincher's films.{{Cite news |last=Chandar |first=Bhuvanesh |date=2 April 2025 |title=Virat Kohli's life-changing incident inspired 'Test': S Sashikanth |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/virat-kohli-test-madhavan-nayanthara-siddharth-sashikanth/article69404737.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404052920/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/virat-kohli-test-madhavan-nayanthara-siddharth-sashikanth/article69404737.ece |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}

The genesis of the film came from an interview given by Virat Kohli, who stated that his father died when he was 18-years old, yet Kohli still played in the Ranji Trophy match for Delhi. Sashikanth recalled that the interview opened his perspective of what happens when a cricketer enters into the arena, adding "it's something like a superhero story arc that he's willing to sacrifice all those personal bits for something much higher. Those decisions make you the hero or the villain." Exploring narcissistic behaviour as a positive trait, the idea provided him an insight of how sportsperson would think and look at life and looked on how narcissism existed in common people as well. He then wrote the story on how narcissism drives a cricketer and a common man, which was the beginning of character development.{{Cite web |last=Rajaraman |first=Kaushik |date=26 March 2025 |title=We filmed Test using broadcast channel cameras: Sashikanth |url=https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/we-filmed-test-using-broadcast-channel-cameras-sashikanth-827717 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404060430/https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/we-filmed-test-using-broadcast-channel-cameras-sashikanth-827717 |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=DT Next |language=en}} Describing the title, Sashikanth said, "Test cricket is not just cricket. It is a test of life and even temperament. The story too happens over five days of a test match".

The film was officially announced on 12 April 2023.{{Cite news |date=12 April 2023 |title=Nayanthara, Madhavan and Siddharth team up for Sashikanth's directorial debut 'The Test' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nayanthara-madhavan-and-siddharth-team-up-for-sashikanths-directorial-debut-the-test/article66728482.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508113614/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nayanthara-madhavan-and-siddharth-team-up-for-sashikanths-directorial-debut-the-test/article66728482.ece |archive-date=8 May 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en}} Sashikanth co-wrote the story with Suman Kumar, known for writing The Family Man.{{Cite news |date=26 April 2023 |title=Movie makers announce the technical crew of 'Test' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/movie-makers-announce-the-technical-crew-of-test/articleshow/99790300.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503112918/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/movie-makers-announce-the-technical-crew-of-test/articleshow/99790300.cms |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Shortly after the announcement, Sashikanth revealed the preliminary crew members: cinematographer Viraj Singh Gohil, editor T. S. Suresh, production designers Madhusudan N. and Shweta Sabu Cyril, sports director Dhruv Panjani, action choreographer Dinesh Subbarayan, stylists Poornima Ramaswamy and Anu Vardhan, casting director Sharanya Subramaniam and publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa.{{Cite web |date=28 April 2023 |title=Makers announce the Test crew |url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2023/04/27/makers-announce-the-test-crew |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123144957/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2023/04/27/makers-announce-the-test-crew |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=DT Next |language=en}}{{Cite Instagram |postid=CrcvlzYL6Hn |user=studiosynot |title=Meet our talent finder – Sharanya Subramaniam ! ✨ Welcome on board #theTEST🏏 @sharanyaspotstalent #CastingDirector |author=YNOT Studios |author-link=YNOT Studios |date=25 April 2023 |access-date=13 March 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250313193228/https://www.instagram.com/p/CrcvlzYL6Hn/ |archive-date=13 March 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite Instagram |postid=Crc9VTxrAea |user=studiosynot |title=Happy to welcome the magician @gopiprasannaa on board #theTEST🏏 ✨ #PublicityDesigner |author=YNOT Studios |author-link=YNOT Studios |date=25 April 2023 |access-date=13 March 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250313141743/https://www.instagram.com/p/Crc9VTxrAea/ |archive-date=13 March 2025 |url-status=live}} Muthuramalingam was appointed as the executive producer of the film by the production house.{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=26 April 2023 |title=Makers of Test announce technical crew |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/Apr/26/makers-of-test-announce-technical-crew-42711.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528131815/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/Apr/26/makers-of-test-announce-technical-crew-42711.html |archive-date=28 May 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}

R. Madhavan and Siddharth were cast in the lead roles, having previously worked with Sashikanth on his productions;{{Cite news |date=9 April 2023 |title='Aayutha Ezhuthu' duo Madhavan and Siddharth join Nayanthara for a sports drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aayutha-ezhuthu-duo-madhavan-and-siddharth-join-nayanthara-for-a-sports-drama/articleshow/99356107.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417034030/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aayutha-ezhuthu-duo-madhavan-and-siddharth-join-nayanthara-for-a-sports-drama/articleshow/99356107.cms |archive-date=17 April 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}} the film would also mark the actors reuniting after Aayutha Ezhuthu (2004) and Rang De Basanti (2006).{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=Madhavan, Nayanthara and Siddharth to star in Sashikanth's 'Test' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2023/Apr/12/madhavan-nayanthara-and-siddharth-to-star-in-sashikanths-test-2565228.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510123025/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2023/Apr/12/madhavan-nayanthara-and-siddharth-to-star-in-sashikanths-test-2565228.html |archive-date=10 May 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=8 April 2023 |title=Madhavan, Siddharth, Nayan's The Test to start this month |url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2023/04/08/madhavan-siddharth-nayans-the-test-to-start-this-month |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616045918/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2023/04/08/madhavan-siddharth-nayans-the-test-to-start-this-month |archive-date=16 June 2024 |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=DT Next |language=en}} Initially, Madhavan rejected the script as he felt the role would not suit him and suggested other actors instead; he felt Sashikanth, who never worked as an assistant director before, was taking a risk with the film due to its large budget, but eventually accepted the offer after perceiving Sashikanth's vision.{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=31 March 2025 |title=Madhavan on rejecting Sashikanth's Test initially: I was not happy that he was… |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/madhavan-on-rejecting-sashikanths-test-initially-i-was-not-happy-that-he-was/0bac845c90891 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404062112/https://www.ottplay.com/news/madhavan-on-rejecting-sashikanths-test-initially-i-was-not-happy-that-he-was/0bac845c90891 |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}

Siddharth underwent a nine-month training in cricket to prepare for his role.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ORNvzar6E |title=குழந்தைக்காக ஏங்குற அம்மா Character-அ Nayan Connect பண்ணிகிட்டாங்க, Because She Is A Mother..! Test |date=27 March 2025 |publisher=SS Music |access-date=4 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327182550/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ORNvzar6E |archive-date=27 March 2025 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{Rp|location=0:28}} His character was inspired by several real cricketers, but he dedicated the role specifically to Rahul Dravid.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=He is the cricketer I admired from his debut to his retirement and beyond: Siddharth |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/he-is-the-cricketer-i-admired-from-his-debut-to-his-retirement-and-beyond-says-siddharth-1.10457330 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326151507/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/he-is-the-cricketer-i-admired-from-his-debut-to-his-retirement-and-beyond-says-siddharth-1.10457330 |archive-date=26 March 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=Mathrubhumi |language=en}} Nayanthara, who plays Madhavan's pair, accepted the role instantly after a phone call with Sashikanth. He wanted the actress to own her role, and she was able to connect with the role of a woman longing for a child, being a mother herself.{{Rp|location=9:22}} Meera Jasmine was paired opposite Siddharth,{{Cite news |date=9 May 2023 |title='Test': Meera Jasmine joins Madhavan, Nayanthara for S Shashikanth's sports drama |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/test-meera-jasmine-joins-madhavan-nayanthara-for-s-shashikanths-sports-drama/article66830535.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518171243/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/test-meera-jasmine-joins-madhavan-nayanthara-for-s-shashikanths-sports-drama/article66830535.ece |archive-date=18 May 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en}} making a return to Tamil cinema after a 10-year hiatus.{{Cite web |date=10 May 2023 |title=Meera Jasmine to join hands with Madhavan after two decades for Test |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/meera-jasmine-to-join-hands-with-madhavan-after-two-decades-for-test-8601559/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517212855/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/meera-jasmine-to-join-hands-with-madhavan-after-two-decades-for-test-8601559/ |archive-date=17 May 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

Kaali Venkat was cast in an important role after being present in the first schedule of filming.{{Cite news |date=13 April 2023 |title=Kaali Venkat joins the cast of Madhavan & Siddharth's 'Test' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kaali-venkat-joins-the-cast-of-madhavan-siddharths-test/articleshow/99455640.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414112608/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kaali-venkat-joins-the-cast-of-madhavan-siddharths-test/articleshow/99455640.cms |archive-date=14 April 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Subsequently, Nassar, Vinay Varma, Aadukalam Murugadoss, M. J. Shriram and Ajit Koshy appeared in supporting roles; their involvement was confirmed only after their appearances in promotional material.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryR2-jVjoeA |title=TEST {{!}} Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine {{!}} Tamil Trailer {{!}} Netflix |date=25 March 2025 |publisher=Netflix India |access-date=4 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325151325/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryR2-jVjoeA |archive-date=25 March 2025 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=29 March 2025 |title=Test 2025: Release date, cast and crew, trailer, OTT partner and plot |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/test-2025-release-date-cast-and-crew-trailer-ott-partner-and-plot/6ac1a3637563 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401005839/https://www.ottplay.com/news/test-2025-release-date-cast-and-crew-trailer-ott-partner-and-plot/6ac1a3637563 |archive-date=1 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} Sashikanth cast 22 cricketers, who played the Ranji Trophy matches, to create authenticity.

File:M.A.Chidambaram Stadium before IND vs AUS 3rd ODI 2023.jpg in Chennai.]]

Principal photography commenced on 12 April 2023, the same day as the film's announcement.{{Cite news |date=12 April 2023 |title=Madhavan, Nayanthara, and Siddharth starrer 'Test' goes on floors; Makers released the motion poster of the film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/madhavan-nayanthara-and-siddharth-starrer-test-goes-on-floors-makers-released-the-motion-poster-of-the-film/articleshow/99428133.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413144344/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/madhavan-nayanthara-and-siddharth-starrer-test-goes-on-floors-makers-released-the-motion-poster-of-the-film/articleshow/99428133.cms |archive-date=13 April 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=Nayanthara, Madhavan and Siddharth team up for producer Sashikanth's debut directorial venture Test |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/nayanthara-madhavan-and-siddharth-team-up-for-producer-sashikanths-debut-directorial-venture-test-8552059/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601110804/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/nayanthara-madhavan-and-siddharth-team-up-for-producer-sashikanths-debut-directorial-venture-test-8552059/ |archive-date=1 June 2023 |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} The film was shot in two phases, taking place in both Chennai and Bengaluru.{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Justin |date=3 April 2025 |title='Test' Cinematographer Viraj Singh on Filming The Netflix Cricket Drama and Why Nayanthara is a 'Sharp' Actor |url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/features/interviews/test-cinematographer-viraj-singh-on-filming-netflix-cricket-drama-and-why-nayanthara-is-a-sharp-superstar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404070545/https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/features/interviews/test-cinematographer-viraj-singh-on-filming-netflix-cricket-drama-and-why-nayanthara-is-a-sharp-superstar |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter India |language=en}} The locations were chosen in the pre-production phase and had further marked the positions of the camera using the StudioBinder software and also choreographed the movements of the actors.

Since the film's story takes place in the test match, Sashikanth had planned to shoot the cricket sequences at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where the team had to wait nine months for approval from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The team received approval to shoot those sequences ten days before the Indian Premier League owing to pitch changes. Since Sashikanth wanted the match to look authentic, he and Viraj Singh Gohil researched on what worked and what did not in cricket-based films and spoke with Star Sports media unit on how those matches were being shot.{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=4 April 2025 |title=Viraj Singh reveals the nitty-gritty of shooting Nayanthara, Siddharth, R Madhavan's Test: 'Wanted it to look natural' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/viraj-singh-reveals-the-nitty-gritty-of-shooting-nayanthara-siddharth-r-madhavans-test-wanted-it-to-look-natural-101743676355229.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404070152/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/viraj-singh-reveals-the-nitty-gritty-of-shooting-nayanthara-siddharth-r-madhavans-test-wanted-it-to-look-natural-101743676355229.html |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=Hindustan Times}} Gohil used broadcast cameras for filming those matches and learnt about specific camera positions on how cricket matches are being filmed. Sashikanth used live sounds for the portions that were not shot in the ground.

By 17 June, Madhavan had completed filming his portions.{{Cite news |date=17 June 2023 |title=It's a wrap for R Madhavan's 'Test' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-r-madhavans-test/articleshow/101059205.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621085327/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-r-madhavans-test/articleshow/101059205.cms |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=2 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}} On 8 January, Nayanthara had completed filming her portions,{{Cite web |date=8 January 2024 |title=Pic: Nayanthara plays Kumudha in 'Test', gives a glimpse of her look |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nayanthara-plays-kumudha-in-test-gives-a-glimpse-of-her-look-2485696-2024-01-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118034728/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nayanthara-plays-kumudha-in-test-gives-a-glimpse-of-her-look-2485696-2024-01-08 |archive-date=18 January 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} and Jasmine did so later that month.{{Cite news |date=26 January 2024 |title=Meera Jasmine completes shooting for 'Test' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/meera-jasmine-completes-shooting-for-test-sports-drama/articleshow/107158773.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214233007/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/meera-jasmine-completes-shooting-for-test-sports-drama/articleshow/107158773.cms |archive-date=14 February 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}}{{Cite news |date=31 January 2024 |title=Madhavan, Nayanthara and Siddharth's 'The Test' concludes production |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/madhavan-nayanthara-and-siddharths-the-test-concludes-production/article67796454.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204142527/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/madhavan-nayanthara-and-siddharths-the-test-concludes-production/article67796454.ece |archive-date=4 February 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |agency=PTI}} Principal photography wrapped on 31 January.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2024 |title=It's A Wrap For Nayanthara, R Madhavan And Siddharth's The Test |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/its-a-wrap-for-nayanthara-r-madhavan-and-siddharths-the-test-8763141.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203031047/https://www.news18.com/movies/its-a-wrap-for-nayanthara-r-madhavan-and-siddharths-the-test-8763141.html |archive-date=3 February 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2 February 2024 |title=Shoot completed for sports drama 'Test' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2024/Feb/02/shoot-completed-for-sports-drama-test |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102419/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2024/Feb/02/shoot-completed-for-sports-drama-test |archive-date=24 February 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}

The post-production process began on early February, shortly after filming wrapped. OK Vijay serves as the visual effects supervisor, and sound design would be handled by Kunal Rajan and M. R. Rajakrishnan whereas Siddharth Sadashiv served as the sync sound recordist.

{{Main|Test (soundtrack)}}

The film's music is composed by playback singer Shakthisree Gopalan in her debut as music composer.{{Cite news |date=4 May 2023 |title=Shakthisree Gopalan turns music director for Madhavan & Siddharth's 'Test' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shakthisree-gopalan-turns-music-director-for-madhavan-siddharths-test/articleshow/99991926.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508002134/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shakthisree-gopalan-turns-music-director-for-madhavan-siddharths-test/articleshow/99991926.cms |archive-date=8 May 2023 |access-date=2 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}} The first single "Arena" was released on 10 March 2025.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Akshay |date=10 March 2025 |title=Test first single 'Arena' out now |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/10/test-first-single-arena-out-now |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250313194107/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/10/test-first-single-arena-out-now |archive-date=13 March 2025 |access-date=13 March 2025 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} The second single titled "Hope" was released on 20 March.{{Cite web |last=Mullappilly |first=Sreejith |date=20 March 2025 |title=Test second single 'Hope' is a soulful melody |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/20/test-second-single-hope-is-a-soulful-melody |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250320193241/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/20/test-second-single-hope-is-a-soulful-melody |archive-date=20 March 2025 |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} The album featuring six songs was released under the YNOT Music label on 25 March.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=TEST (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/test-soundtrack-from-the-netflix-film-original-motion/1804269391 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420122213/https://music.apple.com/in/album/test-soundtrack-from-the-netflix-film-original-motion/1804269391 |archive-date=20 April 2025 |access-date=20 April 2025 |website=Apple Music}}{{Cite tweet |number=1905198337038704712 |user=StudiosYNot |title=#TEST - Album Out Now ! Jukebox : https://youtu.be/5xNhvNmHpss Other Languages & Audio Streams : https://li.sten.to/testalbum Music @ShakthisreeG |author=Y Not Studios |author-link=YNOT Studios |date=27 March 2025 |access-date=20 April 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250420122304/https://x.com/StudiosYNot/status/1905198337038704712 |archive-date=20 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

The film's teaser trailer was launched on 3 February 2025.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Akshay |date=3 February 2025 |title=Test Teaser: Siddharth, Nayanthara and Madhavan star in a game of endurance |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Feb/03/test-teaser-siddharth-nayanthara-and-madhavan-star-in-a-game-of-endurance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250205064040/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Feb/03/test-teaser-siddharth-nayanthara-and-madhavan-star-in-a-game-of-endurance |archive-date=5 February 2025 |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} On 13 March 2025, cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin released the teaser of Siddharth's character via his social media platforms.{{Cite web |date=13 March 2025 |title=Siddharth plays a driven 'soldier' in cricket-based film Test; former cricketer R Ashwin launches glimpse |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/siddharth-plays-a-driven-soldier-in-cricket-based-film-test-former-cricketer-r-ashwin-launches-glimpse-9884884/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313143438/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/siddharth-plays-a-driven-soldier-in-cricket-based-film-test-former-cricketer-r-ashwin-launches-glimpse-9884884/ |archive-date=13 March 2025 |access-date=13 March 2025 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=13 March 2025 |title=R Ashwin gives a shout out to Siddharth over his performance as cricketer in 'Test' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/r-ashwin-gives-a-shout-out-to-siddharth-over-his-performance-as-cricketer-in-test/articleshow/118979041.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313143544/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/r-ashwin-gives-a-shout-out-to-siddharth-over-his-performance-as-cricketer-in-test/articleshow/118979041.cms |archive-date=13 March 2025 |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Times of India}} Nayanthara and Madhavan's character teasers were released the following days.{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=14 March 2025 |title=Test OTT release: Nayanthara as Kumudha is a woman of resilience {{!}} Watch teaser |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/test-ott-release-nayanthara-as-kumudha-is-a-woman-of-resilience-watch-teaser/0cf4801969580 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315141140/https://www.ottplay.com/news/test-ott-release-nayanthara-as-kumudha-is-a-woman-of-resilience-watch-teaser/0cf4801969580 |archive-date=15 March 2025 |access-date=15 March 2025 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=15 March 2025 |title=Test OTT release: R Madhavan is a struggling scientist in this film co-starring Siddharth, Nayanthara |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/test-ott-release-r-madhavan-is-a-struggling-scientist-in-this-film-co-starring-siddharth-nayanthara/c29a26b07858 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315144537/https://www.ottplay.com/news/test-ott-release-r-madhavan-is-a-struggling-scientist-in-this-film-co-starring-siddharth-nayanthara/c29a26b07858 |archive-date=15 March 2025 |access-date=15 March 2025 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} As a part of promotions, a lenticular billboard that featured two posters were installed at the Marina Beach road in Chennai.{{Cite Instagram |postid=DHfy-QlSxtz |user=netflix_in |title=Chennai, it's almost game time. Your TEST is coming soon 🔥Watch TEST, out 4 April in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, only on Netflix! |author=Netflix India |author-link=Netflix |date=22 March 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250404072435/https://www.instagram.com/p/DHfy-QlSxtz/ |archive-date=4 April 2025 |url-status=live}} The film's trailer was launched on 25 March 2025.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=Test trailer: Nayanthara, R Madhavan, and Siddharth make tough choices for their dreams. Watch |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/test-trailer-nayanthara-r-madhavan-and-siddharth-make-tough-choices-for-their-dreams-watch-9905588/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401145654/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/test-trailer-nayanthara-r-madhavan-and-siddharth-make-tough-choices-for-their-dreams-watch-9905588/ |archive-date=1 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=Test Trailer: Nayanthara, Madhavan, Siddharth's Tryst With Dreams And Aspirations |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/test-trailer-nayanthara-madhavan-siddharths-tryst-with-dreams-and-aspirations-8013317 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330011028/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/test-trailer-nayanthara-madhavan-siddharths-tryst-with-dreams-and-aspirations-8013317 |archive-date=30 March 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=NDTV |language=en}}

In October 2024, it was reported that the film would have a direct-to-streaming release via Netflix, bypassing theatrical release.{{Cite news |date=4 October 2024 |title=Nayanthara's 'Test' to directly premiere on OTT |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/nayantharas-test-to-directly-premiere-on-ott/articleshow/113929936.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081745/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/nayantharas-test-to-directly-premiere-on-ott/articleshow/113929936.cms |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}} This was confirmed in early-February, after Netflix announced their slate of original programming and films for the year, with Test being one of them.{{Cite news |date=3 February 2025 |title=Netflix India's 2025 slate: Aryan Khan's 'The Bad***s of Bollywood, 'Saif Ali Khan's 'Jewel Thief', Madhavan's 'Aap Jaisa Koi' and more |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/netflix-indias-2025-slate-aryan-khans-the-bads-of-bollywood-saif-ali-khans-jewel-thief-madhavans-aap-jaisa-koi-and-more/article69177480.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226143903/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/netflix-indias-2025-slate-aryan-khans-the-bads-of-bollywood-saif-ali-khans-jewel-thief-madhavans-aap-jaisa-koi-and-more/article69177480.ece |archive-date=26 February 2025 |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en-}}{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=Netflix India 2025 Line-Up: Among More, Shah Rukh Khan And Saif Ali Khan's Sons' Debut Shows |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/netflix-india-2025-slate-aryan-ibrahim-khans-debut-projects-next-season-of-kohrra-announced-7627140 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313142731/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/netflix-india-2025-slate-aryan-ibrahim-khans-debut-projects-next-season-of-kohrra-announced-7627140 |archive-date=13 March 2025 |access-date=13 March 2025 |website=NDTV |language=en |agency=Press Trust of India}} The film premiered on 4 April 2025, with dubbed versions in Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu.{{Cite web |last=S |first=Ashwin |date=13 March 2025 |title=Siddharth as Arjun faces the impact of his choices in Netflix's Test |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/13/siddharth-as-arjun-faces-the-impact-of-his-choices-in-netflixs-test |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250314113628/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/13/siddharth-as-arjun-faces-the-impact-of-his-choices-in-netflixs-test |archive-date=14 March 2025 |access-date=14 March 2025 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=B |first=Jayabhuvaneshwari |date=6 March 2025 |title=Madhavan, Siddharth, and Nayanthara's Test gets Netflix premiere date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/06/madhavan-siddharth-and-nayantharas-test-gets-netflix-premiere-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306142149/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/06/madhavan-siddharth-and-nayantharas-test-gets-netflix-premiere-date |archive-date=6 March 2025 |access-date=6 March 2025 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}

While speaking on the direct-to-streaming release, Sashikanth said that he had no negative connotations with this move, adding that a film should find its audience at several means. Sashikanth said he initially planned for a theatrical release, but when he had an opportunity to send the first cut to Netflix, the streaming service's content team saw its viability of being a global product, and it would reach a wider audience upon release, which he saw it a no-brainer and took the decision to release on a streaming service. Monika Shergill, vice-president of content, Netflix India, stated that she felt amazed to see a film that explored characters and their values and ethics, over plot.

Sonal Pandya of Times Now gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Test is a lengthy but intriguing thriller focused on a couple backed into the tightest corner [...] What the film needed more of, especially in the second half, was the tension of the walls closing in on these individuals. At certain portions, it feels as if they existed in their own bubbles while things descended into chaos outside. Test doesn't utilise the sports background effectively."{{Cite web |last=Pandya |first=Sonal |date=4 April 2025 |title=Test Movie Review: R Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth Are Remarkable In Thriller That Needed To Amp Up Tension |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/test-movie-review-r-madhavan-nayanthara-siddharth-are-remarkable-in-thriller-that-needed-to-amp-up-tension-review-151345990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250405110147/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/test-movie-review-r-madhavan-nayanthara-siddharth-are-remarkable-in-thriller-that-needed-to-amp-up-tension-review-151345990 |archive-date=5 April 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025 |website=Times Now |language=en}} Goutham S of Pinkvilla gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Test is a commendable attempt at blending drama and thriller within the sports realm. The film, which explores three different struggles, manages to keep us engaged at certain points, though it doesn't quite maintain momentum throughout."{{Cite web |last=S |first=Goutham |date=4 April 2025 |title=Test Movie Review: R Madhavan and Nayanthara lead a gripping game of greed, but the rest just tests your patience |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/test-movie-review-r-madhavan-and-nayanthara-lead-a-gripping-game-of-greed-but-the-rest-just-tests-your-patience-1380685 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405105603/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/test-movie-review-r-madhavan-and-nayanthara-lead-a-gripping-game-of-greed-but-the-rest-just-tests-your-patience-1380685 |archive-date=5 April 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}} Janani K of India Today gave 2/5 stars and praised the lead cast performances, music, cinematography and editing, saying the film "aims to bring forth the changing stances of a human being during a crisis. While the idea sounds interesting, it hardly translates to the big screen".{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=4 April 2025 |title=Test review: Madhavan, Nayanthara and Siddharth hit sixes, but don't win the match |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/test-review-madhavan-nayanthara-and-siddharth-hit-sixes-but-dont-win-the-match-2703901-2025-04-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404120407/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/test-review-madhavan-nayanthara-and-siddharth-hit-sixes-but-dont-win-the-match-2703901-2025-04-04 |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=India Today |language=en}} Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times also praised these aspects and the premise, but said the "story, sadly, doesn't do justice to them".{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=4 April 2025 |title=Test movie review: R Madhavan, Siddharth and Nayanthara are match-winners but the story fails to clear the ropes |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/test-movie-review-r-madhavan-siddharth-and-nayanthara-are-match-winners-but-the-story-fails-to-clear-the-ropes-101743757672414.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404120749/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/test-movie-review-r-madhavan-siddharth-and-nayanthara-are-match-winners-but-the-story-fails-to-clear-the-ropes-101743757672414.html |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=Hindustan Times}} Vishal Menon of The Hollywood Reporter India said the film "gives us a set of fascinating characters, but deserved better writing".{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vishal |date=4 April 2025 |title='Test' Movie Review: Complex Characters Get Benched In This Middling Drama |url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/streaming/test-movie-review-complex-characters-get-benched-in-this-middling-drama |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250405112141/https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/streaming/test-movie-review-complex-characters-get-benched-in-this-middling-drama |archive-date=5 April 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter India |language=en}}

Hardika Gupta of the NDTV gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Test ultimately reflects its titular sporting format – lengthy, occasionally rewarding, but lacking the consistent dynamism needed to sustain interest across its duration. Sashikanth's direction shows promise in individual moments, particularly in his approach to scene transitions and visual storytelling, but the overall execution falls short of the ambition evident in the premise."{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Hardika |date=5 April 2025 |title=Test Review: R Madhavan And Nayanthara's Film Ultimately Fails Its Own Examination |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/test-review-r-madhavan-and-nayantharas-film-ultimately-fails-its-own-examination-2-stars-8092092 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405104430/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/test-review-r-madhavan-and-nayantharas-film-ultimately-fails-its-own-examination-2-stars-8092092 |archive-date=5 April 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025 |website=NDTV |language=en}} Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "Sashikanth's directorial debut is a competent showcase of his abilities as a director. At a time when films largely rely on curveballs and subversions to keep the audiences gripped, Test refuses to become a T20 and prioritises character over plot."{{Cite news |last=Chandar |first=Bhuvanesh |date=4 April 2025 |title='Test' movie review: Great character writing turns the match around for this predictable screenplay |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/test-movie-review-madhavan-nayanthara-siddharth-meera-jasmine-sashikanth/article69411780.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405105143/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/test-movie-review-madhavan-nayanthara-siddharth-meera-jasmine-sashikanth/article69411780.ece |archive-date=5 April 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en}} Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in wrote, "Test takes its title very seriously. S Sashikanth's Tamil film, co-written with Suman Kumar, piles on the woes for its lead characters and everyone else who has the misfortune of being associated with them".{{Cite web |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=4 April 2025 |title='Test' review: Testing times for the film's characters and viewers |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1080979/test-review-testing-times-for-the-films-characters-and-viewers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404154644/https://scroll.in/reel/1080979/test-review-testing-times-for-the-films-characters-and-viewers |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=Scroll.in |language=en}} Sudhir Srinivasan of Cinema Express rated the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "Test explores ambition, obsession, and morality—but in its struggle to create emotional intimacy, it leaves us at a distance. This is a film rich in ideas, but curiously hollow in feeling".{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=4 April 2025 |title=Test Movie Review: A strangely hollow game |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2025/Apr/04/test-movie-review-a-strangely-hollow-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405111118/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2025/Apr/04/test-movie-review-a-strangely-hollow-game |archive-date=5 April 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}

{{noteslist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{IMDb title}}
• {{Netflix title}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{YNOT Studios}}

Category:2020s direct-to-video films

Category:2020s Indian films

Category:2020s sports films

Category:2020s Tamil-language films

Category:2025 directorial debut films

Category:2025 films

Category:2025 thriller films

Category:Films about cricket in India

Category:Indian direct-to-video films

Category:Indian sports films

Category:Indian thriller films

Category:Netflix original films

Category:Tamil-language Indian films

Category:Tamil-language sports films

Category:Tamil-language thriller films

{{Improve categories|date=February 2025}}