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Aavi Kumar
Aavi Kumar
Aavi Kumar
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Aavi Kumar
Directed byK. Kandeepan
Written byThai Muthu Selvan
Produced bySridhar Narayanan
S. Sivasaravanan
StarringUdhaya
Kanika Tiwari
Nassar
CinematographyRajesh K. Narayanan
Edited byAnil Malnad
Music byVijay Antony
Srikanth Deva
Production
companies
Action Take Movies
Volmart Films
Release date
  • 24 July 2015 (2015-07-24)
Running time
122 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Aavi Kumar (transl. Spirit Kumar) is a 2015 Indian Tamil horror comedy film directed by Kandeepan. The film stars Udhaya and Kanika Tiwari in the lead roles while Nassar, Jagan and Manobala among others form an ensemble cast. This movie is an unofficial remake of Mohanlal starrer Vismayathumbathu (2004). Music for the film was composed by Vijay Antony and Srikanth Deva and the film opened to negative reviews in July 2015.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Choreographer Chinni Prakash recommended that the team sign on Kanika Tiwari for the lead role, after she had made her acting debut in the Hindi film, Agneepath (2012) as Hrithik Roshan's sister.[1] Vijay Antony was signed on as music composer, and suggested the title for the film. His busy schedules meant that Srikanth Deva was later brought in to finish the film's score and soundtrack. Shooting for the film began in Malaysia during December 2012, with a first loom poster released on the day. The film progressed throughout April 2013, with Udhaya balancing his shoot alongside his commitments as an actor in his brother's film, Thalaivaa (2013). The team shot in Malaysia for 45 days, before returning to Chennai finish portions.[2]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The music composed by Vijay Antony and Srikanth Deva.

No. Song Singers Lyrics Music
1 "Idhayam Nagaruthe" Santhosh, Manasi Na. Muthukumar Vijay Antony
2 "Poo Poo Veliye Poo" Andrea Jeremiah
3 "Vaa Vaa Tamizh Paiyya" Kavitha Srikanth Deva
4 "Vaa Vaa Uyire Vaa" Vijay Antony Vijay Antony

Release

[edit]

The film opened in July 2015 to mixed reviews from critics. A reviewer from the Deccan Chronicle noted "the plot is new and interesting", while the "film had all the potential to turn out to be an engaging thriller, had the director infused some twists and turns instead of narrating it flat".[3] Likewise, the critic from the The Times of India noted "in the right hands, this could have been an engaging mystery that thrilled us with every revelation", but "what we get is a tonally deaf film which goes about narrating the plot points in a bland and clichéd fashion".[4][5]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Aavi Kumar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Aavi Kumar is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language horror comedy film directed by K. Kandeepan. It is an unofficial remake of the 2004 Malayalam film Vismayathumbathu. The story centers on Kumar, a medium with the ability to communicate with spirits, who hosts a television reality show titled Aavi Kumar and becomes entangled in a murder investigation after informing a skeptical police officer that the wrong person has been accused. Starring Udhaya in the lead role as Kumar, alongside Kanika Tiwari, the film was produced by N. Sridhar and S. Sivasaravanan under the Action Take Movies banner. The music was composed by Vijay Antony and Srikanth Deva, featuring songs like "Po Po Veliye Po" and "Vaa Vaa Tamil Paiyaa." Released on July 24, 2015, in , the film blends elements with comedic undertones, exploring themes of the and through Kumar's encounters. Supporting cast includes notable actors such as Jagan and Nassar, adding depth to the ensemble. Despite its intriguing premise involving communications and a reality TV format, the movie received mixed reviews for its execution, with critics noting strengths in the concept but weaknesses in pacing and humor. As a low-budget production, Aavi Kumar represents a niche entry in Tamil cinema's horror-comedy , appealing to audiences interested in thrillers with lighthearted twists.

Synopsis

Plot

Aavi Kumar centers on its titular protagonist, a medium named who hosts a popular television reality show titled Aavi Kumar, where he communicates with spirits to connect the living with their deceased loved ones and resolve lingering issues. The story escalates when Kumar travels to for the show's 200th episode special and, during a , boldly accuses a skeptical senior , Mahendran, of having arrested the wrong suspect in the of a prominent doctor. Kumar asserts, based on his spirit communication, that the true perpetrator is someone outside the police's current investigation, thereby alerting the actual killers and thrusting himself into immediate peril as they begin pursuing him. Upon relocating to a new in to evade threats, Kumar encounters Abhirami, an amnesiac spirit inhabiting the premises who firmly believes she is still alive and unaware of her own death; the building's residents, however, insist she perished years earlier. Drawn to her plight, Kumar develops romantic feelings for Abhirami and commits to aiding her in piecing together her fragmented memories and uncovering the truth behind her demise, which involves eerie interactions and revelations tied to a broader . As Kumar delves deeper into Abhirami's backstory, he uncovers links between her situation and the doctor's murder case, originally sparked by Mahendran's challenge, leading to a series of tense ghostly encounters, high-stakes chases by the implicated criminals, and humorous mishaps arising from Kumar's interactions with bumbling assistants and the persistently antagonistic officer. These elements blend horror with , as Kumar navigates spirit possessions, comedic double entendres in tense situations, and pursuits while evading danger. The narrative culminates in a chaotic hospital confrontation where the intertwined mysteries converge, allowing Kumar to leverage his abilities more assertively than before, ultimately resolving the murder investigation, exposing the scam's perpetrators, and facilitating closure for Abhirami—marking his personal evolution from a showman reliant on spectacle to a more resolute user of his gifts for justice. The film's plot draws parallels to the 2004 Malayalam Vismayathumbathu, particularly in adapted sequences of intimate spirit communication with an amnesiac female entity who denies her altered state and the ongoing antagonism between the medium and a doubting figure, which heighten the central investigations.

Themes and style

Aavi Kumar explores themes of versus belief in the , exemplified by the conflict between the protagonist, a spirit medium, and a disbelieving who challenges the medium's claims about a case. The film also addresses the role of media in sensationalizing the through the medium's hosting of a television reality show focused on communicating with souls. Redemption through spiritual insight emerges as the ghost character uncovers her forgotten past with the medium's assistance, resolving underlying mysteries. Stylistically, the film fuses with horror elements, incorporating double entendres and comedic supporting characters alongside jump scares and depicting ghostly apparitions. It offers a satirical perspective on television reality shows by portraying the medium's program as a platform for interactions, poking fun at their dramatic presentations. Drawing from Tamil cultural beliefs in spirits, known as aavi, the narrative subverts traditional of restless souls by infusing humorous, non-threatening encounters rather than pure terror. As an unofficial adaptation of the film Vismayathumbathu (2004), Aavi Kumar shifts the original's dramatic tone toward heightened , emphasizing lighthearted subversions over intense suspense.

Cast and crew

Principal cast

Udhaya plays the titular role of , a gifted medium who hosts a reality show titled Aavi Kumar, where he facilitates communication between the living and the spirits of the deceased. His character drives the narrative by using his abilities to intervene in a investigation, publicly challenging authorities and embarking on a quest that blends horror and elements. Udhaya, the brother of director , had debuted in lead roles in the early but faced a series of commercial disappointments, prompting a shift toward more character-driven performances in subsequent projects before returning to a prominent lead in this film. Kanika Tiwari portrays Abhirami, the female lead who appears as a persistent haunting an , initially denying her own and forming an alliance with that evolves into a central dynamic blending and supernatural intrigue. This marked Tiwari's debut in , following her earlier supporting role in the Bollywood film Agneepath (2012) and a transition from modeling assignments in South Indian fashion circuits. Nassar embodies the skeptical cop, a cynical serving as an antagonistic authority figure who arrests the wrong suspect and clashes with Kumar's claims, heightening the film's tension through his authoritative demeanor. Known for his extensive portfolio of over 500 films across Tamil, Telugu, and other South Indian industries, Nassar has built a for nuanced negative roles, often portraying complex villains or authoritative antagonists that add depth to confrontational narratives.

Supporting cast

In Aavi Kumar, Jagan portrays Kumar's friend, a comedic who provides humor through witty banter and double entendres, particularly in the film's later sequences where he attempts to lighten the tension. Known for his supporting comedic roles in , Jagan's performance draws on his established reputation as a , enhancing the film's humorous undertones amid the horror elements. Manobala appears as the doctor, a quirky minor antagonist whose eccentric demeanor contributes to the satirical portrayal of skeptical figures in the story. His role adds levity through comedic interactions, aligning with his career spanning over 700 films where he excelled in versatile character parts, often infusing scenes with subtle and humor in . The ensemble supporting cast includes as Kumar's uncle, who offers plot support by highlighting the protagonist's personal struggles, such as difficulties in finding a match due to his profession as a medium. Ramdoss and play a childless couple whose brief involvement in the narrative bolsters the comedy, providing additional in the final act through their desperate quest for help. Other minor roles, such as TV crew members and apparitions, further amplify the film's blend of horror and humor by populating the medium's investigative world with fleeting, exaggerated encounters.

Production team

The of Aavi Kumar was handled by Rajesh K. Narayanan, who employed visual techniques to convey the film's horror elements while highlighting the locations where much of the production took place. His camera work effectively captured the scenic, lesser-known aspects of Malaysia, diverging from conventional tourist imagery like the Twin Towers to emphasize natural beauty and atmospheric tension suitable for the horror-comedy genre. Editing duties fell to Anil Malnad, who shaped the pacing of the comedy-horror sequences to balance the film's dual tones and reduced the overall runtime to 122 minutes for tighter narrative flow. The art direction, supported by other production crew, focused on set designs for the central studio sequences and the eerie haunted environments, creating immersive spaces that amplified the and comedic elements without overshadowing the story.

Production

Development

The development of Aavi Kumar originated from director K. Kandeepan's decision to create an unofficial adaptation of the 2004 Malayalam film Vismayathumbathu, infusing the supernatural thriller with heightened comedy elements to appeal to Tamil audiences. Kandeepan envisioned the story around a spirit medium protagonist, drawing partial inspiration from real-life figure Aavi Amudha, while emphasizing a lighthearted horror-comedy tone to differentiate it from the original's more serious narrative. The screenplay was penned by Thai Muthu Selvan, who focused on the core premise of a character able to communicate with spirits, building a script that blended supernatural encounters with humorous situations centered on the protagonist's abilities. The project was first announced in early 2013, marking a key step in pre-production planning. Producers Sridhar Narayanan and S. Sivasaravanan collaborated under the banners of Action Take Movies and Volmart Films, prioritizing a low-budget approach to produce a cost-effective horror-comedy that could attract family viewers without high financial risks. This partnership allowed for efficient resource allocation, with the film positioned as a modest venture amid challenges in securing theater slots for smaller productions. Casting began with Udhaya in the lead role, selected following a period of career challenges marked by box-office underperformers like Shakalaka Baby and stalled projects, as he sought to revive his standing through a fresh, comedic character. For the female lead, Kanika Tiwari was chosen on the recommendation of choreographer Chinni Prakash, bringing her experience from a modeling background in Bhopal and her earlier Bollywood role in Agneepath.

Filming

Principal photography for Aavi Kumar commenced in December 2012 in , where the crew shot for 45 days, primarily capturing outdoor scenes and sequences set in . The production team selected specific sites in to provide exotic backdrops for the film's elements, enhancing the atmospheric tension of the horror-comedy narrative. Following the international schedule, filming wrapped up with interior shots in studios, focusing on segments depicting the in-film TV show. Logistics for the entire production, including travel and on-site coordination across locations, were managed by Action Take Movies.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Aavi Kumar features four songs composed by and . "Po Po Veliye Po" is sung by Aandriya (credited as ), with lyrics by , and runs for 4:49. "Vaa Vaa Tamizh Paiyya" (stylized as "Vaa Vaa Tamil Paiyaa") is sung by Kavitha, with lyrics by , lasting 3:58. "Idhayam Nagaruthe" is a duet performed by Santhosh and , with lyrics by , clocking in at 4:09. "Vaa Vaa Uyire Vaa" is sung by , with lyrics by , at 4:32.

Composition and recording

The music for Aavi Kumar was composed by and , with Antony handling the primary songs and background score while Deva contributed additional tracks. The soundtrack, featuring four songs with a total runtime of 17:28, was released on May 8, 2015, ahead of the film's theatrical debut.

Release and distribution

Theatrical release

Aavi Kumar was theatrically released on 24 July 2015 in theaters across , . The film received a U/A certification from the and has a runtime of 122 minutes. Distribution was managed by Volmart Films, a local entity that secured a limited number of screens owing to the production's modest budget. Promotional trailers debuted in May 2015, building anticipation ahead of the rollout. No major premieres or festival screenings were held for the film. Marketing strategies featured tie-ins with television channels, capitalizing on the story's central premise of a reality show where the protagonist interacts with spirits, complemented by posters that underscored the horror-comedy blend.

Home media and availability

Following its 2015 theatrical release, Aavi Kumar had no documented physical home media distribution, such as DVD or Blu-ray editions. The film became widely accessible via digital streaming shortly after, with full movie uploads appearing on as early as December 2015, enabling free viewing globally. It is also available for streaming on , complete with English subtitles, catering to both domestic and international Tamil-speaking audiences. Additional platforms include , though no major OTT services like or have acquired rights as of November 2025. The soundtrack, composed by and , is readily available on , featuring tracks like "Idhayam Nagaruthe" and "Vaa Vaa Uyire Vaa." By November 2025, free streaming options on and ad-supported platforms like dominate access to the film, reflecting its age and lack of recent re-releases or international beyond basic subtitles for markets.

Reception

Critical response

The to Aavi Kumar was mixed to negative, with reviewers highlighting its promising premise undermined by lackluster execution. awarded it 1.5 out of 5 stars, criticizing the film's bland and clichéd narration that fails to deliver engaging revelations despite an interesting setup involving a medium exposing a . Similarly, the gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars, noting that the director's flat storytelling squandered the potential for an engaging thriller by omitting necessary twists and turns. On , the film holds a 5.9 out of 10 rating based on just 10 user votes, reflecting its limited visibility and audience engagement. Critics praised certain performances and elements, such as Udhaya's mature portrayal of the titular medium, including his handling of stunt sequences, and Nasser's credible extended cameo as the skeptical cop. The humor derived from the TV show , where the protagonist anchors a ghost-communicating program, provided occasional light moments, though much of the comedy was marred by irritating double entendres from supporting actors like Jagan. However, common complaints centered on the lack of scares, weak plot progression, and poor pacing, with the story feeling derivative and uninspired as a horror-comedy remake lacking innovation. Audience feedback echoed the critics' sentiments, with sparse online discussions indicating low engagement and minimal lasting impact for the 2015 release.

Box office performance

Aavi Kumar received a in July 2015, primarily in . The film's commercial performance was underwhelming, hampered by negative word-of-mouth and competition from other high-profile Tamil releases that year. It saw no notable international and negligible long-term revenue from ancillary markets.

References

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/aavi-kumar/movie-review/48211639.cms
  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/previews/aavi-kumar/articleshow/18860135.cms
  3. https://music.apple.com/us/album/aavi-kumar-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/993335367
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15195918/
  5. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6eYJImIZdQ4UBr4FNx73GxmWSzzujZ8u
  6. https://letterboxd.com/film/aavi-kumar/
  7. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150725/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-aavi-kumar-film-had-potential-turn-out-be
  8. https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/12310/tamil/aavi-kumar/5149/review/
  9. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2015/Jul/25/a-bland-screenplay-with-a-messy-climax-791302.html
  10. https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Aavi_Kumar
  11. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2015/Apr/22/never-asked-bro-for-help-745492.html
  12. https://www.news18.com/news/india/kanika-tiwari-of-agneepath-bags-lead-role-in-tamil-film-528186.html
  13. https://www.ragalahari.com/stars/profile/4767/kanika-tiwari.aspx
  14. https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/greys-to-black-the-many-villain-roles-of-nassar
  15. https://www.chaibisket.com/blogs/blog/nassar-actor
  16. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/478543-manobala?language=en-US
  17. https://www.cinelyze.in/view/movie.php?movie_id=1280
  18. https://www.moviebuff.com/aavikumar
  19. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150722/entertainment-kollywood/article/dont-want-ask-vijay-help-udhaya
  20. https://hashreview.com/AaviKumar/images
  21. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4856683/
  22. https://www.amazon.com/Kumar-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B00XATU4DG
  23. https://www.tamilmdb.com/movie/5820/2015-aavi-kumar
  24. https://www.valaitamil.com/movies/aavi-kumar_tamil-movie_5819.html
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go0iRwSW7EE
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZtiBPPKF9A
  27. https://www.justdial.com/streaming/watch-movies-online/Aavi-Kumar/1533691248697
  28. https://www.binged.com/streaming-premiere-dates/aavi-kumar-tamil-movie-streaming-online-watch-on-yupp-tv/
  29. https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/movies/aavi-kumar/ott.html
  30. https://open.spotify.com/album/3nlS1bKeZ5K1GarTwuCEzm
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