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Alex Pandian
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySuraj
Written bySuraj
Produced byK. E. Gnanavel Raja
StarringKarthi
Anushka Shetty
Santhanam
Milind Soman
Suman
CinematographyS. Saravanan
Edited byPraveen K. L.
N. B. Srikanth
Music byDevi Sri Prasad
Production
company
Release date
  • 11 January 2013 (2013-01-11)
Running time
162 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Alex Pandian is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film[1] written and directed by Suraj and produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja. The film features Karthi as the titular character along with Anushka Shetty, while Santhanam, Milind Soman and Suman, among others, play supporting roles. The music was composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The film released on 11 January 2013 to negative reviews from critics.

Plot

[edit]

The film starts with Alex Pandian and Divya jumping off a train in an attempt to escape the goons who are seeking to kill them. Three days later, Alex enters Kaalayan's house. Alex's playful attitude and closeness with Kaalayan's three sisters irritates him, and he makes many attempts to evict Alex from his house, but it only makes the bond between Alex and the sisters stronger. Alex also comes into conflict and shaves the head of a local goon, whose brother Parthiban swears revenge on him, but later, it is revealed that like the movie Paruthiveeran, Alex and Parthiban are old friends, and they come to terms. Meanwhile, Divya is receiving treatment, chemist Alvin Martin and corrupt doctor GKM are in search of the two. Upon finding Alex and Divya, the goons chase them. Kaalayan demands to know who Divya is. Divya happens to be the daughter of the Chief Minister. Alex, a local thief, is asked to kidnap Divya for three days so that the CM would sign the papers which would allow Alvin and GKM to distribute fake medicines with devastating side effects. Alex brings her and keeps her as a hostage in a forest. On the third day, as Alex is driving back, Divya explains the reason for why she was asked to be kidnapped and thus requests him to take her back to her father. Alex decides to save Divya. The film shifts back to the present and by now, Divya has fallen in love with Alex. As fate would have it, the goons arrive at their hiding place. The film ends with Alex killing the villains and uniting with Divya.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

In March 2011, the film was titled as Alex Pandiyan named after Rajinikanth's character from Moondru Mugam.[2] Karthi described Alex Pandian as a masala film since, like other films in the genre, it was a mixture of "entertainment, action and comedy".[3]

Casting

[edit]

In April 2011, it was announced that the film would be shot and readied for an August 2011 release.[4] Anushka Shetty was signed on to play the leading female role in the film, after delivering consecutive box office successes with Singam, Vaanam and Deiva Thirumagal. Bhavana was approached to play the second heroine in the film but turned the offer stating that the character offered was too glamorous.[citation needed] Subsequently, Nikita Thukral and Lakshmi Rai both claimed they had signed on to play the role, before Suraj later confirmed that Thukral had edged it.[5] Suraj revealed that Meghna would play another heroine – though conflicting reports had given the role to Meghna Naidu,[citation needed] Meghna Raj[6] and Meghna Nair of Siruthai fame.[citation needed] The role was later given to newcomer Akanksha Puri.[7] Sanusha was roped in for another leading female role in the film, while it was confirmed that Santhanam would play brother to the three girls apart from Anushka.[8] Milind Soman and Suman were selected to play negative roles,[9] while Prathap Pothen was selected for a pivotal role.[10]

Filming

[edit]

Shooting started on 11 November 2011 at Chalakudy, Kerala without a title.[citation needed] A palatial bungalow was erected inside the forest of Chalakudy area. Elephants and jumbos were passing through the way and disturbing the shoot therefore 20 security guards were appointed to protect the set.[citation needed] The second schedule was shot at Meenambakkam where a huge set was erected for Rs. 2.5 million.[citation needed] Gnanavel Raja alleged that Ameer Sultan had stalled the shooting of the film,[11][12] but he refuted the allegations.[citation needed] A song with Karthi and Anushka was shot in Chennai which is of a competition kind of song, another song which is folk was also shot with both of them with Anushka working without break.[citation needed] Shooting wrapped at Mysore.[citation needed] The stunt sequence on train with Karthi and Anushka with the supervision of Ganesh with six cameras under the expertise of cameraman Saravanan, a train was hired for 15 days for this daring sequence which ran for a length of 30 km from Mysore to Krishnarajasagar dam, A sum of around 20 million was spent on the stunt sequence with 50 stunt artistes flying in from Chennai for the shoot.[citation needed] Over 300 junior artistes were involved in the sequence apart from Milind Soman and Suman.[13]

Music

[edit]

The film's music was composed by Devi Sri Prasad.[14] The audio rights were secured by Gemini Audio. The album was released on 12 December 2012, Rajinikanth's birthday.[15][16]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Onnam Class"VaaliMukesh Mohamed, Priyadarshini3:54
2."Thakka Thaiyaa"VivekaKarthik5:07
3."Naalu Pakkam"VivekaDevi Sri Prasad, Anitha Karthikeyan4:39
4."Bad Boy"KarunakaranBaba Sehgal, Priya Himesh4:27
5."Rayya Rayya"Pa. VijayJaved Ali, Ranina Reddy4:04
Total length:22:11

Release

[edit]

Alex Pandian was initially scheduled to release on 12 January 2013,[17] but was advanced to the day before, 11 January.[18]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

Alex Pandian received mixed to negative reviews from critics.[19] A critic from Sify described it as a "potpourri of commercial mass masala not mixed in the right proportion", going on to conclude: "An old-fashioned entertainer that plays to the gallery, Alex Pandian is exaggerated and formulaic".[20] Pavithra Srinivasan from Rediff stated that the film was a "masala, cliche-ridden entertainer which fails miserably", calling it a "disaster", while giving it 1.5 stars out 5.[21] The Times of India gave it 2.5 out of 5 and wrote, "Alex Pandian, while not really a bad film or a badly-made one, often feels strictly functional. Yes, the comedy sequences work and save the film to an extent, but considering its minimal ambitions, a sense of deja vu and disappointment as you leave the theatre is inescapable".[22] The Hindu's reviewer Malathi Rangarajan wrote, "Karthi tries to infuse spirit and energy into the film with an ample dose of humour, but the story that's run of the mill and comedy that tires you after a point offer little help".[23] Deccan Chronicle wrote that the film "may fail to enthral even die-hard Karthi fans".[24]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Pandian

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alex Pandian is a Indian Tamil-language written and directed by Suraj. Produced by K. E. Gnanavelraja and under the banner, the film stars in the title role as a small-time thief alongside as the Chief Minister's daughter. It features supporting performances by Santhanam, , and Suman, with music composed by . The plot revolves around Alex Pandian, a petty criminal hired by a group of villains to kidnap Divya, the daughter of the , in order to coerce the approval of banned medicines. Upon discovering the sinister motives behind the kidnapping, Alex decides to protect Divya and thwart the antagonists' plans, leading to a series of comedic and action-packed sequences. Released on 11 January 2013, the film runs for 164 minutes and marks Suraj's directorial venture following his previous works in .

Plot and Characters

Plot

Alex Pandian is a small-time criminal who accepts a contract to kidnap Divya, the daughter of the , as part of a scheme orchestrated by a group of villains led by a doctor intent on blackmailing the into approving the distribution of banned medicines with severe side effects. Accompanied by his comedic Kaalayan, Alex abducts Divya from her college, but she quickly escapes, leading to a chaotic pursuit that culminates in them boarding a train where pursuing goons launch an attack; in the ensuing fight, Alex protects Divya, and the pair jumps off the moving train to evade capture. On the run from both , mobilized by the worried , and the villains' henchmen, Alex and Divya take refuge in various locations, where their initial antagonism evolves into a romance amid action-packed chases involving black-and-white Sumo vehicles and humorous escapades. During this time, Divya reveals the kidnapping's ulterior motive—to force her father to endorse the lethal counterfeit drugs—prompting Alex, initially motivated by greed, to shift his loyalties and vow to safeguard her from the conspirators. The narrative builds to a series of confrontations, including skirmishes with the goons and a pivotal revelation exposing the full extent of the fake medicine racket, which threatens on a massive scale. In the climactic showdown, single-handedly battles the villains, including Dr. GKM and , defeating them in an explosive fight sequence that underscores the film's action-comedy blend through over-the-top stunts and witty banter. Ultimately, Alex's heroism resolves the conspiracy, leading to the arrest of the antagonists and the Chief Minister's grateful acceptance of his daughter's relationship with her transformed protector, marking Alex's arc from opportunistic thief to selfless hero. The story integrates genre elements like high-energy pursuits and lighthearted romantic interludes, spanning the film's 164-minute runtime to deliver a fast-paced resolution.

Cast

The principal cast of Alex Pandian features in the lead role as the titular character, a small-time criminal who is opportunistic in his pursuits but reveals heroic traits during the central conflict. plays Divya, the Chief Minister's daughter and the film's female lead, depicted as a spunky character caught in the kidnapping plot. Santhanam portrays Kaalayan, serving as the comic sidekick whose witty one-liners and antics provide humorous relief amid the action sequences.
ActorCharacterRole Description
KarthiAlex PandianThe protagonist, a petty criminal hired for a high-stakes kidnapping who balances self-interest with bravery in high-octane stunts and confrontations.
Anushka ShettyDivyaThe Chief Minister's daughter, a resilient and outspoken young woman targeted in the central scheme.
SanthanamKaalayanComic relief character and ally to the lead, contributing slapstick humor and banter to lighten tense action moments.
Milind SomanAlvin MartinThe primary antagonist, a scheming figure orchestrating illicit operations with ruthless intent.
SumanDr. GKMA authoritative supporting role involved in the political and conspiratorial elements of the story.
Akanksha PuriSupporting sisterOne of the lively siblings in the comic subplot, marking her film debut in a vibrant ensemble part.
Additional supporting performers include Nikhita Thukral and as Kaalayan's sisters, adding energy to the family-oriented humor sequences, along with Prathap Pothen as the Chief Secretary. Karthi's performance notably draws inspiration from iconic action heroes, emphasizing his dual personas of rogue and protector within the narrative.

Production

Development

The development of Alex Pandian was spearheaded by director Suraj in collaboration with producer under the banner, marking another action-oriented project following Suraj's earlier successes in the genre. The film was conceived as a high-energy commercial entertainer, with Suraj penning the script to blend action sequences and comedic elements around a central narrative, paying homage to classic masala cinema traditions. The title Alex Pandian was finalized in early February 2012, inspired by Rajinikanth's iconic character from the 1982 film , a decision aimed at evoking nostalgic appeal for Tamil audiences while establishing the protagonist's rugged persona. The first look poster was released shortly thereafter on February 19, 2012, generating initial buzz for Karthi's lead role as a street-smart anti-hero. Pre-production efforts focused on script refinement and creative planning to ensure a fast-paced, audience-pleasing structure typical of Suraj's style, seen in films like Padikkadavan (2009) and Mappillai (2011). With an estimated budget of ₹35 allocated primarily to action choreography, star remuneration, and production setup, the project emphasized scalable commercial viability without delving into excessive experimental elements. Anushka Shetty's involvement as the female lead was confirmed during this phase, adding to the film's mass appeal.

Casting

The casting process for Alex Pandian commenced in early 2011, with director Suraj selecting Karthi for the title role of Alex Pandian, a small-time thief, aiming to capitalize on Karthi's rising status as an action hero following successes like Siruthai (2011). This choice was intended to anchor the film's high-octane narrative while allowing Karthi to showcase versatility in both comedic and intense sequences. Anushka Shetty was signed as the female lead in 2011 after negotiations, ultimately chosen over alternatives like Bhavana to portray the Chief Minister's daughter, with the pairing designed to leverage her established screen presence and chemistry potential alongside Karthi in a mass entertainer format. Santhanam joined early in the process for a prominent comedic supporting role as Kaalayan, bringing his signature humor to counterbalance the action-heavy plot and provide relief through his interactions with Karthi. By mid-2011, antagonists were locked in, including as the primary villain Alvin Martin—reprising a menacing archetype from his prior collaboration with in (2010)—and veteran actor Suman as Dr. GKM, adding gravitas to the ensemble of foes. Supporting roles, such as those played by , , , and Jagan, were finalized later that year to round out the diverse cast, emphasizing a mix of , romance, and conflict to suit the film's masala genre. The assembly faced minor hurdles, including rumors of production delays due to scheduling conflicts and legal disputes with , though director Suraj denied these claims, confirming that principal photography commenced on November 11, 2011, in without significant interruptions. Karthi's commitments to the project also impacted timelines for his subsequent films, contributing to a tight schedule ahead of the January 2013 release.

Filming

Principal photography for Alex Pandian commenced on 11 November 2011 in , , where a palatial bungalow set was constructed in a forested area for key sequences. The production faced challenges from local , as wild frequently passed through the location, disrupting shoots; to mitigate this, 20 guards were employed to ward off the animals. Opening scenes were filmed amid the scenic and nearby forests, capturing the film's initial action and introductory elements. Major portions of the film were shot in Hyderabad and , with additional schedules in , , , and to accommodate diverse action and comedic sequences. No significant foreign shoots were undertaken, keeping the production primarily within . The stunt sequences, including a high-risk fight on a moving train involving lead actors and , were choreographed by Ganesh Kumar and captured using six cameras for dynamic coverage. performed several demanding s himself, contributing to the film's intense action set-pieces built on custom sets. Filming progressed rapidly across these locations, with the schedule marking a key milestone before wrapping up in late August 2012.

Music and Release

Music

The soundtrack of Alex Pandian was composed by , a prominent Telugu music director known for energetic compositions in films like Mirchi and Gabbar Singh prior to this project. The album, released by Gemini Audio, consists of five tracks with a total runtime of 22 minutes and 11 seconds, blending upbeat rhythms suitable for a commercial action entertainer. The audio launch event took place on 12 December 2012 in , coinciding with Rajinikanth's birthday and attended by the film's cast including and . The lyrics were penned by a team of writers including Vaali, , , and , contributing to the songs' varied tones from romantic to comedic.
Track No.TitleSingersDurationDescription
1Onnam ClassMukesh, Priyadarshini3:55A high-energy introductory number with foot-tapping rhythms and playful hooks, setting a lively tone.
2Thakka Thayya, Karthi, Santhanam (dialogues)5:07Features traditional and percussion blended with heartfelt lyrics on relationships, creating an effective melodic and sentimental vibe.
3Naalu Pakkam, 4:39An intriguing track with a localized James Bond-inspired tune, highlighted by the composer's own energetic vocals and modern beats.
4Bad Boy, Priya Himesh4:28A peppy, high-octane rap-infused track with repetitive, fun hooks emphasizing the film's humorous elements.
5Rayya Rayya, 4:02A passable with enthusiastic vocals, delivering light-hearted fun through its upbeat and romantic undertones.
The album's recording incorporated Devi Sri Prasad's signature style, mixing folk percussion elements like with electronic beats to evoke a "masala" commercial feel, though specific studio details from Hyderabad were not publicly detailed. Pre-release reception was mixed, with critics praising the energetic and stress-relieving peppy tracks like "Thakka Thayya" for their catchy appeal but noting the overall lack of innovation, sticking to familiar templates. The standalone audio saw moderate chart performance on platforms like , buoyed by the launch hype, though exact sales figures were not disclosed.

Release

Alex Pandian had its worldwide theatrical debut on 11 January 2013 in Tamil, coinciding with the Pongal festival season. The film was also dubbed and released in Telugu as Bad Boy and in Hindi. It did not premiere at any major international film festivals. The distribution rights for were sold to Sayujyam Films for ₹1.10 , marking a significant pre-release deal for the region. Worldwide distribution was handled by the production banner , which managed the film's rollout across theaters. The film received a 'U' certificate from the , allowing for a family audience without restrictions. Promotional efforts included the launch of the ahead of the audio release event on 12 2012, which coincided with Rajinikanth's birthday and served as a key for building hype. Several posters highlighted lead actor Karthi's role as the titular character Alex Pandian, emphasizing the film's action-comedy elements. A musical night event on 31 2012 at YMCA Grounds in further engaged fans with live performances of the soundtrack. The release faced scheduling delays, originally planned for October 2012 but postponed due to lead actress Anushka Shetty's commitments on other projects. It ultimately clashed with other Pongal releases such as and , while Kamal Haasan's encountered controversies leading to its postponement from the festival to 25 January 2013.

Reception

Critical response

The critical reception to Alex Pandian was mixed to negative, with major outlets assigning it an average rating of around 2.5 out of 5, praising elements of comedy and action while decrying its reliance on outdated tropes and lack of originality. Rediff.com described the film as a "disaster," criticizing its "masala, cliché-ridden" structure filled with bland, repetitive scenes that fail to deliver engaging entertainment despite a capable cast. The Times of India rated it 2.5/5, noting that while it functions as a basic masala entertainer with some fitful humor and action, it lacks innovation and feels like a "strictly functional" one-time watch hampered by over-the-top stunts and a plot that serves merely as an excuse for songs and fights. Behindwoods echoed this sentiment, labeling it suitable only "for old formulaic mass masala fans" due to its predictable and regressive screenplay, though it acknowledged the film's appeal in targeted action sequences. Critics frequently highlighted Karthi's energetic performance and Santhanam's comedic timing as bright spots that provide relief amid the film's weaknesses, with the latter's sequences often cited as the primary saving grace. However, Anushka Shetty's role was widely seen as underutilized, reduced to conventional tropes without depth, while director Suraj's dated dialogues and predictable plot drew sharp rebukes for evoking eighties-era clichés without modern flair. While professional reviews leaned negative, focusing on artistic shortcomings, some audience members appreciated its unpretentious value, particularly the tracks, creating a divide where fans overlooked flaws for light-hearted viewing.

Box office

Alex Pandian was produced on a total budget of ₹35 , with approximately ₹2 allocated specifically to a major sequence involving over 50 stunt artistes and 300 junior artistes. The film grossed approximately ₹20 worldwide, marking an underperformance relative to its costs. In , its primary market, collections were estimated at ₹12-15 , driven by a strong opening weekend but followed by a sharp decline due to negative word-of-mouth. The Telugu dubbed version earned minimal revenue, contributing negligibly to the overall tally. Despite high expectations as a Pongal release clashing with films like , Alex Pandian was declared a flop, failing to recover its investment amid competition and poor audience reception. This contrasted with Karthi's earlier success in (2007), which had been a major hit. In , the film underperformed commercially even after its distribution rights were sold for ₹1.10 , the highest for a film at the time.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2614032/
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  3. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/alex-pandian/cast/2030184772/
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  5. https://www.bollymarket.com/en/movies-romance/4978-alex-pandian-samar-dvd.html
  6. https://www.moviecrow.com/movie/565/alex-pandian/story
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  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2614032/plotsummary/
  9. http://celluloidcritic.blogspot.com/2013/01/alex-pandian-film-review.html
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  11. https://www.tvtime.com/movie/e1c8770f-f2ec-4b67-83a1-eb95cb19781f
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  18. https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/alex-pandian-crap-artist/
  19. https://www.deccanherald.com/content/375104/comedies-reaped-gold-southern-cinema.html
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  27. https://www.indiaglitz.com/anushka-shoots-sans-break--news-85315
  28. https://music.apple.com/bh/album/alex-pandian-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1264608405
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  41. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/karthis-bad-boy-to-release-on-march-22/articleshow/18847972.cms
  42. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/alex-pandian-rights-sold-for-1-10-crore/articleshow/17568756.cms
  43. https://www.moviecrow.com/News/1763/alex-pandian-gets-u-certificate
  44. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/clean-u-for-alex-pandian/articleshow/17869004.cms
  45. https://www.searchtamilmovie.com/2012/04/alex-pandian-latest-poster-images.html
  46. http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-events/Alex-Pandian-musical-night-31-12-12.html
  47. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/anushka-delays-alex/articleshow/15055966.cms
  48. https://www.news18.com/news/india/alex-pandian-to-be-released-on-october-12-488203.html
  49. https://www.moviecrow.com/News/1792/pongal-release---alex-pandian-kanna-laddu-samar
  50. https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-alex-pandian-is-a-disaster/20130114.htm
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2614032/trivia/
  52. https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/alex-pandian/alex-pandian-box-office-jan-20.html
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