Hubbry Logo
KilladiKilladiMain
Open search
Killadi
Community hub
Killadi
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Killadi
Killadi
Killadi
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Killadi
Film poster
Directed byA. Venkatesh
Written byPattukottai Prabhakar
Produced bySalem Chandrasekharan
StarringBharath
Nila
Vivek
Roja
CinematographyK. S. Selvaraj
S. Gopinath
Edited byV. T. Vijayan
N. Ganesh Kumar
Music bySrikanth Deva
Release date
  • 30 January 2015 (2015-01-30)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Killadi (transl. Wise Man) is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film directed by A. Venkatesh, and produced by Salem Chandrasekharan. It stars Bharath and Nila, while Vivek and Roja play pivotal roles. The music was composed by Srikanth Deva. After beginning production in 2006, the film went through production troubles before releasing on 30 January 2015.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The project was first announced in September 2006, when Salem Chandrasekharan announced that he had signed Bharath and director Venkatesh to work together in a film titled Killadi.[1] In a press meet, the producer noted that the film would proceed simultaneously alongside his other production, Vetrimaaran's Desiya Nendunchalai 47 starring Dhanush. Bharath began shooting the film alongside Koodal Nagar and Nepali, delaying his schedules for the other films to maintain his look for Killadi.[2] However, in 2007, the producer ran into financial problems and postponed his two projects indefinitely.

In December 2009, the producer announced that the film would continue its shoot but it was held back by the director's involvement in other films, Maanja Velu, Vaada and Vallakottai, prompting further delays.[3] The film only picked up again in 2013 and was readied for release, with an extended separate comedy track featuring Vivek and Cell Murugan inserted and extensively shot. Further promotions were advertised by the team throughout 2014, before the film was released in January 2015.

Soundtrack

[edit]

The soundtrack is composed by Srikanth Deva collaborating with director Venkatesh for fourth time, and lyrics written by Vaali. The audio launch of the film took place on 24 March 2013 at Prasad Labs in Chennai. The film's success in overcoming several legal hurdles saw a team of advocates being invited to the event, with the chief guests being producers Kaliaperumal and Gnanavel Raja.[4][5]

Reception

[edit]

The film was released on 30 January 2015.[6] Sudhir Srinivasan of The Hindu wrote, "If there literally existed a sea of clichés, Killadi is what you would get if you randomly drew a bucketful from it".[7] M Suganth from The Times of India noted, "The film is essentially a compendium of the masala movie must-haves — hero introduction song, aggressive hero, his loving family members, damsel-in-distress heroine, kuthu songs disguised as duets, random comedy track and over-the-top villains".[8]

References

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

Killadi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Killadi is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language film directed by A. Venkatesh. The film stars Bharath Srinivasan in the lead role as , a daring young man, alongside as Anjali, with supporting performances by and Roja. Produced by Salem Chandrasekharan under his banner, it was written by Pattukottai Prabhakar and features music composed by . Released on January 30, 2015, the movie runs for 2 hours and 12 minutes and centers on providing refuge to Anjali, a wealthy woman fleeing a to her uncle, which spirals into conflicts involving family and rowdy elements. The storyline blends elements of action, romance, and family drama, portraying themes of protection, mistaken identities, and confrontation with antagonists. Cinematography was handled by K. S. Selvaraj, contributing to the film's energetic sequences. Despite its commercial intent in the Tamil film industry, Killadi received mixed reviews from critics, who noted its predictable plot and uneven pacing, earning an average rating of around 4.2 out of 10 on IMDb based on user votes. The film marked the first collaboration between Bharath and director Venkatesh.

Plot and characters

Plot summary

Killadi follows , a clever and daring young college student from a modest , who inadvertently becomes entangled in a web of danger when he rescues Anjali, a wealthy young woman fleeing an imposed by her overbearing mother and rowdy uncle, . After helping Anjali escape during a chaotic confrontation, Dharani drops her off at a , but her family mistakes him for her secret lover, igniting a relentless pursuit that threatens his loved ones. This misunderstanding draws Dharani into a series of high-stakes conflicts, blending intense action sequences—such as street chases and brutal fights—with humorous interludes from his quirky and friends, who provide comic relief amid the escalating tension. As the story progresses, Dharani's resourcefulness shines through clever maneuvers to outwit his pursuers, including evading ambushes and protecting Anjali while a budding romance develops between them during lighter moments, like a spontaneous bike ride that turns romantic in the rain. Family dynamics play a central role, with Anjali's domineering mother, Angayarkanni, oscillating between feigned and ruthless aggression, while Bhavani's unleashes on Dharani's household, forcing him to balance personal vendettas with safeguarding his relatives. The narrative incorporates genre tropes of action-, featuring exaggerated fight scenes triggered by everyday situations and a parallel comedy track involving eccentric side characters that punctuates the drama with humor. The plot builds to a climactic showdown during the vibrant festival, where , now joined by a more assertive Anjali, confronts the antagonists in a flurry of action, ultimately resolving the conflicts through his wits and bravery, allowing the lovers to triumph over familial oppression.

Cast and characters

The principal cast of Killadi features Bharath in the lead role as , a clever and daring college student who embodies the film's action-hero archetype through his quick-witted one-liners and aggressive confrontations. Nila portrays Anjali, the vulnerable heiress whose predicament drives the romantic , highlighting her as a classic who gradually asserts herself against familial pressures. plays Arnold, the comic sidekick whose antics, including a separate humor track alongside Cell Murugan, provide relief from the intense action sequences and align with his signature comedic persona in . In supporting roles, Roja appears as Angayarkanni, Anjali's domineering mother whose over-the-top arrogance and abrupt emotional shifts contribute to both the dramatic tension and comedic exaggeration central to the film's tone. takes on the antagonistic role of , the rowdy uncle motivated by familial control and personal vendettas, fueling the action elements through repeated clashes with the . Additional key cast members include Avinash as SP Easwarapandiyan, as Inspector Britto, and as Dharani's father, rounding out the ensemble that emphasizes family dynamics and villainous opposition.
ActorRoleDescription
BharathDharaniWitty providing action and romance.
Nila (Meera Chopra)AnjaliHeroine in distress, central to the love story.
VivekArnoldComic sidekick offering humor tracks.
RojaAngayarkanniAntagonistic mother figure.
Vincent AsokanBhavaniPrimary villain with familial motives.
AvinashSP EaswarapandiyanPolice superintendent.
IlavarasuInspector BrittoPolice inspector.
Delhi GaneshDharani's fatherSupportive father figure.

Production

Development

The project for Killadi was announced in September 2006 by producer Salem Chandrasekharan under his Salem Chandrasekharan Productions banner, marking his collaboration with actor Bharath and director A. Venkatesh, who had previously helmed action-oriented films like (2005). The film was conceived as an , drawing on common tropes of youthful romance intertwined with high-stakes conflicts, with dialogues penned by Pattukkottai Prabhakar, known for his work on Venkatesh's earlier projects. Initial planning positioned Bharath as an easy-going entangled in a playful love affair that escalates into serious trouble, resolved through humorous and action-packed sequences, reflecting Venkatesh's signature blend of commercial entertainment elements. Shooting commenced shortly after the announcement in late 2006, with Nila () initially cast as Bharath's love interest and Roja as his mother, but production faced immediate setbacks. Within a few days of starting, work halted due to severe financial crunches encountered by Chandrasekharan, who requested Venkatesh to suspend Killadi to stabilize his resources. This financial strain stemmed from broader challenges in the industry at the time, including rising production costs and distribution hurdles for mid-budget films, forcing an indefinite postponement by 2007. Resumption proved difficult over the ensuing years, primarily due to scheduling conflicts with the key personnel. By 2009, while Bharath, Nila (), and Roja expressed willingness to return for the remaining shoot, director Venkatesh was committed to other ventures, including (2010) and subsequent films, delaying progress further. These interruptions led to a prolonged gestation period of nearly nine years, during which the project lingered in limbo amid ongoing financial recovery efforts by the producer. Ultimately, production wrapped up with (credited as Nila) as the female lead, allowing the film to finally release on 30 January 2015.

Filming

Principal photography for Killadi commenced in late 2006, with lead actor Bharath and actress beginning shoots under director A. Venkatesh's supervision. The production, backed by Salem Chandrasekaran, progressed briskly at first, capturing about a quarter of the film, including initial scenes featuring the action-oriented narrative. However, shooting stalled shortly thereafter due to unspecified production issues, marking the first of several interruptions that extended the timeline significantly. By 2008, efforts were underway to revive the project, with reports indicating that filming had resumed sporadically, though progress remained slow. The delays from the development phase further impacted the schedule, forcing adjustments to accommodate Bharath's commitments to other films like and Nepali, where he prioritized maintaining his physique for Killadi's action sequences. Key phases included the filming of action stunts, which emphasized practical effects to depict the protagonist Dharani's daring exploits, and comedy tracks involving , whose role required coordination to blend humor with the main plot's tension. Romantic portions between Bharath and Nila were shot to highlight emotional dynamics amid the chaos. Locations spanned urban and international settings to suit the story's mix of family drama, action, and romance. Primary shoots took place in , including a song sequence at the historic Binny Mills premises, capturing the film's lighter moments. Two additional songs were filmed in the scenic landscapes of , providing a contrasting backdrop for the romantic interludes. Rural areas in were utilized for family and action scenes, evoking authentic village life and high-stakes chases. The long delay period necessitated reshoots for certain sequences to align with evolving script needs and actor availability, though no major on-set incidents like weather disruptions were reported. By early , principal wrapped up, allowing for the audio launch later that year, but legal hurdles postponed the final release until 2015.

Soundtrack

Composition

The soundtrack of the 2015 Tamil film Killadi was composed by , marking his fourth collaboration with director A. Venkatesh. Deva, known for his work in , crafted the music to suit the action-comedy genre, incorporating peppy rhythms suitable for comedic sequences and melodic elements for romantic interludes. The lyrics were primarily written by veteran lyricist Vaali, whose contributions emphasized themes aligned with the film's narrative, including energetic verses capturing the protagonist's playful antics and lighthearted escapades. The album comprises five songs in total, blending traditional Tamil film pop influences with contemporary beats to enhance the story's humorous and romantic undertones. Sessions were completed in time for the audio launch on 24 March 2013 at Prasad Labs in . Srikanth Deva later described the composition process as enjoyable and collaborative, allowing for a mix of upbeat and sentimental tracks. Due to the film's production delays stemming from legal issues, —composed and recorded earlier—was integrated into the final cut upon release in January 2015, ensuring synchronization with the delayed visuals without major revisions.

Track listing

The soundtrack of Killadi consists of five songs composed by , with lyrics by Vaali. The album was launched on 24 March at Prasad Labs in , with attendees including lead actor Bharath, comedian , producer Salem Chandrasekaran, and composer .
No.TitleSinger(s)DurationNotes
1ChakkapoduRanjith4:37Energetic solo showcasing the protagonist's flair.
2Ekka ChakkaJithin, Roodu, Vicky4:31Lively group track with comedic elements.
3Ekka Chakka (Female)Surmukhi3:34Female rendition of the playful number.
4MaamavaiMukesh, Rita4:51Romantic duet highlighting affection.
5Nee Raangikari, Velmurugan4:21Breezy duet capturing romantic teasing.

Release

Theatrical release

Killadi had its worldwide theatrical debut on 30 January 2015, with primary distribution in . The film, a long-delayed project that began production in , faced multiple production hurdles before its release nearly nine years later, influencing a more limited rollout strategy focused on regional markets. Produced by Salem Chandrasekaran, it was made available in select theaters across key urban centers in , capitalizing on the star power of lead actor Bharath despite the extended wait. The final theatrical cut runs for 132 minutes. No major premiere events or special screenings were reported for the launch, aligning with the film's modest post-delay positioning.

Marketing and promotion

The promotional efforts for Killadi began in early 2013 with the audio launch event held on March 25 at Prasad Labs in Chennai, which served as a key platform to generate initial buzz despite ongoing legal challenges faced by the production. The ceremony featured lead actor Bharath, producer Salem Chandrasekharan, comedian Vivek, actor Vincent Asokan, and a team of advocates, with the soundtrack—composed by Srikanth Deva—being formally released by Kaliaperumal and received by Gnanavel Raja. During the event, Srikanth Deva highlighted his positive experience composing the upbeat tracks, while Vivek praised director A. Venkatesh's track record in spotlighting supporting talents like Namitha in prior films. A followed shortly after on March 28, 2013, emphasizing Bharath's action-hero persona and the film's high-energy sequences to attract mass audiences. Promotional posters depicting the lead cast, including Bharath and Nila, were distributed around the same period to visually reinforce the movie's comedic-action blend. Amid production delays stemming from legal hurdles, the team maintained audience engagement through media interviews in the ensuing years. In one such interaction, Bharath discussed his complete image makeover—including building a muscular physique for the role—and positioned Killadi as a career-reviving project with strong comedic elements directed at family viewers, underscoring the film's lighthearted tone alongside action. These updates helped address the setbacks and sustain interest leading up to the 2015 release.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Killadi received predominantly negative reviews from critics, who lambasted the film for its reliance on outdated tropes and lack of originality in the action-comedy genre, resulting in an average rating of around 2 out of 5. In , described the film as "a bucketful of clichés," criticizing its plot for drawing from a "sea of clichés" with contrived love angles and irrelevant comedy tracks that felt stuck in the . The review highlighted director A. Venkatesh's uninspired approach, noting that the screenplay, characterization, and music by were all lackluster, contributing to an overall sense of datedness. Similarly, 's M. Suganth awarded the film 2 out of 5 stars, dismissing it as a predictable compendium of masala movie elements influenced by Venkatesh's earlier works like Dum and Kuththu. The critique pointed to hyper-editing and over-the-top villainy as formulaic, while acknowledging that the random comedy sequences featuring and Cell Murugan provided mild amusement. Critics offered mixed assessments of the performances, with Bharath's efforts as the lead praised for sincerity but undermined by the script's failure to position him convincingly as a mass hero. Vivek's comedic contributions were noted as occasionally funny, though disconnected from the narrative, and Roja's portrayal of the villainous Angayarkanni was seen as erratic and unconvincing despite a potentially intriguing setup. Nila's role as the female lead was largely panned as bland. Some reviewers touched on the film's long-delayed release after production wrapped years earlier, suggesting it exacerbated the sense of obsolescence in its tropes and style. Positive notes were sparse, limited to isolated moments like a surprise in Roja's villainy and brief musical interludes, but these failed to salvage the overall negative consensus.

Box office performance

The prolonged delay from its initial shooting in the mid-2000s to its eventual release in significantly inflated costs and contributed to a sense of datedness in its and style, limiting its appeal upon theatrical rollout. This nine-year gap resulted in restricted screen availability, particularly in , where it competed for slots against high-profile Pongal releases like I and . The film opened to minimal audience turnout on 30 January , with negligible collections during its debut weekend due to sparse bookings and lack of buzz. Overseas earnings were similarly underwhelming, confined to select markets with no substantial reported figures from distributors. In the broader context of 's landscape, where blockbusters like I amassed over ₹200 worldwide, Killadi failed to register among the year's top 20 grossers, the lowest of which earned around ₹25 , underscoring its commercial disappointment. To mitigate theatrical shortfalls, producers secured non-theatrical revenue streams, including and long-term video rights sales, though exact figures remain undisclosed by sources. The underperformance was exacerbated by the film's inability to swiftly, given the escalated expenses from repeated shelving and reshoots over the years.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/killadi
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4401890/
  3. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/280954-killadi
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4401890/fullcredits/
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-details/killadi/movieshow/61285331.cms
  6. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/280954-killadi/cast
  7. https://www.nowrunning.com/news/tamil/bharath-starrer-killadi-in-the-making/9042/story.htm
  8. https://www.kollyinsider.com/2009/12/producer-hopes-on-killadi.html
  9. https://en.kinorium.com/1474793/
  10. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bharath-nila-starrer-killadi-to-release/articleshow/18239084.cms
  11. https://photos.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2006/nila-khilladi-181206.html
  12. https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2007/killadi260207.html
  13. http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-08-03/roja-15-10-08.html
  14. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/killadi-audio-launched/articleshow/19188031.cms
  15. https://music.apple.com/in/album/killadi-ep/1532389167
  16. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bharath-in-an-action-avatar-yet-again/articleshow/46553995.cms
  17. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/killadi/9bHL4NeybVU_
  18. https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-events/the-man-who-brought-namitha-into-limelight-killadi-bharath.html
  19. https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/chakkapodu/ElAaBBlHTWs
  20. https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/ekka-chakka-male/FhkjfC52QVY
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhCFIKtt51o
  22. https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/nee-raangikari/Bg80WxsDWnw
  23. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/killadi/movie-review/46079731.cms
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4401890/releaseinfo/
  25. https://letterboxd.com/film/killadi-2015/
  26. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bharath-pins-hopes-on-killadi/articleshow/19254307.cms
  27. https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/killadi-a-bucketful-of-clichs/article6839655.ece
  28. https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2015/highest-grossing-tamil-movies-of-2015-top-20-films-box-office-207245.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.