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

Kollaikaran
Directed byTamil Selvan
Starring
Edited byLVK Doss
Music byJohan Shevanesh
Production
company
Prasad Cine Arts
Release date
  • 13 January 2012 (2012-01-13)
[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Kollaikaran (transl. Robber) is a 2012 Tamil-language film directed by Tamil Selvan. The film stars Vidharth, Sanchita Shetty, and P. Ravi Shankar.[2] The music was composed by Johan Shevanesh with editing by LVK Doss. The film was released on 13 January 2012.[3] It is a remake of Malayalam film Meesa Madhavan.

Plot

[edit]

Kuruvi is a man who commits small crimes. He falls in love with a girl named Krishnaveni who, on finding him to be a criminal, rejects his proposal. Kuruvi's elder sister marries Krishnaveni's relative, and they become close again. Kuruvi is falsely accused of stealing the temple's jewels. He eventually kills the jewel thief and goes to jail. The movie ends with Kuruvi back in the same temple and Krishnaveni asking him to come home.

Cast

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

Rohit Ramachandran of Now Running rated Kollaikaran 1.5/5 calling it "a staple product from hack-haven Kollywood".[4] Sify wrote "The story may be old fashioned and remind you of 70-80?s film, but the way it has been packaged with its unexpected twists and turns is what makes it tick".[5] Behindwoods wrote "Kollaikaran manages to make a decent mark mainly because of the screenplay by director Thamizh Selvan which gets its characterisation right."[6]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Kollaikaran
Soundtrack album by
Johan Shevanesh
Released3 January 2012
Recorded2011
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length30:36
LanguageTamil
LabelJunglee Music
ProducerJohan Shevanesh
Johan Shevanesh chronology
Kollaikaran
(2012) 		Aal
(2014)

The film score and soundtrack were composed by Johan Shevanesh.[7] All the songs were written by Vairamuthu.

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Oorae Sonnanga"Rahul Nambiar, Harini, Tippu5:11
2."Kozhutha Goyya"Solar Sai, Krishna Iyer, Kalpana4:49
3."Veliorae Kiliyae"Vijay Prakash, Shreya Ghoshal6:09
4."Sami Kutham"Shankar Mahadevan5:55
5."Kozhutha Goyya Palam"Solar Sai, Krishna Iyer, Kalpana4:49
6."Theme Music"Johan Shevanesh3:43

References

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

Kollaikaran

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kollaikaran (transl. Robber) is a Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Tamil Selvan. The film stars in the titular role as , a petty thief in a rural village, alongside as Krishnaveni, the object of his affection, and as her antagonistic brother. Released on 13 January , it marks the directorial debut of Tamil Selvan, a former assistant to , and features music composed by Johan Shevanesh. The narrative centers on Kuruvi's life of small-scale crimes to afford luxuries like colorful clothes and alcohol, which tarnishes his in the . When he falls in love with the virtuous Krishnaveni, her brother's rowdy influence and Kuruvi's criminal past create significant obstacles, leading him into deeper trouble after a of . The film delves into themes of redemption, the impact of on romance, and the consequences of petty crime escalating into more serious offenses, blending elements of action, romance, and rural drama. Produced under Prasad Cine Arts, Kollaikaran received mixed reviews for its predictable storyline and execution but was praised for Vidharth's energetic performance and the rustic portrayal of village life. With a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, it contributed to Vidharth's rising prominence following his in (2010).

Background and development

Development

Kollaikaran was announced in 2011 as an official Tamil remake of the 2002 film , which was directed by and starred . The project marked the directorial debut of Tamil Selvan. Tamil Selvan adapted the original script to a rural setting in order to localize the story centered on a petty thief. It was produced by Prasad Cine Arts as a low-budget independent venture. Johan Shevanesh was brought on board as the music composer to complement the film's comedic and romantic elements. Vidharth, who had gained prominence following the success of Mynaa (2010), was cast in the lead role.

Casting

Vidharth was cast as Kuruvi, the film's protagonist and a petty thief. Following his breakthrough performance in the rustic romantic drama Mynaa (2010), Vidharth took on this lead role in Kollaikaran. Sanchita Shetty was selected to play Krishnaveni, the love interest, marking one of her early lead roles in Tamil cinema. P. Ravi Shankar portrayed the antagonist Nagendran, a scheming temple trustee. The supporting cast featured actors such as Aruldoss, Chelladurai, and Senthikumari Rathinakumar in key village and family roles.

Plot

Synopsis

Kollaikaran is set in a rural Tamil Nadu village, where the protagonist Kuruvi, a small-time thief known for petty crimes to fund his indulgences like colorful clothes and liquor, leads a carefree yet notorious life. He soon falls in love with Krishnaveni, a local woman whose family holds a respectable position in the community, but his criminal reputation leads to her immediate rejection of his advances. The narrative escalates with a central conflict when a valuable temple jewel is stolen, and Kuruvi finds himself falsely accused of the theft, drawing him into direct confrontations with the Nagendran, a scheming temple . This accusation propels Kuruvi into an arc after he kills the real thief to clear his name; meanwhile, his sister's to a relative of Krishnaveni's family unexpectedly bridges the gap between the lovers amid escalating village politics. The explores themes of redemption through Kuruvi's journey to clear his name, the challenges of romance in a judgmental rural society, and the intricacies of local power dynamics, all adapted from the structure of the 2002 Meesa Madhavan but localized with Tamil cultural elements like temple traditions and community festivals. It ends with Kuruvi released from jail and reuniting with Krishnaveni. Vidharth portrays Kuruvi as a mischievous yet endearing rogue, Sanchita Shetty embodies Krishnaveni's principled demeanor, and P. Ravi Shankar depicts Nagendran's authoritative menace.

Production

Filming

Principal photography for Kollaikaran commenced in mid-2011 and concluded by late 2011, spanning a total of 75 days on a modest budget. The shoot was primarily conducted in rural locales around Athur and in , selected to evoke authentic village settings akin to those in the Malayalam original Meesa Madhavan. A key challenge arose during nearly 15 days of filming in these areas amid the rainy season, where the crew coordinated extensive outdoor for comedy and action involving theft and chases, yet ensured no rain appeared in the final frames. For one , the production erected a market set valued at 10 rupees in Athur to enhance the rural ambiance. Cinematography duties were managed by Yuvaraj, assistant to veteran cinematographer Rathnavelu. All songs were captured on location in these scenic spots, reflecting director Tamil Selvan's intent for a grounded remake without relying on foreign shoots.

Post-production

The of Kollaikaran was led by editor LVK Doss, who assembled the footage into a cohesive . The 's runtime was finalized at approximately 130 minutes.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Kollaikaran was composed by Johan Shevanesh and released in 2012, featuring six tracks that blend romantic duets and folk-inspired melodies to complement the 's rural comedy and romance elements. All lyrics were penned by , emphasizing themes of love, mischief, and village life through catchy, upbeat tunes. The songs integrate seamlessly into the plot, offering moments of romantic and comedic relief amid the 's action sequences. Key tracks include "Veliorae Kiliyae", a melodic romantic sung by and , which captures the tender chemistry between the lead characters with its soothing rhythms and poetic expressions of affection. Another highlight is the "Kollaikaran Theme", a lively folk comedy track composed and performed by Johan Shevanesh himself, evoking the protagonist's roguish charm through playful instrumentation and rustic beats. The album's upbeat rural melodies, featuring singers such as Tippu, Malathy Lakshman, and , contributed to its appeal among Tamil audiences for their energetic, village-themed vibes that resonated with the film's setting. The complete tracklist is as follows:
No.TitleSinger(s)Duration
1Oorae SonnangaRahul Nambiar, Harini, Tippu5:11
2Kozhutha GoyyaSolar Sai, Krishna Iyer, Kalpana4:49
3Veliorae Kiliyae, 5:02
4Sami Kutham1:12
5Kollaikaran ThemeJohan Shevanesh1:28
6Kuruvi KuruviTippu, Malathy Lakshman4:45
The songs' folk and romantic elements helped establish the film's lighthearted tone, with tracks like "Kozhutha Goyya" adding humorous flair through its comedic and ensemble vocals.

Background score

The background score for Kollaikaran was composed by Johan Shevanesh. These elements helped build an authentic atmosphere, with tense themes accompanying the theft sequences to heighten and emotional underscores supporting the romance and redemption arcs. Shevanesh's work contributed significantly to the film's light-hearted yet dramatic tone, setting it apart from the original film Meesa Madhavan's score. The songs complement the score by providing vocal highlights that align with its instrumental motifs.

Release

Theatrical release

Kollaikaran was released theatrically worldwide on 13 January 2012, aligning with the Pongal festival, a prime release period for Tamil films to capitalize on holiday audiences. The distribution was handled by Prasad Cine Arts, the film's production banner, which secured approximately 250 screens primarily in Tamil Nadu, while screenings in other regions remained limited. The movie runs for about 136 minutes. Promotions emphasized the film's status as a of the acclaimed comedy , focusing on its light-hearted robber storyline, with posters prominently featuring lead actor to leverage his breakthrough success from Mynaa.

Home media

The release of Kollaikaran () has primarily been through digital streaming platforms in recent years, making the film accessible to audiences beyond its initial theatrical run. The full movie became available for free streaming on via the Suara Cinemas channel starting December 24, 2023, allowing viewers to watch the complete feature at no cost. It is also offered on subscription-based services such as , where subscribers can stream the film on demand. Additionally, Kollaikaran is available on , the digital platform associated with , providing HD viewing options for Tamil audiences. No official physical media releases, such as DVD or VCD editions with bonus features, have been documented in public records for this title. The film's continued availability online reflects sustained interest in its remake adaptation of the Malayalam hit .

Reception

Critical response

Kollaikaran received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Behindwoods commended the screenplay for its strong characterization and Vidharth's exuberant performance, describing the film as a limited but well-executed effort. Criticisms focused on the film's reliance on conventional elements. Now Running pointed out outdated tropes that failed to add depth to the narrative. echoed this by highlighting the predictable plot, which diminished the overall impact despite some engaging moments. The critical consensus recognized strengths in the film's humor and depiction of rural charm, which provided a relatable backdrop for the story. However, weaknesses in originality were frequently noted, particularly as it is an adaptation of the 2002 Malayalam film Meesha Madhavan, limiting its freshness in the landscape. The soundtrack also played a brief but positive role in enhancing key scenes, adding to the light-hearted tone. Audience reception mirrored the mixed critical response, with Letterboxd users appreciating its value as light entertainment suitable for casual viewing.

Box office performance

Kollaikaran opened to average occupancy during the Pongal 2012 festival season, recording 65% theatre occupancy in over its first weekend with collections of approximately ₹9.43 from 102 shows. However, weekday collections were poor, leading to a 50% drop and the film's early withdrawal from many screens after just two to three weeks, as evidenced by reduced shows in subsequent weekends—down to 72 shows at 50% occupancy (₹5.75 ) in the second weekend and 51 shows at 15% occupancy (₹0.88 ) in the third. Total collections in alone reached about ₹28 by the end of the third weekend, reflecting modest earnings from a low-budget production. Despite underperforming compared to other Pongal releases like Nanban and , which dominated screens and audiences, Kollaikaran had limited success relative to its budget. Key factors contributing to its modest included stiff competition from bigger-budget multistarrers during the festival period and potential audience fatigue from its status as an uncredited remake of the 2002 Meesha Madhavan. The mixed critical response further impacted audience draw, limiting word-of-mouth momentum.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36061469/
  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-details/kollaikaran/movieshow/61269494.cms
  3. https://www.letterboxd.com/film/kollaikaran/
  4. https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/movies/kollaikaran.html
  5. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kollaikaran
  6. https://www.moviecrow.com/movie/562/kollaikaran-tamil-movie-review
  7. https://www.venpura.com/movie/Kollaikaran-2012
  8. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Oct/08/vidharth-graduates-to-robbery-298350.html
  9. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kollaikaran/cast-and-crew
  10. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/146917-kollaikaran
  11. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/sanchita-shetty/35945
  12. https://www.cinema.com.my/movies/details.aspx?search=2012.7859.kollaikaran.14592
  13. https://www.moviebuff.com/meesha-madhavan
  14. https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/showbitz/article2537403.ece
  15. https://www.andhrafriends.com/topic/249323-kollaikaran-movie-review/
  16. https://letterboxd.com/film/kollaikaran/
  17. https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-12-01/kollaikaran-viddarth-07-01-12.html
  18. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2012/Jan/11/kollaikaran-bags-250-theatres-329218.html
  19. https://www.sunnxt.com/tamil-movie-kollaikkaran-2012/detail/6963
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRfmGlJrPEw
  21. https://entertainment.ie/movies/where-to-watch/kollaikaran-245933
  22. http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/jan-12-03/kollaikaran-review.html
  23. https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/9566/tamil/kollaikaran/3516/review.htm
  24. http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-jan-16/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-kollaikaran.html
  25. http://boxofficeverdicts.blogspot.com/2012/01/
  26. https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-jan-23/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-kollaikaran.html
  27. https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-jan-30/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-kollaikaran.html
  28. https://tfukannan.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/2012-first-quarterly-report-on-tamil-films-3/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.