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Peechankai
Peechankai
Peechankai
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Peechaankai
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAshok
Written byAshok
Produced byR. S. Karthik
P. G. Muthiah
StarringR. S. Karthik
Anjali Rao
CinematographyGautham Rajendran
Edited byJomin Mathew
Music byBalamurali Balu
Production
companies
PG Media Works
KARSA Entertainment
Release date
  • 15 June 2017 (2017-06-15)
Running time
126 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Peechaankai (transl. Left Hand) is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language black comedy film written and directed by Ashok and co-produced by PG Media Works. The film stars R. S. Karthik and Anjali Rao, while M. S. Bhaskar, Vivek Prasanna, and K. S. G. Venkatesh played other pivotal roles. The music was composed by Balamurali Balu with cinematography by Gautham Rajendran and editing by Jomin Mathew. The film released on 15 June 2017.

Plot

[edit]

S. Muthu alias Smoothu is a famous left-handed pickpocket who operates along with his gang. Rita and Ravi. in Chennai. He does have some ethics, but a sudden accident causes him to suffer a brain injury which results in alien hand syndrome (AHS). Smoothu's left hand stops obeying his command and gets a mind of its own. It becomes his moral self, stopping him from doing the wrong things. Smoothu needs 3 lakh (300,000) rupees to cure his condition, so he takes up an assignment from a team of gangsters to steal a politician's phone. What happens next is a series of mishap comedies caused by his alien hand, which at last triumphs over the evil forces (the politician and gangsters).

Cast

[edit]
  • R. S. Karthik as S. Muthu ("Smoothu")
  • Anjali Rao as Abhirami
  • M. S. Bhaskar as Thamizhmagan
  • Vivek Prasanna as Nallathambi
  • K. S. G. Venkatesh as Uthaman
  • Sruthi Menon as Rita
  • Arun as Ravi
  • Ponmudi as Gaja
  • Jithendar as Joseph
  • Krish Haran as Krish
  • Andrew Jaypaul as Maari
  • Ramjee as Abhirami's father
  • Bhoositha as Shruthi
  • Master Tavanesh Karthik as Letter Boy
  • Gunalan Morgan as Nallathambi's assistant
  • Kathir as Nallathambi's assistant
  • VTV Vicky as Nallathambi's assistant
  • Sundar as Nallathambi's assistant
  • Naveen Seetharaman as Doctor

Production

[edit]

Ashok, a software engineer-turned-filmmaker made a telefilm of the same name and due to creative differences, he could not get other producers on board. So R. S. Karthik, who played the lead in the telefilm, produced the Film Karthik was retained as lead in the feature film as well, and Anjali Rao, who played STR’s sister in Gautham Vasudev Menon's Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, essayed Karthik's romantic interest. Peechaankai which was shot in and around Chennai, with the first look being unveiled by filmmakers Karthik Subbaraj and Samuthirakani in February 2017. Actor Arya and director Gautham Vasudev Menon each released a singles of the film, actor Vijay Sethupathi released the trailer, and it became instantly viral.[1] Stylist Sruthi Menon also made her acting debut in feature films through the project.[2]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The soundtrack was composed by first-timer Balamurali Balu.

Peechankai
Soundtrack album by
Balamurali Balu
Released2017
Length15:52
LanguageTamil
LabelTrendMusic
ProducerBalamurali Balu
Balamurali Balu chronology
Peechankai
(2017) 		Hara Hara Mahadevaki
(2017)
No.TitleLyricsSingersLength
1."Peechaankai"Sugumar GanesanAnthony Daasan, Sharanya Gopinath3:34
2."Smoodhu En Peru"Sugumar GanesanDeepak, Shanthini Sathiyanathan3:41
3."Loveu Songu"Balamurali BaluSantosh Hariharan, Yamini G3:36
4."Tom and Jerry"Sugumar Ganesan, Balamurali Balu, Sharmila, AshokBalamurali Balu, Sahana Muthaiya, Athira Balu, Janani Kabilan, Nilani Kabilan, Sharmila3:27
5."Gibberish" Balamurali Balu1:34
Total length:15:52

Release

[edit]

The film was released on 15 June 2017 across Tamil Nadu.

Reception

[edit]

A critic at The Hindu gave the film a positive review.[3] A critic from The Times of India noted, Peechaankai is driven by its high-concept premise — what if our hand starts to have a mind of its own! Director Ashok sets his film based on this idea against a background that involves criminals and politicians, and gives us a black comedy that is certainly novel, mostly funny and somewhat overlong".[4] A reviewer from Behindwoods.com gave the film a positive review, stating "the writing has been a big strength for the film and debutant Ashok has also cleverly worked on the screenplay at most parts", while "the film works well in most parts, as the audience connect well with the characters, thanks to the humour and again, the writing". The critic added "however, the slow pace of the movie, especially in the second half, is worrying and it takes some time to keep you engaged".[5] Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion wrote "The film is hit-and-miss. The director can certainly think out of the box... A film with this premise should have been way funnier."[6]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Peechankai

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from Grokipedia
Peechaankai (transl. Left Hand) is a Indian Tamil-language written and directed by Ashok in his directorial debut. The story centers on Smoothu (played by R. S. Karthik), a skilled pickpocket with a heart of gold who suffers an accident leading to , a rare neurological condition where his left hand acts independently and uncontrollably, resulting in a series of comedic mishaps. This marks the first Indian to explore as a central , blending humor with themes of and redemption as Smoothu navigates conflicts with politicians and . The film features a supporting cast including Anjali Rao as the female lead, , , and , with a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes. Produced independently, it premiered on June 15, 2017, and received mixed reviews for its quirky premise and occasional funny moments, though some critics noted pacing issues and over-reliance on in the latter half. Despite modest performance, Peechaankai has been praised for its innovative take on a medical anomaly in , highlighting the protagonist's struggle against societal and personal chaos.

Synopsis

Plot

S. Muthu, known as Smoothu, is a left-handed pickpocket operating in the bustling streets of , relying on his for a living through petty thefts while maintaining a generally good-hearted nature. His routine involves quick grabs from unsuspecting victims, but this changes dramatically during a police encounter where he flees and suffers a severe accident, resulting in a that triggers (AHS) in his left hand. The AHS causes Smoothu's left hand to act autonomously, often in direct opposition to his intentions, as it begins performing moral actions such as returning stolen wallets to their owners or donating money to beggars, thereby sabotaging his attempts and leading to a series of comedic mishaps. Desperate for a cure, Smoothu learns he needs money for surgery and embarks on increasingly risky schemes to raise the funds, including an attempt to steal a high-profile politician's , which backfires when his rebellious hand intervenes, causing chaos at a public event and drawing unwanted attention from authorities. As Smoothu's predicament worsens, he unwittingly becomes entangled in a larger criminal plot when he encounters a kidnapped held by corrupt politicians and a ruthless gangster seeking political leverage. His autonomous left hand proves instrumental in the rescue, instinctively protecting the by fending off attackers, alerting bystanders, and even aiding escapes during tense confrontations, such as when it grabs weapons from thugs or signals for help in unexpected ways. Throughout these events, the hand continues its pattern of ethical interventions, like helping stranded strangers or exposing minor corruptions, which gradually influences Smoothu to question his own lifestyle. In the climax, Smoothu directly confronts the antagonists in a high-stakes showdown at their hideout, where his left hand's unpredictable yet heroic actions—such as disarming the and rallying support—turn the tide, enabling the successful rescue of the child and the downfall of the corrupt figures. Through this ordeal, Smoothu experiences personal growth, learning to harness rather than fight his condition, and ultimately secures the money for his surgery while forging a path toward redemption, blending the film's with moments of moral triumph.

Themes

Peechankai centers on (AHS) as its core theme, marking the first depiction of this neurological condition in Indian cinema, where the protagonist's left hand acts autonomously, symbolizing a profound loss of personal control and internal moral conflict. The film portrays AHS not merely as a medical anomaly but as a for the struggle between one's darker impulses and an emerging ethical compass, with the afflicted hand compelling involuntary acts of goodness that challenge the character's criminal lifestyle. A key exploration is the tension between and , exemplified by the left hand overriding the protagonist's survival-driven instincts as a pickpocket, such as by refusing to steal or instead donating money, thereby forcing a confrontation with his amid dire circumstances. This dynamic highlights how uncontrollable actions can disrupt habitual wrongdoing, blending the protagonist's desperation for with unexpected ethical interventions. The narrative employs to satirize in and gangsterism, critiquing societal ills like and in through exaggerated, humorous scenarios involving dishonest politicians and criminal networks that the navigates. These elements underscore the film's commentary on pervasive ethical decay, using the protagonist's predicaments to lampoon how power and intertwine in urban , often without overt preachiness but via comedic absurdity. Themes of redemption and personal growth emerge as the undergoes transformation through his hand's autonomous , evolving from a self-serving thief to someone capable of positive change, illustrating how forced benevolence can foster genuine moral awakening. This arc emphasizes redemption not as a deliberate choice but as an involuntary process, leading to broader personal development amid chaos. Motifs of left-handedness recur throughout, with the title Peechaankai—translating to "left hand" in Tamil—serving as a for unconventional or rebellious actions that defy societal norms and the protagonist's own intentions. The left hand embodies this symbolism, representing marginalized or oppositional forces that challenge the , from personal to systemic . The style fuses physical humor with serious topics like and , employing sequences of the hand's erratic movements to juxtapose lighthearted gags against the gravity of moral dilemmas and medical affliction, creating a tonal balance that critiques without alienating. This approach allows the film to address heavy subjects through laughter, as seen in the hand's protective or charitable interventions that both amuse and provoke reflection on human agency.

Cast and characters

Main cast

R. S. Karthik stars as S. Muthu, known as Smoothu, the film's protagonist—a street-smart pickpocket whose life is complicated by (AHS), causing his left hand to act independently and betray his intentions during key moments. This affliction highlights Smoothu's internal conflict between his cunning survival instincts and emerging moral compass. Karthik also co-produced the film alongside . Anjali Rao portrays Abhirami, Smoothu's love interest, who becomes a pivotal figure in his emotional journey by offering support amid his ethical dilemmas. Her character drives the romantic subplot, providing Smoothu with companionship that underscores his personal growth.

Supporting cast

plays the role of Thamizhmagan, a pivotal whose performance adds depth to the film's ensemble interactions. portrays Nallathambi, a corrupt whose traits highlight the story's satirical elements and provide through his engaging dynamics with the Smoothu. appears as Uththaman, contributing to the supporting ensemble by bolstering the narrative's comedic subplots and group humor. Additionally, Ponmudi's portrayal of stands out for its lively execution, enhancing the black humor through spirited ensemble contributions. The film also marks the acting debut of stylist Sruthi Menon in a minor role, adding fresh energy to the secondary cast. These actors collectively amplify the film's blend of crime comedy and character-driven interactions, creating a robust supporting framework around the central narrative.

Production

Development

The development of Peechankai originated from director and writer Ashok's fascination with (AHS), a rare neurological condition in which a limb acts independently of the person's conscious control, marking the film as the first Indian production to center on this medical phenomenon. Ashok, a former software engineer making his feature directorial debut, drew from the syndrome's bizarre implications to craft a that explores its disruptive effects on . The script evolved as a , intertwining the protagonist's AHS diagnosis—triggered by an —with elements of and personal turmoil, emphasizing the hand's autonomous actions in humorous yet poignant scenarios. To ensure authenticity, Ashok incorporated details of AHS based on its clinical manifestations, such as involuntary movements that conflict with the patient's intentions, while conceptualizing visual and practical effects to depict the hand's independence without relying on overt . This approach stemmed from an earlier telefilm project on a similar theme that faced creative differences, prompting Ashok to pivot to self-financing and full creative control for the feature. The film was produced by R. S. Karthik and under the banners of PG Media Works and KARSA Entertainment, with Karthik also taking on a lead role to align the production closely with the script's vision. The project gained momentum during the writing phase in late 2016, culminating in the announcement of its first look poster on February 6, 2017, unveiled by filmmakers and Samuthirakani to build anticipation for the indie venture.

Filming

Principal photography for Peechankai primarily took place in and around , , utilizing urban streets and settings to depict the film's narrative centered on a pickpocket navigating chaotic city environments. The shoot was completed in 38 days ahead of the film's June 15, 2017, release, allowing for a focused production schedule under director R. Ashok's guidance. Ashok prioritized pace during filming to ensure the comedic timing and rhythm aligned with his vision, having first tested the script through a half-hour short version prior to full production.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Peechaankai, composed by Balamurali Balu, was released in 2017 by TrendMusic as a five-track with a total runtime of 15:52. The songs, featuring lyrics by Sugumar Ganesan, Balamurali Balu, Sharmila, and Ashok, integrate into the film's narrative about a left-handed pickpocket grappling with , underscoring comedic and emotional moments without dominating the plot.
No.TitleSingersDurationLyrics
1Balamurali Balu1:34Balamurali Balu
2Loveu SonguSantosh Hariharan, Yamini G3:36
3Peechaankai, Sharanya Gopinath3:40Sugumar Ganesan
4Smoodhu En PeruDeepak, Shanthini Sathiyanathan3:40Ashok
5Balamurali Balu, , Janani Kabilan3:26Sugumar Ganesan
The title track "Peechaankai" plays a key role in establishing the film's premise, highlighting the protagonist's involuntary left-hand movements through upbeat folk rhythms and playful lyrics that mirror the theme. "Smoodhu En Peru" accompanies comedic sequences involving the lead character's stylish yet chaotic escapades, adding levity to his antics. "Loveu Songu" provides a lighter romantic interlude, contrasting the film's darker humor, while "Tom and Jerry" underscores chase scenes with its energetic, ensemble vocals evoking cartoonish rivalry. The short "Gibberish" serves as a quirky opener, setting a whimsical tone early in the narrative. Critics praised the for supplementing the core plot effectively but noted that the songs lack lasting appeal and receive uneven placement within the film. Tracks like "Peechaankai" and "Smoodhu En Peru" saw moderate popularity in Tamil circles, evidenced by higher download counts on music platforms. The was distributed digitally via TrendMusic, making it accessible on services like and .

Composition

The musical score for Peechaankai was composed by Balamurali Balu, marking his debut as a music composer in the Kollywood industry. Balu's background score has been described as quirky and well-suited to the film's elements, effectively aligning with individual characters and key situations to heighten the narrative's eccentric tone. Director Ashok highlighted Balu's dedication, noting that the composer worked extensively to develop distinct thematic motifs for each character, contributing to the film's unique portrayal of . This approach ensured the score supported the story's comedic chaos without overpowering the dialogue or action sequences. The overall reception of the music was positive, with audiences appreciating its fresh and unconventional style that complemented the film's Chennai-based settings. Recording sessions for the score took place after the assembly of the film's , allowing for initial tests. Following the recording, the director re-edited portions of the film to achieve tighter integration between the visuals and the musical cues, enhancing the pacing of comedic and tense moments. No awards or nominations were reported for the composition.

Release and reception

Release

Peechaankai was theatrically released on 15 June 2017 in theaters across , . The distribution was handled by the production company Karsa Entertainment, with no reported international or festival screenings. The film received a U/A certification from the and has a runtime of 126 minutes. Marketing efforts began in February 2017 with the release of the official trailer, which highlighted the comedic elements of the protagonist's condition. The trailer, featuring lead actors R. S. Karthik and Anjali Rao, was promoted as a fun-filled story of a left-handed pickpocket's mishaps. There were no reported delays or controversies surrounding the release. Post-theatrical, the film became available on home media platforms, including full movie uploads on starting in 2023, accessible as of 2025.

Critical response

Peechankai received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its original premise involving and its blend of and social satire, while noting issues with pacing and narrative structure. The film was commended for its quirky humor and fresh depiction of the syndrome, marking it as the first Indian feature to explore the condition in a comedic context. Critic scores reflected this ambivalence, with The Times of India awarding 3/5 stars for its novel humor but critiquing the overcrowded subplots that caused the story to drag. Behindwoods gave it 2.75/5, highlighting the strong writing and character-driven comedy in the first half, though the second half suffered from slower execution. CinemaGlitz rated it 2.5/5, appreciating the central performances that salvaged the film despite its dilution by commercial elements and underdeveloped threads. Reviewers frequently lauded R. S. Karthik's debut performance as the pickpocket , noting his energetic and ability to convey the syndrome's chaos through physicality. The elements were executed effectively in key sequences, blending with on , as one review described the condition as a for societal disorder. The News Minute echoed this, praising the intriguing setup and likeable humorous lines, though it faulted the overall unevenness. Common criticisms centered on pacing problems after the strong initial setup, with subplots like romance and political intrigue feeling underdeveloped and leading to a meandering narrative. The Hindu pointed out lagging moments and excessive subplots that diluted focus, preventing the film from fully capitalizing on its potential. Despite these flaws, the humor around the hand syndrome's antics provided consistent laughs in the early portions. Audience reception diverged positively from critics, evidenced by an IMDb user rating of 6.8/10, suggesting greater appreciation for the film's lighthearted take on and quirky elements among viewers. No major awards or festival recognitions were reported for the film post-release.

Box office

Peechaankai had a limited theatrical run primarily in , with screenings confined mostly to city theaters. During its opening week from June 12 to 18, 2017, the film ranked sixth in box office collections, reflecting modest initial interest for a niche . By the end of its second weekend, screenings were reduced to just one show per day in , indicating a quick drop in theatrical viability. As a low-budget independent production, detailed financial data remains underreported in trade analyses, though estimates place its domestic net collections at around ₹3.10 . The film's performance was impacted by mixed critical reception and stiff competition from major releases, such as , which dominated screens during the same period. Post-theatrical, Peechaankai transitioned to digital platforms, becoming available on OTT services like , where it has sustained regional appeal among audiences interested in quirky Tamil comedies. In comparison to similar black comedies in , such as Soodhu Kavvum, which achieved broader commercial success, Peechaankai maintained a more niche footprint but contributed to the genre's growing presence in independent filmmaking.

References

  1. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/peechankai-review-the-left-comes-to-power/article19087971.ece
  2. https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/peechankai-review-film-has-great-premise-could-have-been-funnier-63763
  3. https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2017/Jun/14/travails-of-a-thief-561.html
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7951448/releaseinfo/
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/peechankai/movie-review/59173582.cms
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7951448/
  7. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/Jun/16/peechaankai-movie-review-a-pointedly-mediocre-comedy-1617397.html
  8. https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/peechaankai/peechaankai-review.html
  9. https://www.moviecrow.com/movie/3412/peechankai-tamil-movie-review/
  10. https://sudhir-srinivasan.com/2017/06/19/peechaankai-a-pointedly-mediocre-comedy/
  11. https://www.cinejosh.com/news/1/64108/tamil-tambis-slam-savyasachi.html
  12. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/peechankai-helped-me-survive-as-an-actor-says-rs-karthik/article23800824.ece
  13. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/461971-peechankai/cast?language=en-US
  14. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/peechaankai/cast-and-crew
  15. https://cinemaglitz.com/peechankai-movie-review/
  16. http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/peechaankai/index.html
  17. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/210617/a-dream-debut-for-sruthi-menon.html
  18. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/060217/peechankai-deals-with-alien-hand-syndrome.html
  19. https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/chays-savyasachi-is-indias-second-film-on-ahs.html
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmqTRUAS79s
  21. https://www.moviebuff.com/peechankai
  22. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/director-of-peechaankai-ashok-talks-about-his-film/article19055414.ece
  23. https://www.masstamilan.dev/peechaankai-songs
  24. https://open.spotify.com/album/3XNisyKo6fGUSNc1cWLHVO
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4sH_wpCMyU
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxVR35He36I
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAgQFomW9ew
  28. https://www.studioflicks.com/reviews/peechaankai-movie-review/
  29. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/peechaankai/rHRyeM7O13M_
  30. https://www.studioflicks.com/person/balamurali-balu/
  31. https://www.moviecrow.com/movie/3412/peechankai-tamil-movie-review/review
  32. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/peechankai-set-to-release-on-june-15/articleshow/59081777.cms
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqFlKKQC-X4
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm3GBDA9970
  35. http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/peechaankai/peechaankai-box-office-jun-18.html
  36. http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/peechaankai/peechaankai-box-office-jun-25.html
  37. https://etstatsfromcinema.wordpress.com/2017/08/27/list-of-hit-or-flop-tamil-movies-2016-2017-kollywood-films-2017-box-office-verdict-hits-flops/
  38. https://www.ibtimes.co.in/baahubali-2-box-office-collection-business-ss-rajamoulis-film-finally-slows-down-731711
  39. https://www.komparify.com/entertainment/movie/peechaankai
  40. https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2017/06/15/peechaankai-a-killer-premise-that-should-have-resulted-in-a-way-funnier-film/
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