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Saattai
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| Saattai | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | M. Anbazhagan |
| Written by | M. Anbazhagan |
| Produced by | John Max Prabhu Solomon |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | M. Jeevan |
| Edited by | R. Nirmal |
| Music by | D. Imman |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Photo Factory (P). Ltd |
Release date |
|
Running time | 2hrs 30mins |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Saattai (transl. Whip) is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by M. Anbazhagan. The film features Samuthirakani, Yuvan, Mahima Nambiar and Thambi Ramaiah in pivotal roles.[1] The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by D. Imman. The shooting took place in NLC and Thiruvannamalai. The film is the first installment of the film series and was followed by a spin-off, Appa (2016), and a sequel Adutha Saattai (2019).[2] The movie was officially remade in Kannada in 2020 as Drona.[3]
Plot
[edit]Dayalan is a newly appointed teacher of a government school in Vanthaarangudi village near Thiruvannamalai city. He is unhappy with the education system and is also worried about the pitiable condition of education of government schools. After joining the school, he tries to change the school's environment. This is not welcome by Singaperumal, who is Assistant Head Master (AHM). Dayalan's decision for the change does not go well with the other teachers and students, but his good moves were slowly noticed by Pandian, the Head Master (HM), who is Singaperumal's senior. Slowly, Dayalan gets popular among the class students. In between, there is love between Pazhanimuthu "Pazhani" and Arivazhagi. Pazhani's father is also a teacher in the same school. Singaperumal was waiting for a turn to take revenge on Dayalan. In this situation, Arivazhagi was sexually abused by a teacher and she tries committing suicide by consuming poison. Singaperumal files a case against Dayalan as the culprit. After Arivazhagi opens the statement to the police that a teacher abused her, Dayalan was released. Dayalan organizes an inter-school competition between schools. Dayalan's school gets first place because of Arivazhagi's and Pazhani's hard work. After that, Dayalan gets attacked by mobs arranged by Singaperumal. Dayalan gets admitted in the hospital. All of the students and teachers go to the hospital to see him and they were denied to see him by the hospital authorities as he is in very critical condition. Then arrives his wife and inspires the students to study for the coming exams. Students study well and they top their district, and the movie ends with Dayalan giving the responsibility of HM to Singaperumal, who reforms and apologizes to him. The movie ends with Dayalan going to the next village to reform another government school.
Cast
[edit]- Samuthirakani as Dayalan
- Yuvan as Pazhanimuthu "Pazhani"
- Mahima Nambiar as Arivazhagi
- Thambi Ramaiah as M. Singaperumal, Assistant HM
- Junior Balaiah as Pandian, Head Master
- Swasika as Dayalan's wife
- Pandi as Murugan
- Prem as Baskar, Private School Coach
- Ravi as Pazhani's father and working staff
- Hello Kandasamy as Deaf man
- Bava Lakshmanan
Soundtrack
[edit]| Saattai | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 14 January 2012 | |||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Language | Tamil | |||
| Label | Sony Music India | |||
| Producer | D. Imman | |||
| D. Imman chronology | ||||
| ||||
The music for the film is by D. Imman. Yugabharathi has penned the lyrics.[4]
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Jada Jada Jaada" | Ramesh Vinayagam, Sai Venkat, Haripriya | 04:08 |
| 2. | "Sahaayane" | Shreya Ghoshal | 04:16 |
| 3. | "Andhurundai Kannazhagi" | Chitty, Thanjai Radhika, Srik | 04:32 |
| 4. | "Adi Raangi" | Santhosh Hariharan, Anitha Karthikeyan | 04:22 |
| 5. | "Nanbaa Vaa Nanbaa" | Saisharan | 04:02 |
| 6. | "Dayas Insight" | Elisabeth Mani | 03:25 |
| 7. | "Serene Grace" | Priya Himesh | 04:01 |
| 8. | "Sahaayane (Karaoke Version)" | Instrumental | 04:16 |
| 9. | "Adi Raangi (Karaoke Version)" | Instrumental | 04:16 |
Release
[edit]The satellite rights of the film were sold to STAR Vijay.[5]
Critical reception
[edit]Sify's critic described the film as a "decent entertainer which harps loudly on the message it wants to convey", noting that director M Anbazhgan "has neatly worked the film around [Samuthira]kani’s character but at times it becomes too preachy and sentimental".[6] M. Suganth from The Times of India gave it 4 out of 5 and claimed that Saattai was a "commercial potboiler dressed up as arty fare". The reviewer further wrote: "Anbazhagan's intentions are quite commendable [...] but the sad thing is that he goes about this task with less subtlety and more sermonizing, with the result that the scenes where he wishes to make a point come across as totally preachy".[7] Similarly, Malathi Rangarajan from The Hindu wrote: "The aim is lofty, the theme, noble. It is in execution that director Anbazhagan falters a little". She concluded that the film was "at times obviously sermonising" but "still [...] worthy of notice".[8]
Sequel
[edit]Spin-off
[edit]In September 2015, Samuthirakani chose to postpone the production of his Kitna, after the lead actress Dhansika got an offer to appear in Pa. Ranjith's Kabali (2016). He chose instead to use his time directing and producing a sequel to his earlier film, Saattai (2012), and revealed that the film would be titled Appa.[9] He revealed that the film would bear no resemblance to the first film, but would be a spiritual sequel and would revolve around the education system like the previous film. He initially approached Anbazhagan to direct the film, but the director's commitments to making Rupai produced by Prabhu Solomon, meant that Samuthirakani directed the film himself. Samuthirakani also revealed that the film's plot line had been taken from a real-life incident, which happened when choosing a school for his son.[10]
Awards
[edit]| Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Thambi Ramaiah | Nominated |
| Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film[11] | Shalom Studios | Won |
References
[edit]- ^ "Samuthirakani's 'Saattai'". IndiaGlitz. 7 June 2011. Archived from the original on 9 June 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2012.
- ^ "Saattai". Times of India. 21 September 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2012.
- ^ "Drona Movie Review: This commercial film gets too preachy at times". The Times of India.
- ^ "Audio Beat: Saattai". The Hindu. 8 September 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2012.
- ^ "Saattai Movie on Star Vijay". The Times of India. 1 November 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ "Movie Review : Saattai". Sify. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2013.




- ^ Suganth M (21 September 2012). "Saattai movie review". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 June 2013.




- ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (22 September 2012). "Saattai: Cracking the whip differently". The Hindu. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
- ^ "Samudrakani's Next, 'Saatai 2'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015.
- ^ Only Kollywood. "Samuthirakani confirms directing Saattai 2". Only Kollywood.
- ^ [1],The Hindu 14 July 2017
External links
[edit]Saattai
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and Production
Origins and Development
Saattai was conceived by M. Anbazhagan as his directorial debut, stemming from observations of systemic issues in Tamil Nadu's government schools, including teacher apathy toward student development and the prevalence of rote learning over holistic education.[6] [7] Anbazhagan, a former assistant to filmmaker Prabhu Solomon, developed the script to critique these conditions through the story of a reform-minded teacher challenging entrenched practices in a rural school.[8] The narrative draws loose inspiration from the 1967 American film To Sir, with Love, adapting its core premise of an outsider educator inspiring undisciplined students in under-resourced environments to fit local contexts of primary education neglect.[9] Script development emphasized a strong plot foundation, weaving social commentary on adolescent behavioral issues and the erosion of disciplinary teaching methods—such as physical correction symbolized by the title's "whip"—into a commercially viable structure with dramatic confrontations and resolutions.[10] [6] Anbazhagan aimed to advocate reviving memory-enhancing and attention-building classroom techniques amid modern distractions, though the screenplay occasionally veers into overt moralizing.[6] Production originated under Prabhu Solomon's Shalom Studios banner, co-produced with John Max, providing Anbazhagan the platform to execute his vision after his assisting role on prior projects.[8] Pre-production focused on assembling a cast suited to portray authentic rural educators and students, with principal photography commencing to capture real school dynamics in Tamil Nadu villages, reflecting the film's grounding in documented educational shortcomings rather than fictional invention.[11] [12] The project, initiated around 2011, culminated in a September 21, 2012 release, positioning it as a purposeful intervention in Tamil cinema's occasional forays into school reform themes.[13]Casting and Crew Selection
M. Anbazhagan, a former assistant to director Prabhu Solomon, was selected to helm Saattai as his directorial debut, with Solomon producing the film alongside John Max under the Shalom Studios banner; the project was announced in June 2011 as a collaboration emphasizing socially relevant themes.[14][8] Anbazhagan chose Samuthirakani to portray the protagonist Dayalan, a teacher combating systemic issues in a rural government school, viewing him as the perfect fit due to his established ability to embody resolute, justice-oriented figures in prior works like Eesan.[15] Supporting roles featured Thambi Ramaiah as the headmaster Singam Perumal, Yuvan as the student Pazhanimuthu, and Mahima Nambiar in her acting debut as Arivazhagi, Dayalan's romantic interest; additional cast included Junior Balaiah as Pandian, Swasika as Dayalan's wife, Inigo Prabhakaran, Appukutty, and Sounthara Raja.[16] The technical crew selection prioritized alignment with the film's grounded, message-driven narrative: D. Imman was tasked with composing the soundtrack and score to underscore the rural and emotional elements, M. Jeevan handled cinematography to depict authentic village school settings, and V. J. Sabu Joseph edited the footage.[17][16]Filming Process and Challenges
The principal photography of Saattai was conducted under the direction of M. Anbazhagan in his directorial debut, focusing on authentic rural settings to depict the challenges of government schools in Tamil Nadu villages. Producer Prabhu Solomon managed the production, prioritizing scenes that highlighted real-world educational dynamics without reliance on extensive studio work.[6] Cinematographer M. Jeevan employed natural lighting and handheld techniques to convey the gritty, unpolished environment, contributing to the film's documentary-like feel in key sequences. No substantial production hurdles, such as weather disruptions or scheduling delays, were detailed in contemporaneous press, suggesting a relatively smooth shoot aligned with the modest budget typical of independent Tamil dramas of the era.[18] The emphasis remained on performance-driven takes involving lead actor Samuthirakani's physical commitment to portraying teacher-student interactions, which required multiple retakes for emotional authenticity but proceeded efficiently.Narrative Structure
Plot Summary
Dayalan (Samuthirakani), a principled teacher, arrives at a dilapidated government school in a rural Tamil Nadu village, where education has devolved into rote punishment under the domineering assistant headmaster Singam Perumal (Thambi Ramaiah), who doubles as a local moneylender and enforces discipline through corporal means while neglecting academic growth.[4] The students, largely from underprivileged backgrounds, exhibit widespread unruliness and disinterest, compounded by indifferent staff including the mild-mannered headmaster Junior Balaiah.[6] Challenging the entrenched apathy, Dayalan employs empathetic yet firm strategies to rebuild student engagement, reviving traditional teaching techniques to sharpen focus and memory while promoting holistic development through academics and cultural pursuits, such as pairing students like Yuvan and Mahima in extracurricular roles.[6] His confrontations with Perumal and systemic inertia underscore efforts to prove government schools' capacity for fostering capable, well-rounded individuals beyond mere compliance.[4][6]Key Themes and Social Commentary
The film critiques the deficiencies in India's rural government school system, portraying issues such as undisciplined students, negligent educators prioritizing personal gain over teaching, and systemic corruption including bribery for teacher transfers and favoritism in student admissions.[6][7] Protagonist Dayalan, a dedicated teacher, embodies the theme of individual reform efforts against entrenched institutional inertia, using strict discipline—symbolized by the "whip" of the title—to instill values like punctuality, hygiene, and academic rigor in students who initially resist change.[4][19] Social commentary centers on the broader societal neglect of primary education in underprivileged areas, highlighting how unqualified or unmotivated teachers perpetuate cycles of illiteracy and poverty, while decrying practices like rote memorization over practical learning and the exploitation of education for political or financial ends.[9][11] Director M. Anbazhagan draws from real-world observations to underscore the urgent need for elevating teacher quality and accountability, though critics note the film's execution leans preachy, emphasizing personal anecdotes over systemic analysis.[6][19] The narrative implicitly argues that grassroots teacher-led interventions, rather than top-down policy, offer a path to empowerment, reflecting a realist view of education as a causal driver of social mobility in rural Tamil Nadu.[12]Cast and Performances
Lead Roles and Actors
The protagonist, Dayalan, a newly appointed teacher in a rural government school who exposes educational corruption and pushes for merit-based reforms, is played by Samuthirakani, an actor and director known for socially conscious roles in Tamil cinema.[16] [20] Samuthirakani's portrayal emphasizes Dayalan's determination and frustration with systemic inefficiencies, drawing from his own background in theater and films addressing rural issues.[1] Mahima Nambiar makes her acting debut as Arivazhagi, Dayalan's romantic interest and a fellow educator, bringing a fresh presence to the film's exploration of personal relationships amid professional struggles.[16] [20] Yuvan portrays Pazhanimuthu (Pazhani), a bright but disadvantaged student who becomes Dayalan's ally in challenging school malpractices, highlighting youth potential stifled by institutional flaws.[16] [20] This role underscores the film's focus on student-teacher dynamics, with Yuvan's performance noted for authenticity in depicting rural adolescent aspirations.[1]Supporting Cast
Thambi Ramaiah portrays Singam Perumal, the assistant headmaster at the government school, a character from the same village who aids the protagonist amid bureaucratic hurdles and provides comic elements through his earnest yet inept demeanor.[1] His performance effectively captures the role of a long-serving rural educator resistant to change but ultimately supportive.[1] Swasika plays Mrs. Dayalan, the wife of the lead teacher, offering emotional backing and highlighting domestic challenges faced by educators in under-resourced areas.[21] Junior Balaiah appears as Pandian, the school's correspondent, depicted as a corrupt figure exploiting the institution for personal gain, embodying systemic malpractices critiqued in the narrative.[16] Additional supporting roles include students and villagers portrayed by actors such as Pandi Lingeswaran and Prem Kumar, who contribute to scenes illustrating classroom dynamics and community resistance to reform efforts.[22]Music and Technical Elements
Soundtrack Composition
The soundtrack of Saattai was composed by D. Imman, who handled both the songs and background score.[23][24] Lyrics for the majority of tracks were written by Yugabharathi.[23] The album, comprising five principal songs along with additional versions and instrumentals totaling nine tracks, was released on August 28, 2012.[25][24] Imman's composition incorporated elements of folk rhythms and melodic structures suited to the film's rural educational theme, featuring prominent guitar riffs and choral arrangements in tracks like "Jada Jada Jaada" and "Sahaayane."[26] The songs emphasized emotional depth and peppy beats, with "Sahaayane" highlighted for its dulcet melody rendered by Shreya Ghoshal.[26]| Song Title | Singer(s) | Duration (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Jada Jada Jaada | Ramesh Vinayakam, Sai Venkat, Haripriya, Aswath, Divya | 4:45 |
| Sahaayane | Shreya Ghoshal | 5:02 |
| Andhurundai Kannazhagi | Chitty Babu, Thanjai Radhika | 4:30 |
| Adi Raangi | Tippu | 4:15 |
| Nanbaa Vaa Nanbaa | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | 4:20 |
