Vallavan
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| Vallavan | |
|---|---|
![]() Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Silambarasan |
| Written by | Silambarasan Balakumaran (dialogues) |
| Produced by | P. L. Thenappan |
| Starring | Silambarasan Nayanthara Reema Sen |
| Cinematography | Priyan R. D. Rajasekhar |
| Edited by | Anthony |
| Music by | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
Production company | Sri Raj Lakshmi Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 185 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Vallavan (transl. Expert), alternatively spelled as Valaavaan,[1][a] is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film written and directed by Silambarasan, starring himself in the lead role alongside Nayanthara and Reema Sen whilst Sandhya, Santhanam, Premji and Sathyan play supporting roles. The dialogues are written by Balakumaran, and the film was produced by P. L. Thenappan. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The story follows Vallavan, a happy-go-lucky college student who falls in love with Swapna. He soon discovers that Swapna is a trainee lecturer at his college and is three years older than him.
Vallavan released on 21 October 2006. It received mixed reviews and became a decent hit at the box office. The songs became chartbusters.
Plot
[edit]Vallavan is a happy-go-lucky college student. While he and his friends are at a temple, he sees Swapna and immediately falls in love with her. Vallavan reencounters her, and she is revealed to be a lecturer who is three years older than him. He decides to woo her by turning into Pallan, an ugly duckling with buck teeth and thick glasses. Pallan makes Swapna fall in love with him for his heart. He then reveals his disguise at a wedding reception and introduces her to his friends. At the party, they try to convince her indirectly to accept a younger man, but she doesn't budge. After that, Vallavan drops her off at her home. Both feel romance and make love. He assures marrying her. When Swapna learns that Pallan is younger than her (from one of Vallavan's rivals at the college) and also a student, she breaks off her relationship with him and decides to marry another man.
As Vallavan walks in the streets, wondering how things got so messy, he recalls his school life. When he was in higher secondary school, Vallavan met the hysteric and toxic Geetha, who ensures that Vallavan is mad about her. Learning of her true nature, he ends their relationship. She is not ready to let him go so easily, and he teaches her a lesson.
Geetha returns for payback and tells Vallavan that she is the reason for the current mess in his life. In an effort to win his love, Vallavan, once again as Pallan, goes to convince Swapna that even though he is younger than her, his love for her is true, and age does not matter. Swapna realizes her mistake, and they reconcile, infuriating Geetha. In a climax displaying her disorder, she kidnaps Vallavan's friend Suji, and Vallavan arrives and frees her.
The film fast-forwards to three years later, where Geetha is released from a mental asylum. The moment she steps out, she exhibits her fiery, psychotic expression, showing that she never actually recovered. Vallavan is waiting for her, and they communicate telepathetically, with Vallavan saying that she cannot hurt him.
Cast
[edit]- Silambarasan as Vallavan, a college student
- Nayanthara (voice: Savitha) as Swapna, a teacher and Vallavan's love interest
- Reema Sen as Geethakumari "Geetha", Vallavan's ex-girlfriend
- Sandhya as Suji, Vallavan's best friend
- Santhanam as Soori, Suji's brother and Vallavan's friend
- Sathyan as Subbu, Vallavan's friend
- Premji as Swapna's friend
- S. V. Shekhar as Suji and Soori's father
- Janaki Sabesh as Suji and Soori's mother
- Shankar as Vallavan's school friend (flashback)
- Karthik Sabesh as Vallavan's school friend (flashback)
- Thara Srinivasan as Premji's wife
- Venu Arvind
- Deepa Venkat
- Kottachi
- Sembuli Jagan
- Guhan Shanmugam
- Rajendranath
- Balakumaran as Psychiatrist (cameo appearance)
- T. Rajendar as dancer in song "Yammadi Aathadi" (special appearance)
- Kanal Kannan as a spectator watching Vallavan's fight from his car (cameo appearance)
- Mahat Raghavendra as Vallavan's friend and miscellaneous (uncredited role)
- Jagan as Vallavan's friend (uncredited role)
Music
[edit]The music was scored by noted musician and Silambarasan's friend, Yuvan Shankar Raja, coming together again after churning out the successful album of Manmadhan (2004). The soundtrack was released on 1 June 2006 and features nine tracks, including seven songs and two instrumental pieces. As it was the case in Manmadhan, a second soundtrack was released afterwards with bit songs that feature in the film but not on the first soundtrack along with pieces from the film score. The lyrics were penned by Vaali, Thamarai, film director Perarasu and Silambarasan himself. Karunakaran wrote the lyrics of the bit song "Kadhal Vandhale", released in the second edition.
Yuvan Shankar Raja won accolades for his soundtrack, whereas especially the songs "Loosu Penne" and "Yammaadi Aathaadi" were both popular.[2] The song "Kadhal Vanthirichu" was remixed from the film Kalyanaraman (1979), composed by Yuvan's father Ilaiyaraaja.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Vallava Ennai" | Thamarai | Sunidhi Chauhan | 6:29 |
| 2. | "Hooray Hooray Hip" | Vaali | Sunitha Sarathy, Nakul, Ranjith, Karthik | 5:44 |
| 3. | "Kadhal Vanthirichu" | Vaali | Silambarasan, Premji Amaren | 4:25 |
| 4. | "Loosu Penne" | Silambarasan | Silambarasan, Blaaze | 6:52 |
| 5. | "Yammaadi Aathadi" | Perarasu | T. Rajendar, Silambarasan, Suchitra, Mahathi | 5:30 |
| 6. | "Podu Attam Podu" | Vaali | Vijay Yesudas | 5:38 |
| 7. | "He Knows What To Do (Vallavan Theme)" | Tanvi Shah (humming) | 2:00 | |
| 8. | "Success of Love" | Instrumental | 1:05 | |
| 9. | "Loosu Penne (Club Mix)" | Silambarasan | Silambarasan, Premji Amaren | 4:02 |
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10. | "Yammaadi Aathaadi (2nd Version)" | T. Rajendar, Silambarasan, Suchitra, Mahathi | 5:24 |
| 11. | "Hip Hip Hurrey (2nd Version)" | Sunitha Sarathy, Nakul, Ranjith, Karthik | 5:38 |
| 12. | "Theme Music (1)" | Instrumental | 1:38 |
| 13. | "Theme Music (2)" | Instrumental | 0:47 |
| 14. | "Loose Penne (Music)" | Instrumental | 0:50 |
| 15. | "Kadhal Vandhale" (Lyrics written by Karunakaran) | Yuvan Shankar Raja | 2:26 |
| 16. | "Folk Bit" | Instrumental | 0:35 |
| 17. | "Victory of Love" | Silambarasan | 0:56 |
| 18. | "Valla Valla Vallavan" | Blaaze | 1:10 |
| 19. | "Kadhal Vandhale (Music)" | Instrumental | 1:31 |
| 20. | "Ilamai Idho + Pothuvaga (Remix)" | Silambarasan | 1:45 |
| Total length: | 22:40 | ||
Release
[edit]The film was released on 21 October, during Diwali Festival time, alongside Varalaru, Vattaram, Thalaimagan and Dharmapuri.[3]
Critical reception
[edit]The Hindu wrote: "Vallavan's basic sketch is simpler than Manmadhan, though the maker has lent it his trademark frills".[4] Sify gave 2.5/5 and said: "If you are looking for some wholesome entertainment, then Vallavan is worth your time and money".[5] Lajjavathi of Kalki felt the film is too long and ends abruptly, and the climax is not well told and by trimming here and there Simbu made the charm in first half lose in second half.[6] Cinesouth wrote "Simbu has shown his prowess in his acting, creativity and technology awareness. If only he could reduce his tendency towards vulgarity, he will really make a name for himself as a multi-faceted artiste".[7]
Controversies
[edit]The poster featuring Silambarasan biting Nayanthara's lips was objected by women's organisations.[8]
While filming for Vallavan, Nayanthara was romantically linked with Silambarasan. She initially denied the reports. In November 2006, however, she confirmed that she and Silambarasan had broken up, going on to add that she would not work with him again. However, they later went on to appear in Idhu Namma Aalu (2016).[9] During the making, Reema Sen threatened legal action against Silambarasan after he made changes to the scope of her role in the film.[10] She later stated she regretted her claim and was proud to have won critical acclaim for the character.[11]
Notes
[edit]- ^ The third and fifth As in "Valaavaan" are not pronounced.
References
[edit]- ^ "Valaavaan - He Knows What To Do". British Board of Film Classification.
- ^ "'Vallavan' beats 'Vettayadu' in Tamil audio race". Indiainfo.com. Archived from the original on 9 March 2007. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
- ^ "Diwali release – 2006". Chennai Online. 21 October 2006. Archived from the original on 15 November 2006. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ Friday Review Chennai / Film Review : Age does matter – Vallavan. The Hindu (3 November 2006).
- ^ Movie Review : Vallavan. Sify.com.
- ^ லஜ்ஜாவதி (26 November 2006). "வல்லவன்". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 54. Retrieved 9 April 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Vallavan". Cinesouth. Archived from the original on 15 November 2006. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
- ^ "Simbu, Sania and Glamour". Indiaglitz. 26 May 2005. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "Pandiraj ropes in Nayanthara for STR's project". Sify. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
- ^ "Tamil movies : Reema Sen's warning of legal action on Simbu". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ "Reema regrets attack on Simbu". 28 November 2006. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
External links
[edit]Vallavan
View on GrokipediaProduction
Development
Vallavan was announced in 2005 as Silambarasan TR's directorial debut, following his success as a screenwriter for the 2004 film Manmadhan.[7] Silambarasan penned the story and screenplay himself, incorporating themes drawn from personal experiences and contemporary youth culture, including complex emotional entanglements and coming-of-age narratives.[8] The project marked a shift toward a thriller-romance hybrid, with Silambarasan envisioning multiple character looks to depict personal growth and relational turmoil.[8] Pre-production emphasized innovative visual and narrative techniques, with Silambarasan collaborating closely with cinematographer Priyan to craft dynamic sequences that blended suspense and intimacy, and editor Anthony to ensure a tight pacing for the film's emotional layers.[9] The production was backed by P. L. Thenappan of Shree Raajalakshmi Films (P) Ltd. Composer Yuvan Shankar Raja contributed early to the process, integrating youthful, chart-topping tracks that influenced the script's rhythmic flow and thematic energy.[8] The original storyline centered on intricate friendship dynamics and elements of toxic relationships, particularly how external influences strain close bonds, though significant changes occurred during development—as actress Sandhya later noted in reflections on her role, highlighting discrepancies between the initial narration and the final cut.[10] These creative decisions aimed to capture authentic interpersonal conflicts resonant with young audiences, prioritizing emotional depth over conventional romance tropes.[8]Casting
Silambarasan cast himself in the dual lead role of Vallavan/Pallan, serving as both director and protagonist in the film.[11] Nayanthara was chosen to portray Swapna, the love interest, amid her rising stardom in Tamil cinema following successes in films like Ghajini and Chandramukhi.[4] Reema Sen was selected for the antagonistic role of Geetha, capitalizing on her availability after commitments in projects such as Thimiru, where she played a prominent character; however, her involvement faced issues during production due to a dispute that led her to walk out temporarily before resolution.[12] Sandhya was cast as Suchitra following screen tests to assess her fit for the character's dynamics.[4] Supporting roles included Santhanam as Bala and Sathyan as Subbu, contributing to the film's ensemble comedy elements through their portrayals of Vallavan's friends.[11]Filming
Principal photography for Vallavan began in 2006 and was marked by an intense schedule driven by pressure to meet an early release deadline, resulting in delays due to scheduling conflicts, escalating costs, and production issues. Key scenes featuring lead actors Silambarasan, Nayanthara, and Reema Sen were filmed at Prasad Studios in Chennai, where the production pushed long hours without breaks, from 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. in some instances.[13] This grueling pace led to challenges, including exhaustion among the cast; during one shoot in June 2006, Nayanthara fainted on set due to overwork, requiring medical attention before she resumed filming shortly after.[13] Filming also took place in Hyderabad alongside Chennai.[4] Cinematographer Priyan captured the action and college scenes effectively, enhancing the film's stylistic elements.[11] Production extended over several months, longer than initially planned, amid scheduling conflicts from the lead actors' other commitments and various controversies that delayed completion, including over 100 days of overshooting.[12] This resulted in night shoots and adjustments to accommodate availability, stretching the principal photography phase. Post-production followed the wrap of shooting later in 2006, with editing handled by Anthony, who assembled the footage to maintain the thriller's pacing.[11] Visual effects were incorporated for dream sequences, adding to the narrative's psychological depth, though specific timelines for these processes aligned closely with the film's October release.[11]Cast and characters
Lead roles
Silambarasan portrays Vallavan, also known as Pallan, as a carefree college student whose initial lighthearted demeanor evolves into an obsessive pursuit driven by intense romantic feelings, showcasing a marked shift in personality that underscores themes of emotional volatility. As the film's director, Silambarasan incorporated nuanced self-direction in key emotional sequences, allowing for a layered depiction of his character's internal conflicts and dual nature.[2][14] Nayanthara plays Swapna, a mature and composed college lecturer who becomes entangled in a complex romance, navigating the challenges of affection amid elements of deception and emotional turmoil. Her performance is noted for its convincing portrayal of a woman balancing professional poise with personal vulnerability.[2][15] Reema Sen embodies Geetha, Vallavan's antagonistic ex-girlfriend, characterized by manipulative and toxic behaviors that escalate into obsessive and vengeful actions, drawing parallels to intensely dramatic roles in Tamil cinema. Sen's standout performance highlights the character's psychotic intensity and domineering presence, making her a pivotal force in the narrative's interpersonal dynamics.[2][14]Supporting roles
Bala, portrayed by Santhanam, is Vallavan's close friend who provides comic relief through humorous antics and one-liners during the college sequences, enhancing the film's lighter moments.[16][17] Subbu, played by Sathyan, and Suchitra, enacted by Sandhya, serve as Vallavan's friends, contributing to group dynamics among the college peers and supporting subplots involving friendship and youthful camaraderie.[17][16] Suchitra's role, in particular, adds emotional depth to the ensemble through her interactions with the protagonist in everyday scenarios.[2] Other minor roles encompass family members and antagonistic figures, including Vijayakumar as Devaraj, Geetha's father, offering paternal authority in key confrontations; M. S. Bhaskar as Thambu, Geetha's uncle, providing additional familial tension; Lakshmi as Janaki, Vallavan's mother, in a pivotal maternal role; and K. S. Ravikumar as Raghavan, Swapna's father.[17] The overall ensemble of supporting characters lightens the thriller elements by emphasizing bonds of friendship and family, creating contrast to the central romantic conflicts.[2] These roles briefly intersect with the leads in pivotal scenes, such as college gatherings and domestic disputes, underscoring relational complexities.Music
Composition
Yuvan Shankar Raja was hired as the composer for Vallavan in 2005, with the specific aim of delivering a youthful fusion soundtrack that blended elements of rock, hip-hop, and traditional melody to appeal to a younger audience.[18] This stylistic choice reflected the film's energetic narrative and the director's vision for a modern romantic drama.[18] The composition process took place over three months, resulting in nine tracks that were recorded at the renowned Panchathan Record Inn studios in Chennai.[18] Lyrics for the songs were penned by Vaali, Thamarai, Perarasu, and Silambarasan, ensuring a mix of poetic depth and contemporary flair that complemented the music's hybrid sound. Several tracks were thoughtfully integrated into the film's narrative to enhance key emotional sequences, such as "Loosu Penne," which served as the backdrop for a romantic montage, heightening the on-screen chemistry between the leads.[18] Innovative features included rap verses performed by lead actor Silambarasan, adding a personal and edgy touch, as well as the use of live instrumentation to infuse the compositions with organic energy and authenticity.[18] Tracks like "Loosu Penne" and "Yammaadi Aathadi" became major hits, contributing to the film's pre-release hype.Track listing
The audio album for Vallavan was released on 1 June 2006 by Think Music.[19] It consists of nine tracks in total, comprising seven vocal songs and two additional pieces (one instrumental and one remix) composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The tracks are listed below:| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Vallava Ennai" | Thamarai | Sunidhi Chauhan | 6:29 |
| 2 | "Hooray Hooray Hip" | Vaali | Sunitha Sarathy, Nakul, Ranjith, Karthik | 5:44 |
| 3 | "Kadhal Vanthirichu" | Vaali | Silambarasan, Premji Amaren | 4:25 |
| 4 | "Loosu Penne" | Silambarasan | Silambarasan, Blaaze | 6:52 |
| 5 | "Yammaadi Aathadi" | Perarasu | T. Rajendar, Silambarasan, Suchitra, Mahathi | 5:30 |
| 6 | "Podu Attam Podu" | Vaali | Vijay Yesudas | 5:38 |
| 7 | "He Knows What To Do" | — | Tanvi Shah | 2:00 |
| 8 | "Success of Love" | — | Instrumental | 1:05 |
| 9 | "Loosu Penne (Club Mix)" | Silambarasan | Silambarasan, Premji Amaren | 4:02 |
