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Varisu
Theatrical release poster
Directed byVamshi Paidipally
Screenplay byVamshi Paidipally
Vivek
Story byVamshi Paidipally
Hari
Ashishor Solomon
Dialogues byVivek
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyKarthik Palani
Edited byPraveen K. L.
Music byThaman S
Production
companies
Distributed bySeven Screen Studio
Release date
  • 11 January 2023 (2023-01-11)
Running time
175 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budgetest. ₹200−280 crore[a]
Box officeest. ₹290–310 crore[b]

Varisu (/ˈvɑːˌrisʊ/ transl. Heir) is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Vamshi Paidipally, who co-wrote the film with Hari, Ashishor Solomon and Vivek Velmurugan. Produced jointly by Dil Raju and Sirish under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations and PVP Cinema. The film stars Vijay in the main lead role alongside Rashmika Mandanna, R. Sarathkumar, Shaam, S. J. Suryah, Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Jayasudha, Sangeetha, Samyuktha Shanmughanadhan, Nandini Rai, Yogi Babu, Ganesh Venkatraman and Suman. It focuses on an entrepreneur's youngest son being named the chairman of his father's business, much to the dismay of his two brothers.

The film was announced in September 2021 under the tentative title Thalapathy 66, as it is Vijay's 66th film in a leading role. Principal photography began in April 2022 and concluded in December. The film was shot mostly in Chennai and Hyderabad, with sporadic schedules in Visakhapatnam, Ballari and Ladakh. The music was composed by Thaman S, cinematography handled by Karthik Palani and editing was by Praveen K. L. The film was subject to numerous leaks during production, despite the efforts of the producers to contain them.

Varisu was released in theatres worldwide on 11 January 2023, in the week of Pongal. It received mixed reviews from critics with praise for Vijay's performance, music, action sequences and entertainment value but received criticism for the screenplay and melodramatic approach. It grossed around 290–310 crore at the box office.[b]

Plot

[edit]

Vijay is the youngest son of an eminent billionaire entrepreneur, Rajendran Palanisamy. Vijay is disowned and thrown out of the house as he refuses to join the family business, instead deciding to launch a food delivery startup. Seven years later, Rajendran is diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer with only 8 to 10 months to live. He decides to reveal his terminal condition and appoint one of his two elder sons, Jai or Ajay, as his successor before his impending death.

Rajendran plans to celebrate his 60th birthday and decides to announce both matters afterwards. Vijay gets invited at the behest of his mother, Sudha, who still considers him her son. Vijay arrives to find his house in disarray; Jai is cheating on his wife, Aarthi, and has an extramarital affair with another woman, Smita, while neglecting his spoilt daughter, Ria. Ajay is in a debt trap when he owes over 550 crore (US$65 million) to Mukesh, a financier. When Ajay could not repay the money to Mukesh, he offered to leak his company's secrets to his father's business rival, Jayaprakash "JP". Once Rajendran learns that his tender details were leaked to JP, he swears to give that traitor hell. The two elder brothers do not speak with each other and try to sabotage each other to be their father's successor.

Meanwhile, Vijay meets Divya. She is Aarthi’s younger sister, From the very first time she saw Vijay at her sister’s wedding—though he was younger than her—she had a crush on him. After a few incidents, the duo fall for each other. During Rajendran's birthday celebration, JP, through Smita and Mukesh, reveals the duplicity of Jai and Ajay, which devastates the entire family. Aarthi decides to file for divorce from Jai when she learns of his affair with Smitha, and Rajendran loses a business deal to JP due to Ajay's treason. Realising that he cannot rely on his elder sons to run his business empire, Rajendran reaches out to Vijay, who initially refuses but later agrees to take over the business after learning about Rajendran's illness.

Jai and Ajay leave the house in jealousy and dismay and join hands with JP and Mukesh to get rid of Vijay as the chairman, but Vijay manages to cross the hurdles and neatly handles the family business. After Vijay rescues Ria from a human trafficking gang, Jai realises his mistakes and reconciles with Vijay, Aarthi, and the rest of the family. Vijay and Jai then team up to stop Ajay from selling their company's shares to JP and make him realise his mistakes. The entire family, now reunited, have a hearty meal together, much to the happiness of Rajendran and Sudha. When Rajendran dies, the three brothers perform his funeral together and scatter his ashes in Varanasi.

Cast

[edit]

Cameo appearances

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

On 26 September 2021, Vijay's 66th film as lead actor was announced with the working title Thalapathy 66. Directed by Vamshi Paidipally, it is the first Tamil film produced by Dil Raju and Sirish under Sri Venkateswara Creations,[6][7] and Paidipally's second Tamil film after Thozha (2016).[8] Paidipally said the makers initially intended to announce the project early that year, but had to postpone their plans due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India.[9] Vijay was reported to receive a payment of 110 crore (US$13 million) for the film.[10] He was also reported to be sporting two looks as the film would be set in two different time periods.[11]

Paidipally wrote the story and screenplay along with Hari and Ashishor Solomon.[7] Raju Murugan was signed as the dialogue writer but he opted out of the project due to other film commitments.[12][13] Murugan was replaced by Vivek for additional screenplay and dialogues.[7] Cinematographer Karthik Palani, editor Praveen K. L. and production designers Sunil Babu and Vaishnavi Reddy, were part of the film's technical crew.[14] Dil Raju described the film as "family-centric" like most of Vijay's films from the 1990s.[15] While several reports anticipated the film to be a Tamil-Telugu bilingual, the makers clarified that the film would be shot only in Tamil.[16][17] The title Varisu was announced on 21 June 2022, the eve of Vijay's 48th birthday.[18]

In an interview with Ananda Vikatan, Vamshi claimed that the film is a family entertainer in the baseline and not specific to the genre, as he felt necessary to include several elements that would cater to the target audience, especially while writing for a big star like Vijay. He did the same, keeping in mind with the star and his image, which he felt that every section of the audience — including children and seniors — would enjoy the film.[19]

Casting

[edit]

The story for the film was written keeping Mahesh Babu in mind and when the actor could not sign up for the film, the makers approached Allu Arjun, Prabhas and Ram Charan before finalising Vijay.[20] In October 2021, Prakash Raj was reported to play a key role in the film, collaborating with Vijay after over a decade since Villu (2009).[21][22] On 5 April 2022, the birthday of Rashmika Mandanna, it was announced that she would be the lead actress.[23] It is her second Tamil film after Sulthan (2021).[24] The makers initially wanted Pooja Hegde as the lead actress, but ultimately desisted since she was doing consecutive films with stars; Hegde had previously starred with Vijay in Beast (2022).[25] R. Sarathkumar joined the cast the day after Mandanna's announcement.[26]

On 26 April 2022, Shaam confirmed being a part of the film, collaborating with Vijay after Kushi (2000), in which film he acted in a minor role,[27] and the following week, Yogi Babu also confirmed his presence in the film.[28] Five days later, the production house confirmed Prabhu and Jayasudha as part of the cast,[29] and two days later, Telugu actor Srikanth,[30] Sangeetha Krish and Samyuktha Shanmughanathan.[31] In early June, a photograph of Khushbu Sundar on the sets was leaked.[32] Though she initially denied being part of the cast,[33] her presence was confirmed on 26 October.[34] According to Vijay, her role was minor.[35] Khushbu's scenes were excluded from the theatrical cut due to length issues.[36] On 23 August, Ganesh Venkatraman confirmed his presence in the film.[37] In September, Sriman was confirmed to be a part of the film.[38] At the film's audio launch on 24 December, Vijay announced that S. J. Suryah would play a minor role.[35]

Filming

[edit]

The inaugural puja ceremony for the film's shooting was held on 6 April 2022 in Chennai, and was followed by filming of the first schedule.[39] It took place at a specially constructed set at a film city in East Coast Road, Chennai and was completed on 15 April.[40][41] Initially, 75% of the shoot was planned to take place in Hyderabad but Vijay requested the production to remain in Chennai to benefit the local FEFSI members, and the makers reportedly agreed.[42] Despite this, the Hyderabad schedule began on 3 May,[43] and concluded by 23 May.[44] The Chennai schedule resumed on 3 June, with the recurring portions also being shot at the film city. This includes a song sequence and few talkie portions.[45] Despite stringent measures taken by the production team, pictures taken from the sets were leaked onto the internet and by 15 June, the team planned to shift the shooting location to a private spot, resulting in the halt of filming.[46] By 23 June 45% of filming was over, with another schedule to begin in July.[47] The fourth schedule began on 5 July in Hyderabad,[48] and completed within three weeks.[49]

The team headed to Visakhapatnam for the fifth schedule in late-July; Paidipally planned to shoot the film in live locations in the city, and the details of the venue were undisclosed, in order to avoid fans gathering.[50] Despite the Telugu Film Producers Guild's (TFPG) decision to halt shootings of Telugu films from 1 August 2022, Dil Raju, the head of TFPG, assured that the shooting of Varisu would continue as it was a Tamil-language film and not a bilingual.[51][52] During the production in Hyderabad, several stills from the film were leaked, and fans criticised the supposed carelessness of the production house.[53] In mid-August 2022, a song shoot was held featuring Vijay and Mandanna, and is choreographed by Jani Master.[54] The team moved to Hyderabad for filming another song, with the lead pair and choreographer in September.[55]

The final schedule commenced on 25 September, with two fight sequences and two songs left to be shot in this schedule.[56] The filming was completed on 27 October 2022,[57] except for patchwork sequences and a final song, which was shot from 14 to 19 November in Bellary.[58] It was followed by the ongoing shooting of the climax sequences in Hyderabad, taking place for nearly 10 days.[59] During the schedule, a reporter and his team flew drone camera over the shooting location, but was seized by the fans, preventing the reporter from getting footage from the sets.[60] Post-production for the film went simultaneously in mid-November, and full-fledged post-production works would begin by December, once filming is wrapped. The technical team also travelled to Ladakh to capture montage sequences.[59] Filming was completed in December.[61]

Music

[edit]

In his first collaboration with Vijay, the music is composed by Thaman S.[62] The album consists of five songs.[63] The first single "Ranjithame" was released on 5 November 2022,[64] the second single "Thee Thalapathy" on 4 December,[65] and the third single "Soul of Varisu" on 20 December.[66]

The audio launch was held on 24 December.[67] The original soundtrack was released on 17 August 2023.

Marketing

[edit]

Varisu's first poster released on 21 June 2022, was criticised by a section of social media users, alleging to be plagiarised from the advertisements of the Otto clothing board,[68] and also edited the poster to strengthen their claims.[69] Replying to the trolls, the company had claimed that the image is not in any way related to the company.[68] Outdoor promotions for the film began in early-December 2022, with the film's poster being wrapped in Chennai Metro trains,[70] and in the Uzhavan Express train.[71]

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

Varisu was released on 11 January 2023, in the week of Pongal, clashing with Thunivu.[72][73] The film has dubbed versions in Telugu (titled Vaarasudu) and in Hindi.[74][75] The Telugu version's release was initially in risk of being moved to an earlier date than the Tamil version as the Telugu Film Producers Council urged theatre owners to give first preference to release only direct Telugu films releasing in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during the week of Sankranti festival.[76] Veera Simha Reddy and Waltair Veerayya were scheduled for the release on the festival on 12 and 13 January 2023 respectively.[77] Despite this, the Tamil Nadu Film Producers Association announced that the Telugu version would release as planned after talks with the Telugu Film Producers Council.[78] However, the Telugu version was later pushed to 14 January 2023 due to Raju choosing to let Veera Simha Reddy and Waltair Veerayya release first.[79]

Distribution

[edit]

In November, it was announced that Seven Screen Studios had acquired the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for the film.[80] They will further distribute the film through their sub-distributors: Shri Sai Combines (Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari), Five Star Films (Madurai), Radhu Infotainment (Tiruchirappalli and Tanjore) and distributor Senthil (Salem).[81] Red Giant Movies will distribute the film in North Arcot, South Arcot, Chennai, Coimbatore and Chengalpet.[82] Ahimsa Entertainment released the film in Tamil and Telugu in the United Kingdom.[83] 4 Seasons Creations acquired the rights for distributing the film in European countries such as France, Norway and Netherlands.[84] DMY Creations bought the distribution rights for Malaysia,[85] and Home Screen Entertainment did so for Singapore.[86]

Pre-release business

[edit]

The film's non-theatrical rights were sold for 150 crore (US$18 million) including satellite, digital, audio and dubbing rights.[87][88] Seven Screen Studios acquired the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for 70 crore (US$8.3 million) in minimum-guarantee basis.[89] The Hindi-dubbing rights of the film were sold for over 34 crore (US$4.0 million) crore.[90]

Home media

[edit]

The digital streaming rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video, and the satellite rights were sold to Sun TV.[91] The film premiered on Amazon Prime Video from 22 February 2023 in Tamil and dubbed versions of Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages.[92]

Reception

[edit]

The film received mixed reviews from critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 66% of 8 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.9/10.[93]

M Suganth of The Times of India gave the film 3.5 out of 5 and wrote "Vijay is in terrific form, cracking one-liners that have us break out into a smile, make self-referential punches and show earnestness in the sentimental moments".[94] Prem Udayabhanu of Onmanorama narrated Varisu as "A throwback to the formula era – a mix of traditional family values a prodigal heir and a fortune awaiting business inheritance".[95] Latha Srinivasan of India Today gave the film 3 out of 5 and wrote "Though the film is reminiscent of some Telugu films, Vijay keeps us engaged with his comedy and action".[96]

Srinivasa Ramanujam of The Hindu wrote "Beyond Varisu's staid plot and saccharine emotional beats, that's what stays in your mind in this Vamshi Paidipally directorial".[97] Priyanka Thirumurthy of The News Minute gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "In short, Varisu is a predictable but enjoyable family drama. After all, the fact that 'family is difficult' is a universal emotion".[98] Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times wrote "As a viewer if you had walked in with your expectations in place after watching the trailer, you won't be disappointed".[99]

Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express gave the film 3 out of 5 and wrote "There's no novelty to the experience. We wait for one mass moment after the other or one joke after the other. That makes Varisu more of a product than a film".[100] Navneet Vyasan of News18 gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "The screenplay has enough elements of a family entertainer. It has enough twists and turns too. In all this drama, Vijay excels in a perfect popcorn film that will see theatres come alive again".[101] Priyanka Sundar of Firstpost wrote "Not that they aren't valid, but they are so used to the subliminal messaging of women treated as nothing but trophies, and belonging in the kitchen that they don't see a point is calling it out".[102]

Navein Darshan of Cinema Express gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "The best among them is Vijay casually taking a dig at family dramas while making a confident statement".[103] Vivek MV of Deccan Herald gave the film's rating 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Beast from Nelson's was a misfire, yes, but it was at least encouraging to see Vijay collaborating with a youngster. He took that path with Master first, where he responded to the sensibility and style of a new-gen filmmaker. With 'Varisu', it seems that the actor has played it safe".[104] Lakshmi Subramanian of The Week gave the film's rating 1.5 out of 5 and wrote "Although the music is sufficiently peppy and there are some emotional scenes, the movie has nothing new to offer and may disappoint even hardcore Vijay fans".[105]

Accolades

[edit]

Controversies

[edit]

Sri Venkateswara Creations was accused by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) of using elephants in the film, violating the Performing Animal (Registration) Rules 2001 by not seeking permission from the AWBI before filming. The AWBI ordered Sri Venkateswara Creations to submit an explanation to them for their violation within seven days, or face legal action.[106]

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Varisu is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Vamshi Paidipally, who co-wrote the screenplay with Hari, Ashishor Solomon, and Vivek, and produced by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations. The film stars Vijay as Vijay Rajendran, a carefree and prodigal son of business tycoon Rajendran (Sarathkumar), who reluctantly agrees to lead the family empire after his father's terminal illness, facing opposition from his elder brothers and striving to mend familial rifts while proving his worth. Rashmika Mandanna plays the female lead as Meenakshi, with supporting roles featuring Prabhu, Shaam, Jayasudha, and others, and music composed by S. Thaman. Clocking in at 2 hours and 49 minutes, Varisu blends family drama with action sequences and was released on 11 January 2023 during the Pongal festival, simultaneously dubbed in Telugu as Vaarasudu. The production marked Paidipally's debut in Tamil cinema following his Telugu successes, with principal photography commencing in April 2022 across locations in India including Hyderabad, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Ballari, and Ladakh, wrapping up by December 2022. Filmed on a budget exceeding ₹200 crore, it featured high-octane action choreography and emotional dialogues emphasizing family values, resonating with Tamil audience preferences for mass entertainers. The soundtrack, including hits like "Ranjithame" and "Soul of Varisu," became a commercial success, topping charts on platforms like Spotify and JioSaavn prior to release. Upon release, Varisu clashed at the box office with Ajith Kumar's Thunivu, sparking a high-stakes Pongal showdown, but emerged as a blockbuster, grossing ₹306.20 crore worldwide and becoming Vijay's highest-grossing film at the time, with strong performances in Tamil Nadu (₹146.10 crore share) and Telugu markets. Critically, it received mixed reviews, praised for Vijay's charismatic performance and family-oriented narrative but critiqued for predictable plotting and lengthy runtime, earning a 5.9/10 on IMDb and 66% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film later streamed on Amazon Prime Video from February 2023, further boosting its accessibility across languages like Malayalam (Vamsam) and Kannada (Varasadara).

Synopsis and characters

Plot

Vijay Rajendran, the youngest son of Rajendran Palanisamy, leads a carefree life that clashes with his father's strict expectations, leading to his disownment and relocation to the , where he builds a successful career as a corporate executive. Years later, Rajendran, now diagnosed with terminal , organizes his 60th birthday celebration to reunite his fractured family, prompting Vijay's return to at his mother's insistence. During the event, underlying family tensions surface, including elder brother Jai's and Ajay's financial troubles, revealing the brothers' unsuitability to inherit the family empire. Realizing his limited time, implores Vijay to assume of the business, citing his son's proven acumen abroad, though Vijay initially resists due to past resentments. As Vijay steps in, he encounters from his envious brothers, who ally with rival tycoon Adithya Mittal in a bid to orchestrate a hostile takeover of the company. Guided by his mentor Jayaprakash, a seasoned advisor, Vijay navigates corporate battles, including high-stakes deals and boardroom confrontations that highlight ethical dilemmas in business practices. Amid these challenges, a romantic subplot develops as Vijay meets Divya, a software , and their relationship blossoms, providing emotional support while underscoring the urban-rural cultural divide through her grounded perspective on family values. The narrative intensifies with family disputes escalating into personal betrayals, such as Jai's marital crisis and Ajay's leaked secrets that jeopardize a crucial tender, forcing Vijay to intervene decisively. Through strategic maneuvers and acts of filial duty, Vijay thwarts the takeover, rescues Jai's daughter from a dangerous situation tied to the rivals, and confronts his siblings, compelling them to confront their shortcomings. The film culminates in a heartfelt reconciliation, with witnessing his family's unity before his death, affirming themes of not just as material legacy but as emotional bonds and ethical across generational and societal divides.

Cast

The principal cast of Varisu features an ensemble of established actors portraying key family members, business rivals, and supporting figures in the story.
ActorCharacterDescription in the story
VijayVijay RajendranThe , a carefree young man and the youngest son who steps up as the business heir.
DivyaThe love interest of the .
Dr. Anand PadmanabanThe foster father of the .
Rajendran PalanisamyThe biological father who runs the family business empire.
ShaamAjay RajendranThe middle brother of the .
SrikanthJai RajendranThe elder brother of the involved in the family dynamics.
Adithya MittalThe primary (in a special appearance).
Nalan KumarThe comic relief to the .
JayaprakashA trusted mentor and associate in the family business.
Supporting roles include as Sudha Rajendran, the mother of the family. The film also features special appearances by several actors to enhance key narrative moments.

Production

Development

The film was officially announced on 26 September 2021 as Thalapathy 66, marking actor Vijay's 66th film in a leading role, and produced by and Shirish under the banner of (SVC). Telugu director , known for films like Maharshi, was brought on board to helm the project, marking his debut in as a bilingual Tamil-Telugu production. Vijay committed to the film following the completion of his previous project, Beast. The script was finalized by early 2022, with collaborating on the screenplay with writers Hari and Ashishor Solomon. Pre-production activities began in March 2022, focusing on planning for the story's exploration of inheritance and dynamics inspired by real-life corporate rivalries and legacies. The tentative title was changed to Varisu—translating to "heir" in Tamil—on 22 June 2022, aligning with the narrative's emphasis on familial succession and emotional bonds within a business empire. The project's budget was estimated at ₹200–280 crore, fully financed by SVC to support its large-scale production involving top technical talent.

Casting

Vijay was confirmed as the lead actor for Varisu following a story narration by director , with the project announced in early 2021 as his 66th film. His remuneration for the role was reported to be ₹110 crore, making it one of the highest-paid assignments in Indian cinema at the time. Rashmika Mandanna was selected as the female lead to pair opposite Vijay, bringing her appeal from Telugu and Kannada cinema to the bilingual Tamil-Telugu production. The supporting ensemble was assembled to complement the family drama narrative, with veteran actor Prabhu cast in a key paternal role drawing on his extensive experience in emotional family-oriented films. S. J. Suryah was cast in a pivotal cameo role, leveraging his reputation for versatile performances. Comedian Yogi Babu was added to provide comic relief, enhancing the film's lighter moments during mid-production.

Filming

Principal photography for Varisu began in April 2022 with initial schedules in , where several key scenes were shot on constructed sets. The production then moved to major locations including Hyderabad's for urban studio-based action sequences in July 2022, for live-location shoots at the port in August 2022, in for family drama portions and song sequences in November 2022, and for high-altitude montage scenes during a ten-day schedule later that month. Thalapathy Vijay participated in the schedule to film pivotal montage sequences essential to the narrative. The shoot encompassed family drama elements in rural-inspired sets at , high-energy action in Hyderabad's controlled studio environments, and multiple sequences across locations, including a chartbuster filmed in Ballari's scenic terrains. Cinematography was handled by , who employed Mini LF cameras to capture the film's emotional depth and dynamic visuals, including a notable single-take sequence in the "Ranjithame." was overseen by KL Praveen, while visual effects, particularly for business conglomerate montages, were integrated by Knack Studios to enhance the scale of corporate sequences. Action was directed by , contributing to the film's blend of drama and high-stakes confrontations. Filming wrapped in December after a final song shoot in , adhering to post-COVID-19 safety protocols throughout the production to ensure crew health amid ongoing global concerns. The process faced logistical hurdles from shifting locations and high-altitude conditions in but proceeded efficiently to meet the Pongal 2023 release timeline.

Music and promotion

Music

The soundtrack of Varisu was composed by S. Thaman, a prominent Telugu and Tamil music director known for his energetic compositions in commercial cinema. Thaman's score emphasized emotional depth to align with the film's family-centric themes, incorporating melodic ballads and pulsating rhythms that enhanced the narrative's emotional and celebratory moments. The album played a pivotal role in amplifying the film's commercial appeal, with its release timed to capitalize on the festive Pongal season buildup. The soundtrack comprises five tracks, released digitally on 24 December 2022 by T-Series, the label that acquired the audio rights earlier that year. Key songs include "Ranjithame", a romantic duet sung by Thalapathy Vijay and M.M. Manasi with lyrics by Vivek, capturing the lead characters' chemistry; "Thee Thalapathy", a high-energy mass number performed by Silambarasan TR, also penned by Vivek, designed as an action-oriented anthem; "Soul of Varisu" (also known as the Mother Song), an heartfelt tribute rendered by K.S. Chithra with lyrics by Ramajogayya Sastry; "Celebration of Varisu", an upbeat track featuring vocals from lead actor Vijay in collaboration with Thaman; and "Jimikki Ponnu", a lively folk-inspired song by Anirudh Ravichander and Jonita Gandhi, with contributions from lyricists like Vivek and Bhaskarabhatla. The background score, which underscored the film's dramatic sequences, was recorded at Thaman's studio in Hyderabad, reflecting his signature orchestral style influenced by his Telugu roots. The original soundtrack (OST), featuring 22 tracks of background score, was released digitally on August 15, 2023, by Aditya Music. This release strategy, with singles dropping progressively from November 2022, effectively heightened anticipation for the film's January 2023 premiere. Upon release, the achieved significant commercial success, dominating Spotify's Tamil charts and radio airplay in , with "Ranjithame" emerging as an instant chartbuster that amassed millions of streams and views within days. The album's tracks, particularly the romantic and mass numbers, contributed to its widespread appeal, underscoring Thaman's ability to deliver hits tailored to Vijay's stardom.

Marketing

The promotional campaign for Varisu was designed to leverage Vijay's massive fanbase and the film's Pongal timing, focusing on visual spectacles, fan engagement, and multi-regional to heighten anticipation ahead of its January 11, 2023, release. A key initiative involved decorating the train with images from the film, which began its journey from to Trivandrum on December 27, 2022, passing through and to connect with local fans who shared photos widely on . The campaign kicked off with the release of the "Ranjithame" song promo on November 3, 2022, showcasing Vijay and in a romantic sequence that amassed over 12 million views on , setting the tone for the soundtrack's integration into promotions. This was followed by the official trailer on January 4, 2023, which highlighted Vijay's dual looks, emotional dialogues, and action sequences, achieving 5 million views within the first hour and trending atop video platforms; it has since surpassed 54 million views. Pongal-themed posters were unveiled to tie into the festival, featuring Vijay in mass-appeal avatars and emphasizing the film's celebratory vibe, further amplified through shares by fans and the production team. Fan engagement was central, with Vijay hosting a rare meet-and-greet for members of his fan association, Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, in Chennai's Panaiyur on November 20, 2022—his first such interaction in five years—sparking widespread excitement in . The grand audio launch event on December 24, 2022, at Chennai's Indoor Stadium drew thousands of fans, where Vijay performed "Ranjithame" live, creating an electrifying atmosphere that was later televised on January 1, 2023, as a special. For the Telugu version Vaarasudu, a pre-release event was held in Hyderabad in early January 2023, though Vijay could not attend due to scheduling; promotional tours in Telugu states were led by director and producer to build buzz. Cross-promotions included tying the music release to trailer teasers, with songs like "Ranjithame" featuring prominently to drive viral sharing. Merchandise such as T-shirts and posters, often fan-initiated but endorsed through official channels, further extended the campaign's reach during the Pongal season.

Release

Theatrical

Varisu had its worldwide premiere on 11 January 2023, coinciding with the Pongal festival. The film received a U certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), allowing unrestricted viewing for all audiences. The release clashed with Ajith Kumar's , resulting in competitive screen allocations across , where Varisu secured over 500 screens out of the state's approximately 1,000 available screens. Special premieres were held in on 10 January 2023, attended by cast, crew, and celebrities. The film rolled out globally in more than 50 countries on its opening day. The Telugu dubbed version, titled Vaarasudu, was released on 14 January 2023. With a runtime of 169 minutes, Varisu was screened at select theaters.

Distribution

The distribution of Varisu was handled by multiple companies across various territories, reflecting the film's strong pre-release market value driven by Vijay's popularity. In , the theatrical rights were acquired by for ₹70 , with taking an 8% commission on the deal. In , the rights fetched ₹6.5 , while rights were sold for ₹8 . Andhra Pradesh and theatrical rights were retained by producer for ₹18 . Pre-release business transactions underscored the film's commercial anticipation, with non-theatrical rights alone closing at around ₹150 initially. Satellite rights were sold to Sun TV for ₹57 , and digital rights to for ₹75 . Hindi dubbing rights were acquired for ₹34 , enabling a dubbed release titled Vaaris. The Telugu version, released as Vaarasudu, was distributed directly by the producers. Overall pre-release deals, including theatrical and non-theatrical, totaled ₹310.5 . Overseas markets saw robust deals, with rights sold for ₹32 crore, bolstered by Vijay's substantial fanbase in regions like and . In , DMY Creations handled distribution, capitalizing on local enthusiasm for early screenings and promotions. North American rights were secured by Entertainments, while the film's rollout aligned with its theatrical premiere on 11 2023 across key international territories.

Home media

The digital streaming rights for Varisu were acquired by , with the film premiering on the platform on 22 February 2023 in its original Tamil version, along with dubbed versions in Telugu (titled Vaarasudu), , , and . The -dubbed version became available shortly thereafter, expanding accessibility to -speaking audiences. in multiple languages, including English, were provided to support international viewers within Prime Video's collection of titles. Physical home media releases included DVD and Blu-ray editions distributed in and select international markets through local vendors starting in early 2023. The film's world television premiere aired on Sun TV on 14 April 2023 at 6:30 PM IST, marking its broadcast debut on Tamil-language television.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Varisu received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, who largely praised lead actor Vijay's charismatic performance, S. Thaman's energetic musical score, and the film's well-executed action sequences, while critiquing its predictable screenplay, excessive , and a relatively weaker second half. The film's family conflict arc, centered on and , was noted for evoking familiar tropes from 1990s , often drawing comparisons to Vijay's earlier mass entertainers like Pokkiri (2007) and Kaththi (2014). In The Hindu, Baradwaj Rangan commended the emotional core and Vijay's return to a humorous, heartfelt persona reminiscent of his 1990s roles, though he found the narrative formulaic. India Today's Latha Srinivasan gave it 3 out of 5, highlighting the blend of comedy and family sentiment boosted by Thaman's tracks like "Thee Thalapathy," but pointed out the screenplay's reliance on clichés. The Times of India review by M. Suganth rated it 3.5 out of 5, lauding Vijay's mass appeal through witty one-liners and dynamic action, while noting the melodrama occasionally undermined the pacing. Other outlets echoed these sentiments; Behindwoods scored 2.8 out of 5, appreciating the ensemble cast's support for Vijay but criticizing the uneven tone shifts between drama and action. Rediff.com also assigned 3 out of 5, emphasizing how the film caters effectively to Vijay's fanbase despite its predictable plot. Aggregate scores reflected this consensus, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an audience score of 66% based on over 100 ratings. Among Tamil critics, ratings averaged around 3 out of 5, underscoring the film's commercial strengths over narrative innovation. Critics frequently highlighted how Varisu leaned into Vijay's star power to elevate standard family drama elements, making it a solid entertainer for audiences seeking escapist fare.

Box office

Varisu achieved a worldwide gross of ₹306.20 , marking it as Thalapathy Vijay's highest-grossing film at the time of release. The India net collection stood at around ₹178 , with the Tamil version accounting for the bulk at ₹146.10 net. The Telugu dubbed version contributed about ₹21 net. Overseas earnings reached ₹89.25 , driven by strong performance in key markets like the and . The film registered an opening weekend gross of ₹100 globally, the highest ever for Vijay during the Pongal season. On its first day, it collected approximately ₹30 across , with around ₹20 from . Produced on a of ₹240 crore, Varisu emerged as the second-highest grossing Tamil film of 2023 and delivered a profitable return for its producers. It dominated the South Indian markets, comprising about 80% of its total earnings, but underperformed in the Hindi-speaking regions owing to the direct clash with on release day.

Accolades

Varisu garnered several nominations across various regional ceremonies, recognizing the performances of its cast and technical contributions. At the (SIIMA) in the Tamil category, was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The soundtrack's track "Ranjithame", composed by and sung by Vijay and , won specific accolades at the Music Awards.

Legacy

Controversies

The primary controversy surrounding Varisu involved the use of during the filming of the song "Thee Thalapathy" without obtaining prior permission from the Animal Welfare Board of (AWBI). On November 24, 2022, the AWBI issued a show cause notice to the film's producers, Creations, following a complaint that highlighted violations of the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, , and Section 26 of the Prevention of Act, 1960. The notice required the production team to submit a detailed explanation within seven days, emphasizing that , protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, cannot be used as performing animals without a fitness certificate, proof of , and pre-shoot approval from the board. The shoot took place in , . No public records indicate subsequent fines, legal proceedings, or official resolutions from the AWBI beyond the initial notice, though the incident drew attention to animal welfare protocols in Indian film productions. Additionally, minor incidents arose from fan rivalries during the film's promotional phase, particularly as Varisu was slated for a simultaneous release with Ajith Kumar's Thunivu on January 11, 2023. Clashes between Vijay's fans and Ajith's supporters erupted in multiple locations across Tamil Nadu, including outside theaters in Chennai's Koyambedu area, where posters and cutouts of the respective films were torn. Police intervened with lathi charges to disperse the crowds and restore order, amid heightened tensions fueled by social media comparisons between the two stars. These altercations, while not directly organized by the production team, underscored the intense fan loyalty surrounding Vijay's projects.

Cultural impact

Varisu played a pivotal role in reinforcing Vijay's stature as a pan-Indian superstar, serving as a dedicated tribute to his enduring appeal in Tamil cinema through its mass-oriented family entertainer format. The film's release ignited fervent fan celebrations, including massive gatherings at its audio launch where thousands chanted and cheered for Vijay's performances, amplifying his cult following. This enthusiasm extended to fan rallies and events, where supporters rallied with high energy, often incorporating elements from the film's songs and themes to express devotion. The movie inspired a surge in family-business themed memes and social media trends, particularly among Vijay's fanbase, who created humorous content contrasting Varisu with its Pongal rival , sparking viral online rivalries and reaction videos on platforms like and . These trends highlighted the film's relatable portrayal of struggles and corporate succession, prompting discussions in Tamil media about familial power dynamics and within family-run enterprises. On the industry front, Varisu's success as a Tamil-Telugu bilingual production underscored and accelerated the trend of collaborative filmmaking between the two industries, paving the way for more cross-linguistic projects like Vaathi and Game Changer. Its strategic Pongal timing intensified the festival's box office competitiveness, drawing massive fan excitement for the Vijay-Ajith clash and setting a benchmark for high-stakes seasonal releases. By 2025, Varisu has maintained cultural relevance through occasional television reruns, notably topping TRP ratings for movie broadcasts during the 2024 IPL season, reflecting its sustained popularity among family audiences. In July 2025, Zee Tamil launched a new multi-generational family drama television serial titled Varisu, featuring themes of and business succession similar to the film. In January 2026, fans celebrated the film's third anniversary on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), using hashtags such as #3YearsOfVarisu to highlight its enduring popularity as a blockbuster and Pongal success. Although no major remakes have emerged, the film is frequently cited in retrospectives of Vijay's career, highlighting its role in blending commercial spectacle with emotional family narratives.

References

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