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Visithiran
Visithiran
Visithiran
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Visithiran
First Look Poster
Directed byM. Padmakumar
Written byShahi Kabir
Based onJoseph
by Shahi Kabir
Produced byBala
Siva Sekar Kilari
StarringR. K. Suresh
Poorna
CinematographyVetrivel Mahendran
Edited bySathish Suriya
Music byG. V. Prakash Kumar
Production
companies
B Studios
Shark Pictures
Release date
  • 6 May 2022 (2022-05-06)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Visithiran (transl. Stranger) is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language police procedural film directed by M. Padmakumar starring R. K. Suresh and Poorna. It is a remake of the director's own Malayalam film Joseph (2018).[1][2][3][4]

The film was scheduled to release on 20 May 2022 but ended up releasing earlier on 6 May.[5]

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Director Bala decided to produce the remake of Malayalam film Joseph under his banner with actor R. K. Suresh reprising the role of Joju George.[6][1] John Mahendran was signed to write the dialogues for the original script of Shahi Kabir. Suresh increased his weight by 22 kilos and later had to shed weight for his young appearance,[7][8][9] moreover, Suresh had to give three different voices in the dubbing for the film.[10] Poorna and Madhu Shalini were signed to play the roles of Athmiya Rajan and Madhuri Braganza respectively.[11] Malayalam actor Anil Murali reprised the same role in the original.[12]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The music is composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar.[13]

  • "Aararo" - Nakkhul
  • "Deva Emmai" - Yazin Nizar
  • "Kaanaadha Deepam" - Arjun Muralidharan, Sindoori Vishal, Padmalatha
  • "Kanne Kanne" - Roshan Sebastian
  • "Ooduthe Ovvovuru Naalum" - Hariharasudhan

Reception

[edit]

Logesh Balachandran of The Times of India opined that "Overall, Vichithiran might appeal an audience that is on the lookout for an engaging emotional thriller as their weekend watch".[14] Vignesh Madhu of Cinema Express stated that "With a lot going for it, especially RK Suresh's performance and the earnestness in storytelling, Visithiran is definitely one of the better remakes to come our way hitting not only the same highs of the original but resorting to similar lows".[15] A critic from Behindwoods said that "Visithiran which is an official remake of the Malayalam superhit stays true to the original thanks largely to the captain of the ship M. Padmakumar".[16] A critic from Maalai Malar Noted that "Through the screenplay, the director has shown how human lives are affected by the industries around medicine. They have made the film in the style of organ theft emotional thriller. He has skillfully worked among the characters.".[17] Critic from Dinamalar gave 2.75 rating out of 5 [18]

References

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

Visithiran

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Visithiran is a Indian Tamil-language directed by . The story centers on Maayan, a retired police constable portrayed by , who becomes entangled in an investigation into organ harvesting after the suspicious death of his ex-wife. Starring alongside Suresh are Poorna as the ex-wife and supporting actors including , , and , the film explores themes of personal loss, redemption, and exposing criminal syndicates. Released on May 6, , Visithiran marks a of the 2018 film , adapting its narrative of a seasoned investigator confronting past traumas while unraveling a larger . The screenplay was adapted by from the original story by Shahi Kabir, emphasizing emotional depth and procedural elements, with Suresh's performance highlighted for its authenticity in depicting the protagonist's isolation and determination. Produced by B Studios and Shark9 Pictures, the film received a U/A certification from the and was distributed theatrically across . Critically, Visithiran earned praise for its tight pacing and Suresh's lead role, though some noted its predictability as a , with an average rating of 6.5/10 on viewer platforms. The movie's score, composed by , and cinematography by Vetrivel Mahendran contributed to its atmospheric tension, underscoring the gritty underbelly of in a personal context. Available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video since its digital release, it has been noted for introducing investigative thriller tropes to a broader Tamil audience.

Plot

Summary

Visithiran is a Tamil-language thriller that centers on Maayan, a retired police who leads a solitary life following the tragic death of his daughter. Haunted by personal loss, Maayan maintains his sharp investigative instincts and occasionally assists local authorities with unresolved cases, reflecting his enduring commitment to justice despite his withdrawal from . The narrative ignites when Maayan learns of the sudden death of his ex-wife, Stella, which he suspects involves foul play connected to an illicit organ harvesting operation. This personal tragedy propels him into an unofficial investigation, where he delves into a shadowy criminal syndicate operating within the medical underworld. As Maayan uncovers links between this network and his previous cases, his pursuit exposes a web of and ethical violations that threaten vulnerable lives. Throughout his journey, Maayan makes profound sacrifices, confronting powerful antagonists while grappling with the emotional toll of his discoveries. The film builds to a tense resolution arc, emphasizing themes of redemption and the fight against systemic , without delving into excessive . As a of the 2018 Malayalam film , Visithiran adapts the core premise to a Tamil context while preserving its investigative intensity.

Differences from Joseph

Visithiran serves as a Tamil of the 2018 Malayalam film , directed by and written by Shahi Kabir, which centers on a retired investigating his ex-wife's suspicious death, revealing a vast organ trafficking network. While the core narrative remains intact, Visithiran introduces adaptations to resonate with Tamil audiences, including changes in character nomenclature and dialogue to infuse regional emotional depth. A primary alteration is the renaming of the from to Maayan, reflecting a shift to a more culturally familiar Tamil name while preserving the character's essence as a solitary retired grappling with personal loss, including the death of his daughter. Furthermore, the screenplay incorporates Tamil-specific dialogues penned by , which heighten the emphasis on familial bonds and emotional turmoil, such as Maayan's internal conflicts over past relationships and redemption, elements that add layers of sentimentality tailored to Tamil cinematic sensibilities. In terms of casting and character dynamics, Visithiran consolidates roles by having lead actor portray both the retired officer Maayan and a secondary character originally played by in , streamlining the narrative for a dual performance that intensifies the protagonist's introspective journey. Scene modifications enhance the police procedural aspects, with expanded sequences detailing investigative techniques and the syndicate's operations to align with Tamil viewers' expectations for procedural thrillers, amplifying the scale of the organ harvesting conspiracy without deviating from the original's investigative core. Thematically, the remake incorporates additional focus on personal redemption arcs, portraying Maayan's quest not only as a pursuit of but also as a path to reconciling estrangements, a nuance less pronounced in Joseph's more stoic exploration of isolation and vengeance. These changes, described as "fresh elements" in an rather than a strict , ensure cultural relevance by weaving in motifs of emotional resilience and prevalent in Tamil storytelling.

Cast and characters

Lead roles

R. K. Suresh plays Maayan, a retired whose voluntary stems from personal tragedies, including the loss of his and separation from his ex-wife. His character is depicted as an alcoholic and chain smoker grappling with profound grief, yet his innate investigative prowess and unyielding determination propel the central narrative of uncovering the truth behind a . Suresh's portrayal emphasizes Maayan's emotional depth, blending with resilience to highlight themes of loss and the pursuit of in a procedural thriller context. Poorna portrays Stella, Maayan's ex-wife whose untimely death in a hit-and-run accident serves as the inciting incident that reignites his investigative instincts. Her role is primarily explored through poignant flashbacks that reveal the complexities of their past relationship, marked by love, conflict, and eventual separation, thereby deepening the audience's understanding of Maayan's lingering sorrow. Poorna's sincere performance adds emotional layers to the theme of personal loss, underscoring how unresolved grief fuels the quest for accountability. Madhu Shalini enacts Meenakshi, a close confidante to Maayan who provides crucial support during his unofficial probe into the crime. Her character aids in piecing together evidence and offers emotional grounding. Through Meenakshi, the film illustrates themes of justice intertwined with human bonds, as her involvement helps Maayan navigate the moral ambiguities of his investigation.

Supporting roles

Anil Murali reprises his role as the senior police officer Venugopal from the original film , assisting the protagonist Maayan in navigating the investigation and lending procedural credibility to the narrative's police elements. portrays Peter, a key member of the criminal syndicate, whose antagonistic actions drive the exposure of the illicit organ harvesting operations central to the plot. Ilavarasu and G. Marimuthu appear in pivotal supporting capacities. Other supporting actors include George Maryan as the church father. Collectively, these ensemble performances enrich the film's world-building by illustrating broader societal concerns, such as corruption within the medical and law enforcement sectors, thereby underscoring the conspiracy's pervasive impact without dominating the central storyline.

Production

Development

The development of Visithiran began following the critical and commercial success of the 2018 film , which prompted the acquisition of remake rights for a Tamil adaptation. The project was officially announced in 2019 as a Tamil-language remake of , with the same director, , at the helm to ensure fidelity to the original's investigative thriller narrative. Padmakumar's prior experience directing the informed the decision to retain its core tone of suspense and emotional depth in the . The film was produced by director Bala under his banner B Studios, in collaboration with Shark9 Pictures, marking a focused on adapting the story for Tamil audiences. During pre-production, the original screenplay by Shahi Kabir was retained, with dialogues specifically written by to adapt the narrative while incorporating elements suitable for Tamil cultural context. This scripting approach aimed to preserve the investigative essence while localizing the dialogue for resonance with Tamil viewers.

Filming and technical aspects

Principal photography for Visithiran commenced in early 2021 and wrapped up by early 2022, allowing the production to navigate the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was primarily shot in various locations across Tamil Nadu, including urban settings in Chennai and rural landscapes to capture the procedural elements of the story. Key sequences depicting police investigations, hospital environments, and isolated rural spots for the organ harvesting narrative were filmed on location to enhance realism, with additional montage shots captured in the hill station of Kodaikanal over four days. The technical team contributed significantly to the film's thriller tone, with cinematographer Mahendran employing shadowy, tense visuals to build and underscore the narrative's investigative mood. was handled by , who maintained a taut pace suitable for the procedural genre. Production faced notable challenges, including strict protocols to ensure crew safety amid the pandemic, which delayed aspects of the shoot as lead actor tested positive in 2020. Additionally, underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining 22 kilograms to authentically portray his character's aged and weary appearance before shedding the weight for flashback sequences.

Music

Composition

The music for Visithiran was composed by , who was brought on board for his reputation in crafting scores that balance emotional depth with narrative intensity, marking his first collaboration with lead actor . The composer's involvement extended to both the songs and the background score, aligning with the film's audio launch in February 2022. Prakash Kumar's stylistic approach emphasized a fusion of melancholic melodies to underscore the protagonist's isolation and , while incorporating rhythmic elements to heighten the thriller's investigative tension, particularly in suspenseful sequences leading to the climax. The background score employs subtle orchestral textures to amplify emotional arcs tied to the central character's personal loss, creating an immersive atmosphere that supports the plot's themes of redemption and pursuit without overpowering the dialogue-driven narrative. In terms of collaboration, the soundtrack's lyrics were penned by , whose words evoke poignant reflections on family and fate, complementing the film's emotional core. Singers including Nakul (for the lullaby-inspired "Aararo"), (for the devotional "Deva Emmai"), and Roshan Sebastian (for the heartfelt "Kanne Kanne") contributed to the tracks, bringing varied vocal timbres that range from soothing introspection to energetic resolve, enhancing the score's versatility across the film's tonal shifts.

Track listing

The soundtrack album for Visithiran, composed by , features five tracks and was released on May 14, 2022, by India Ltd. The songs were progressively unveiled as singles starting in early March 2022, with the full following the film's theatrical release.
No.TitleSinger(s)LengthNotes
1"Kanne Kanne"Roshan Sebastian5:45Tender lullaby-like track underscoring familial bonds in the narrative.
2"Kaanaadha Deepam"Arjun Muralidharan, Sindoori Vishal, 4:18Reflective piece highlighting unseen struggles and emotional depth.
3"Deva Emmai"4:57Devotional track with undertones exploring family devotion and protection themes.
4"Aararo"Nakul7:13Emotional centered on themes of loss and introspection.
5"Ooduthe Ovvovuru Naalum"Hariharasudhan3:00Upbeat number evoking an investigative motif aligned with the film's procedural elements.

Release

Theatrical distribution

Visithiran was released theatrically on 6 May 2022 in theaters across , following the easing of restrictions that had previously delayed its rollout. The film had a targeting Tamil-speaking regions in and select international markets like . In , it was distributed by Poketplay Films. Promotional efforts included the official trailer launch on on 1 May 2022, which highlighted RK Suresh's transformation into the lead role and the thriller's investigative elements, alongside posters focusing on the film's suspenseful narrative and character arcs. The film received a U/A certification from the (CBFC) on 7 December 2021, due to depictions of and mature thematic content.

Digital and home media

Following its theatrical release on May 6, 2022, Visithiran premiered on on 22 June 2022, with the platform acquiring exclusive streaming rights for the Tamil audience. The film is accessible via video-on-demand platforms such as Movies and , where it is available for purchase or rental, serving as key home media options. Internationally, Visithiran saw limited theatrical distribution in and , with screenings starting May 20, 2022, and a release in theaters on the same date, catering to communities. Subtitled versions, including English closed captions, were offered on streaming services to improve accessibility for non-Tamil viewers and expand the appeal of the film as a remake of the thriller Joseph.

Reception

Critical reviews

Visithiran garnered mixed reviews from critics, averaging around 3 out of 5, with praise for its engaging of the 2018 Malayalam film but criticism for predictability and uneven pacing. The Times of India awarded it 3/5 stars, lauding the film's emotional thriller elements—particularly the retired police officer's investigation into a —and RK Suresh's compelling portrayal of the lead role, which captured the character's sacrifices and determination. Cinema Express also rated it 3/5, commending the faithful scene-by-scene adaptation by director while highlighting RK Suresh's measured and authentic performance; however, it pointed out sluggish pacing in the early portions and dialogues that failed to fully convey the protagonist's trauma. Dinamalar gave a slightly lower 2.75/5, appreciating the human drama woven into the medical theme, including elements of sentiment and romance that added depth to the thriller narrative. Across reviews, common themes included strong from the leads, especially RK Suresh's from a sprightly to a stoic figure, and effective in the investigative plot, though the storyline from the original limited originality, and pacing occasionally dragged the momentum.

Commercial performance

Visithiran registered a moderate performance, primarily in . Exact gross figures remain unavailable in public records, reflecting its status as a mid-budget thriller amid a competitive 2022 market recovering from the . The film maintained a steady theatrical run for approximately two weeks, supported by positive word-of-mouth among audiences drawn to its elements and investigative thriller narrative. Released on May 6, 2022, Visithiran capitalized on the hype surrounding its adaptation of the commercially successful film Joseph (2018), which had grossed over ₹28 . However, it encountered challenges from bigger releases like Beast and Vikram in the preceding and following months, limiting its overall market share during Tamil cinema's gradual post-pandemic resurgence. Audience turnout was bolstered by appeal to fans of gritty thrillers, contributing to sustained interest despite not achieving blockbuster status. In the long term, Visithiran found additional success on digital platforms, premiering on shortly after its theatrical run and scaling 1 views, accumulating positive user engagement through rentals and streams. This streaming availability helped extend its reach beyond theaters, aligning with the growing trend of Tamil films gaining viewership metrics on OTT services during 2022.

References

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/visithiran/movie-review/91324761.cms
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13144110/
  3. https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2022/May/06/visithiran-moviereview-rk-suresh-shines-in-this-faithful-remake-31312.html
  4. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Visithiran/0N50A7LS160F09KWTKUH8WGO1S
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/visithiran-heres-what-to-expect-from-the-rk-suresh-starrer/photostory/91348304.cms
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13144110/fullcredits/
  7. https://www.onlykollywood.com/visithiran-movie-review/
  8. https://fastmessenger.net/visithiran-is-not-a-remake-of-joseph-it-is-merely-an-adaptation-says-producer-dhananjayan/
  9. https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/visithiran/visithiran-review.html
  10. https://malinimannath.wordpress.com/2022/05/06/review-visithiran/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8561086/characters/nm1517903/
  12. https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/visithiran/visithiran-review.html
  13. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/899746
  14. https://www.ottplay.com/news/balas-rk-sureshstarrer-visithiran-the-remake-of-malayalam-film-joseph-is-likely-to-release-in-november/11df0953b6557/1000
  15. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rk-sureshs-visithiran-to-hit-the-screens-on-may-20/articleshow/89899496.cms
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13144110/fullcredits
  17. https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/columns/2021/May/31/location-diaries-visithiran-life-of-a-woman-24783.html
  18. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-details/visithiran/movieshow/91105889.cms
  19. https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/movies/visithiran/cast-crew.html
  20. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rk-suresh-reveals-the-name-of-his-newborn-daughter-in-an-exclusive-conversation/articleshow/82572854.cms
  21. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/r-k-suresh-puts-on-weight-for-balas-production-venture/articleshow/73583306.cms
  22. https://www.cinemaspeak.in/2022/02/rk-suresh-starrer-visithirans-grand.html
  23. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rk-suresh-starts-dubbing-for-visithiran-in-three-different-voices/articleshow/79016573.cms
  24. https://music.apple.com/gb/album/visithiran-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1623860376
  25. https://www.saregama.com/song/aararo_160436
  26. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/visithiran/72vwRvfTltA_
  27. https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/kanne-kanne/OwUCXARJR0A
  28. https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/kaanaadha-deepam/Flocaxl9Qng
  29. https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/deva-emmai/IQNeRTMAZkY
  30. https://www.facebook.com/PoketplayFilms/videos/a-crime-waiting-to-unveil-a-story-waiting-to-be-told-visithiran-in-cinemas-near-/547471393724569/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QIxT5Cq2aI
  32. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bala-rk-sureshs-visithiran-trailer-is-here/articleshow/91279744.cms
  33. https://www.cbfcindia.gov.in/cbfcAdmin/assets/pdf/Films_certified_2021.pdf
  34. https://www.tollywood.online/list-of-upcoming-tamil-movies-on-amazon-prime-video/
  35. https://www.amazon.com/Visithiran-R-K-Suresh/dp/B0B6CSR1FP
  36. https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Visithiran?id=Abx5sFcXvaw.P&hl=en_US
  37. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/visithiran
  38. https://www.cinema.com.my/movies/details.aspx?search=2022.17011.visithiran.33671
  39. https://www.popcorn.app/sg/visithiran/movie/15804
  40. https://cinema.dinamalar.com/movie-review/3122/Visithiran/
  41. https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/joseph-tamil-remake-visithiran-faces-litigation-over-title-142001
  42. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rk-suresh-one-should-not-push-movies-suited-for-ott-platforms-to-theatres/articleshow/94161054.cms
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