Hubbry Logo
VivegamVivegamMain
Open search
Vivegam
Community hub
Vivegam
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Vivegam
Vivegam
from Wikipedia

Vivegam
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySiva
Written bySiva
Kabilan Vairamuthu
Aadhi Narayana[1][2]
Produced byT. G. Thyagarajan
Sendhil Thyagarajan
Arjun Thyagarajan
StarringAjith Kumar
Vivek Oberoi
Kajal Aggarwal
Akshara Haasan
CinematographyVetri Palanisamy
Edited byRuben
Music byAnirudh Ravichander
Production
company
Distributed bySathya Jyothi Films
Release date
  • 24 August 2017 (2017-08-24)
Running time
142 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget100–130 crore[3][4][5][6]
Box office125.2–167 crore[7][8][9]

Vivegam (transl.Prudence) is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Siva and produced by Sathya Jyothi Films. It stars Ajith Kumar, alongside Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal, Akshara Haasan, Karunakaran, Aarav Chowdhary, Bharath Reddy and Sharat Saxena. The film marks the Tamil debuts of Vivek Oberoi and Akshara Haasan. The music was composed by Anirudh Ravichander, and cinematography and editing handled by Vetri and Ruben.

Vivegam was released worldwide on 24 August 2017 to mixed reviews from critics and was an average grosser at the box office.[10]

Plot

[edit]

Ajay "AK" Kumar, a former CTS officer, intercepts an arms deal between the General Secretary of Europol police and the head of a Russian mafia gang in a dense Serbian forest and escapes with the weapons drive after eliminating the military personnel in the forest. The CTS agency learns that AK is alive after being presumed dead in a mission, where they had assigned AK's best friends and colleagues Michael, Rachael, Shawn, and Aryan to track down AK.

Past: AK live a happy life with his wife Yazhini, who owns and manages an Indian restaurant. Their life is interrupted by a mission to trace Natasha, an outlaw hacker from Bulgaria who was responsible for cracking the security codes of the plutonium weapons. There has already been three man-made seismic activities caused by the explosion of plutonium bombs. Natasha is wanted by the Interpol, CIA and various other terrorist groups around the world for her hacking skills. AK's mission is to secure Natasha, thereby preventing two future seismic quakes targeted in India. AK heads to Serbia in search of Natasha and is guided by local translator Arumai APS Prakasam.

AK interrogates the hospital doctors in the city and finds that Natasha had undergone plastic surgery. An Albanian gang captures Natasha's boyfriend and tortures him to death. With the help of the pacemaker found in Natasha's boyfriend's body, AK traces Natasha and moves her to a safe house. Natasha was unaware that the code she decrypted was that of a nuclear weapon. She felt guilty and proposed to defuse the remaining weapons from a neutrino site. On their way to the site, Natasha gets killed by a group of terrorists, while Aryan, Michael, Rachael, and Shawn ambush AK. However, AK survives the ambush and recovers in the forest, where he retrieves the weapons drive during the arms exchange deal in the Serbian forest.

Present: Aryan hires a group of assassins to kill Yazhini, but AK neutralizes the assassins and saves her. AK traps Rachael and Michael in a network of subway train tunnels, where he manages to kill them. Later, AK learns that Aryan and his teammates belong to a shadow government, which controls the economy of the world by war manipulation. With Yazhini's help, AK infiltrates into the CTS headquarters, where he meets Shawn and tortures him regarding the coordinates of buried weapon's location. Shawn gets killed by a time-bomb watch, while AK gets saved by Yazhini.

Aryan, as a CTS officer and shadow government agent, forces AK and Yazhini into hiding by blaming AK as a wanted terrorist. AK releases a video challenging Aryan and the CTS officers to save Aryan from being assassinated. Aryan is provided security and is not allowed to leave the building until the next 24 hours. Aryan escapes from the security by secretly killing his own guards. AK tries to stop the nuclear weapon from blasting by turning off the satellites by powerhub.

To prevent AK from continuing his job, Aryan kidnaps Yazhini and keeps her in a secret place. Aryan asks AK whether he will save Yazhini or stop the bomb. AK seeks proof for her kidnapping and Yazhini provides him with her location using morse code. AK arrives at the place, where he prevents the plutonium weapon from exploding and kills Aryan. AK, Yazhini, and their baby daughter Natasha go for a long drive, where a mission is assigned for AK.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Anirudh Ravichander was the music composer for the film, while Vetri and Ruben were signed to handle the cinematography and editing respectively. Anu Vardhan designed Ajith's costumes in the film, while Kaloyan Vodenicharov and K. Ganesh Kumar were hired as action choreographers for the film.[11][12][13] The film's title Vivegam was announced in February 2017 and the official first-look poster was released, along with the title on 2 February 2017.[14][15][16]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography commenced in Slovenia on 1 August 2016 and it was reported that at least 70% percent of this action thriller was to be shot in Europe.[17][18] The first schedule was completed in Europe and the second schedule in Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad in October 2016. The team informed that nearly 75% of the film shot was complete and the rest of the production was ongoing in Chennai. It was reported that the film was filmed on a restricted military base in Eastern Europe.[19] The team completed their final shoot schedule in Serbia on such locations like Belgrade city centre, Belgrade Museum of Aviation and Bor lake.[20][21] Principal photography wrapped in July 2017.[22]

Music

[edit]

The music was composed by Anirudh Ravichander in his second collaboration with Siva and Ajith Kumar after Vedalam. The soundtrack album features seven songs, with a theme music and a western number. The lyrics for the film was written by Kabilan Vairamuthu, Yogi B, Siva and Raja Kumari.

The first single track "Surviva" was released on 19 June 2017, which is a western-based EDM number, performed by Yogi B. The second single track "Thalai Viduthalai" was released on 10 July 2017, followed by the third single track "Kadhalaada" released on 20 July 2017. The soundtrack album in its entirety was released through the digital streaming platform JioSaavn and Sony Music India on 7 August 2017, where it received positive reviews from critics.[23]

Vivegam
Soundtrack album by
Released7 August 2017
Recorded2017
StudioAlbuquerque Records, Chennai
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length24:00
LanguageTamil
LabelSony Music
ProducerAnirudh Ravichander
Anirudh Ravichander chronology
Rum
(2017)
Vivegam
(2017)
Velaikkaran
(2017)
Singles from Vivegam
  1. "Surviva"
    Released: 19 June 2017 (2017-06-19)
  2. "Thalai Viduthalai"
    Released: 10 July 2017 (2017-07-10)
  3. "Kadhalaada"
    Released: 20 July 2017 (2017-07-20)

Production

[edit]

The song "Surviva", a western-based EDM number, was performed by Malaysian rapper Yogi B. The song contains lyrics about survival. With a tagline Believe in Yourself, this new track is believed to be along similar lines of never giving up and surviving.[24][25]

The second song "Thalai Viduthalai" is in the death metal rock genre, which is based on a punchline – Never, ever GIVE UP! that became a rage after fans saw Ajith saying in a high-pitched tone in the teaser earlier. The song was written by Siva and is a highly motivating song to wake up in the morning and start your day with a new passion. The philosophy of the song is, irrespective of the number of times you have been knocked down, as long as you are willing to stand up again and fight back, you are not a failure. The heavy metal track and adrenaline pumping lyrics match the larger-than-life onscreen and off-screen image of Ajith. Besides composing tunes, Anirudh has also lent his voice to the song along with Harish Swaminathan. Anirudh quoted that, this song is a tribute and dedication to Ajith for his 25 years of grit, determination and hardwork in Tamil cinema."[26]

The third song "Kaadhalada" is a classic number. In one of the recent interviews with a leading daily, Kabilan, who has penned the lyrics for the song, revealed how he got this opportunity. Kabilan said "I was initially called in to work on the script; I ve co-written the screenplay. That was my first job in Vivegam, and during a discussion, this opportunity to write the lyrics for a song came up." The lyricist did not reveal much about the song before its release, but opened up about the film and further added "Vivegam has come out in a very stylish manner. I'm sure it will be enjoyed by people of all ages."[27]

The audio rights of the film were acquired by Sony Music India, for a whooping amount of 2 crore.[28] Sridhar Subramanian, the CEO of Sony Music South, confirmed it on Twitter on 14 June 2017.[29][30][31]

Release

[edit]

The song teaser for the first single "Surviva" was released on 15 June 2017 at midnight.[32][33] The full song was released on 19 June 2017 directly on JioSaavn, instead of YouTube, and was played over 400,000 times in just over 12 hours, according to a statement from Sony Music India, thus becoming the most played song in Saavn.[34][25] The second single track "Thalai Viduthalai" was released on 10 July 2017 at midnight.[11][35] The third single "Kadhalaada" was released on 20 July 2017.[27][36]

Track listing

[edit]

Tamil version

[edit]

Sony Music India launched the album preview on 3 August 2017 on YouTube, in which the album consists of seven songs with lyrics written by Kabilan Vairamuthu, Yogi B, Siva and Raja Kumari. The album was released on 7 August 2017 at 5:00 p.m. on Saavn and later on other digital platforms.

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Surviva"3:42
2."Thalai Viduthalai"Siva3:15
3."Kadhalaada"Kabilan Vairamuthu4:16
4."AK Theme Music (Ready to Rage)"InstrumentalInstrumental1:23
5."Veriyera"Siva
4:36
6."Kadhalaada (Reprise)"Kabilan Vairamuthu
2:18
7."Never Give Up"4:30
Total length:24:00

Telugu version

[edit]
Vivekam
Soundtrack album by
Released17 August 2017[37]
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length24:00
LanguageTelugu
LabelSony Music
ProducerAnirudh Ravichander

The songs of the Telugu version of the film was released on 17 August 2017 and the lyrics for the songs were written by Yogi B, Bhaskarabhatla Ravi Kumar and Ramajogayya Sastry.

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Surviva"
  • Anirudh Ravichander
  • Yogi B
  • Ranjith
  • Mali Manoj
3:42
2."Bhaga Bhaga"
  • Anirudh Ravichander
  • Deepak
  • Santosh Hariharan
  • Aravind Srinivas
3:15
3."Aanandam"
  • Ramajogayya Shastry
4:16
4."AK Theme Music (Ready to Rage)"InstrumentalInstrumental1:23
5."Urakaalee"Bhaskarbhatla Ravikumar
4:36
6."Aanandam (Reprise)"
  • Ramajogayya Shastry
2:18
7."Never Give Up"
4:30
Total length:24:00

Kannada version

[edit]
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Kaadu Kulithe"
  • Naveen
  • Sparsh
  • Ashwini
2:48
2."Surviva"
  • Pramod Jois
  • Shashank Sheshagiri
  • Chintan Vikas
3:42
3."Shuru Shuru Shuru"NaveenSparsh3:15
4."Baa Baaro"Raju HosettiLakshmi Vijay4:37
5."Kaadu Kulithe (Reprise)"
  • Naveen
  • Pramod Jois
  • Arundhathi
  • Manoj Vasishta
2:15
Total length:16:37

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
BehindwoodsStarStarStar[38]
IndiaGlitzStarStarStarHalf star[39]
Movie CrowStarStarStarHalf star[40]
SifyStarStarStarStar[41]
BollywoodLifeStarStarStarStar[42]

Behindwoods gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Anirudh delivers a convincingly International album in his forte for Ajith's Vivegam!"[43] Sharanya CR of The Times of India wrote "With Vivegam, Anirudh manages to give an album with songs that not just suit the mass image of Ajith, but also have an international appeal."[44] Indiaglitz gave 3.25/5 stars and wrote "Vivegam is easily one of the best albums for Ajith as well as Anirudh; the album is plethora of rock and energy."[45]MovieCrow gave 3.25/5 stars and wrote "Anirudh has delivered a stylish and engaging album to match Ajith's persona." Sify gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Anirudh adds an international flavour to a quintessential ‘mass’ album!"[46] BollywoodLife gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Anirudh Ravichander has done it again, composed a winner of an album! He has understood the actioner's theme and the lead star perfectly and composed brilliant, foot tapping tunes. Right form death metal vibes to breezy, romantic tunes, he has given us an impressive variation. All in all, Do NOT miss the Vivegam album."[47] IBT wrote "The album has many songs that win the hearts of the audience and it is easily one of the best albums composed by Anirudh."[48]

Marketing

[edit]

The first look poster of Vivegam was released on 2 February 2017 at 12:01 AM. Ajith's physical transformation was praised, given that he had to undergo a painful knee operation in November 2015, after the release of his previous film Vedalam (2015).[49]

The teaser trailer was released on 11 May 2017, which shows Ajith running about, flexing his muscles, dodging bullets and shooting bullets. The teaser became the fastest film teaser to reach 5 million views within 12 hours after breaking the record of 5 million views set by the Kabali (2016) teaser in 24 hours.[50][51] It went on to become the most liked for an Indian film after surpassing the record of 500 thousand and more likes set by the Tubelight (2017) teaser.[52]

The trailer was released on 17 August 2017, which shows elements of friendship, romance, sentiment and action.[53] The trailer, which promises a "Tamil film with an international flavor, is dedicated to showing the attitude of Ajith's character that he will move mountains or die trying. He is beaten again and again, yet he keeps bouncing back.[54][55]

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

Vivegam was released on 24 August 2017, alongside the Telugu version titled Vivekam.[56] The film was also released in Kannada as Commando in 2018.[57]

Home media

[edit]

The satellite rights were purchased by Sun TV for a record price, which was informed through the channel's social media page on 9 August 2017.[58]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

The film grossed ₹33.08 crore on its opening day and crossed the 100 crore mark on its first weekend.[59][4]

Critical response

[edit]

M. Suganth of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Vivegam is an over-the-top but engaging action thriller with a calculated mix of brawn and brain, action and sentiment, smartly pandering to fans while giving families something to connect with."[60] Manoj Kumar. R of The Indian Express gave 3/5 stars and wrote "The film has good music, good visuals, high-voltage action sequences, picturesque landscapes and beautiful faces. Also add heartwarming moments between the characters of Ajith and Kajal Aggarwal to the list. Ajith and Siva get full marks for their efforts."[61]

Sreedhar Pillai of Firstpost gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Vivegam is largely targeted at Ajith fans, and while it lacks logic it looks super stylish, and is a well-shot action entertainer."[62] Sandeep Acharya of Hindustan Times gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Vivegam has rightfully come up for praise thanks for the difficult stunts that Ajith has pulled off. However, the film falls short of being great as it fares poorly in the writing department."[63]

Sethumadhavan N of Bangalore Mirror gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Vivegam isn’t as entertaining as Veeram, nor is it as low on novelty like Vedalam. It tries to be an impactful spy action-thriller and on that front it scores well at least on the action front."[64] Srivatsan of India Today gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "With Vivegam, one hopes that Siva's trilogy aimed at making Ajith Kumar a larger-than-life character comes to an end."[65]

Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute wrote "Vivegam is like a circus - it has a bunch of talented performers pulling off gravity defying stunts in separate acts that are written to make the crowd clap as soon as each ends."[66] Srinivas Ramanujan of The Hindu wrote "Vivegam is a misfire on many levels. It's an attempt to make an “international” thriller, with the assumption that a star with a huge fan base would be able to pull it off. Ajith's effort is sincere, but Vivegam just doesn't come together."[67]

Accolades

[edit]
Date of ceremony Award Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Result Ref.
16 June 2018 Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actor – Tamil Vivek Oberoi Nominated [68]
Best Music Director – Tamil Anirudh Ravichander Nominated
14 & 15 September 2018 South Indian International Movie Awards Best Actor in a Negative Role – Tamil Vivek Oberoi Nominated [69]
Best Music Director – Tamil Anirudh Ravichander Nominated
Best Cinematographer – Tamil Vetri Nominated
[edit]

The line "Varen Maa" uttered by Ajith Kumar and the scene in which Kajal Aggarwal starts singing during the climax fight was parodied in Thamizh Padam 2.[70]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
(transl. Prudence) is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language action spy thriller film written and directed by Siva and produced by Sathya Jyothi Films. The film stars Ajith Kumar as Aravind Chetty, an elite Interpol agent framed and betrayed by former colleagues working for a clandestine organization, prompting him to pursue vengeance and expose a global conspiracy involving nuclear threats. Co-starring Kajal Aggarwal as his wife, Vivek Oberoi as the antagonist, and Akshara Haasan, it features extensive action choreography, including high-risk stunts performed by Ajith, with principal photography conducted across international locations such as Serbia, Hungary, and Bulgaria. Released theatrically on 24 August 2017, Vivegam garnered mixed critical reception, with praise for its visual , adrenaline-fueled action sequences, and Ajith's physical commitment to demanding stunts, but directed at the formulaic screenplay, predictable plot twists, and underwhelming character development. Commercially, it emerged as a major in , generating substantial revenue from regional markets while achieving moderate performance overseas, bolstered by pre-release financing strategies and Ajith's star appeal. The film's emphasis on spectacle over narrative depth exemplifies the commercial Tamil cinema's reliance on mass-appeal elements like heroism and .

Synopsis and Themes

Plot Summary

Ajay Kumar, codenamed AK and portrayed by , is an elite Counter-Terrorism Specialist (CTS) operative leading a team that includes Singha (), Mike, Rachael, and Shawn. During a high-stakes mission, AK's unit executes a daring strike against a terrorist outfit, seizing a hard drive containing codes for nuclear weapons capable of inducing man-made earthquakes. However, the operation unravels amid betrayal: AK is framed as rogue by his own team members, who covertly seize the codes for their own agenda, forcing him into exile in with his pregnant wife, Yazhini (). As agencies worldwide hunt AK, believing him responsible for the codes' disappearance, he launches a calculated campaign against his traitorous former colleagues while pursuing Natasha, linked to the stolen data. The narrative unfolds across international locales, including and , featuring intense action sequences where AK systematically confronts and eliminates the betrayers, uncovering a deeper involving global and weapons proliferation. His personal stakes heighten as he protects Yazhini from threats, blending , , and high-speed chases. In the climax, AK confronts , revealed as the mastermind exploiting the nuclear codes for catastrophic ends, leading to a brutal showdown that resolves and thwarts the terrorist plot. AK ultimately restores his innocence, averts mass destruction, and achieves personal redemption, emphasizing themes of and vigilance in counter-terrorism operations.

Central Themes and Motifs

The film Vivegam centers on themes of and within the framework of international , portraying the Ajith Kumar's character as a former counter-terrorism operative framed by his own team after a mission gone awry. This arc emphasizes the personal cost of , as the navigates a web of deceit from former allies, driving a quest for vindication that underscores the fragility of trust in high-stakes operations. Patriotism emerges as a core motif, intertwined with sacrifice and redemption, as the story explores the psyche of a dedicated agent whose actions prioritize over personal safety, even amid global threats like . Recurring visual and narrative elements, such as relentless pursuits across international locales—from to the —symbolize the hero's unyielding resolve, with motifs of isolation reinforcing his role as a lone guardian against betrayal-fueled . Rage and emotional restraint serve as contrasting motifs, reflecting director Siva's pattern in collaborations with , where the protagonist's controlled fury propels action sequences while philosophical dialogues highlight moral discernment amid chaos. The film's blend of brawny confrontations and sentimental motifs the tension between duty and domestic life, portraying redemption not just as vengeance but as reclaiming one's integrity in a world of institutional duplicity.

Cast and Crew

Principal Cast

stars as Ajay Kumar, codenamed AK, a former counter-terrorism agent with who leads a team of elite operatives before facing betrayal and seeking vengeance. His portrayal emphasizes physical prowess and strategic acumen, marking his 57th leading role in . debuts in as Aryan Singha (also referred to as Aryan Singhania), the film's primary and AK's former colleague turned traitor who masterminds a global cyber-terror plot. Oberoi's selection was based on his ability to convey intensity, as noted by director Siva. Kajal Aggarwal plays Yazhini, AK's wife, whose role involves emotional depth and contributes to the narrative's personal stakes amid the espionage thriller elements. Her character is described as powerful and integral to key plot developments. Akshara Haasan portrays Natasha, a skilled hacker whose involvement advances the story's technological and intrigue aspects, marking her Tamil film debut. The role features multiple layers and pivotal contributions to the central conflict.

Key Crew Members

Director Siva helmed the direction and for Vivegam, marking his third collaboration with lead actor following Vedalam (2015) and Veeram (2014).
Producers Sendhil Thyagarajan and Arjun Thiyagarajan produced the film under their banner , which handled both production and distribution.
Music Composer composed the film's soundtrack and background score, releasing the album on August 7, 2017, prior to the film's theatrical debut.
Cinematographer Vetri Palanisamy (credited as Vetri) served as the director of , capturing the film's action sequences across international locations including , , and .
Editor Antony L. Ruben edited the film, ensuring a runtime of 148 minutes for the theatrical release on August 24, 2017.

Production

Development and Pre-Production

Following the box office success of (2015), director Siva collaborated with for the third time on Vivegam, envisioning it as a Tamil-language spy thriller akin to James Bond-style films, centered on an agent's pursuit of betrayed comrades. Siva penned the himself, incorporating elements of international and high-stakes action, with production handled by at an estimated budget of $20 million. The project emphasized an global aesthetic, prompting early script revisions to integrate authentic foreign settings and stunt sequences. Pre-production focused on logistical planning for extensive overseas filming, including across , , , , and —to capture 70% of the footage abroad, alongside initial schedules in Hyderabad's Film City in October 2016. prepared rigorously for dual character looks, transforming physically from recovery from prior injuries to a sculpted physique suited for action demands. announcements, such as as the antagonist for his intense screen presence, were finalized during this phase, with Siva prioritizing performers capable of elevated emotional and physical intensity.

Casting Process

Director Siva confirmed as the lead actor Ajay Kumar (AK), marking their third consecutive collaboration following Veeram (2014) and (2015). The selection emphasized Ajith's ability to portray a physically demanding counter-terrorism agent, involving significant preparation including body transformation from injury recovery to a sculpted physique. Kajal Aggarwal was cast as Yazhini, Ajith's wife, in a role described as powerful and integral to the narrative rather than ornamental. Her involvement was publicly announced by March 2017, with Aggarwal expressing enthusiasm for her first project with Ajith. Akshara Haasan joined as Natasha, marking her Tamil film debut alongside established leads. The female leads, including Aggarwal and Haasan, were finalized by May 2017 as per production updates. For the antagonist Aryan Singhania, Siva specifically sought for his proven intensity in dramatic roles, marking Oberoi's Tamil debut. Oberoi accepted the role shortly after the script narration, citing immediate alignment with the character's demands. Supporting roles, such as those played by and others, were filled to complement the high-stakes spy thriller ensemble without reported delays or open auditions. The process prioritized actors capable of executing action-oriented and emotionally layered performances, aligning with the film's international theme.

Filming and Technical Aspects

Principal photography for Vivegam commenced on August 2, 2016, with extensive shooting spanning approximately 150 days across multiple international locations. Roughly 70% of the film was captured in and other European countries, including , , , , and . Specific sites in encompassed city center, the Belgrade Museum of Aviation, and Bor Lake, where over 50 days of filming occurred. In , sequences were shot at the in Maltatal, . Additional domestic filming took place in , including and in Hyderabad. The production wrapped its principal schedule in by May 15, 2017, leaving only minor patchwork shots pending. Director Siva emphasized the film's action-oriented nature, featuring three major sequences choreographed to international standards, with lead actor performing high-risk —such as a prominent chase—without a . These elements contributed to the film's elevated production values, particularly in stunt execution and location-based visuals, distinguishing it from typical regional action thrillers.

Soundtrack

Musical Composition

Anirudh Ravichander served as the composer for Vivegam, responsible for both the original songs and the background score, tailoring the music to the film's action thriller narrative and its themes of and international intrigue. Drawing from director Siva's inputs on the storyline, Anirudh experimented with compositions to musically evoke the "" concept and the overseas filming locations, emphasizing high-energy arrangements with synthesizers, rhythms, and electronic elements to heighten tension during action sequences. The approach prioritized powerful, adrenaline-fueled sounds, including EDM influences evident in promotional singles, to align with the protagonist's resilient persona. The background score, completed in mid-August 2017 just prior to the film's release, incorporated live instrumentation such as guitar work by session musician Keba Jeremiah, contributing to its dynamic and intense feel during fight and chase scenes. Final mixing focused on amplifying the score's energetic prelude and synth-driven pulses to synchronize with visuals, avoiding re-recording at that stage while ensuring thematic cohesion. Anirudh dedicated the overall album to commemorate 25 years of lead actor Ajith Kumar's presence in cinema, infusing the compositions with a celebratory yet aggressive edge reflective of the star's screen image.

Track Listing and Releases

The Vivegam soundtrack comprises seven tracks, all composed by , who also handled production and some vocal performances. The was released digitally on 7 August 2017 through Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd., initially on platforms such as Saavn (now ) and subsequently on others including and . A promotional CD version was also produced, though primarily for industry use rather than widespread commercial distribution.
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1Surviva, Yogi B3:42
2Thalai Viduthalai3:15
3Kadhalaada, Pradeep Kumar4:28
4Veriyera3:45
5Never Give Up, 3:20
6Life Is Beautiful3:10
7Aaradhu Sinam3:00
The tracks incorporate a mix of high-energy electronic beats, patriotic anthems, and melodic romantic numbers, reflecting the film's action-thriller tone, with lyrics primarily by , Kabilan, and others tailored to the narrative. No official physical retail release beyond the promo CD occurred, emphasizing in line with industry trends for Tamil film soundtracks at the time.

Music Reception

The soundtrack of Vivegam, composed by and released on August 7, 2017, garnered positive critical reception for its energetic composition tailored to the film's spy thriller aesthetic, blending rock, EDM, and synth elements with international flair. Reviewers highlighted tracks like "Surviva" as high-energy EDM numbers with positive vibes and heavy synth usage, suitable for mass appeal in an action context. Behindwoods assigned a rating of 3 out of 5 to the album, noting its western-influenced EDM tracks and rhythmic appeal, though acknowledging a focus on fast-paced beats over melodic diversity. IndiaGlitz rated individual songs averaging 2.8 out of 5 but issued an overall verdict of 3.2 out of 5, praising the rock-infused energy as among Anirudh's strongest outputs for Ajith Kumar-led projects. The lauded the collaboration's sensational results, with specific acclaim for stylish numbers featuring effective vocal deliveries and elements like guitar riffs, positioning it as a high-impact album for a mass hero vehicle. Critics generally viewed the score as top-notch for promotional singles and the full release, though some observed limited lyrical variety in favor of instrumental drive and thematic fit. No major awards were documented for the music, and quantifiable sales or chart data remained unreported in primary reviews.

Promotion

Marketing Strategies

The marketing for Vivegam heavily relied on Ajith Kumar's dedicated fanbase to drive viral digital engagement, particularly through organized campaigns for the film's teaser and trailers. Fans mobilized en masse on platforms like , propelling the official teaser to record-breaking view counts within hours of its May 2017 release, with strategic coordination via groups to maximize shares and likes. This approach culminated in the teaser garnering over 575,000 likes, surpassing the record held by at the time, though the latter retained higher viewership overall. Traditional outdoor advertising played a significant role, featuring large-scale billboards and cutouts of prominently displayed in key locations such as Kaddalur, amplifying visibility in high-traffic areas ahead of the August 24, 2017, release. International outreach included unconventional tactics like displaying promotional posters on flights, such as one documented in New York, to target overseas audiences. Pre-release business deals formed a core strategy to monetize hype early, securing approximately through sales of theatrical, , digital, and overseas rights, which distributors acquired at premium rates— for theatrical rights alone—betting on Ajith's star draw without extensive personal endorsements from the actor himself. This minimal-PR model, consistent with Ajith's career approach, shifted focus to fan-driven buzz and producer-backed financing rather than conventional celebrity appearances or aggressive media tours.

Trailers and Publicity Events

The 57-second for Vivegam was released at midnight on 11 May 2017, strategically timed to capitalize on Ajith Kumar's dedicated fanbase, who coordinated online efforts to drive views and achieve record-breaking metrics shortly after launch. It accumulated 7.2 million views on within two days, highlighting the film's action-oriented narrative and Ajith's portrayal of a rogue agent. The official theatrical trailer followed on 16 August 2017, eight days ahead of the film's 24 August release, showcasing high-octane stunts filmed in international locations and emphasizing themes of and . It garnered over 4 million views within 24 hours, underscoring sustained pre-release hype. Publicity leaned on digital and visual campaigns rather than extensive live events, including large-scale billboards featuring Ajith Kumar's image erected across sites like Kaddalur to promote the film as a blockbuster action thriller. Co-star conducted media interactions in on 20 August 2017 to boost awareness, discussing his role and the film's appeal. The Tamil received a digital release on 7 August 2017 without a formal launch , prioritizing accessibility over traditional fan gatherings.

Distribution

Theatrical Release

Vivegam was released theatrically worldwide on 24 August 2017, coinciding with the simultaneous launch of its Telugu-dubbed version titled Vivekam. The film opened in major territories including (particularly , , and ), the , , and on the same date. In the United States, limited screenings began on 23 August in select theaters, with wider availability following shortly after. The distribution marked one of the broadest releases for a Tamil-language film, utilizing over 3,000 screens globally, including approximately 800 in alone. It reached more than 40 countries, encompassing (such as , , , , , and —where it became the first Tamil film screened), (including ), and other regions like the and . In , the film secured around 200 screens despite competition from local releases. A Kannada-dubbed version, titled , followed in 2018.

Home Media and Digital Distribution

The digital distribution rights for Vivegam were secured by , with the film's world television premiere on the platform occurring on October 22, 2017. Subsequently, it became available for streaming on additional services, including . Physical home media releases, such as DVDs, were distributed through select retailers by October 2018. Satellite television rights had been sold to Sun TV prior to the theatrical release, leading to a broadcast premiere on the channel on May 1, 2018.

Reception

Box Office Performance

Vivegam, released on 24 August 2017, was produced on a budget of approximately ₹100 crore. The film achieved a strong opening, grossing an estimated ₹33 crore worldwide on its first day, driven primarily by robust performance in Tamil Nadu where it collected around ₹16-20 crore. Over its opening weekend, it surpassed ₹100 crore globally, with ₹69 crore from India and ₹36.5 crore from overseas markets. Territorial breakdown highlights its dominance in South India: Tamil Nadu contributed ₹68.25 to the final gross, followed by Andhra Pradesh-Telangana at ₹7.6 , Karnataka at ₹8.8 , and Kerala at ₹5.4 , with the rest of adding about ₹2 . Overseas earnings were estimated at around ₹30-40 , though performance outside South India was described as middling compared to the domestic frenzy fueled by Ajith Kumar's fanbase. Lifetime worldwide gross collections are reported variably across sources, with estimates ranging from ₹123.35 to ₹160 ; later analyses, such as those comparing it to subsequent Ajith films, favor the lower figure of ₹123.35 . Despite the healthy opening and regional strength in —where it was deemed a hit—the film's overall verdict leaned toward average or semi-hit status globally, hampered by high expectations, a substantial budget, and relatively softer overseas traction relative to pre-release hype. Discrepancies in reported figures reflect the opaque nature of Indian tracking, often reliant on estimates rather than audited .

Critical Reviews

Critics gave Vivegam mixed reviews, praising its high-octane action sequences and Ajith Kumar's commanding performance while criticizing the screenplay's logical inconsistencies and underdeveloped plot. On , the film holds a 52% approval rating based on nine reviews, reflecting divided opinions on its execution as a spy thriller. Ajith Kumar's physicality and stunt work received widespread acclaim, with reviewers noting his ability to carry the film through demanding action set pieces filmed across international locations. described the film as an "over-the-top but engaging action thriller" with a mix of brawn, brain, and sentiment tailored to fans, awarding it 3 out of 5 stars. Similarly, called it a "good entertainer" highlighting the visuals, by , and high-voltage action, also rating it 3 out of 5. However, the narrative drew significant backlash for its predictability, implausible twists, and failure to sustain momentum beyond the action. Hindustan Times gave 2.5 out of 5 stars, stating the film is "ambitious yet underwhelming" due to poor writing that undermines Ajith's efforts. Great Andhra rated it 2 out of 5, faulting the boring first half and post-interval yawn-inducing pace despite rich camerawork. Behindwoods scored it 2.2 out of 5, acknowledging a compelling plot inspired by international spy thrillers but lamenting its inability to deliver coherent thrills. Common critiques included over-reliance on style over substance, with the second half often cited as collapsing under weak scripting.

Audience and Fan Responses

Audience reception to Vivegam was polarized, with strong enthusiasm from Ajith Kumar's fanbase driving initial success, while general viewers expressed mixed sentiments on the film's narrative coherence. The movie grossed approximately ₹160 worldwide within its theatrical run, reflecting robust turnout in and , where it achieved hit status through fan-driven openings exceeding ₹20 on day one in the region. Early screenings elicited celebratory responses from fans at theaters like Rohini and Kasi in , with crowds cheering action sequences, Ajith's introduction, and bike stunts, as captured in live public review videos. Hardcore Ajith supporters praised the film's high-octane visuals, Anirudh Ravichander's background score, and the lead's commanding screen presence, often describing the first half as a "flawless treat" tailored to fan expectations, with director Siva delivering "mass" moments like heroism displays and international . Anirudh noted overwhelming cheers at premieres, particularly for Ajith's entry scenes, fueling fan pride and calls for harder work on future projects. On platforms like , user ratings averaged 6.1/10 from over 17,000 votes, with fans highlighting the adrenaline-fueled action as a redeeming factor despite pacing issues in the opening sequences. Broader feedback revealed dissatisfaction with the screenplay's logical gaps and over-reliance on style over substance, leading to reports of walkouts during early portions and declining to 60% by the end of the first week in key markets. While lacked a substantial verified score due to limited ratings, the film's middling performance outside underscored a narrower beyond regional fan loyalty. and forum discussions echoed this divide, with some viewers labeling it a "cringefest" for exaggerated dialogues, though Ajith devotees defended it as superior to prior collaborations with Siva. Overall, Vivegam's reception affirmed Ajith's star power in mobilizing fans for commercial viability but highlighted challenges in sustaining universal engagement.

Accolades and Nominations

At the 65th Filmfare Awards South held on June 16, 2018, Vivegam earned two nominations in the Tamil categories: Vivek Oberoi for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of the antagonist Yakob Ahlawat, and Anirudh Ravichander for Best Music Director for the film's soundtrack. Neither nomination resulted in a win. The film also received nominations at the 7th (SIIMA) in 2018, including for Best Music Director – Tamil and for Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role – Tamil. These were among the technical and performance recognitions highlighted for South Indian films of 2017, though Vivegam did not win in any category. No wins were recorded for Vivegam across other prominent Tamil awards such as the or for the 2017 release year. The nominations primarily acknowledged the contributions of supporting cast and music, reflecting selective praise amid mixed critical reception for the film's action-oriented narrative.

Controversies and Fan Dynamics

Critical Backlash and Fan Reactions

The film faced significant critical backlash for its perceived lack of narrative depth and logical inconsistencies, with reviewers describing the plot as superficial and overly reliant on 's star power rather than substantive storytelling. of Film Companion noted that Vivegam exemplified "ineffective deification of a star" in the weakest collaboration between director Siva and Ajith, criticizing its formulaic structure and failure to transcend fan-service tropes. Similarly, 's review labeled it a "misfire on many levels," faulting the ambitious "international" thriller premise for collapsing under implausible action sequences and underdeveloped characters, despite strong technical execution. Today's critique highlighted a "superficial plot to make Ajith Kumar great again," pointing to contrived sentiment and repetitive clichés that undermined the film's espionage-thriller ambitions. NDTV's Pranita Chaubey praised Ajith's charismatic screen presence but critiqued the "silly scenes" and illogical plotting, assigning a 2.5/5 rating and arguing that the film's excesses alienated non-fans. Aggregate ratings reflected this divide, with later compiling user scores around 4.2/10 from limited critic input, underscoring complaints about pacing, issues in supporting roles like Vivek Oberoi's, and a predictable . Some analyses attributed the backlash to Siva's directorial pattern of prioritizing spectacle over coherence, as seen in prior Ajith films, leading to accusations of creative stagnation. Fan reactions were polarized, with Ajith's dedicated supporters largely embracing the film for its high-octane action, Anirudh Ravichander's score, and Ajith's physical transformation, often dismissing critical pans as elitist or biased against mass entertainers. Online forums like Reddit's r/kollywood featured defenses highlighting technical strengths, such as and stunt work, with users arguing it succeeded as "strictly for the fans" despite acknowledged flaws like cringe-worthy dialogues. However, aggressive responses emerged, including widespread trolling, abuse, and threats directed at negative reviewers; for instance, Blue Sattai Maran faced death threats and harassment for his scathing critique, prompting condemnations from industry figures like filmmaker . This fan backlash intensified rivalries, particularly with Vijay enthusiasts during the concurrent Mersal release, fueling "fan wars" over box-office claims and film quality, as documented in Firstpost's of Kollywood dynamics. Ajith publicly distanced himself from such behavior on August 20, 2017, issuing a statement through legal advisors condemning online trolling of critics, journalists, and industry members, emphasizing he maintained no official presence and apologized unconditionally for any fan excesses attributed to his name. Despite the divisiveness, the film's strong opening-day collections—over ₹20 gross in —demonstrated fan loyalty overriding critical consensus.

Legacy and Influence

Cultural Impact

Vivegam exemplified the trend toward high-production-value spy thrillers in , featuring extensive in and advanced to emulate international standards. Its narrative, centered on counter-terrorism and betrayal, aligned with a growing subgenre of cyber-crime and plots that gained traction post-2010s, influencing subsequent films by prioritizing spectacle over narrative depth. The film reinforced traditional gender dynamics prevalent in Tamil action cinema, portraying the female lead as a supportive, hyper-feminine counterpart to the macho protagonist, thereby perpetuating established tropes rather than challenging them. Ajith Kumar's physical transformation for the role, involving intense to build muscle mass despite prior injuries, drew from industry peers and highlighted the actor's commitment to embodying disciplined heroism, subtly influencing perceptions of tied to personal fitness. Among Ajith's fanbase, Vivegam sustained intense loyalty, evidenced by record-breaking teaser views exceeding of viral conquest across platforms and ongoing celebrations eight years post-release, underscoring the film's role in fan-driven mass entertainment within South Indian cinema. However, its cultural footprint remained regionally confined, with limited transcendence beyond Tamil Nadu's dominance of approximately ₹48 in the opening four days, reflecting the challenges of scaling local star vehicles to pan-Indian or global resonance.

Analysis of Artistic and Commercial Elements

Vivegam's artistic elements are characterized by technical proficiency in action choreography and visuals, offset by narrative conventionality. The film's stunt sequences, choreographed by Kaloyan Vodenicharov and , deliver high-energy set pieces filmed across international locations including , , and , providing visceral thrills that align with director Siva's signature style of mass-oriented action. Cinematographer Vetri's work enhances these moments with dynamic framing and sweeping landscapes, contributing to the film's polished aesthetic despite occasional over-reliance on slow-motion effects. Anirudh Ravichander's score, including pulsating and tracks like "Kadhalaada," integrates effectively to amplify tension and emotional beats, though some songs feel formulaically inserted. However, the screenplay's execution reveals weaknesses in and depth, drawing for a generic spy thriller template involving betrayals and chases without innovative twists. Siva's direction, while ambitious in scale, prioritizes spectacle over coherent plotting, resulting in a race-against-time that critics described as superficial and predictable, failing to elevate Ajith Kumar's beyond archetypal heroism. Ajith's performance leverages his screen presence for commanding action roles, but the script's emphasis on deifying the lead undermines character nuance, limiting emotional resonance. Commercially, Vivegam exemplifies Tamil cinema's reliance on star-driven formulas, with Siva's collaboration with Ajith—marking their third outing—capitalizing on the actor's fanbase for mass appeal through overt heroism and sentiment. The production's substantial investment in exotic shoots and VFX aimed to differentiate it as a big-budget spectacle, pandering to audience preferences for unapologetic over subtlety. This approach ensured initial traction via pre-release hype and , though its formulaic elements exposed vulnerabilities to competition from more narrative-driven contemporaries, highlighting the risks of prioritizing commercial pandering over artistic innovation.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.