Wikipedia

Naan Kadavul

Naan Kadavul (transl. I am God) is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Bala and produced by K. S. Sreenivasan. The film is based on the Tamil novel Yezhaam Ulagam by Jeyamohan, who also penned the dialogues for the film. The film stars Arya, Pooja Umashankar and Rajendran in the lead roles. The background score and soundtrack were composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Naan Kadavul
Theatrical poster of the film
Theatrical poster
Directed byBala
Written byJeyamohan (dialogue)
Screenplay byBala
Based onYezhaam Ulagam
by Jeyamohan
Produced byK. S. Sreenivasan
Starring
CinematographyArthur A. Wilson
Edited bySuresh Urs
Music byIlaiyaraaja
Production
company
Vasan Visual Ventures
Distributed by
Release date
  • 6 February 2009 (2009-02-06)
Running time
127 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget₹7 crore[1]
Box office₹18 crore

The film, which had been in making for over three years, was released on 6 February 2009[2] to acclaim from critics, thus winning two National Film Awards, including the Best Director Award for Bala, four Vijay Awards, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards. It was also shown at film festivals, such as the 2008 Fantastic Fest and the 2009 Beloit International Film Festival.[3][4]

Plot

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For astrological reasons, a father has to leave his son Rudran in Kashi for 14 years. 14 years later, repenting his act, he goes with his daughter in search of the boy. He finds him there but is shocked to learn he has become an Aghori, a fierce, tigerish sadhu who gives moksha and prevents the soul from getting reborn. Nevertheless, he brings him back to Tamil Nadu as he had promised the boy's mother.

We are then introduced to a group of physically and mentally challenged beggars, who are overseen by the cruel Thandavan. Among them is Hamsavalli, a blind girl who was with a group of street actors, but one day she was forcefully separated from her troupe and made to join the beggars. Soon, she becomes a victim of Thandavan's cruelty.

Meanwhile, Rudran leaves his house to find his place in a small cave near a hill temple. One day, Rudran's mother comes to plead with him to come back to their house, but she is unsuccessful. Following this, Hamsavalli tries to convince Rudran to return to his house, but fails. In the meantime, Thandavan makes a deal with a businessman of the same profession to sell some of his beggars to him for a tidy profit. The man forcefully takes the beggars away and then returns with a man with a deformed face trying to force Hamsavalli to marry him for 10 lakhs worth of money. Thandavan orders his men to bring Hamsavalli, but her friends take her to Rudran for help. Rudran fights Thandavan's men kills the businessman and is arrested by the local police, who are forced to let him go as they are not able to locate the body and are afraid of forcing a confession from Rudran for fear of being cursed.

Hamsavalli seeks protection and solace from the church, but Thandavan finds her and tortures her as she refuses to marry the deformed man, thus making him lose out on a good amount of money. An angered and humiliated Thandavan beats up Hamsavalli badly. Thandavan then appears face-to-face against Rudran and fights him, ending with Rudran killing him. Hamsavalli with half of her badly wounded, finds her way to Rudran and beseeches him to free her from her misery and the earthly life. She also pleads with him to grant her moksha so that she never has to be born again. Rudran fulfills her wish and slashes Hamsavalli's throat, performs her last rites, and returns to his guru in Kashi.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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After the release of Pithamagan (2003), Bala began to work on a script for a film for which he sought inspiration from a scene in Anbe Sivam which had inspired him to make his film, referring to a scene where Kamal Haasan states to Madhavan that "when we love others unconditionally without any expectation, we become Gods".[6][7] It was announced that the film would star Ajith Kumar in the lead role and produced by A. M. Rathnam.[8][9] Ajith signed a contract for the film stating that he would work in the film for 150 days, and the project was titled Naan Kadavul.[10] However Ratnam, the producer of the film dropped out in December 2004, opting to concentrate on his Telugu film Bangaram and his son's venture, Kedi.[11] Early sources indicated that Cleeny, sister of actress Gopika, would play the lead role in the film although this later proved to be untrue and Meera Jasmine was selected.[12][13] As pre-production work continued, Ajith grew his hair for the role and subsequently appeared in a song in the much-delayed film, Varalaru with the long hair he grew for Naan Kadavul, when doing patchwork.[14] The film was briefly shelved in August 2005 and Ajith moved on to sign other films such as P. Vasu's Paramasivan, which was initially set to be produced by Bala, and Perarasu's Thirupathi.[15] The film then re-emerged and in April 2006, Bala announced the technical crew of the film revealing that Arthur A. Wilson would be cinematographer, Krishnamoorthy as art director and that Ilaiyaraaja would score the film's music. Pre-production on the film began in early 2006, with Bala's assistants already scouting for ideal filming locations in the city of Varanasi.[16] Ajith announced that the shoot of the film would start in the city in May 2006, with the actor refusing to speculate the story of the film.[17] However, as the film yet again failed to take off, Ajith finally pulled out of the project in June 2006 stating he could wait no longer for Bala.[6][18][19]

Casting

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It was reported that Narain, who also made his debut with Chithiram Pesuthadi, would do the role but producers wanted a more saleable name, and hence Arya was signed up.[20] Arya was eager to appear in the film but had already given dates to Saran for Vattaram, and unsuccessfully attempted to drop out of that film to allot dates for Naan Kadavul. Saran's refusal meant that Arya had to wait and complete the film before joining Bala's team.[8][21] Bala stated in an interview that to play the character of Rudran, he needs a person who doesn't have mercy when we look into his eyes. So he opted Ajith first and later chosen Arya to play the character of Rudran. Bhavana was signed for the film after the success of Chithiram Pesuthadi, replacing Meera Jasmine. Ravi, director of Vignesh starrer Aacharya and Kannan, director of Raasaiyya, made their debuts as actors with this film.[22] Rajendran, a fight master who earlier appeared in a small role in director Bala's previous film Pithamagan was selected to play main villain thus making his debut as full-fledged actor.[23] The film also introduced 175 new faces to the screen in which most of them being physically challenged people.[6] The film was consequently launched in June 2006 at Hotel Green Park, Chennai with P. L. Thenappan's Sri Rajalakshmi Films as producers.[24] Arya grew his hair out for the film.[25]

Filming

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The photo shoot of the film was held in August 2006 with Arya and Bhavana and images of Arya were released showing him in different postures of Yoga including Sirasasanam and Padmasanam. The film's first schedule began later that month in Nazarethpettai, near Chennai.[26] Shoots continued in Kasi and Varanasi in January 2007, with Arya opting against working in any other films till Naan Kadavul was complete.[27] Producer Thennapan also backed out of the film in early 2007 but Srinivasan of Vasan Visual Ventures took over swiftly.[28]

Bhavana also walked out of the film in early 2007 as she was unable to allot dates for the film and a search for another new cast member began. Meenakshi, Anjali and Parvathy Thiruvothu were heavily linked to the role to replace Bhavana, but Bala opted against selecting either.[29][30] Subsequently, Karthika, who had been seen in small budget films such as Thootukudi and Pirappu, was booked as heroine and she was made to beg in the streets of Periyakulam during an audition. However Bala was still unimpressed.[31] Hindi actress, Neetu Chandra, was flown down to Theni for a test shoot but Bala felt she did not have the looks for the role of a beggar girl.[32] Actress Pooja was later finalised as lead actress in September 2007 and joined the sets of the film in Periyakulam in late 2007.[33] She revealed that she went to the audition of the film only after being compelled by director Seeman and thought twice about accepting the film due to her commitments in a Sinhalese film, before the producer of that film released her from her contract.[34]

Soundtrack

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This film features 7 songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The audio was released on 1 January 2007. Lyrics have been penned by Vaali except for the track Pitchai Paathiram which has been penned by Ilaiyaraaja himself and the title song "Maa Ganga" written by Bharath Achaarya. The song "Matha Un Kovilil" was reused from Raja's own song which he had composed for Achchani (1978).

Release

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Critical response

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Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu called it "a rare offering for intrepid folks who plump for true-to-life depictions".[35] The Times of India wrote, "At a time when the clutter of routine commercial cinema gets to you, it's apt that you resort to an eerie film like Naan Kadavul."[36] Pavithra Srinivasan of Rediff.com gave the film a rating of three out of five stars, writing, "Naan Kadavul is definitely worth a watch for its superb secondary characters, setting and music", but noted weaknesses with the script, describing it as lacking "punch." Svrinavasan wrote, "Aside from mumbling mantras at strategic points, Rudhran doesn't do anything much ... Very little of the sharp-sightedness that's gone in showcasing the world of beggars has gone into the mental make-up of Rudhran, and it shows."[37] Sify wrote, "Watch Naan Kadavul, because it's one of those films that won't easily get out of your head long after the film is over."[38]

Accolades

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Award Category Nominee Outcome Ref.
56th National Film Awards Best Director Bala Won
Best Make-up Artist U.K. Sasi Won
57th Filmfare Awards South Best Tamil Actress Pooja Won
Best Tamil Director Bala Won
Best Tamil Actor Arya Nominated
Best Tamil Film K. S. Sreenivasan Nominated
Best Tamil Supporting Actor Rajendran Nominated
Best Tamil Lyricist Ilayaraja for "Pitchai Paathiram" Nominated
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Best Female Character Artiste Pooja Won [39]
Best Villain Rajendran Won
Best Cinematographer Arthur Wilson Won
Vijay Awards Best Director Bala Won
Best Actress Pooja Won
Best Villain Rajendran Won
Best Make up U.K. Sasi Won

References

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  1. ^ "The budget of Naan Kadavul". Behindwoods. 31 January 2006. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  2. ^ Dhananjayan 2012, p. 477.
  3. ^ "Fantastic Fest 2010 : Naan Kadavul". Fantastic Fest. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  4. ^ "Naan Kadavul (I am God)". Beloit International Film Festival. 21 January 2009. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  5. ^ Joseph, Raveena; Ramanujam, Srinivasa (13 November 2015). "Child stars on the big screen". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Dhananjayan 2014, p. 478.
  7. ^ "Anbe Sivam inspired me: Bala". Sify. 28 March 2016. Archived from the original on 28 March 2016.
  8. ^ a b "More controversy for Naan Kadavul". Rediff.com. 23 June 2006. Archived from the original on 29 November 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  9. ^ "From 'Itihasam' to 'Mirattal': Check out 11 movies of Ajith that were shelved". The New Indian Express. 19 October 2019. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  10. ^ "Ajith Obedient to Bala". Behindwoods. 31 March 2005. Archived from the original on 31 July 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  11. ^ "Ratnam drops one more film!". Sify. 3 December 2004. Archived from the original on 29 January 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  12. ^ "Gopika's sister opposite Ajith". IndiaGlitz. 8 April 2005. Archived from the original on 10 April 2005. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  13. ^ "Tamil movies : Meera Jasmine: What if Bala shuts the door?". Behindwoods. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  14. ^ "Ajith's hairy problems!". Cinesouth. 20 July 2005. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013 – via ajithkumar.fr.fm.
  15. ^ "Tamil movies : Ajith, Taste the Thunder". Behindwoods. 3 September 2005. Archived from the original on 31 July 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  16. ^ "Tamil movies : Varanasi: Bala's next spiritual journey for Naan Kadavul". Behindwoods. 27 April 2006. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  17. ^ "Tamil movies : Ajith-Bala's Naan Kadavul to kick off on May". Behindwoods. 24 April 2006. Archived from the original on 27 July 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  18. ^ "Ajith explains". IndiaGlitz. 27 May 2006. Archived from the original on 5 September 2006. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  19. ^ "Tamil movies : 'Naan Kadavul' – Surya to replace Ajith?". Behindwoods. 25 May 2006. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  20. ^ "Narain meets Bala". Sify. 25 May 2006. Archived from the original on 21 January 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  21. ^ "Arya bags Bala film!". Sify. 27 May 2006. Archived from the original on 20 November 2010. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  22. ^ "All about Naan Kadavul". Behindwoods. 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  23. ^ "My First Break: Rajendran". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 4 December 2010. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
  24. ^ "Njan Kadavul launch". Sify. Archived from the original on 28 June 2006. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  25. ^ "Arya turns an hotelier". IndiaGlitz. 4 May 2007. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  26. ^ "Tamil movies : Naan Kadavul: Arya suspects the supernatural". Behindwoods. 29 August 2006. Archived from the original on 14 August 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  27. ^ "Getting ready to resume — Naan Kadavul". IndiaGlitz. 31 May 2007. Archived from the original on 2 June 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  28. ^ "New producer for Naan Kadavul". Chennai365. 16 May 2007. Archived from the original on 13 January 2008. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  29. ^ cinesouth (16 July 2007). "Karthika is 'Naan Kadavul' heroine?". Cinesouth. Archived from the original on 13 January 2010. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  30. ^ "BALA NAAN KADAVUL". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  31. ^ "NAAN KADAVUL Mission Heroine". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  32. ^ "Bala's elusive heroine hunt". Oneindia. 5 September 2007. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  33. ^ "Oram Po... here she comes". The Hindu. 30 November 2007. Archived from the original on 2 December 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  34. ^ "Actress Pooja — Interview". Behindwoods. 21 January 2009. Archived from the original on 4 August 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  35. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (13 February 2009). "Reality hits you hard -- Naan Kadavul". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  36. ^ "Naan Kadavul Movie Review". The Times of India. 6 February 2009. Archived from the original on 17 March 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  37. ^ Srinivasan, Pavithra (6 February 2009). "Naan Kadavul lacks punch". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  38. ^ "Review- Naan Kadavul". Sify. Archived from the original on 15 March 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  39. ^ "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2009 Photos". Moviegalleri.net. 8 December 2009. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.

Bibliography

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