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{{short description|2002 film by Balaji Sakthivel}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Samurai
| image = Samurai 2002 poster.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Promotional poster
| director = [[Balaji Sakthivel]]
| producer = [[S. Sriram]]
| writer = Balaji Sakthivel
| screenplay =
| story =
| starring = {{ubl|[[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]]|[[Anita Hassanandani]]|[[Jaya Seal]]}}
| music = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| cinematography = [[Sethu Sriram]]
| editing = [[V. T. Vijayan]]
| studio = [[Aalayam Productions]]
| distributor =
| released = {{Film date|2002|07|12|India|df=y}}
| runtime = 180 minutes
| country = India
| language = Tamil
}}
'''''Samurai''''' is a 2002 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Vigilante film|vigilante]] [[action thriller film]] written and directed by [[Balaji Sakthivel]] in his directoral debut and produced by [[S. Sriram]]. The film stars [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] in the title role, alongside [[Anita Hassanandani]], [[Jaya Seal]], and [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]. Cinematography was handled by [[Sethu Sriram]] and the music was scored by [[Harris Jayaraj]].

Filming of ''Samurai'' started in March 2001 but due to the production delays, the film was released in July 2002.

==Plot==
Thiyagarajan, a medical student, heads to meet his childhood friend Varadharajan. On the way, he meets a kind-hearted but mischievous schoolgirl Deiva, who lives with her grandmother and is the daughter of a police officer named Sandana Pandian. Sandana has a run-in with Thiyagu, but later realizes his kind-heartedness. Thiyagu meets up with his friends to kidnap a politician for his illegal activities at which time, he finds out that Sandana's family are neighbors with him and good friends with his friend. After the dirty politician gets kidnapped, Sandana is appointed to investigate the case.

Meanwhile, Thiyagu also kidnaps another five people, while Sandana is unable to catch the culprit. During this time, Nisha's friends try to molest Deiva. Unable to bear the trauma she experienced on her own, she returns to her parents. However, Sandana is already stressed out from the investigation and doesn't want to hear about Deiva's problems. Thiyagu helps to relieve Deiva's anxiety by telling her she now knows how to avoid that type of situation in the future. After that, Deiva, not knowing Thiyagu's true identity, falls in love with him.

'''Past''': Thiyagu's studious classmate, Kavitha writes about the things, which she wants to tell Thiyagu in her diary, but never does. Although Thiyagu gets irritated with her, he still loves her. While attending medical school, Kavitha discovers that a [[Pharmaceutical industry|pharmaceutical company]] has distributed expired medicines that caused a boy's death. When she tries to expose the company, no one supports her because they don't know the boy. This upset her so much she commits suicide. Before dying though, Kavitha asked Thiyagu to deliver justice for the boy's death on her behalf. After much thought, and after reading Kavitha's diary, Thiyagu and his friends decide to exact vengeance on those, who use a loophole in the law to complete their prison sentence in guest houses and hospitals.

'''Present''': Sandana discovers that the next target is a minister, who is behind the pharma crimes for which Kavitha committed suicide. Sandana tries to protect the minister, but he still gets kidnapped, where Sandana later realizes that Thiyagu is responsible for the kidnappings. Knowing Pandian is after him, Thiyagu tries to escape. When Deiva conveys her love to Thiyagu, he reveals his identity to her. Pandian captures Thiyagu and puts him on trial in an [[In open court|open court]] with [[magistrate]]s and other people. They ask him to release the kidnapped people, but Thiyagu argues that he will only release them after they are punished with a [[capital punishment]].

The magistrates deny the request stating there is no law that has such a punishment. The abductees end up being released and everyone that heard Thiyagu's argument, form a protest and kills all the abductees. After this, Sandana takes Thiyagu and his friends away in a van, and appreciates his work by saying that there is a need for such a law that gives the culprits a punishment of death. As Thiyagu leaves, Deiva arrives, which reminds Thyagu of how he felt about Kavitha. Deiva tells him that Kavitha is always with him just as Deiva will be. Later, Thiyagu and his friends leave with Deiva.

==Cast==
{{cast listing|
*[[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] as Thiyagarajan (Thiyagu)
*[[Anita Hassanandani]] as Deiva
*[[Jaya Seal]] as Dr.Kavitha
*[[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as ASP Sandana Pandian IPS
*Jayakumar as Thiyagu's Friend
*[[Anupam Shyam]] as DIG Vasu Devan IPS
*[[Kollam Thulasi]] as IAS Rajeshwar
*[[Chinni Jayanth]] as Varadarajan
*[[Bindu Panicker]] as Deiva's mother
*[[Vadivukkarasi]] as Deiva's grandmother
*[[Delhi Kumar]] as Medical College Dean
*[[George Maryan]] as a villager
*[[Sriya Reddy]] as Nisha
*[[Piyush Mishra]] as Politician (special appearance)
}}

==Production==
Vikram signed the film in March 2001 and it became the first venture he committed to, after the blockbuster success of [[Bala (director)|Bala]]'s ''[[Sethu (film)|Sethu]]'' which released in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/may/31spice.htm |title=Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |publisher=Rediff |date=2000-05-31 |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=18 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518112805/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/may/31spice.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> North Indian model [[Natassha|Anita Hassanandani]] was selected to make her debut in the film, but another film, ''[[Varushamellam Vasantham]]'' starring [[Anita Hassanandani]] was released before ''Samurai''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cinematoday3.itgo.com/Review%20-%20Samurai.htm |title=34th Tamil film of the year 2002 |publisher=Cinematoday3.itgo.com |date= |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=14 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514075236/http://cinematoday3.itgo.com/Review%20-%20Samurai.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Simran was approached to play a pivotal role in the film, but Jaya Seel, who appeared alongside [[Prabhu Deva]] in ''[[Pennin Manathai Thottu]]'', was roped in instead to play a medical student.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.india4u.com/kollywood/jeya.asp |title=Tamil Cinema — Feature on Jeya Sheel |publisher=India4u |date= |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=18 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118111951/http://www.india4u.com/kollywood/jeya.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> Malayalam actor [[Kollam Thulasi]] was signed up to play a villain in the film making his debut in Tamil films.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://muthala1.tripod.com/cinenews8.html |title=Kollam Thulasi Turns Hero |access-date=22 March 2012 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304221131/http://muthala1.tripod.com/cinenews8.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shooting commenced in April 2001 when Vikram was simultaneously shooting for the action masala films such as ''[[Vinnukkum Mannukkum]]'' (2001), ''[[Dhill]]'' (2001), ''[[Kasi (film)|Kasi]]'' (2001), ''[[Gemini (2002 film)|Gemini]]'' (2002), ''[[King (2002 film)|King]]'' (2002) and ''[[Kadhal Sadugudu]]'' (2003), and was continued till June 2002 due to some production delays. The initial schedules were held in Chennai, then the unit moved on to shoot at locations in Kuttralam, Ooty, Araku, Vishakhapatnam, Lucknow and Bihar. Some scenes with the lead pair were shot in the forest areas of Kerala which was also the location for a song shot on Vikram. Again, a lavish set was erected at the AVM Studios where Vikram, Anita, and new-face Shreya took part.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/location/samurai.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020911201507/http://www.chennaionline.com/location/samurai.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-09-11 |title=Samurai |access-date=2013-07-05 }}</ref> The film was also heavily shot in [[Orissa, India|Orissa]], while songs were canned in [[Syria]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/06/04/stories/2002060400100300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031104040805/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/06/04/stories/2002060400100300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-11-04 |title=The "Samurai" story |date=2002-06-04 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2013-07-05}}</ref> The song "Moongil Kaadugale" was shot at [[Hogenakkal Falls]] in [[Dharmapuri]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aishwarya |first=S. |date=3 July 2010 |title=Indian locations provide stunning backdrops for film shoots |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/indian-locations-provide-stunning-backdrops-for-film-shoots/article497083.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418041817/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/indian-locations-provide-stunning-backdrops-for-film-shoots/article497083.ece |archive-date=18 April 2016 |access-date=20 May 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

Vikram went to yoga classes to prepare for the opening scene for ''Samurai'', where he poses in the Mayura asanam posture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2001/07/22/stories/09220221.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125143336/http://www.hindu.com/2001/07/22/stories/09220221.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title=Strongman in search of a challenge |date=2001-07-22 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2013-07-05}}</ref> In a 2002 interview, the actor stated that when he first met Balaji, "he was a very enthusiastic, charged person" and was able to convince Vikram to star in the film. He also compared Balaji with director [[S. Shankar|Shankar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/05/31/stories/2002053100170100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030627233545/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/05/31/stories/2002053100170100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-06-27 |title='I want to strike a balance' |date=2002-05-31 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2013-07-05}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
The music and background score were composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/0L91pKuoJ8VmVCWif2LhMs|title=Samurai (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|work=[[Spotify]]|date=2002|access-date=30 March 2025}}</ref>

{{Infobox album
| name = Samurai
| type = [[soundtrack]]
| artist = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = July 2, 2002
| recorded = 2002
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 26:59
| label = Five Star Audio<br />[[Ayngaran International|Ayngaran Music]]<br />An Ak Audio
| producer = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| prev_title = [[Vasu (film)|Vasu]]
| prev_year = 2002
| next_title = [[Lesa Lesa]]
| next_year = 2003
}}

{{track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| all_writing = [[Vairamuthu]]
|total_length = 26:59
| title1 = Aagaya Suriyanai
| extra1 = [[Harish Raghavendra]], [[Harini (singer)|Harini]]
| length1 = 5:25
| title2 = En Manadhil
| extra2 = [[Vasundhara Das]]
| length2 = 5:02
| title3 = Adidadi Appatha
| extra3 = [[Suneeta Rao]], [[Vadivukkarasi]]
| length3 = 4:38
| title4 = Moongil Kaadugale
| extra4 = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]]
| length4 = 6:20
| title5 = Oru Nadhi Oru Pournami
| extra5 = [[Nithyashree Mahadevan]], Tushara
| length5 = 5:34
}}

==Reception==
''Samurai'' opened in July 2002. [[The Hindu]]'s critic noted that "''Samurai'' will satisfy action lovers but for those looking for innovation in story and screenplay, the soldier leaves you yearning". With respect to performances, the critic added that "with an admirably well-maintained physique and powerful eyes Vikram is all geared up for action". Moreover, "Anita is more of an essential prop, but Jayaseel in a cameo has scope to perform, which she does well".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/07/19/stories/2002071900910201.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031009080453/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/07/19/stories/2002071900910201.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-10-09 |title=Samurai |date=2002-07-19 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2013-07-05}}</ref>

[[Rediff.com]] wrote that "the net result is disappointing due to the worn-out theme that is very reminiscent of recent films". However, the reviewer also went on to say "Vikram, though, is convincing in his portrayal and the 'training' scenes where he gains expertise and invulnerability is thrilling and the stunt scenes draw applause".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/aug/05sam.htm |title=Movies: Sigh! |work=rediff.com |date=2002-08-05 |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026145625/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/aug/05sam.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The director himself later labelled the film a "damp squib" mentioning he made serious errors with the film's screenplay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2007/12/07/stories/2007120750431600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208132338/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2007/12/07/stories/2007120750431600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-12-08 |title=Cinema Plus / Cinema : My first break |date=2007-12-07 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2013-07-05}}</ref> The film ended a string of consecutive successful Vikram films in ''[[Dhill]]'', ''[[Kasi (film)|Kasi]]'' and ''[[Gemini (2002 Tamil film)|Gemini]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/11pongal.htm |title=Pongal releases 2003 |publisher=Redif |date=2003-01-11 |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=6 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106231121/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/11pongal.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite this, it was reported that Balaji Sakthivel was still keen to make Vikram star in his next film, though the director next went on to make the successful low-budget film ''[[Kaadhal]]'' (2004).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nilacharal.com/enter/cinebit/c66.html |title=A Tamil entertainment ezine presenting interesting contents and useful services |publisher=Nilacharal |date= |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522103318/http://www.nilacharal.com/enter/cinebit/c66.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Samurai'' was later dubbed under the same name in Telugu to capitalise on Vikram's star potential.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2004/07/06/stories/2004070600690400.htm |title=Telugu link |last=Kumar |first=G. Manjula |date=6 July 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201094912/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2004/07/06/stories/2004070600690400.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=1 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-is-red-hot-in-andhra-news-telugu-kkfvHnjchci.html |title=Vikram is red hot in Andhra |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409004703/http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-is-red-hot-in-andhra-news-telugu-kkfvHnjchci.html |archive-date=9 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb title|id=0384495}}
{{Balaji Sakthivel}}

[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Films shot in Thrissur]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chalakudy]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tirunelveli]]
[[Category:Films shot in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in Bihar]]
[[Category:Indian vigilante films]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:2002 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2002 Indian films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Harris Jayaraj]]
[[Category:2002 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Balaji Sakthivel]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

Samurai (2002 film) - Revision history

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