117.246.181.82: /* Legacy */

2021-08-22T05:17:39Z

Legacy

New page

{{Long plot|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Virumaandi
| image = Virumaandi poster.jpg
| director = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| writer = Kamal Haasan
| starring = {{plainlist|
* [[Kamal Haasan]]
* [[Abhirami (actress)|Abhirami]]
* [[Pasupathy]]
* [[Napoleon Duraisamy|Napoleon]]
* [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]]
* [[Shanmugarajan]]
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]
}}
| producer = {{plainlist|
* Kamal Haasan
* [[Chandra Haasan]]
}}
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2004|01|14}}
| runtime = 178 minutes
| music = [[Ilayaraaja]]
| cinematography = [[Keshav Prakash]]
| editing = {{plainlist|
* [[Ram Sudharsan]]
* Kamal Haasan
}}
| studio = [[Raaj Kamal Films International]]
| distributor =
| country = India
| language = Tamil
| budget = {{INR}}10 crore
| gross = {{INR}}40 crore

}}
'''''Virumaandi''''' is a 2004 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action drama film]] written, co-edited, produced, and directed by [[Kamal Haasan]], who also performed in the title role. The film revolves around the interview of two prison inmates, firstly, Kothala Thevar's ([[Pasupathy]]) [[life imprisonment|life sentence]], and secondly, Virumaandi (Haasan), who is sentenced to be [[hanging|hanged]]. The criminals express how they feel about the direction that their lives have taken and how they have ended up where they are. The film's narrative is based on the [[Rashomon effect]]. The film revolves around the controversy of the death penalty.

The cast also includes [[Abhirami (actress)|Abhirami]], [[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]], [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]], [[Shanmugarajan]], and [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] in pivotal roles. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by [[Ilayaraaja]]. It was dubbed into [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] as ''Pothuraju''. The film won critical acclaim and was a commercial success at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/murattu-kaalai-to-virumaandi-best-jallikattu-scenes-tamil-films-955880-2017-01-19|title=Watch: 5 best jallikattu scenes from Tamil films, from Murattu Kaalai to Virumaandi|last1=DelhiJanuary 19|first1=India Today Web Desk New|last2=January 19|first2=2017UPDATED|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2020-04-24|last3=Ist|first3=2017 14:10}}</ref> This film acquired cult status in Tamil cinema and inspired similar themes.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

==Plot==
The film begins with Dr. Angela Kathamuthu ([[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]]), a [[civil rights activist]] and her [[cameraman]] in [[Madras Central Prison]] interviewing prisoners serving life imprisonment and awaiting the [[death sentence]], for her [[PhD]] thesis in law, against the death penalty. When she enters the prison for the second day, there is a sit-in protest, demanding the reason for the sudden death of death penalty convict Narayanan, who secretly told Angela, the previous day, about immoral practices of Deputy-Jailer Peykkaman ([[Shanmugarajan]]). Angela meets Kothala Thevar ([[Pasupathy]]), who is serving a life sentence for assisting in the murder of 24 people in [[Theni district|District of Theni]]. He tells his version of the story that led to his conviction.

According to him, the root cause of the problem is Virumaandi Thevar ([[Kamal Haasan]]), a happy-go-lucky rogue. Virumaandi has a large part of the land in CK Patti, their village, and has high underground water levels, which is eyed by every other farmer. Virumaandi lost his mother when he was twelve. He was taken to Chennai and later to [[Singapore]] by his father Thavasi Thevar. Even after Thavasi died, Virumandi still lived there, but at the age of 25, Virumaandi was convicted for a small crime. He was [[whip]]ped and exiled back to India. He comes back to live with his paternal grandmother ([[S. N. Lakshmi]]) in CK Patti and to practice [[agriculture]]. His support to his uncle Kothala in his clash against Nallama Nayakkar ([[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]]) brings about a bonding between the two, as Nayakkar killed Kothala's father in a melee caused during a peace meeting between Thavasi and Kothala's father. Annalakshmi ([[Abhirami (actress)|Abhirami]]), Kothala's young niece, falls in love with Virumaandi. Kothala, with an eye on the fertile land owned by Virumaandi, does not object to the romance. Virumandi's grandmother passes away, and at the funeral Nayakkar offers a huge sum for Virumandi's land. Virumandi vehemently rejects the bid and insults both Kothala and Nayakkar , and warns everyone from buying his land. Within a week, an assassination attempt is made on Virumaandi and the injured Virumandi is brought to Hospital by Annalakshmi. Virumandi realises his love for Annalakshmi and rejoins with Kothala. Annalakshmi secretly gives Virumandi the evidence that Kothala is the one who tried to kill Virumandi. Virumandi attacks Kothala and his gang, but Kothala again blames the murder attempt on Nayakkar and Virumandi goes to file a complaint on Nayakkar . A [[Panchayat]] is held to solve this issue and in the ensuing peace meeting of eight villages, Virumaandi's gang is verbally humiliated. Virumaandi goes to Nayakkar's village alone to take revenge at night, and Kothala's gang is forced to save him, where 24 lives are taken. Virumaandi saves all of them by his false testification so that he can marry Annalakshmi, but Kothala seemingly refused the marriage. According to Kothala, Annalakshmi was abducted by Virumaandi and brutally raped. She later escapes from him, comes home, tells what happened, and commits [[suicide]] by hanging herself. A clash between Virumaandi and Kothala takes place in which six henchmen are killed. Virumaandi then escapes and kills Nayakkar, but he is later caught by the police. In the 26 people murder case, Virumaandi testifies against Kothala's gang, getting them all 15-year sentences, while Virumaandi gets five years for raping Annalakshmi and then the death penalty for the six people murder case. Here, Kothala stops and says that God has given justice, but Virumaandi is still angry.

Angela tries to make Virumaandi talk, but Virumaandi verbally assaults her badly. Finally, Angela says that she is doing a PhD against the death penalty, as her father, who got her married to James by great hard work, was forced to kill James to save her from marital abuse. Her father was hanged in the same prison, and then she chose law as a career. After much [[resentment]] and objection, Virumaandi agrees to turn to tell his version to Angela. Virumaandi, 25, a manual laborer, was [[repatriated|sent back to home]] from Singapore for taking responsibility for his cousin's fault. His only relation was his grandmother, who practices natural farming without artificial [[fertilizers]] and avoids deep bore wells. Kothala had a silent eye on the fertile land owned by Virumaandi, as it had the only rich underground water availability. He treats Virumaandi as his nephew. Virumaandi falls in love with Annalakshmi after he tames her very stubborn [[bull]] at [[jallikattu]]. That night, his grandmother passes away, and two days later, an attempt is made on Virumaandi's life. Annalakshmi finds him and admits him to the hospital to save his life. Gradually, she falls in love with him. She teaches him the importance of apology and forgiveness, which are virtues. A clash at the peace [[Panchayat]] insults Kothala's gang, and their need for revenge infuriates Annalakshmi, who asks Virumaandi to apologize to the elders whom he insulted. He goes to apologize single-handedly at night to Nayakkar's village, but Kothala and his men, thinking he has gone to take revenge, come in groups and hack down innocents to death, despite his pleas. Kothala uses his clout to get out of the murder charge, but Virumaandi, who was not involved in the bloodbath, is disturbed because he had to lie in court to save Kothala and his kin. As part of the penance, he transfers all his land for the affected villagers. Annalakshmi asks him to marry her and leave the village. He marries her at the village temple, goes away at night with her, and stays with his aunt, whose son he helped. They consummate their marriage that night.

Kothala's men come the next day, when Virumaandi was away, and abduct Annalakshmi, forcibly taking her home. Kothala and his gang remove her [[Thaali]], and forcibly get her married again, to Kothala's nephew Kottaisamy ([[O. A. K. Sundar]]). This is to ensure that Annalakshmi's share in property does not go to Virumaandi. Kottaisamy is then asked by Kothala to consummate his marriage immediately, by raping Annalakshmi. Unable to tolerate, Annalakshmi avoids kottaisamy and commits suicide by [[hanging]] herself. Upon hearing the news, a distraught Virumaandi enters Kothala's house to kill the gang. He takes revenge by hacking Kothala's four men, including Kottaisamy, to death but finds Kothala holding his own son upside down on a staircase. Virumaandi places his weapon down, and Kothala escapes. Nayakkar shelters Virumaandi and sends him off to Chennai. Kothala and his men corner Nayakkar to hand over Virumaandi. A melee ensues in which Nayakkar is killed. Virumaandi turns up in court, where he finds that all evidence is framed against him. He is convicted of having raped Annalakshmi and killing her and later on being the main reason for killing the four relatives of Kothala, and also the main accused for the murder of 26 lives in Nayakkar's village. He is sentenced to the first six years in jail, followed by death by hanging. He turns approver in the latter case, causing the jailing of Kothala and his men.

While leaving the jail, Angela's cameraman discreetly shoots a conversation between Peykkaman and other jail wardens and convicts to bump off Chief Jailer Jayanth ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]). This is because all of them [[drug trafficking|trafficks drugs]] into the prison, and this is now under investigation by Jayanth. Peykkaman also reveals that Virumaandi never killed anyone except Kottaisamy, but his explicit charge sheet got him a death sentence. A revolt among the jail staff leads to a jailbreak, as Jayanth gets stabbed and Virumaandi saves the vital evidence and Angela from Peykkaman and his henchmen. Jayanth insists Virumaandi to wear Police Dress, safely get Angela out of the Jail. When Virumaandi and Angela are about to leave the jail to outside police, Kothala stabs Virumaandi, proving that Virumaandi was true all the time. Virumaandi then barehandedly almost kills Kothala, but Angela insists not to kill. Kotala is killed in the melee, while Virumaandi & Angela escape from the Jail. The riot is stopped, and Angela presents the evidence in court. Angela applies for Virumaandi's clemency to the [[President of India]], stating that the six-year prison sentence is enough as he did not commit any other offence other than the action of instant emotion, and to release him immediately. Virumaandi, on TV, pleas for a quick judgement, either to reach Annalakshmi by hanging to death or to live life as a silent man, seeking retribution.

Finally, an [[epilogue]] denotes a note that the [[death sentence]] should be abolished.

==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
*[[Kamal Haasan]] as Virumaandi Thevar
*[[Abhirami (actress)|Abhirami]] as Annalakshmi
*[[Pasupathy]] as Kothala Thevar
*[[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]] as Nallama Nayakkar
*[[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]] as Dr. Angela Kaathamuthu
*[[Shanmugarajan]] as Deputy Jailer Paykkaman
*[[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Chief Jailer Jayanth<ref>https://variety.com/2004/film/reviews/virumaandi-1200534857/</ref>
*[[S. N. Lakshmi]] as Virumaandi's grandmother
*[[Pyramid Natarajan]] as Advocate Vaidyanathan<ref>https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/pyramid_natarajan</ref>
*[[Periya Karuppu Thevar]] as Temple Priest
*[[O. A. K. Sundar]] as Kottaisamy
*[[Sujatha Sivakumar]] as Pechi (Kothala's wife)
*[[Bala Singh]] as Rasu Kalai
*[[Thennavan (actor)|Thennavan]] as Kondarasu
*[[G. Gnanasambandam]] as Jallikattu Commentator
*[[Karate Raja]] as Virumandi's friend
*[[Kadhal Sukumar]] as Virumandi's friend
*Kottachi Marimuthu as Virumandi's friend
*[[Vikram Dharma]] as Gopal (Jail Warden)
*[[Sai Dheena]] as Jail Warden
*[[Rajesh (actor)|Rajesh]] as Chennai Police Commissioner
*[[Ganthimathi]]
*[[V. R. Krishna Iyer]] as Himself in Introduction, speaking against Death Penalty
*Bagla as Oomayan
{{colend}}

==Production==
The film was launched on 18 April 2003 under the title ''Sandiyar'' at Madurai, however the title was later changed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chennaionline.com/entertainment/filmplus/sandiyar.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040410093043/http://chennaionline.com/entertainment/filmplus/sandiyar.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 April 2004|title=Sandiyar|date=10 April 2004}}</ref>

For the scenes involving [[Jallikattu]], real-life bulls were brought in and were recorded live and also Nuendo machine was kept at the shooting venue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/jan/15sd5.htm|title=rediff.com: Kamal Haasan's Virumaandi, finally!|website=specials.rediff.com}}</ref><ref name = ev>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/eevents/2004/01virumaandi.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040124161809/http://www.chennaionline.com/eevents/2004/01virumaandi.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 January 2004|title=The making of VIRUMANDI|date=24 January 2004}}</ref> Due to political controversy, Kamal had to shift the shoot from Madurai to Chennai. Prabhakar, art director recreated the set of Madurai villages in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/jan/15sd4.htm|title=rediff.com: Kamal Haasan's Virumaandi, finally!|website=specials.rediff.com}}</ref>

Cinematographer [[Keshav Prakash]], who was trained in India and the United States, was an assistant to [[Ravi K. Chandran]] in ''[[Marudhanayagam]]'' project. Both Kamal Haasan and Keshav Prakash tried to make the film in high definition mode but had to abandon the project due to some technical snags.<ref name = ev/>

==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
| name = Virumandi
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = Ilaiyaraaja
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 2004
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 37:26
| label = [[Ayngaran International|Ayngaran Music]]<br>An Ak Audio
| language = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{External media
| audio1 = {{YouTube|BvbDU7ZojOk| Audio Jukebox (Tamil)}}
| audio2 = {{YouTube|6dyRwaKjXMA| Audio Jukebox (Telugu)}}
}}
}}
The Music album launch function was held on [[Madurai]].

{{Track listing
| headline = Tamil track list<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mio.to//album/Virumandi+%282004%29|title=Virumandi (2004) - Ilaiyaraaja|via=mio.to}}</ref>
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 37:26

| title1 = Onnavida
| note1 =
| extra1 = [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]]
| lyrics1 = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| length1 = 6:25

| title2 = Andha Kandamani
| note2 =
| extra2 = [[Ilaiyaraaja]], Kamal Haasan, [[Karthik Raja]], [[S. N. Surendar]], [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]]
| lyrics2 = Muthulingham
| length2 = 3:28

| title3 = Anna Lakshmi
| note3 =
| extra3 = Kamal Haasan
| lyrics3 = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| length3 = 3:02

| title4 = Sandiyare Sandiyare
| note4 =
| extra4 = Shreya Ghoshal
| lyrics4 = Ilaiyaraaja
| length4 = 3:09

| title5 = Karbagraham Vitu Samy Veliyerathu
| note5 =
| extra5 = Ilaiyaraaja, Kamal Haasan, Karthik Raja, [[S. N. Surendar]], [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]]
| lyrics5 = Muthulingham
| length5 = 3:23

| title6 = Karumathur Katukulae
| note6 =
| extra6 = Mary, [[Periya Karuppu Thevar]], Sukumar, Thiruvudiyan, Karunanidhi
| lyrics6 = Muthulingham
| length6 = 7:00

| title7 = Kombulae Poov Suthi
| note7 =
| extra7 = Kamal Haasan
| lyrics7 = Ilaiyaraaja
| length7 = 5:01

| title8 = Maada Vilakkae
| note8 =
| extra8 = Kamal Haasan
| lyrics8 = Muthulingham
| length8 = 3:36

| title9 = Magarasiyae Manna Vitu Poniyae
| note9 =
| extra9 = [[Theni Kunjarammal]]
| lyrics9 = Muthulingham
| length9 = 1:20

| title10 = Nethiyelae Pottu Vai
| note10 =
| extra10 = Karunanidhi, Sukumar, Thiruvudiyan
| lyrics10 = Muthulingham
| length10 = 1:02

}}

{{Track listing
| headline = Telugu track list<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mio.to//album/Pothuraju+%282004%29|title=Pothuraju (2004) - Ilaiyaraaja|via=mio.to}}</ref>
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length =

| title1 = Andagada Andagada
| note1 =
| extra1 = [[Swarnalatha]]
| lyrics1 =
| length1 =

| title2 = Chiti Chepamma
| note2 =
| extra2 = Swarnalatha
| lyrics2 =
| length2 =

| title3 = Intiki Deepam
| note3 =
| extra3 = Swarnalatha
| lyrics3 =
| length3 =

| title4 = Kommalaku Pulu
| note4 =
| extra4 = [[S. P. Balasubramanyam]]
| lyrics4 =
| length4 =

| title5 = Nuvvuthappa Nenu
| note5 =
| extra5 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]]
| lyrics5 =
| length5 =

| title6 = Pilisthe Palike Deivam
| note6 =
| extra6 = S. P. Balasubramanyam
| lyrics6 =
| length6 =

| title7 = Tharigida Tharigida
| note7 =
| extra7 =
| lyrics7 =
| length7 =

}}

==Release==
The film was certified "A" by Censor Board for excessive violence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rangaraj |first=R |date=4 February 2004 |title=Virumaandi cleared by Censors |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/entertainment/filmplus/01virumaandi.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040204190531/http://www.chennaionline.com/entertainment/filmplus/01virumaandi.asp |archive-date=4 February 2004 |website=Chennai Online}}</ref> In 2015, ''Virumaandi'' was screened at the Habitat Film Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 10th Habitat Film Festival 2015 |url=http://www.habitatfilmclub.com/pdf/HFC_Brouchre_2015.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322032250/http://www.habitatfilmclub.com/pdf/HFC_Brouchre_2015.pdf |archive-date=22 March 2017 |access-date=26 October 2020 |publisher=Habitat Film Club}}</ref> It was released in [[Amazon Prime Video]] in 14 January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 January 2021 |title=Kamal Haasan interacts with 'Virumaandi' crew ahead of OTT release |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kamal-haasan-interacts-virumaandi-crew-ahead-ott-release-141422 |access-date=23 January 2021 |website=The News Minute}}</ref>

===Critical reception===
The film received high critical acclaim from critics who praised the screenplay and performances of the cast however criticized the film for its excessive violence. ''Sify'' called it "vital, sardonic and disturbing brave attempt at good cinema with a provocative message. It is an eloquent argument against capital punishment without excusing the killer for his crimes."<ref>http://www.sify.com/movies/virumaandi-review-tamil-pclvzghhfdeib.html</ref> ''Rediff'' wrote "Virumaandi is definitely a Kamal film but this one belongs to Kamal the director, not Kamal the actor."<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 January 2004 |title=Virumaandi is Kamal all the way! |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jan/16viru.htm |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> ''The Hindu'' wrote "Virumaandi"s case it [..] is backed by a strong story, astute screenplay, stirring dialogue and deft direction".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=2004-01-23 |title=Virumaandi |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/virumaandi/article28575473.ece |access-date=2021-01-23}}</ref> ''Chennai Online'' wrote "the film yet again reveals Kamal Haasan’s undying passion for cinema, his desire and boldness to experiment, irrespective of commercial viability."<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 February 2004 |title=Virumaandi |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov324.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040214160830/http://www.chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov324.asp |archive-date=14 February 2004 |website=Chennai Online}}</ref>

===Box office===
The film released on 425 screens worldwide and first in Tamil cinema with crossing 400 screens. The film got the best opening among Pongal releases grossing {{INR}}6 crores in first weekend worldwide.<ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/virumaandi-opens-to-packed-houses-news-tamil-kkfvNPjbeafsi.html Virumandi was the top opener in Pongal 2004]</ref>

===Legacy===
Director [[Vetrimaaran]] cited Virumaandi as one of the inspiration for the screenplay for his national award-winning film- [[Aadukalam]]. Director [[Lokesh Kanagaraj]] cited the film inspired for his film [[Kaithi]].

==Awards==
The film has won the following awards since its release:

'''2004 [[Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival]] ([[South Korea]])'''<ref name="Kamal Film Fest">{{cite news|title=Virumandi wins at Puchon Film Fest|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2011-01-22|url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/07/30/stories/2004073001610100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040921082749/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/07/30/stories/2004073001610100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 September 2004|location=Chennai, India|date=30 July 2004}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yqc9AAAAIBAJ&pg=4587%2C1504481 |title=Another comic turn by Kamalhaasan |last=Vijiyan |first=K.N. |date= 23 August 2004 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |page=27}}</ref>

* '''Won''' – International Award for Best Asian Film – ''Virumaandi'' – Kamal Haasan

==Controversy==
[[K. Krishnasamy]], The leader of Pudhiya Tamizhagam, a caste-based political organisation in Tamil Nadu protested against the film's earlier title ''Sandiyar'' citing that the title might create problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/jan/15sd1.htm|title=rediff.com: Kamal Haasan's Virumaandi, finally!|website=specials.rediff.com}}</ref> Kamal was forced to change the title from ''Sandiyar'' to ''Virumaandi''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/society/crimeandsociety/06june30th.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040202235044/http://www.chennaionline.com/society/crimeandsociety/06june30th.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2004|title=Kamal Hassan needs help|date=2 February 2004}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|id=0364647}}

{{Kamal Haasan}}
{{RaajKamalFilmsInternational}}

[[Category:2004 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Kamal Haasan]]
[[Category:Indian crime drama films]]
[[Category:Films about capital punishment]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films set in prison]]
[[Category:Indian nonlinear narrative films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Bullfighting films]]

Virumaandi - Revision history

imported>DeniceEstep0398: Improved article clarity and structure

117.246.181.82: /* Legacy */