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{{short description|2018 film directed by Magizh Thirumeni}}
{{short description|2019 film directed by Magizh Thirumeni}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Thadam
| image          = Thadam poster.jpg
| image          = Thadam poster.jpg
| alt            = <!-- see WP:ALT -->
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[Magizh Thirumeni]]
| director      = [[Magizh Thirumeni]]
| writer        = Magizh Thirumeni
| producer      = Inder Kumar
| producer      = Inder Kumar
| writer        = Magizh Thirumeni
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Arun Vijay]]|[[Tanya Hope]]|[[Smruthi Venkat]]|[[Vidya Pradeep]]}}
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Arun Vijay]]|[[Tanya Hope]]|[[Vidya Pradeep]]}}
| cinematography = S. Gopinath
| editing        = [[N. B. Srikanth]]
| music          = Arun Raj
| music          = Arun Raj
| cinematography = Gopinath
| editing        = [[N. B. Srikanth]]
| studio        = Redhan – The Cinema People
| studio        = Redhan – The Cinema People
| distributor    = Screen Scene Media Entertainment
| distributor    = Screen Scene Media Entertainment
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|2019|03|01}}
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|2019|03|01}}
| runtime        = 138 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RedhanCinemas/status/1029615212318486528|title=#Redhan on Twitter: "With utmost pleasure and gratitude presenting you the #censor #certificate for #Thadam #releasingsoon #watchout4Thadam #RedhanProduction2"|website=[[Twitter]]|accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref>
| runtime        = 137 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=THADAM (THE TRAIL) |url=https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/thadam-trail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222052911/https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/thadam-trail |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |website=[[Australian Classification Board]]}}</ref>
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
Line 24: Line 22:
}}
}}


'''''Thadam''''' ({{Literal translation|Trail}} or {{Literal translation|Path}}) is a 2019 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action thriller film]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/south-gossip/article/thadam-movie-review-audience-is-in-awe-of-the-action-thriller-starring-arun-vijay-read-tweets/374775|title=Thadam Movie Review: Audience is in awe of the Supernatural action crime film starring Arun Vijay - read tweets|website=[[Times Now]]|date=1 March 2019}}</ref> written and directed by [[Magizh Thirumeni]]. Produced by Inder Kumar, the film stars [[Arun Vijay]] in a [[double role]] along with [[Tanya Hope]], [[Smruthi Venkat]] and [[Vidya Pradeep]]. The music was composed by Arun Raj, with cinematography by Gopinath and editing by [[N. B. Srikanth]]. It marks the Tamil debut of Tanya and the film debut of Smruthi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/jun/12/arun-vijays-next-confirmed-to-have-three-heroines-1615878.html|title=Arun Vijay's next confirmed to have three heroines}}</ref> In the film, police officers try to solve a murder case involving lookalike suspects arrested on the basis of a pictorial evidence.
'''''Thadam''''' ({{Translation|Trail}}) is a 2019 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[crime thriller film]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2019 |title=Arun Vijay-starrer Tamil crime-thriller Thadam to be remade in Hindi |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/arun-vijay-starrer-tamil-crime-thriller-thadam-to-be-remade-in-hindi/articleshow/68714005.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404040521/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/arun-vijay-starrer-tamil-crime-thriller-thadam-to-be-remade-in-hindi/articleshow/68714005.cms |archive-date=4 April 2019 |access-date=4 April 2019 |website=[[Mumbai Mirror]]}}</ref> written and directed by [[Magizh Thirumeni]]. Produced by Inder Kumar, the film stars [[Arun Vijay]] in a [[dual role]] along with [[Vidya Pradeep]], [[Tanya Hope]] and [[Smruthi Venkat]]. The music was composed by Arun Raj, with cinematography by Gopinath and editing by [[N. B. Srikanth]]. In the film, police officers try to solve a murder case involving lookalike suspects arrested on the basis of a pictorial evidence.
 
''Thadam'' was released theatrically on 1 March 2019, opening to critical acclaim with praise for Arun Vijay's performance and the writing. It was commercially successful, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2020 |title='Pichaikaran' to 'Thadam': Five blockbuster Tamil films which were released in the month of March |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/pichaikaran-to-thadam-five-blockbuster-tamil-films-which-were-released-in-the-month-of-march/photostory/74794151.cms?picid=74794153 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406182752/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/pichaikaran-to-thadam-five-blockbuster-tamil-films-which-were-released-in-the-month-of-march/photostory/74794151.cms?picid=74794153 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |access-date=24 March 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The film was remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''[[Red (2021 film)|Red]]'' (2021) and in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Gumraah (2023 film)|Gumraah]]'' (2023).
 
== Plot ==
Ezhil is a [[civil engineer]] from [[IIT Madras]], while his lookalike, Kavin, is a gambling thief who deceives people along with his sidekick, Suruli. Ezhil's love interest is an IT girl, Deepika, while a girl named Ananthi loves Kavin, unaware of his real identity. One day, Kavin tries to help Suruli pay his debt by extracting money from Ananthi through lies, but she helps him despite knowing the truth. After taking the money, Kavin is enraged and so is Ezhil, after a party. That night, one of them breaks into a house and attacks the owner, Akash, stabbing him to death. The next day, Kavin frees Suruli by paying his debt and wins Ananthi's trust by returning her money and telling her the truth. However, as the investigation of Akash's murder proceeds, the police find a selfie clicked by a couple nearby with either Ezhil or Kavin in it.


''Thadam'' was released theatrically on 1 March 2019, opening to praise for Arun Vijay's performance and the writing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thadam-movie-review-ratings-critics-give-thumbs-arun-vijay-starrer-792894|title=Thadam movie review and ratings: Critics give thumbs up for Arun Vijay-starrer|website=[[International Business Times]]|date=28 February 2019|accessdate=28 February 2019}}</ref> It was commercially successful, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.in.com/entertainment/regional/thadam-one-of-the-top-4-grossers-in-tamil-nadu-this-year-345259.htm|title=Thadam one of the top 4 grossers in Tamil Nadu this year|website=[[In.com]]|accessdate=17 March 2019}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/pichaikaran-to-thadam-five-blockbuster-tamil-films-which-were-released-in-the-month-of-march/photostory/74794151.cms?picid=74794153|title='Pichaikaran' to 'Thadam': Five blockbuster Tamil films which were released in the month of March|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 March 2020|accessdate=24 March 2020|quote='Thadam' was an action thriller which was written and directed by Magizh Thirumeni. Arun Vijay played a dual role in the film along with Tanya Hope, Smruthi Venkat and Vidya Pradeep in main roles. The film turned out to be one of the highest-grossing films of the year in Tamil Nadu.}}</ref> The film has been remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''[[Red (2021 film)|Red]]'' with [[Ram Pothineni]] in the lead role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/oct/28/thadam-telugu-remake-titled-red-15172.html|title=Thadam Telugu remake titled Red|website=[[Cinema Express]]|accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref> A [[Hindi]]-language remake with [[Aditya Roy Kapur]] is also in works.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/sidharth-malhotra-to-star-in-hindi-remake-of-tamil-action-thriller-thadam-film-to-release-on-20-november-8116611.html|title=Sidharth Malhotra to star in Hindi remake of Tamil action thriller Thadam; film to release on 20 November|website=[[Firstpost]]|date=4 March 2020|accessdate=4 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thadam-be-remade-hindi-siddharth-malhotra-117344|title= 'Thadam' to be remade in Hindi with Siddharth Malhotra?|website=[[The News Minute]]|accessdate=1 February 2020}}</ref>
Both Ezhil and Kavin are brought in and investigated without their knowledge of each other's existence. Gopalakrishnan, an inspector who shares an old rivalry with Ezhil, tortures him. Ezhil reveals his car broke down and a call taxi driver helped him, as he didn't have the repair kit. [[Sub-inspector|SI]] Malarvizhi interrogates Kavin, who cites various laws to escape torture. She reaches out to Akash's friend and shows him the photograph of Ezhil/Kavin, but he refuses to recognise him. She also questions Suruli and tells him not to leave the city without permission, but he secretly escapes. Malarvizhi then learns of the rivalry between Ezhil and Gopalakrishnan; Ezhil helped the latter's daughter elope with her lover, much against her father's wishes. The forensic expert informs Malarvizhi about a hair sample recovered from the crime scene and how it doesn't match anyone else in Akash's home.


==Plot==
At the police station, Ezhil tries to escape, but Kavin interrupts. The two violently fight, hurting everyone and vandalising the station in the process. Their [[DNA]] reveals Ezhil and Kavin to be identical twins who confess to the same crimes. They parted ways when their parents divorced and Kavin went with his mother, who gambled a lot and eventually committed suicide. His father takes Kavin in but gets into a violent fight with him and Ezhil, leading to their admission to a mental institution. Kavin became interested in studying law but left due to his lack of college ethics. One day, Kavin left Ezhil's missing ring for Deepika and the police beat up Kavin. Ezhil realised his mistake and vowed to seek revenge.
Ezhil, is a civil engineer, while his lookalike Kavin, is a gambling thief who deceives people along with his sidekick Suruli. Ezhil's love interest is Deepika, while a girl named Ananthi, loves Kavin, unaware of his real identity. One day, Kavin tries to help Suruli pay his debt by extracting money from Ananthi through lies, but she helps him in spite of knowing the truth. After taking the money, Kavin is enraged, and so is Ezhil after a party. That night, one of them breaks into a house and attacks the owner Akash, stabbing him to death. The next day, Kavin frees Suruli by paying his debt and wins Ananthi's trust by returning her money and telling her the truth. However, as the investigation of Akash's murder proceeds, a selfie clicked by a couple nearby is found with either of Ezhil or Kavin in it. Both Ezhil and Kavin are brought in and investigated without their knowledge of each other's existence. Gopalakrishnan, an inspector who shares an old rivalry with Ezhil, tortures him. Ezhil reveals his car broke down, and a call taxi driver helped him. Kavin, on the other hand, cites various laws to escape torture. Sub-inspector Malarvizhi, is assigned to solve the case. She reaches out to Akash's friend and shows him the photograph of Ezhil/Kavin, but he refuses to recognize him. She also questions Suruli and tells him not to leave the city without permission, but he secretly escapes.


Malarvizhi then learns of the rivalry between Ezhil and Gopalakrishnan; Ezhil helped the latter's daughter elope with her lover, much against her father's wishes. The forensic expert informs Malarvizhi about a hair sample recovered from the crime scene and how it doesn't match anyone else in Akash's home. At the police station, Ezhil tries to escape but is interrupted by Kavin. The two violently fight, hurting everyone and vandalizing the station in the process. Kavin and Ezhil are revealed to be identical twins after their DNA is found identical, and both confess about the same; they parted ways when their parents divorced. Kavin went with his mother , who used to gamble a lot, but wouldn't refuse anyone who asks her help, and one day tried to convince him that she'd give up gambling, but instead committed suicide. Kavin was then taken in by his father but got into a violent fight with him and Ezhil. Growing up as their father died, Kavin became interested in studying the law but left studies due to his lack of college ethics. One day, when Kavin came home and left in front of Ezhil, whose ring for Deepika went missing, Ezhil reported him to the police. The police beat up Kavin, who himself told Ezhil to look for the ring in the drawer. Ezhil realized his mistake, but Kavin, who came home for a photo of their mother, vowed to seek revenge.  
Gopalakrishnan still wants to frame Ezhil, but the call taxi driver who helped him confirms he was stuck on the night of the murder and paid Suruli's debt with gambling money. The sessions court acquits Kavin and Ezhil to protect the innocent from punishment. Gopalakrishnan retires without regaining his revenge. Meanwhile, Malarvizhi discovers Deepika's photo in Akash's case. She inquires with his friend about the girl he was infatuated with. In a flashback, Ezhil murdered Akash for drugging, kidnapping and raping Deepika out of his childhood lust before killing her. He also bribed the police to drop the case. Kavin helps Ezhil by getting into trouble and officially arrested to throw off the police.


On the other hand, Gopalakrishnan still wants to frame Ezhil, but the call taxi driver who helped Ezhil confirms he was really stuck on the night of the murder. It also gets proved that Kavin paid Murali's debt with gambling money he won after playing all night. The court acquits both Kavin and Ezhil in order to protect the innocent one from punishment. A disappointed Malazvizhi later calls Akash's friend to inquire about the girl he was infatuated with. Learning it was Deepika, she is shocked. Ezhil is finally revealed to have murdered Akash for drugging, kidnapping, raping and torturing Deepika to death out of his childhood lust, while Kavin found out about Akash's murder and helped Ezhil by getting arrested. Later, Kavin meets Ezhil on the highway and explains how Malarvizhi can't reopen the case as she created a fake witness to help Ezhil, and could herself get into trouble. Ezhil hands him over a photograph of them with their mother and tells him he is going to Mumbai, and later to Copenhagen, never to return. Having sold all of his property in India, Ezhil gives a 50% share to Kavin as a tribute. After his marriage with Ananthi, Kavin realizes his lack of trust in his mother prompted her to kill herself. At the end, one of the investigating officers in a documentary shooting calls the case unprecedented, before someone tells him similar cases occurred in other countries as well.
Later, Kavin meets Ezhil on the highway and explains how Malarvizhi can't reopen the case as she created a fake witness to help Ezhil and could herself get arrested, having done this once, which resulted in her suspension. Ezhil hands him over a photograph of them with their mother and tells him he is going to [[Mumbai]] and later to [[Copenhagen]], never to return. Having sold all of his property in India, Ezhil gives a 50% share to Kavin as a tribute. After his marriage with Ananthi, Kavin realises his lack of trust in his mother prompted her to kill herself. He promises to do better with his wife.


==Cast==
In a mid-credits scene, some investigating officers appear for a documentary shooting. One of the investigating officers calls the case unprecedented before someone tells him similar cases occurred in other countries.
{{colbegin}}
 
*[[Arun Vijay]] as Ezhil and Kavin ([[Dual roles]])
== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
*[[Arun Vijay]] as Ezhil and Kavin
*[[Vidya Pradeep]] as Sub-Inspector Malarvizhi
*[[Tanya Hope]] as Deepika, Ezhil's love interest
*[[Tanya Hope]] as Deepika, Ezhil's love interest
*[[Smruthi Venkat]] as Ananthi, an innocent woman and Kavin's one-sided lover  
*[[Smruthi Venkat]] as Ananthi, an innocent woman and Kavin's one-sided lover
*[[Vidya Pradeep]] as Sub-Inspector Malarvizhi
* Satyajit Dhananjayan as Ezhil's and Kavin's father
*Satyajit Dhananjayan as Ezhil and Kavin's father
*[[Sonia Agarwal]] as Lakshmi, Ezhil's and Kavin's mother
*[[Sonia Aggarwal]] as Lakshmi, Ezhil and Kavin's mother
*[[Vijayan (stunt coordinator)|Vijayan]] as Inspector M. Gopalakrishnan
*[[Vijayan (stunt coordinator)|Vijayan]] as Inspector M. Gopalakrishnan
*Yesakkiappan as Aakash
*Yesakkiappan as Aakash
*[[Yogi Babu]] as Suruli
*[[Yogi Babu]] as Suruli
*[[George Maryan|George]] as Police Constable Dhanasekar  
*[[George Maryan|George]] as Police Constable Dhanasekar
*[[Meera Krishnan]] as Chechi  
*[[Meera Krishnan]] as Chechi
{{colend}}
*Uriyadi Suruli as Forensic specialist Bakiya}}


==Production==
== Production ==
In March 2017, [[Arun Vijay]] revealed that he would next work on a film directed by [[Magizh Thirumeni]], which marks the second film for the duo after ''[[Thadaiyara Thaakka]]'' (2012).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/yet-another-thriller-for-arun-vijay/articleshow/57631341.cms|title = Yet another thriller for Arun Vijay - Times of India}}</ref> Produced by Inder Kumar, the film was launched in April 2017 at Chennai.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/arun-vijay-magizh-thirumeni-untitled-movie-tamil-movie-preview-21475|title = Thadam Tamil Movie Preview cinema review stills gallery trailer video clips showtimes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/yet-another-thriller-for-arun-vijay/articleshow/57631341.cms|title = Yet another thriller for Arun Vijay - Times of India}}</ref> Arun Vijay was reported to be playing a double role, while the film would be based on a real life story.<ref>http://www.sify.com/movies/arun-vijay-to-play-dual-role-in-the-film-with-magizh-thirumeni-news-tnpl-reejnugfihhdg.html</ref> The film has three heroines, Tanya Hope, Vidya Pradeep and Smruthi Venkat.<ref>https://www.indiaglitz.com/tanya-hope-soori-and-vidya-pradeep-the-three-heroines-in-arun-vijay-magizh-tirumeni-thadam-tamil-news-191506</ref> Arun Raj was selected to compose the music for this film, marking his first collaboration between Magizh Tirumeni and Arun Vijay. Gopinath and [[N. B. Srikanth]] were signed on to be the film's cinematographer and editor.<ref>http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/apr/17/arun-vijays-next-based-on-real-life-incident-1594534.html</ref><ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/arun-vijay-magizh-thirumeni-film-gets-a-new-composer/articleshow/59677327.cms</ref> [[FEFSI Vijayan]] and [[Meera Krishnan]] were also cast in the film before the film entered production in June 2017.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/chennai/aruns-film-with-magizh-is-titled-thadam/articleshow/59105461.cms</ref><ref>https://www.indiaglitz.com/fefsi-vijayan-to-play-the-lead-villain-in-arun-vijay-magizh-tirumeni-film-tamil-news-185645.html</ref>
In March 2017, [[Arun Vijay]] revealed that he would next work on a film directed by [[Magizh Thirumeni]], which marks the second film for the duo after ''[[Thadaiyara Thaakka]]'' (2012). Produced by Inder Kumar, the film was launched in April 2017 at Chennai.<ref>{{Cite news |last=CR |first=Sharanya |date=15 March 2017 |title=Yet another thriller for Arun Vijay |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/yet-another-thriller-for-arun-vijay/articleshow/57631341.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112055016/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/yet-another-thriller-for-arun-vijay/articleshow/57631341.cms |archive-date=12 January 2018 |access-date=17 October 2017 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Magizh said the film was initially planned as a [[black comedy]], but as he wrote the script further, it became "darker, more realistic" and discarded the black comedy aspect.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 February 2019 |title=Thadam will bring out another facet of Arun Vijay as an actor – The Magizh Thirumeni Interview |url=https://www.onlykollywood.com/thadam-will-bring-out-another-facet-of-arun-vijay-as-an-actor-the-magizh-thirumeni-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220110221/https://www.onlykollywood.com/thadam-will-bring-out-another-facet-of-arun-vijay-as-an-actor-the-magizh-thirumeni-interview/ |archive-date=20 December 2019 |access-date=25 February 2019 |website=Only Kollywood}}</ref> Arun was reported to be playing a double role, while the film would be based on a real life story.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 April 2017 |title=Arun Vijay to play dual role, in the film with Magizh Thirumeni |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/arun-vijay-to-play-dual-role-in-the-film-with-magizh-thirumeni-news-tnpl-reejnugfihhdg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405171130/http://www.sify.com/movies/arun-vijay-to-play-dual-role-in-the-film-with-magizh-thirumeni-news-tnpl-reejnugfihhdg.html |archive-date=5 April 2017 |access-date=17 October 2017 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Gopinath and [[N. B. Srikanth]] were signed on to be the film's cinematographer and editor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 April 2017 |title=Arun Vijay's next based on real-life incident |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/apr/17/arun-vijays-next-based-on-real-life-incident-1594534.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017094114/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/apr/17/arun-vijays-next-based-on-real-life-incident-1594534.html |archive-date=17 October 2017 |access-date=17 October 2017 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> It is the first major role for [[Smruthi Venkat]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 March 2022 |title=Smruthi Venkat : மாறன் படத்தில் தனுஷின் தங்கையா நடித்த ஸ்மிரிதியா இது...? |url=https://tamil.abplive.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/actress-smruthi-venkat-latest-collections-43545 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250118160125/https://tamil.abplive.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/actress-smruthi-venkat-latest-collections-43545 |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[ABP Nadu]] |language=ta}}</ref> and the Tamil debut of [[Tanya Hope]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Avinash |date=6 March 2019 |title=Interview {{!}} I hope 2019 is my year: Tanya Hope on her double debut |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/Mar/04/interview--i-hope-2019-is-my-year-tanya-hope-on-her-double-debut-1946267.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118155432/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/Mar/04/interview--i-hope-2019-is-my-year-tanya-hope-on-her-double-debut-1946267.html |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref> The film entered production in June 2017,<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 June 2017 |title=Arun's film with Magizh is titled Thadam |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/chennai/aruns-film-with-magizh-is-titled-thadam/articleshow/59105461.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915182549/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/chennai/aruns-film-with-magizh-is-titled-thadam/articleshow/59105461.cms |archive-date=15 September 2017 |access-date=17 October 2017 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> and [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] in February 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2018 |title=“My next big announcement will be out shortly” |url=https://www.suryanfm.in/arun-vijay-thadam-shoot-wrapped/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250118160122/https://www.suryanfm.in/arun-vijay-thadam-shoot-wrapped/ |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[Suryan FM 93.5]] |language=en}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
== Soundtrack ==
[[Sify]] stated 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "The presentation is smart and stylish. An engaging whodunit thriller from the word go. The biggest strength is Arun Vijay and his convincing performance as Ezhil and Kavin".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thadam-review-an-engaging-whodunit-thriller-review-tamil-tc2jR6cjdegid.html|title=Thadam review: An engaging whodunit thriller|website=Sify|date=2019-02-28|access-date=2020-06-08}}</ref> [[The Times of India]] rated 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "Thadam has an intriguingly written flow of events which begins from the pre-interval point and maintains the suspense factor till the end".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/thadam/movie-review/68188769.cms|title=Thadam|website=The Times of India|date=2019-03-01|access-date=2020-06-08}}</ref> ''Behindwoods'' rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "Thadam's intriguing screenplay especially in the second half makes it an engaging investigative thriller that should not be missed".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/thadam/thadam-review.html|title=THADAM MOVIE REVIEW|website=Behindwoods|date=2019-03-01|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref> [[The Hindu]] staed "Thadam by Magizh Thirumeni is an effective murder mystery involving identical twins".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thadam-review-a-taut-thriller-that-keeps-you-engaged-till-the-end/article26405470.ece|title='Thadam' review: A taut thriller that keeps you engaged till the end|website=The Hindu|date=2019-03-01|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref> [[Film Companion]] rated 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "The cinematographer keeps throwing in slightly angled frames, which give the sense of a dual reality: one normal, one skewed. We think we know who did it — but do we?"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/thadam-movie-review-a-pulpy-whodunit-that-puts-a-spin-on-its-double-role-premise-and-keeps-you-guessing/|title=Thadam Movie Review: A Pulpy Whodunit That Puts A Spin On Its Double-role Premise And Keeps You Guessing|website=Film Companion|date=2019-02-28|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref> [[India Today]] rated 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Director Magizh Thirumeni's second film with Arun Vijay, Thadam, deals with a sensitive and intriguing murder mystery. But the screenplay is messed up and filled with spoonfeeding moments, says our review".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/thadam-movie-review-excellent-arun-vijay-shines-in-decent-thriller-1467258-2019-02-28|title=Thadam Movie Review: Excellent Arun Vijay shines in decent thriller|website=India Today|date=2019-02-28|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref> ''IndiaGlitz'' rated 2.75 out of 5 stars staing "Go for this murder mystery/psychological thriller film that is different from the usual fare".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/thadam-review-tamil-movie-21475|title=Thadam Review|website=IndiaGlitz|date=2019-02-28|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref> [[The Indian Express]] rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "At first glance, Thadam, inspired by real events, comes across as a pretty straightforward urban thriller. But as the layers peel, you discover it is cleverly written—in parts".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thadam-movie-review-rating-arun-vijay-5606225/|title=Thadam movie review: A thriller that doesn't disappoint|website=The Indian Express|date=2019-03-01|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref> [[Firstpost]] rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "Thadam is an out-and-out Arun Vijay film. A well made thriller which takes the audiences by surprise in its climax with some twists and turns".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/thadam-movie-review-arun-vijay-magizh-thirumeni-come-together-for-an-engaging-murder-mystery-thriller-6172301.html|title=Thadam movie review: Arun Vijay, Magizh Thirumeni come together for an engaging murder mystery thriller|website=Firstpost|date=2019-02-28|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref> [[Deccan Chronicle]] rated 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "Barring couple of dull moments, Thadam is a well-written engrossing thriller worth a watch".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/040319/thadam-movie-review-engrossing-thriller-worth-a-watch.html#|title=Thadam movie review: Engrossing thriller worth a watch|website=2019-03-04|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref> [[The News Minute]] rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "The film has a deceptively simple storyline but the treatment makes all the difference".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thadam-review-arun-vijay-arrives-style-interesting-thriller-97724|title='Thadam' review: Arun Vijay arrives in style with this interesting thriller|website=The News Minute|date=2019-03-04|access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref>
The soundtrack is composed by Arun Raj, making his debut as a music composer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suganth |first=M |date=20 July 2017 |title=Magizh Thirumeni: Arun Vijay-Magizh Thirumeni film gets a new composer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/arun-vijay-magizh-thirumeni-film-gets-a-new-composer/articleshow/59677327.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903093952/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/arun-vijay-magizh-thirumeni-film-gets-a-new-composer/articleshow/59677327.cms |archive-date=3 September 2017 |access-date=17 October 2017 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The songs were released on 6 February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 February 2019 |title='Thadam' makers launch the audio jukebox of the Arun Vijay-starrer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thadam-makers-launch-the-audio-jukebox-of-the-arun-vijay-starrer/articleshow/67870324.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250118180157/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thadam-makers-launch-the-audio-jukebox-of-the-arun-vijay-starrer/articleshow/67870324.cms |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


== Soundtrack ==
{{track listing
This film's soundtrack is composed by Arun Raj making his debut as a music director. Lyrics are written by Arun Raj, [[Madhan Karky]], [[Thamarai]], and [[Magizh Thirumeni]]
| headline      = Track listing
{{tracklist
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1       = Inayae
| title1 = Inayae
| lyrics1       = [[Madhan Karky]]
| lyrics1 = [[Madhan Karky]]
| extra1       = [[Sid Sriram]], [[Padmalatha]]
| extra1 = [[Sid Sriram]], [[Padmalatha]]
| length1       = 3:35
| length1 = 3:35
| title2       = Thappu Thanda
| title2 = Tappu Thanda
| lyrics2       = Eknath
| lyrics2 = [[Eknath]]
| extra2       = V. M. Mahalingam, Arun Raj, Rohit Sridhar
| extra2 = V. M. Mahalingam, Arun Raj, Rohit Sridhar
| length2       = 3:40
| length2 = 3:40
| title3       = Vidhi Nadhiyae
| title3 = Vidhi Nadhiyae
| lyrics3       = Madhan Karky
| lyrics3 = [[Madhan Karky]]
| extra3       = [[L. V. Revanth]]
| extra3 = [[L. V. Revanth]]
| length3       = 3:20
| length3 = 3:20
| title4       = Thadam Theme
| title4 = Thadam Theme
| lyrics4       = Arun Raj
| lyrics4 = Arun Raj
| extra4       = Arun Raj
| extra4 = Arun Raj
| length4       = 2:00
| length4 = 2:00
| title5       = Vidhi Nadhiyae
| title5 = Vidhi Nadhiyae (reprise)
| lyrics5       = Madhan Karky
| lyrics5 = [[Madhan Karky]]
| extra5       = Arun Raj
| extra5 = Arun Raj
| note5        = reprise
| length5 = 3:28
| length5       = 3:28
| total length = 16:03
| total_length  = 16:03
}}
}}


==Box Office==
== Release ==
Thadam grossed Rs 2.3 cr in its third weekend, taking its estimated cumulative gross in Tamil Nadu to Rs 16.4 cr at the end of 20 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/arun-vijays-thadam-continues-blockbuster-run-in-tamil-nadu-ispade-rajavum-idhaya-raniyum-struggles-at-box-office-6305951.html|title=Arun Vijay's Thadam continues blockbuster run in Tamil Nadu; Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum struggles at box-office|website=Firstpost|access-date=2019-10-10|date=2019-03-22}}</ref>
''Thadam'' was released on 1 March 2019, delayed from 22 February.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 February 2019 |title=Jayam Ravi to release the trailer of Arun Vijay's 'Thadam' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/jayam-ravi-to-release-the-trailer-of-arun-vijays-thadam/articleshow/68066530.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221085550/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/jayam-ravi-to-release-the-trailer-of-arun-vijays-thadam/articleshow/68066530.cms |archive-date=21 February 2019 |access-date=18 January 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
 
=== Critical reception ===
''[[Sify]]'' rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "The presentation is smart and stylish. An engaging whodunit thriller from the word go. The biggest strength is Arun Vijay and his convincing performance as Ezhil and Kavin".<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2019 |title=Thadam review: An engaging whodunit thriller |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thadam-review-an-engaging-whodunit-thriller-review-tamil-tc2jR6cjdegid.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228125748/http://www.sify.com/movies/thadam-review-an-engaging-whodunit-thriller-review-tamil-tc2jR6cjdegid.html |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=8 June 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Thinkal Menon of ''[[The Times of India]]'' rated 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "''Thadam'' has an intriguingly written flow of events which begins from the pre-interval point and maintains the suspense factor till the end".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Thinkal |date=1 March 2019 |title=Thadam Movie Review |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/thadam/movie-review/68188769.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313153429/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/thadam/movie-review/68188769.cms |archive-date=13 March 2020 |access-date=8 June 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Srinivasa Ramanujam of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated "Thadam by Magizh Thirumeni is an effective murder mystery involving identical twins".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=1 March 2019 |title='Thadam' review: A taut thriller that keeps you engaged till the end |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thadam-review-a-taut-thriller-that-keeps-you-engaged-till-the-end/article26405470.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526034209/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thadam-review-a-taut-thriller-that-keeps-you-engaged-till-the-end/article26405470.ece |archive-date=26 May 2020 |access-date=9 June 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Film Companion]]'', [[Baradwaj Rangan]] rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "The cinematographer keeps throwing in slightly angled frames, which give the sense of a dual reality: one normal, one skewed. We think we know who did it — but do we?"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=28 February 2019 |title=Thadam Movie Review: A Pulpy Whodunit That Puts A Spin On Its Double-role Premise And Keeps You Guessing |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/thadam-movie-review-a-pulpy-whodunit-that-puts-a-spin-on-its-double-role-premise-and-keeps-you-guessing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608185338/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/thadam-movie-review-a-pulpy-whodunit-that-puts-a-spin-on-its-double-role-premise-and-keeps-you-guessing/ |archive-date=8 June 2020 |access-date=9 June 2020 |website=[[Film Companion]]}}</ref>
 
Janani K of ''[[India Today]]'' rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Director Magizh Thirumeni's second film with Arun Vijay, Thadam, deals with a sensitive and intriguing murder mystery. But the screenplay is messed up and filled with spoonfeeding moments".<ref>{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=28 February 2019 |title=Thadam Movie Review: Excellent Arun Vijay shines in decent thriller |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/thadam-movie-review-excellent-arun-vijay-shines-in-decent-thriller-1467258-2019-02-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608185336/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/thadam-movie-review-excellent-arun-vijay-shines-in-decent-thriller-1467258-2019-02-28 |archive-date=8 June 2020 |access-date=9 June 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> S Subhakeerthana of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "At first glance, Thadam, inspired by real events, comes across as a pretty straightforward urban thriller. But as the layers peel, you discover it is cleverly written—in parts".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subhakeerthana |first=S |date=1 March 2019 |title=Thadam movie review: A thriller that doesn't disappoint |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thadam-movie-review-rating-arun-vijay-5606225/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402174938/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thadam-movie-review-rating-arun-vijay-5606225/ |archive-date=2 April 2019 |access-date=9 June 2020 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Firstpost]]'', Sreedhar Pillai rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "Thadam is an out-and-out Arun Vijay film. A well made thriller which takes the audiences by surprise in its climax with some twists and turns".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=28 February 2019 |title=Thadam movie review: Arun Vijay, Magizh Thirumeni come together for an engaging murder mystery thriller |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/thadam-movie-review-arun-vijay-magizh-thirumeni-come-together-for-an-engaging-murder-mystery-thriller-6172301.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608192342/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/thadam-movie-review-arun-vijay-magizh-thirumeni-come-together-for-an-engaging-murder-mystery-thriller-6172301.html |archive-date=8 June 2020 |access-date=9 June 2020 |website=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref> Anupama Subramanian of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' rated 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "Barring couple of dull moments, Thadam is a well-written engrossing thriller worth a watch".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=4 March 2019 |title=Thadam movie review: Engrossing thriller worth a watch |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/040319/thadam-movie-review-engrossing-thriller-worth-a-watch.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608185336/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/040319/thadam-movie-review-engrossing-thriller-worth-a-watch.html |archive-date=8 June 2020 |access-date=9 June 2020 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref> Kavitha Muralidharan of ''[[The News Minute]]'' rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "The film has a deceptively simple storyline but the treatment makes all the difference".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muralidharan |first=Kavitha |date=4 March 2019 |title='Thadam' review: Arun Vijay arrives in style with this interesting thriller |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thadam-review-arun-vijay-arrives-style-interesting-thriller-97724 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608185336/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thadam-review-arun-vijay-arrives-style-interesting-thriller-97724 |archive-date=8 June 2020 |access-date=9 June 2020 |website=[[The News Minute]]}}</ref>
 
=== Box office ===
''Thadam'' grossed {{INRConvert|2.3|c|year=2019}} in its third weekend, taking its estimated cumulative gross in Tamil Nadu to {{INRConvert|18.4|c|year=2019}} at the end of 20 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MK |first=Surendhar |date=22 March 2019 |title=Arun Vijay's Thadam continues blockbuster run in Tamil Nadu; Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum struggles at box-office |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/arun-vijays-thadam-continues-blockbuster-run-in-tamil-nadu-ispade-rajavum-idhaya-raniyum-struggles-at-box-office-6305951.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315125950/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/arun-vijays-thadam-continues-blockbuster-run-in-tamil-nadu-ispade-rajavum-idhaya-raniyum-struggles-at-box-office-6305951.html |archive-date=15 March 2020 |access-date=10 October 2019 |website=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref> Made on a budget of {{INRConvert|5.4|c|year=2019}}, it grossed {{INRConvert|24|c|year=2019}} as of April 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 April 2019 |title=Content-rich Kollywood films make a mark at the Box Office |url=https://www.dtnext.in/city/2019/04/21/contentrich-kollywood-films-make-a-mark-at-the-box-office |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118153324/https://www.dtnext.in/city/2019/04/21/contentrich-kollywood-films-make-a-mark-at-the-box-office |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[DT Next]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
== Remakes ==
''Thadam'' was remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''[[Red (2021 film)|Red]]'' (2021),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keramalu |first=Karthik |date=14 January 2021 |title=Red Movie Review: Starring Ram Pothineni, The Film Follows The Original (Thadam) To The Last Dot |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/red-movie-review-starring-ram-pothineni-the-film-follows-the-original-thadam-to-the-last-dot-malvika-sharma-nivetha-pethuraj-telugu-movies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250118160147/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/red-movie-review-starring-ram-pothineni-the-film-follows-the-original-thadam-to-the-last-dot-malvika-sharma-nivetha-pethuraj-telugu-movies |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[Film Companion]] |language=en}}</ref> and in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Gumraah (2023 film)|Gumraah]]'' (2023).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aaglave |first=Ganesh |date=7 April 2023 |title=Gumraah movie review: Aditya Roy Kapur shines in a flawed but decent thriller |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/gumraah-movie-review-aditya-roy-kapur-shines-in-a-flawed-but-decent-thriller-12420692.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250118160121/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/gumraah-movie-review-aditya-roy-kapur-shines-in-a-flawed-but-decent-thriller-12420692.html |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[Firstpost]] |language=en}}</ref>


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|7822438}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}


{{Magizh Thirumeni}}
{{Magizh Thirumeni}}
[[Category:2010s mystery thriller films]]
[[Category:2010s police films]]
[[Category:2019 crime thriller films]]
[[Category:2019 films]]
[[Category:2019 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2019 Indian films]]
[[Category:2010s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2019 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2019 action thriller films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Films about murder]]
[[Category:Films about twin brothers]]
[[Category:Films directed by Magizh Thirumeni]]
[[Category:Indian crime thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian mystery thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian police films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil-language crime thriller films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language mystery thriller films]]
[[Category:Twins in Indian films]]
[[Category:Twins in Indian films]]
[[Category:Films about murder]]
[[Category:Films directed by Magizh Thirumeni]]

Latest revision as of 15:29, 21 March 2026


Thadam
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMagizh Thirumeni
Produced byInder Kumar
Written byMagizh Thirumeni
Starring
Music byArun Raj
CinematographyS. Gopinath
Edited byN. B. Srikanth
Production
company
Redhan – The Cinema People
Distributed byScreen Scene Media Entertainment
Release date
  • 1 March 2019 (2019-03-01)
Running time
137 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Thadam (transl. Trail) is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language crime thriller film[2] written and directed by Magizh Thirumeni. Produced by Inder Kumar, the film stars Arun Vijay in a dual role along with Vidya Pradeep, Tanya Hope and Smruthi Venkat. The music was composed by Arun Raj, with cinematography by Gopinath and editing by N. B. Srikanth. In the film, police officers try to solve a murder case involving lookalike suspects arrested on the basis of a pictorial evidence.

Thadam was released theatrically on 1 March 2019, opening to critical acclaim with praise for Arun Vijay's performance and the writing. It was commercially successful, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year in Tamil Nadu.[3] The film was remade in Telugu as Red (2021) and in Hindi as Gumraah (2023).

Plot[edit | edit source]

Ezhil is a civil engineer from IIT Madras, while his lookalike, Kavin, is a gambling thief who deceives people along with his sidekick, Suruli. Ezhil's love interest is an IT girl, Deepika, while a girl named Ananthi loves Kavin, unaware of his real identity. One day, Kavin tries to help Suruli pay his debt by extracting money from Ananthi through lies, but she helps him despite knowing the truth. After taking the money, Kavin is enraged and so is Ezhil, after a party. That night, one of them breaks into a house and attacks the owner, Akash, stabbing him to death. The next day, Kavin frees Suruli by paying his debt and wins Ananthi's trust by returning her money and telling her the truth. However, as the investigation of Akash's murder proceeds, the police find a selfie clicked by a couple nearby with either Ezhil or Kavin in it.

Both Ezhil and Kavin are brought in and investigated without their knowledge of each other's existence. Gopalakrishnan, an inspector who shares an old rivalry with Ezhil, tortures him. Ezhil reveals his car broke down and a call taxi driver helped him, as he didn't have the repair kit. SI Malarvizhi interrogates Kavin, who cites various laws to escape torture. She reaches out to Akash's friend and shows him the photograph of Ezhil/Kavin, but he refuses to recognise him. She also questions Suruli and tells him not to leave the city without permission, but he secretly escapes. Malarvizhi then learns of the rivalry between Ezhil and Gopalakrishnan; Ezhil helped the latter's daughter elope with her lover, much against her father's wishes. The forensic expert informs Malarvizhi about a hair sample recovered from the crime scene and how it doesn't match anyone else in Akash's home.

At the police station, Ezhil tries to escape, but Kavin interrupts. The two violently fight, hurting everyone and vandalising the station in the process. Their DNA reveals Ezhil and Kavin to be identical twins who confess to the same crimes. They parted ways when their parents divorced and Kavin went with his mother, who gambled a lot and eventually committed suicide. His father takes Kavin in but gets into a violent fight with him and Ezhil, leading to their admission to a mental institution. Kavin became interested in studying law but left due to his lack of college ethics. One day, Kavin left Ezhil's missing ring for Deepika and the police beat up Kavin. Ezhil realised his mistake and vowed to seek revenge.

Gopalakrishnan still wants to frame Ezhil, but the call taxi driver who helped him confirms he was stuck on the night of the murder and paid Suruli's debt with gambling money. The sessions court acquits Kavin and Ezhil to protect the innocent from punishment. Gopalakrishnan retires without regaining his revenge. Meanwhile, Malarvizhi discovers Deepika's photo in Akash's case. She inquires with his friend about the girl he was infatuated with. In a flashback, Ezhil murdered Akash for drugging, kidnapping and raping Deepika out of his childhood lust before killing her. He also bribed the police to drop the case. Kavin helps Ezhil by getting into trouble and officially arrested to throw off the police.

Later, Kavin meets Ezhil on the highway and explains how Malarvizhi can't reopen the case as she created a fake witness to help Ezhil and could herself get arrested, having done this once, which resulted in her suspension. Ezhil hands him over a photograph of them with their mother and tells him he is going to Mumbai and later to Copenhagen, never to return. Having sold all of his property in India, Ezhil gives a 50% share to Kavin as a tribute. After his marriage with Ananthi, Kavin realises his lack of trust in his mother prompted her to kill herself. He promises to do better with his wife.

In a mid-credits scene, some investigating officers appear for a documentary shooting. One of the investigating officers calls the case unprecedented before someone tells him similar cases occurred in other countries.

Cast[edit | edit source]

  • Arun Vijay as Ezhil and Kavin
  • Vidya Pradeep as Sub-Inspector Malarvizhi
  • Tanya Hope as Deepika, Ezhil's love interest
  • Smruthi Venkat as Ananthi, an innocent woman and Kavin's one-sided lover
  • Satyajit Dhananjayan as Ezhil's and Kavin's father
  • Sonia Agarwal as Lakshmi, Ezhil's and Kavin's mother
  • Vijayan as Inspector M. Gopalakrishnan
  • Yesakkiappan as Aakash
  • Yogi Babu as Suruli
  • George as Police Constable Dhanasekar
  • Meera Krishnan as Chechi
  • Uriyadi Suruli as Forensic specialist Bakiya

Production[edit | edit source]

In March 2017, Arun Vijay revealed that he would next work on a film directed by Magizh Thirumeni, which marks the second film for the duo after Thadaiyara Thaakka (2012). Produced by Inder Kumar, the film was launched in April 2017 at Chennai.[4] Magizh said the film was initially planned as a black comedy, but as he wrote the script further, it became "darker, more realistic" and discarded the black comedy aspect.[5] Arun was reported to be playing a double role, while the film would be based on a real life story.[6] Gopinath and N. B. Srikanth were signed on to be the film's cinematographer and editor.[7] It is the first major role for Smruthi Venkat,[8] and the Tamil debut of Tanya Hope.[9] The film entered production in June 2017,[10] and wrapped in February 2018.[11]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack is composed by Arun Raj, making his debut as a music composer.[12] The songs were released on 6 February 2019.[13]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Inayae"Madhan KarkySid Sriram, Padmalatha3:35
2."Thappu Thanda"EknathV. M. Mahalingam, Arun Raj, Rohit Sridhar3:40
3."Vidhi Nadhiyae"Madhan KarkyL. V. Revanth3:20
4."Thadam Theme"Arun RajArun Raj2:00
5."Vidhi Nadhiyae" (reprise)Madhan KarkyArun Raj3:28
Total length:16:03

Release[edit | edit source]

Thadam was released on 1 March 2019, delayed from 22 February.[14]

Critical reception[edit | edit source]

Sify rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "The presentation is smart and stylish. An engaging whodunit thriller from the word go. The biggest strength is Arun Vijay and his convincing performance as Ezhil and Kavin".[15] Thinkal Menon of The Times of India rated 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "Thadam has an intriguingly written flow of events which begins from the pre-interval point and maintains the suspense factor till the end".[16] Srinivasa Ramanujam of The Hindu stated "Thadam by Magizh Thirumeni is an effective murder mystery involving identical twins".[17] Writing for Film Companion, Baradwaj Rangan rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "The cinematographer keeps throwing in slightly angled frames, which give the sense of a dual reality: one normal, one skewed. We think we know who did it — but do we?"[18]

Janani K of India Today rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Director Magizh Thirumeni's second film with Arun Vijay, Thadam, deals with a sensitive and intriguing murder mystery. But the screenplay is messed up and filled with spoonfeeding moments".[19] S Subhakeerthana of The Indian Express rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "At first glance, Thadam, inspired by real events, comes across as a pretty straightforward urban thriller. But as the layers peel, you discover it is cleverly written—in parts".[20] Writing for Firstpost, Sreedhar Pillai rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "Thadam is an out-and-out Arun Vijay film. A well made thriller which takes the audiences by surprise in its climax with some twists and turns".[21] Anupama Subramanian of Deccan Chronicle rated 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "Barring couple of dull moments, Thadam is a well-written engrossing thriller worth a watch".[22] Kavitha Muralidharan of The News Minute rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "The film has a deceptively simple storyline but the treatment makes all the difference".[23]

Box office[edit | edit source]

Thadam grossed ₹2.3 crore (US$320,000) in its third weekend, taking its estimated cumulative gross in Tamil Nadu to ₹18.4 crore (US$2.6 million) at the end of 20 days.[24] Made on a budget of ₹5.4 crore (US$760,000), it grossed ₹24 crore (US$3.4 million) as of April 2019.[25]

Remakes[edit | edit source]

Thadam was remade in Telugu as Red (2021),[26] and in Hindi as Gumraah (2023).[27]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "THADAM (THE TRAIL)". Australian Classification Board. Archived from the original on 22 February 2022. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  2. ↑ "Arun Vijay-starrer Tamil crime-thriller Thadam to be remade in Hindi". Mumbai Mirror. 4 April 2019. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  3. ↑ "'Pichaikaran' to 'Thadam': Five blockbuster Tamil films which were released in the month of March". The Times of India. 24 March 2020. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  4. ↑ CR, Sharanya (15 March 2017). "Yet another thriller for Arun Vijay". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
  5. ↑ "Thadam will bring out another facet of Arun Vijay as an actor – The Magizh Thirumeni Interview". Only Kollywood. 25 February 2019. Archived from the original on 20 December 2019. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  6. ↑ "Arun Vijay to play dual role, in the film with Magizh Thirumeni". Sify. 5 April 2017. Archived from the original on 5 April 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
  7. ↑ "Arun Vijay's next based on real-life incident". The New Indian Express. 17 April 2017. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
  8. ↑ "Smruthi Venkat : மாறன் படத்தில் தனுஷின் தங்கையா நடித்த ஸ்மிரிதியா இது...?". ABP Nadu (in தமிழ்). 11 March 2022. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  9. ↑ Ramachandran, Avinash (6 March 2019). "Interview | I hope 2019 is my year: Tanya Hope on her double debut". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  10. ↑ "Arun's film with Magizh is titled Thadam". The Times of India. 12 June 2017. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
  11. ↑ ""My next big announcement will be out shortly"". Suryan FM 93.5. 7 February 2018. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  12. ↑ Suganth, M (20 July 2017). "Magizh Thirumeni: Arun Vijay-Magizh Thirumeni film gets a new composer". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 September 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
  13. ↑ "'Thadam' makers launch the audio jukebox of the Arun Vijay-starrer". The Times of India. 6 February 2019. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  14. ↑ "Jayam Ravi to release the trailer of Arun Vijay's 'Thadam'". The Times of India. 19 February 2019. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  15. ↑ "Thadam review: An engaging whodunit thriller". Sify. 28 February 2019. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  16. ↑ Menon, Thinkal (1 March 2019). "Thadam Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  17. ↑ Ramanujam, Srinivasa (1 March 2019). "'Thadam' review: A taut thriller that keeps you engaged till the end". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 May 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  18. ↑ Rangan, Baradwaj (28 February 2019). "Thadam Movie Review: A Pulpy Whodunit That Puts A Spin On Its Double-role Premise And Keeps You Guessing". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  19. ↑ K, Janani (28 February 2019). "Thadam Movie Review: Excellent Arun Vijay shines in decent thriller". India Today. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  20. ↑ Subhakeerthana, S (1 March 2019). "Thadam movie review: A thriller that doesn't disappoint". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  21. ↑ Pillai, Sreedhar (28 February 2019). "Thadam movie review: Arun Vijay, Magizh Thirumeni come together for an engaging murder mystery thriller". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  22. ↑ Subramanian, Anupama (4 March 2019). "Thadam movie review: Engrossing thriller worth a watch". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  23. ↑ Muralidharan, Kavitha (4 March 2019). "'Thadam' review: Arun Vijay arrives in style with this interesting thriller". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  24. ↑ MK, Surendhar (22 March 2019). "Arun Vijay's Thadam continues blockbuster run in Tamil Nadu; Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum struggles at box-office". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  25. ↑ "Content-rich Kollywood films make a mark at the Box Office". DT Next. 21 April 2019. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  26. ↑ Keramalu, Karthik (14 January 2021). "Red Movie Review: Starring Ram Pothineni, The Film Follows The Original (Thadam) To The Last Dot". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  27. ↑ Aaglave, Ganesh (7 April 2023). "Gumraah movie review: Aditya Roy Kapur shines in a flawed but decent thriller". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Magizh Thirumeni

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