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{{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
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| native_name = | | native_name = | ||
| director = [[Prabhu Deva]] | | director = [[Prabhu Deva]] | ||
| story = AC Mugil<br/>Rebel Ravi | | story = AC Mugil<br />Rebel Ravi | ||
| based_on = ''[[Soldier (1998 Indian film)|Soldier]]'' (Hindi) | |||
| screenplay = [[Prabhu Deva]] | | screenplay = [[Prabhu Deva]] | ||
| writer = AC Mugil<br/>Rebel Ravi<br/>(dialogue) | | writer = AC Mugil<br />Rebel Ravi<br />(dialogue) | ||
| starring = [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]<br/>[[Nayanthara]] | | starring = [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]<br />[[Nayanthara]] | ||
| producer = [[Ayngaran International|K. Karunamoorthy]]<br/>[[C. Arunpandian]] | | producer = [[Ayngaran International|K. Karunamoorthy]]<br />[[C. Arunpandian]] | ||
| cinematography = [[Ravi Varman]] | | cinematography = [[Ravi Varman]] | ||
| music = [[Devi Sri Prasad]] | | music = [[Devi Sri Prasad]] | ||
| studio = [[Ayngaran International]] | | studio = [[Ayngaran International]] | ||
| distributor = Ayngaran International | | distributor = Ayngaran International | ||
| released = {{Film date|2009| | | released = {{Film date|2009|January|12|df=y}} | ||
| runtime = | | runtime = 152 minutes | ||
| editing = [[Kola Bhaskar]] | | editing = [[Kola Bhaskar]] | ||
| country = India | | country = India | ||
| language = Tamil | | language = Tamil | ||
| budget = | | budget = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.--> | ||
| gross = | | gross = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.--> | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Villu''''' ({{translation|The bow}}) is a 2009 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action | '''''Villu''''' ({{translation|The bow}}) is a 2009 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action comedy]] film written by AC Mugil and directed by [[Prabhu Deva]]. The film stars [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] in a dual role while [[Nayanthara]], [[Ranjitha]], [[Prakash Raj]], and [[Vadivelu]] play other prominent roles. [[Manoj K. Jayan]], [[Devaraj]], [[Adithya (actor)|Adithya]], [[Anandaraj]], [[Sriman (actor)|Sriman]] and [[Geetha (actress)|Geetha]] play supporting roles whilst Prabhu Deva, [[Mumaith Khan]], Zabyn Khan, and [[Khushbu]] appear in [[item number]]s. The film is produced and distributed by [[Ayngaran International]] and composed by [[Devi Sri Prasad]]. Cinematography was done by [[Ravi Varman]], while editing was handled by [[Kola Bhaskar]]. The film received negative reviews from critics and became an average at the box-office.<ref name="boxoffice" /> | ||
The film was released on 12 January 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=00&id=_fVILLU01|title=Villu (2009)|website= | The film was released on 12 January 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=00&id=_fVILLU01|title=Villu (2009)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=15 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=pluppHedibbbf|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219123953/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=pluppHedibbbf|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 December 2017|title=Chennai Box Office - sify.com (1970)|date=19 December 2017|work=archive.is|access-date=15 November 2022}}</ref> The film acquired #221 spot in 2009 at the [[United Kingdom]] box office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/uk/yearly/?yr=2009&sort=gross&order=DESC&pagenum=3&p=.htm|title=2009 United Kingdom Yearly Box Office Results|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=15 May 2022}}</ref> ''Villu'' settled to a domestic profit of {{INR}}50 lakhs.<ref name="boxoffice">{{cite web | title=BOX OFFICE TOP 20 TAMIL MOVIES OF 2009 | website=Behindwoods.com | date=4 Jan 2022 | url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-20-movies-2009/villu.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104095658/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-20-movies-2009/villu.html | archive-date=4 Jan 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> The story revolves around an assassin who infiltrates and destroys a criminal gang to avenge his father's death. The film's title Villu (bow) indicates a man Pugazh, who avenges for his father (arrow) fired at his enemies to destroy them. The satellite rights of the film was owned by Kalaignar TV.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/know-who-owns-the-satellite-rights-of-vijay-films-since-2000/villu-kalaignar-tv.html|title=Villu - Kalaignar TV | Know who owns the satellite rights of Vijay films since 2000?|date=7 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="gross">{{Cite web|url=https://www.komparify.com/entertainment/movie/villu?search_keyword=villu|title=Villu movie: Watch Online HD Full movie}}</ref> ''[[Rediff]]'' pointed out that, Vadivelu and Vijay were applauded for their style of [[slap-stick]] comedy in the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/villu-tamil-review/20090112.htm|title=Review: Villu|first=Pavithra|last=Srinivasan|website=Rediff}}</ref> | ||
Media outlets reported that, the film ''Villu'' became an average domestic venture as Vijay and Vadivelu comic-timing was the only saving grace of the film.<ref name="boxoffice" /> | |||
'' | |||
==Plot== | ==Plot== | ||
Pugazh is an [[Indian Institutes of Technology|IITian]] and [[Oxford University|Oxford alumnus]] with a [[ | Pugazh is an [[Indian Institutes of Technology|IITian]] and [[Oxford University|Oxford alumnus]] with a [[master's degree]] in [[chemical engineering]]. With the help of his relative Inspector Joseph, he succeeds in tracking down a wanted criminal named Raaka and trapping him to Joseph. The scene then shifts to a village, where Pugazh is attending the wedding of a [[Tehsildar|Tahsildar]]'s daughter. He meets Janavi, a friend of the bride, and instantly falls in love with her. After persistent wooing, he succeeds in winning her heart. | ||
Janavi takes Pugazh to [[ | Janavi takes Pugazh to [[Munich]] (Germany) to introduce him to her father J. D., a wealthy businessman and covert arms smuggler. During his stay in Bern, he encounters J. D.'s gang, consisting of Shaan, a hotel pimp named Max, and another henchman. After initial confrontations with the three of them, he starts eliminating them one after another, and then J. D. becomes his remaining target. Janavi soon finds out that Pugazh is plotting to kill her father and warns Pugazh's mother about her son. On the contrary, Pugazh's mother not only knows and supports what Pugazh is doing, she also reveals that she is not his real "mother" and tells her why Pugazh is after her father. | ||
Pugazh's father was Major Saravanan, a patriotic [[Indian Army]] officer. During a [[peacekeeping]] mission, he noticed J. D., Shaan, Raaka, and their two henchmen, who were then army officers working in his team, accepting money from terrorists in exchange for allowing them to carry out their activities. When he confronted them, they killed him and fabricated a story claiming that since he accepted money from terrorists to help them, they killed him considering the safety of the other soldiers and themselves. He was stripped posthumously of his titles, honours, and badges. During his funeral, his family, consisting of his widow and a young Pugazh, were humiliated | Pugazh's father was Major Saravanan, a patriotic [[Indian Army]] officer. During a [[peacekeeping]] mission, he noticed J. D., Shaan, Raaka, and their two henchmen, who were then army officers working in his team, accepting money from terrorists in exchange for allowing them to carry out their activities. When he confronted them, they killed him and fabricated a story claiming that since he accepted money from terrorists to help them, they killed him considering the safety of the other soldiers and themselves. He was stripped posthumously of his titles, honours, and badges. During his funeral, his family, consisting of his widow and a young Pugazh, were humiliated as the military withdrew his honors. the villagers banished them from their village. The villagers also barred Pugazh from performing his father's last rites and threw the dead body into a sand pit, where it got lost in sand storm. The villagers also brandish the forehead of Pugazh's mother with the title "wife of a traitor". She sends her son away with Shaan's estranged wife (the adopted "mother") as she did not want him to grow up carrying the stigma of being the son of a disgraced army officer. | ||
In the present day, J. D. takes Pugazh to India to retrieve a [[Blu-ray]] containing J. D.'s secret information, which Pugazh had earlier received from Shaan and given to Joseph. Pugazh soon finds out that Raaka | In the present day, J. D. takes Pugazh to India to retrieve a [[Blu-ray]] containing J. D.'s secret information, which Pugazh had earlier received from Shaan and given to Joseph. Pugazh soon finds out that Raaka has escaped. Pugazh manages to flee from J. D.'s and Raaka's clutches, and after a thrilling chase, he reaches an abandoned [[temple]] outside his village where he reunites with his mother, who had been living there since being banished from the village. J. D., Raaka, and their henchmen arrive there. They kill Joseph and injure Pugazh. Pugazh kills Raaka and fights with J. D., weakening him. With all of the villagers assembled around the abandoned temple, Pugazh forces J. D. to reveal the truth about his father to them. After his confession, Pugazh kills him in revenge for his father's death. With the truth about Saravanan finally revealed, the army reinstates his titles, honours, and badges and also returns his army badge and uniform to his widow. | ||
==Cast== | ==Cast== | ||
{{ | {{cast listing| | ||
* [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] as Pugazh | * [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] in a dual role as Pugazh and Major Saravanan | ||
* [[Nayanthara]] as Janavi, J. D.'s daughter | * [[Nayanthara]] as Janavi, J. D.'s daughter (Voice Dubbed By Renuka Kathir) | ||
* [[Ranjitha]] as | * [[Ranjitha]] as Saravanan's wife/Pugazh's mother | ||
* [[Prakash Raj]] as J. D., the one who killed Saravanan | * [[Prakash Raj]] as J. D., the one who killed Saravanan | ||
* [[Vadivelu]] as Maadaswamy | * [[Vadivelu]] as Maadaswamy (Maada), the audiographer | ||
* [[Manoj K. Jayan]] as Inspector Joseph, Saravanan's relative | * [[Manoj K. Jayan]] as Inspector Joseph, Saravanan's relative | ||
* [[Devaraj (actor)|Devaraj]] as Shaan, who was involved in Saravanan's murder | * [[Devaraj (actor)|Devaraj]] as Shaan, who was involved in Saravanan's murder | ||
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* [[Geetha (actress)|Geetha]] as Shaan's wife/Pugazh's foster mother | * [[Geetha (actress)|Geetha]] as Shaan's wife/Pugazh's foster mother | ||
* [[Vaiyapuri]] as Pugazh's friend | * [[Vaiyapuri]] as Pugazh's friend | ||
* [[Raj Kapoor]] as Village Head | * [[Raj Kapoor (Tamil film director)|Raj Kapoor]] as Village Head | ||
* [[Dhamu]] as VJ | * [[Dhamu]] as VJ | ||
* [[Aarthi (actress)|Aarthi]] as Janavi's friend | * [[Aarthi (actress)|Aarthi]] as Janavi's friend | ||
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* [[Pandu (actor)|Pandu]] as Jyothi's father | * [[Pandu (actor)|Pandu]] as Jyothi's father | ||
* [[T. P. Gajendran]] as Marriage Guest | * [[T. P. Gajendran]] as Marriage Guest | ||
* [[Kumarimuthu]] | * [[Kumarimuthu]] as Eyewitness | ||
* [[Mumaith Khan]] (special appearance in the song "Daddy Mummy") | * [[Mumaith Khan]] (special appearance in the song "Daddy Mummy") | ||
* Zabyn Khan (special appearance in the song "Daddy Mummy") | * Zabyn Khan (special appearance in the song "Daddy Mummy") | ||
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* Sunil Babu (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama") | * Sunil Babu (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama") | ||
* [[Prabhu Deva]] (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama") | * [[Prabhu Deva]] (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama") | ||
}} | |||
==Production== | ==Production== | ||
=== Development === | |||
[[File:Villu crew.jpeg|thumb|Villu crew shooting at [[Pollachi]]]] | [[File:Villu crew.jpeg|thumb|Villu crew shooting at [[Pollachi]]]] | ||
[[Prabhu Deva]] along with announcing his venture in Bollywood titled ''[[Wanted Dead and Alive]]'', which was the remake of ''[[Pokkiri]]'', he launched his next Tamil venture in December 2007. [[Ayngaran International]] was to produce the film as well. The film was initially titled as ''Pugazh''.<ref name="indiaglitz1">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39136.html |title=Name games and Vijay rules | | [[Prabhu Deva]] along with announcing his venture in Bollywood titled ''[[Wanted Dead and Alive]]'', which was the remake of ''[[Pokkiri]]'', he launched his next Tamil venture in December 2007. [[Ayngaran International]] was to produce the film as well. The film was initially titled as ''Pugazh''.<ref name="indiaglitz1">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39136.html |title=Name games and Vijay rules |website=IndiaGlitz |date=6 June 2008 |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> Prabhu Deva later announced the titled to be ''Singam''. However, a copyright issue was brought up concerning the title ''Singam'', which was already announced as the [[Singam|title for a film]] by director [[Hari (director)|Hari]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39067.html |title=Vijay and Prabhu Deva together again |website=IndiaGlitz |date=4 June 2008 |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> Prabhu Deva then changed the titled to ''Vill'', meaning "bow" in Tamil, a more formal spelling of ''Villu''. The team later found out that [[S. J. Suryah]] was to use the title ''Vill'' for a [[Telugu film]]. Suryah, with the negotiation of Vijay, later changed his film's title.<ref name="indiaglitz.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39136.html |title=Name games and Vijay rules |website=IndiaGlitz |date=6 June 2008 |access-date=14 September 2022}}</ref> The title ''Villu'' subsequently became the film's official name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39067.html |title=Vijay and Prabhu Deva together again |website=IndiaGlitz |date=4 June 2008 |access-date=14 September 2022}}</ref> | ||
Actress Ranjitha was selected to play Vijay's mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-08-03/vijay-19-11-08.html |title=A 'new old' heroine for Vijay | | === Casting and filming === | ||
Director [[Prabhu Deva]] started shooting for ''Villu'' with the team's first location being [[Palani]], [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="indiaglitz.com"/> The team's second location was set to be in [[Karaikudi]]. Prabhu Deva had reportedly planned two song sequences to be shot in European countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39586.html |title=Vijay's Italian rendezvous | | Actress Ranjitha was selected to play Vijay's mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-08-03/vijay-19-11-08.html |title=A 'new old' heroine for Vijay |website=Behindwoods |date=19 November 2008 |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> | ||
Director [[Prabhu Deva]] started shooting for ''Villu'' with the team's first location being [[Palani]], [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="indiaglitz.com"/> The team's second location was set to be in [[Karaikudi]]. Prabhu Deva had reportedly planned two song sequences to be shot in European countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39586.html |title=Vijay's Italian rendezvous |website=IndiaGlitz |date=28 June 2008 |access-date=14 September 2022}}</ref> Another song sequence was shot in [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]]. Later, reports claimed that the film's script and story would deal with a majority of the film taking place in [[Italy]]. Prabhu Deva had reportedly planned two song sequences to be shot in European countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39586.html |title=Vijay's Italian rendezvous |website=IndiaGlitz |date=26 June 2008 |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> In an interview with Prabhu Deva, a month prior to the film's release, Prabhu Deva stated the film will be a "Tamil version of a James Bond film."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/42582.html |title='Villu' takes Diwali break|website=IndiaGlitz |date= 25 October 2008|access-date=14 September 2022}}</ref> It was reported that Prakash Raj was missing from shooting when the crew was shooting the climax.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-08-03/villu-20-11-08.html |title=Prakash Raj missing, Villu climax halts |website=Behindwoods |date=20 November 2008 |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> | |||
The story was already made as a movie in Tamil during 1989 titled Thaai Naadu starring Sathyaraj in dual roles. Then this film was remade in Dhallywood as Jamin Nai by Syed Harun starring Shabnur, Shakti Kapoor & Miju Ahmed in lead roles in 2000 and Tamil as Villu By Prabhu Deva starring Vijay & Nayanthara in lead roles in 2009. Bobby Deol Starrer Soldier in 1998 has a similar story line. | The story was already made as a movie in Tamil during 1989 titled Thaai Naadu starring Sathyaraj in dual roles. Then this film was remade in Dhallywood as Jamin Nai by Syed Harun starring Shabnur, Shakti Kapoor & Miju Ahmed in lead roles in 2000 and Tamil as Villu By Prabhu Deva starring Vijay & Nayanthara in lead roles in 2009. Bobby Deol Starrer Soldier in 1998 has a similar story line. | ||
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[[Devi Sri Prasad]], Kola Bhaskar and [[Ravi Varman]] were confirmed the film's [[film composer|composer]], editor, and cinematographer respectively while FEFSI Vijayan was chosen as the stunt coordinator.<ref name="indiaglitz.com"/> | [[Devi Sri Prasad]], Kola Bhaskar and [[Ravi Varman]] were confirmed the film's [[film composer|composer]], editor, and cinematographer respectively while FEFSI Vijayan was chosen as the stunt coordinator.<ref name="indiaglitz.com"/> | ||
[[Joseph Vijay|Vijay]] was [[Prabhu Deva]]'s initial choice for the lead role. Prabhu Deva trusted the actor, due to their widely known friendship, after their success with ''Pokkiri'' the previous year. However, several critics and media had dubious thoughts on the choice of Vijay as the lead role actor for the film. Some websites wondered if ''Villu'' would promote his career, or give him another | [[Joseph Vijay|Vijay]] was [[Prabhu Deva]]'s initial choice for the lead role. Prabhu Deva trusted the actor, due to their widely known friendship, after their success with ''Pokkiri'' the previous year. However, several critics and media had dubious thoughts on the choice of Vijay as the lead role actor for the film. Some websites wondered if ''Villu'' would promote his career, or give him another average response, like his previous films ''[[Azhagiya Tamil Magan]]'' and ''[[Kuruvi]]'', which proved to be average grossers at the box-office due to their weak storyline and screenplay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=plupn1acchbad |title=Azhagiya Tamil magan above average grosser at BO |website=Sify |date=21 June 2008 |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219123951/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=plupn1acchbad |archive-date=19 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=plupovhjhhacc |title=Kuruvi average grosser at BO |website=Sify |date=21 June 2008 |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219123953/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=plupovhjhhacc |archive-date=19 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Nayantara]] was confirmed the film's lead actress upon the film's launch.<ref name="indiaglitz1"/> [[Vadivelu]] was also confirmed for a supporting role.<ref name="indiaglitz1"/> Earlier reports claimed that [[Biju Menon]] or [[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]] were to be given a supporting role, but later the role went to [[Manoj K. Jayan]]. [[Vaiyapuri]], [[Khushbu]], and [[Kovai Sarala]] were also said to be given roles in the film. However, Khushbu was later confirmed an item number appearance while Sarala was to sing a song in the film. | ||
== | ==Music== | ||
{{Infobox album | {{Infobox album | ||
| name = Villu | | name = Villu | ||
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| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]] | | genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]] | ||
| length = | | length = | ||
| label = [[Ayngaran International|Ayngaran Music]]<br/>An Ak Audio<br/>[[Think Music India|Think Music]] | | label = [[Ayngaran International|Ayngaran Music]]<br />An Ak Audio<br />[[Think Music India|Think Music]] | ||
| producer = | | producer = | ||
| prev_title = [[King (2008 film)|King]] | | prev_title = [[King (2008 film)|King]] | ||
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==Release== | ==Release== | ||
The satellite rights of the film were sold to [[Kalaignar TV]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/programmes/villu/params/tvprogramme/programmeid-30000000549729059/channelid-10000000002990000/starttime-201510021000 |title=Villu Movie on Kalaignar TV |work=The Times of India |date=2 October 2015 |access-date=23 October | The satellite rights of the film were sold to [[Kalaignar TV]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/programmes/villu/params/tvprogramme/programmeid-30000000549729059/channelid-10000000002990000/starttime-201510021000 |title=Villu Movie on Kalaignar TV |work=The Times of India |date=2 October 2015 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref> ''Villu'' had a limited Blu-ray DVD release in [[United Kingdom]] and [[Japan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blu-ray.com/Villu/35745/|title=Villu (2009)}}</ref> | ||
==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
This film was released on 12 January 2009, on the same day as Prabhu Deva and Vijay's 2007 film ''[[Pokkiri (2007 film)|Pokkiri]]''. It received | This film was released on 12 January 2009, on the same day as Prabhu Deva and Vijay's 2007 film ''[[Pokkiri (2007 film)|Pokkiri]]''. It received negative reviews from fans and critics. Behindwoods.com gave 1.5 on 5 and said "With tacky production values, shabby cinematography and amateurish direction Villu comes across as a more than two-hour long." while another website stated "On the whole, Vijay's Villu is an action-packed mass masala film for his ardent fans but with loose ends." ''[[Rediff]]'' reviewed the film "Leave your brains behind and prepare to enjoy the adventures of a Tamil James Bond." and rated 2.5/5.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/jan/12villu-tamil-review.htm |title=Review: Villu |publisher=Rediff |date=12 January 2009 |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref><ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/10357.html Villu Indiaglitz Review]. Indiaglitz.com (12 January 2009). Retrieved on 25 October 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=pluppHedibbbf |title=Archived copy |website=www.sify.com |access-date=3 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219123953/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=pluppHedibbbf |archive-date=19 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 37 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web |last=சார்லஸ் |first=தேவன் |date=22 June 2021 |title=பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100344/https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/story/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |archive-date=8 October 2021 |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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[[Category:2009 action films]] | [[Category:2009 action films]] | ||
[[Category:Indian action films]] | [[Category:Indian action films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:2000s masala films]] | ||
[[Category:Films directed by Prabhu Deva]] | [[Category:Films directed by Prabhu Deva]] | ||
[[Category:Tamil remakes of Hindi films]] | [[Category:Tamil remakes of Hindi films]] | ||
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]] | [[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]] | ||
[[Category:Films scored by Devi Sri Prasad]] | [[Category:Films scored by Devi Sri Prasad]] | ||
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]] | [[Category:Indian films about revenge]] | ||
[[Category:Films shot in Bangkok]] | [[Category:Films shot in Bangkok]] | ||
[[Category:Indian Army in films]] | [[Category:Indian Army in films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Films shot in Switzerland]] | ||
[[Category:Indian films with live action and animation]] | [[Category:Indian films with live action and animation]] | ||
[[Category:Films about military personnel]] | [[Category:Films about military personnel]] | ||
Latest revision as of 12:43, 24 December 2022
| Villu | |
|---|---|
| Error creating thumbnail: File missing Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Prabhu Deva |
| Produced by | K. Karunamoorthy C. Arunpandian |
| Written by | AC Mugil Rebel Ravi (dialogue) |
| Screenplay by | Prabhu Deva |
| Story by | AC Mugil Rebel Ravi |
| Based on | Soldier (Hindi) |
| Starring | Vijay Nayanthara |
| Music by | Devi Sri Prasad |
| Cinematography | Ravi Varman |
| Edited by | Kola Bhaskar |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Ayngaran International |
Release date |
|
Running time | 152 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Villu (transl. The bow) is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film written by AC Mugil and directed by Prabhu Deva. The film stars Vijay in a dual role while Nayanthara, Ranjitha, Prakash Raj, and Vadivelu play other prominent roles. Manoj K. Jayan, Devaraj, Adithya, Anandaraj, Sriman and Geetha play supporting roles whilst Prabhu Deva, Mumaith Khan, Zabyn Khan, and Khushbu appear in item numbers. The film is produced and distributed by Ayngaran International and composed by Devi Sri Prasad. Cinematography was done by Ravi Varman, while editing was handled by Kola Bhaskar. The film received negative reviews from critics and became an average at the box-office.[1]
The film was released on 12 January 2009.[2][3] The film acquired #221 spot in 2009 at the United Kingdom box office.[4] Villu settled to a domestic profit of ₹50 lakhs.[1] The story revolves around an assassin who infiltrates and destroys a criminal gang to avenge his father's death. The film's title Villu (bow) indicates a man Pugazh, who avenges for his father (arrow) fired at his enemies to destroy them. The satellite rights of the film was owned by Kalaignar TV.[5][6] Rediff pointed out that, Vadivelu and Vijay were applauded for their style of slap-stick comedy in the film.[7]
Media outlets reported that, the film Villu became an average domestic venture as Vijay and Vadivelu comic-timing was the only saving grace of the film.[1]
Plot[edit | edit source]
Pugazh is an IITian and Oxford alumnus with a master's degree in chemical engineering. With the help of his relative Inspector Joseph, he succeeds in tracking down a wanted criminal named Raaka and trapping him to Joseph. The scene then shifts to a village, where Pugazh is attending the wedding of a Tahsildar's daughter. He meets Janavi, a friend of the bride, and instantly falls in love with her. After persistent wooing, he succeeds in winning her heart.
Janavi takes Pugazh to Munich (Germany) to introduce him to her father J. D., a wealthy businessman and covert arms smuggler. During his stay in Bern, he encounters J. D.'s gang, consisting of Shaan, a hotel pimp named Max, and another henchman. After initial confrontations with the three of them, he starts eliminating them one after another, and then J. D. becomes his remaining target. Janavi soon finds out that Pugazh is plotting to kill her father and warns Pugazh's mother about her son. On the contrary, Pugazh's mother not only knows and supports what Pugazh is doing, she also reveals that she is not his real "mother" and tells her why Pugazh is after her father.
Pugazh's father was Major Saravanan, a patriotic Indian Army officer. During a peacekeeping mission, he noticed J. D., Shaan, Raaka, and their two henchmen, who were then army officers working in his team, accepting money from terrorists in exchange for allowing them to carry out their activities. When he confronted them, they killed him and fabricated a story claiming that since he accepted money from terrorists to help them, they killed him considering the safety of the other soldiers and themselves. He was stripped posthumously of his titles, honours, and badges. During his funeral, his family, consisting of his widow and a young Pugazh, were humiliated as the military withdrew his honors. the villagers banished them from their village. The villagers also barred Pugazh from performing his father's last rites and threw the dead body into a sand pit, where it got lost in sand storm. The villagers also brandish the forehead of Pugazh's mother with the title "wife of a traitor". She sends her son away with Shaan's estranged wife (the adopted "mother") as she did not want him to grow up carrying the stigma of being the son of a disgraced army officer.
In the present day, J. D. takes Pugazh to India to retrieve a Blu-ray containing J. D.'s secret information, which Pugazh had earlier received from Shaan and given to Joseph. Pugazh soon finds out that Raaka has escaped. Pugazh manages to flee from J. D.'s and Raaka's clutches, and after a thrilling chase, he reaches an abandoned temple outside his village where he reunites with his mother, who had been living there since being banished from the village. J. D., Raaka, and their henchmen arrive there. They kill Joseph and injure Pugazh. Pugazh kills Raaka and fights with J. D., weakening him. With all of the villagers assembled around the abandoned temple, Pugazh forces J. D. to reveal the truth about his father to them. After his confession, Pugazh kills him in revenge for his father's death. With the truth about Saravanan finally revealed, the army reinstates his titles, honours, and badges and also returns his army badge and uniform to his widow.
Cast[edit | edit source]
- Vijay in a dual role as Pugazh and Major Saravanan
- Nayanthara as Janavi, J. D.'s daughter (Voice Dubbed By Renuka Kathir)
- Ranjitha as Saravanan's wife/Pugazh's mother
- Prakash Raj as J. D., the one who killed Saravanan
- Vadivelu as Maadaswamy (Maada), the audiographer
- Manoj K. Jayan as Inspector Joseph, Saravanan's relative
- Devaraj as Shaan, who was involved in Saravanan's murder
- Adithya as Rakka
- Anandaraj as J. D.'s and Shaan's henchman
- Sriman as Max/Gandy
- Geetha as Shaan's wife/Pugazh's foster mother
- Vaiyapuri as Pugazh's friend
- Raj Kapoor as Village Head
- Dhamu as VJ
- Aarthi as Janavi's friend
- Jyothi as Jyothi, Janavi's friend
- Pandu as Jyothi's father
- T. P. Gajendran as Marriage Guest
- Kumarimuthu as Eyewitness
- Mumaith Khan (special appearance in the song "Daddy Mummy")
- Zabyn Khan (special appearance in the song "Daddy Mummy")
- Khushbu (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama")
- FEFSI Vijayan (special appearance in the song "Jalsa")
- Ashok Raja (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama")
- Ravi Varman (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama")
- A. C. Mugil (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama")
- Sunil Babu (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama")
- Prabhu Deva (special appearance in the song "Rama Rama")
Production[edit | edit source]
Development[edit | edit source]
Prabhu Deva along with announcing his venture in Bollywood titled Wanted Dead and Alive, which was the remake of Pokkiri, he launched his next Tamil venture in December 2007. Ayngaran International was to produce the film as well. The film was initially titled as Pugazh.[8] Prabhu Deva later announced the titled to be Singam. However, a copyright issue was brought up concerning the title Singam, which was already announced as the title for a film by director Hari.[9] Prabhu Deva then changed the titled to Vill, meaning "bow" in Tamil, a more formal spelling of Villu. The team later found out that S. J. Suryah was to use the title Vill for a Telugu film. Suryah, with the negotiation of Vijay, later changed his film's title.[10] The title Villu subsequently became the film's official name.[11]
Casting and filming[edit | edit source]
Actress Ranjitha was selected to play Vijay's mother.[12] Director Prabhu Deva started shooting for Villu with the team's first location being Palani, Tamil Nadu.[10] The team's second location was set to be in Karaikudi. Prabhu Deva had reportedly planned two song sequences to be shot in European countries.[13] Another song sequence was shot in Bangkok, Thailand. Later, reports claimed that the film's script and story would deal with a majority of the film taking place in Italy. Prabhu Deva had reportedly planned two song sequences to be shot in European countries.[14] In an interview with Prabhu Deva, a month prior to the film's release, Prabhu Deva stated the film will be a "Tamil version of a James Bond film."[15] It was reported that Prakash Raj was missing from shooting when the crew was shooting the climax.[16]
The story was already made as a movie in Tamil during 1989 titled Thaai Naadu starring Sathyaraj in dual roles. Then this film was remade in Dhallywood as Jamin Nai by Syed Harun starring Shabnur, Shakti Kapoor & Miju Ahmed in lead roles in 2000 and Tamil as Villu By Prabhu Deva starring Vijay & Nayanthara in lead roles in 2009. Bobby Deol Starrer Soldier in 1998 has a similar story line.
Devi Sri Prasad, Kola Bhaskar and Ravi Varman were confirmed the film's composer, editor, and cinematographer respectively while FEFSI Vijayan was chosen as the stunt coordinator.[10]
Vijay was Prabhu Deva's initial choice for the lead role. Prabhu Deva trusted the actor, due to their widely known friendship, after their success with Pokkiri the previous year. However, several critics and media had dubious thoughts on the choice of Vijay as the lead role actor for the film. Some websites wondered if Villu would promote his career, or give him another average response, like his previous films Azhagiya Tamil Magan and Kuruvi, which proved to be average grossers at the box-office due to their weak storyline and screenplay.[17][18] Nayantara was confirmed the film's lead actress upon the film's launch.[8] Vadivelu was also confirmed for a supporting role.[8] Earlier reports claimed that Biju Menon or Napoleon were to be given a supporting role, but later the role went to Manoj K. Jayan. Vaiyapuri, Khushbu, and Kovai Sarala were also said to be given roles in the film. However, Khushbu was later confirmed an item number appearance while Sarala was to sing a song in the film.
Music[edit | edit source]
| Villu | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 14 December 2008 | |||
| Recorded | 2007-2008 | |||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Label | Ayngaran Music An Ak Audio Think Music | |||
| Devi Sri Prasad chronology | ||||
| ||||
The soundtrack for this film was composed by Devi Sri Prasad. Three of the songs, "Jalsa Jalsa", "Dheemthanakka Thillana", and "Daddy Mummy" had their beats reused from three Telugu songs DSP had previously composed: the eponymous song from Jalsa ,"Om Namaste Bolo" from Ready, and "Akalesthey" from Shankar Dada Zindabad respectively.
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Hey Rama Rama" (introduction song, pictured Vijay and Kushboo, Prabhu Deva) | Amal Raj, Kovai Sarala | 04:43 |
| 2. | "Jalsa Jalsa" (pictured Vijay and Nayantara) | Baba Sehgal, Rita, Devi Sri Prasad | 04:20 |
| 3. | "Are You Crazy" (pictured Vijay and Nayantara) | Divya | 00:46 |
| 4. | "Daddy Mummy" (item song, pictured Vijay, Mumaith Khan and Zabyn Khan) | Mamta Mohandas, Naveen Madhav | 04:20 |
| 5. | "Dheemthanakka Thillana" (pictured Vijay and Nayantara) | Devi Sri Prasad, Divya | 04:09 |
| 6. | "Jalsa Jalsa" (Remix) | Devi Sri Prasad, Baba Sehgal, Rita | 04:00 |
| 7. | "Nee Kobapattaal" (pictured Vijay and Nayantara) | Sagar | 04:21 |
| 8. | "Vaada Maappilley" (pictured Vijay, Nayantara and Vadivelu) | Tippu, Rita, Vadivelu, Savitha Reddy | 03:34 |
Release[edit | edit source]
The satellite rights of the film were sold to Kalaignar TV.[19] Villu had a limited Blu-ray DVD release in United Kingdom and Japan.[20]
Reception[edit | edit source]
This film was released on 12 January 2009, on the same day as Prabhu Deva and Vijay's 2007 film Pokkiri. It received negative reviews from fans and critics. Behindwoods.com gave 1.5 on 5 and said "With tacky production values, shabby cinematography and amateurish direction Villu comes across as a more than two-hour long." while another website stated "On the whole, Vijay's Villu is an action-packed mass masala film for his ardent fans but with loose ends." Rediff reviewed the film "Leave your brains behind and prepare to enjoy the adventures of a Tamil James Bond." and rated 2.5/5.[21][22][23] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 37 out of 100.[24]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "BOX OFFICE TOP 20 TAMIL MOVIES OF 2009". Behindwoods.com. 4 January 2022. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ↑ "Villu (2009)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ↑ "Chennai Box Office - sify.com (1970)". archive.is. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "2009 United Kingdom Yearly Box Office Results". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ↑ "Villu - Kalaignar TV | Know who owns the satellite rights of Vijay films since 2000?". 7 March 2022.
- ↑ "Villu movie: Watch Online HD Full movie".
- ↑ Srinivasan, Pavithra. "Review: Villu". Rediff.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Name games and Vijay rules". IndiaGlitz. 6 June 2008. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ↑ "Vijay and Prabhu Deva together again". IndiaGlitz. 4 June 2008. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Name games and Vijay rules". IndiaGlitz. 6 June 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ↑ "Vijay and Prabhu Deva together again". IndiaGlitz. 4 June 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ↑ "A 'new old' heroine for Vijay". Behindwoods. 19 November 2008. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ↑ "Vijay's Italian rendezvous". IndiaGlitz. 28 June 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ↑ "Vijay's Italian rendezvous". IndiaGlitz. 26 June 2008. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ↑ "'Villu' takes Diwali break". IndiaGlitz. 25 October 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ↑ "Prakash Raj missing, Villu climax halts". Behindwoods. 20 November 2008. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ↑ "Azhagiya Tamil magan above average grosser at BO". Sify. 21 June 2008. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Kuruvi average grosser at BO". Sify. 21 June 2008. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Villu Movie on Kalaignar TV". The Times of India. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
- ↑ "Villu (2009)".
- ↑ "Review: Villu". Rediff. 12 January 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ↑ Villu Indiaglitz Review. Indiaglitz.com (12 January 2009). Retrieved on 25 October 2015.
- ↑ "Archived copy". www.sify.com. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ சார்லஸ், தேவன் (22 June 2021). "பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast". Ananda Vikatan (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 8 October 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.