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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Short description|2009 Indian horror-thriller film}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Eeram
| image         = Eeram.jpg
| image = Eeram.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| image_size =  
| director       = [[Arivazhagan Venkatachalam|Arivazhagan]]
| director = [[Arivazhagan Venkatachalam|Arivazhagan]]
| producer       = [[S. Shankar]]
| producer = [[S. Shankar]]
| writer         = Arivazhagan
| writer = Arivazhagan
| starring       = [[Aadhi Pinisetty|Aadhi]]<br />[[Nandaa]]<br />[[Sindhu Menon]]
| starring = [[Aadhi Pinisetty|Aadhi]]<br />[[Nandha Durairaj|Nandha]]<br />[[Sindhu Menon]]<br />[[Saranya Mohan]]
| music         = [[S. Thaman]]
| music = [[S. Thaman]]
| cinematography = [[Manoj Paramahamsa]]
| cinematography = [[Manoj Paramahamsa]]
| studio = [[S Pictures]]
| studio         = [[S Pictures]]
| editing = [[Kishore Te]]
| editing       = [[Kishore Te]]
| released = {{Film date|df=y|2009|9|11}}
| released       = {{Film date|df=y|2009|9|11}}
| runtime = 164 minutes
| runtime       = 164 minutes
| language = Tamil
| language       = Tamil
| country = India
| country       = India
| budget =  
| budget         = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.-->
}}
}}
'''''Eeram''''' ({{trans|Moisture}}) is a 2009 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Supernatural fiction|supernatural]] [[crime thriller]] film written and directed by [[Arivazhagan Venkatachalam|Arivazhagan]] in his directorial debut and produced by [[S. Shankar]].. The film stars [[Aadhi Pinisetty|Aadhi]], [[Nandha (actor)|Nandha]], [[Sindhu Menon]], and [[Saranya Mohan]] in the lead roles, while [[Srinath (actor)|Srinath]], [[Lakshmi Ramakrishnan]], and [[Krishna (TV actor)|Krishna]] play supporting roles.<ref>http://www.jointscene.com/movies/Kollywood/Eeram/13292</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/sep/09/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-arivazhagan-venkatachalam.htm |title='Eeram has all the emotions from my life' – Rediff.com Movies |publisher=Movies.rediff.com |date=2009-09-09 |access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/moviegallery/11386.html |title=Eeram Tamil movie images, stills, gallery |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref> The music was composed by [[S. Thaman]] with cinematography by [[Manoj Paramahamsa]] and editing by [[Kishore Te]].
'''''Eeram''''' ({{translation|Moisture}}) is a 2009 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[horror thriller film]]<ref name=RED /> written and directed by [[Arivazhagan Venkatachalam|Arivazhagan]] in his directorial debut and produced by [[S. Shankar]]. The film stars [[Aadhi Pinisetty|Aadhi]], [[Nandaa]] and [[Sindhu Menon]]. [[Saranya Mohan]], [[Srinath (Tamil actor)|Srinath]], [[Lakshmi Ramakrishnan]], and [[Krishna (TV actor)|Krishna]] play supporting roles.<ref>{{cite web |last=Warrier |first=Shobha |author-link=Shobha Warrier |date=9 September 2009 |title='Eeram has all the emotions from my life' |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/sep/09/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-arivazhagan-venkatachalam.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212140851/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/sep/09/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-arivazhagan-venkatachalam.htm |archive-date=12 December 2024 |access-date=5 August 2012 |website=[[Rediff.com]] |language=en}}</ref> The music was composed by [[S. Thaman]] in his debut Tamil film with cinematography by [[Manoj Paramahamsa]] and editing by [[Kishore Te]].


The film was mostly shot in [[Chennai]], [[Srirangam]], [[Trichy]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Hyderabad]], [[Vishakhapatnam]], and [[Pondicherry]]. Filming began in January 2008, and the movie was released on 11 September 2009 to positive reviews and was declared as a super-hit blockbuster at the box office.<ref>http://www.letzbrowse.com/movies/eeram-movie{{dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
''Eeram'' was mostly shot in [[Chennai]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=5 August 2009 |title=Eeram Preview |url=https://www.tamilnow.com/magazine/eeram-preview-273.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221180808/https://www.tamilnow.com/magazine/eeram-preview-273.html |archive-date=21 February 2025 |access-date=21 February 2025 |website=Tamilnow.com}}</ref> [[Srirangam]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Narahari |first=Prasanth G. |date=14 April 2010 |title=Camera Art |url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/money-and-careers/Camera-Art/article16366406.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023044954/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/money-and-careers/Camera-Art/article16366406.ece |archive-date=23 October 2021 |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Tiruchirappalli]] and [[Puducherry (city)|Pondicherry]].<ref name=":0" /> The film was released on 11 September 2009 and became a commercial success.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2010 |title=Telugu version of 'Eeram' to hit the screens |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2010/Nov/24/telugu-version-of-eeram-to-hit-the-screens-205506.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222115400/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2010/Nov/24/telugu-version-of-eeram-to-hit-the-screens-205506.html |archive-date=22 February 2025 |access-date=22 February 2025 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref> The film received critical acclaim for its theme, narrative, cast performance, cinematography, musical score, and direction. Over the years it has attained cult status.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2024 |title=Aadhi's 'Eeram' completes 15 years!: Decoding the supernatural thriller's cult status |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aadhis-eeram-completes-15-years-decoding-the-supernatural-thrillers-cult-status/amp_etphotostory/113254384.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222115746/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aadhis-eeram-completes-15-years-decoding-the-supernatural-thrillers-cult-status/amp_etphotostory/113254384.cms |archive-date=22 February 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> The [[Telugu language|Telugu]] dubbed version of the film titled ''Vaishali'' released on 27 May 2011,<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 April 2011 |title=Vaishali gets a release date |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/vaishali-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/8048475.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528022616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/vaishali-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/8048475.cms |archive-date=28 May 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Telugu Movie review&nbsp;– Vaishali |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-vaishali.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529172508/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-vaishali.html |archive-date=29 May 2022 |access-date=29 May 2022 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref> and was commercially successful as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=20 June 2015 |title='Fame is fleeting' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/fame-is-fleeting/article7336739.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809104510/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/fame-is-fleeting/article7336739.ece |archive-date=9 August 2022 |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
The plot opens with water overflowing from an apartment at around 2:00 AM in Block E, which is seen by the apartment watchman. When he goes to stop the water, he witnesses a young woman Ramya ([[Sindhu Menon]]) dead and drowning in the water due to asphyxiation. Eventually, the investigation of the death takes place which is done by Assistant Commissioner of Police Vasudevan ([[Aadhi Pinisetty|Aadhi]]), who is an honest and upright police officer and also Ramya's former lover. Although circumstantial evidence claims it as a suicide, Vasu doubts that it is not and starts to investigate at in another angle.
The plot opens with water overflowing from an apartment at around 2:00 AM in Block E, which is seen by the apartment watchman. When he goes to inspect the source of the water, he witnesses a woman Ramya in the bathtub dead from asphyxiation. An investigation of her death is done by Assistant Commissioner of Police Vasudevan, an honest and upright police officer who is also Ramya's former boyfriend. Although circumstantial evidence points it was a suicide, Vasu doubts its reliability and restarts the investigation of the events leading to her death.


The investigation reveals that Ramya was known to be in an extramarital affair with an unknown person, and his frequent visit to her flat is confirmed by the neighbors in the apartment. However, Vasu is not convinced. He is sure that there is someone behind Ramya’s death and names him Mr. X. He also remembers his love life with Ramya during their college time. Vasu is denied marriage with Ramya by her father Shriraman (Rajashekar) as he is not willing to get his daughter married a police officer. When Vasu asks her to marry him without the consent of her father, she does not accept, and they both part ways. Later Ramya marries a rich groom named Balakrishnan ([[Nandha Durairaj|Nandha]]), a businessman. From then on the relationship is entirely cut between Vasu and Ramya. Vasu then becomes a police officer.
The investigation reveals that Ramya was having an extramarital affair with an unknown person, and his frequent visits to her flat are confirmed by her neighbours in the building. However, Vasu is not convinced and sure that there is someone behind Ramya's death and names him Mr. X. He also remembers his love life with Ramya during their college years. Vasu was refused Ramya's hand in marriage by her father Shriraman as he was not willing to get his daughter married to a police officer. When Vasu asked her to elope and marry him, she refused, and they parted ways. Later, Ramya married wealthy businessman Balakrishnan.


Meanwhile, strange mishaps begin to take place in the apartment where Ramya died. Kalyani Subramanyam ([[Lakshmi Ramakrishnan]]), who resides in the flat opposite to Ramya’s, dies by electric shock. An ex-army veteran, Thiyagarajan (Boys Rajan), on his travel to Pondicherry, dies when an umbrella tip pierces his neck. The apartment watchman also dies a mysterious death. Vasu is able to relate the deaths with Ramya but does not know how exactly, but finds that water has been the common element in all the deaths. He appoints a few assistants to live in various flats of the apartment and inform him if there is any suspicious activity. The assistants point out a young man ([[Krishna (TV actor)|Krishna]]) coming there to meet his girlfriend Deepa. Vasu identifies him as Mr. X and follows him to a theater, but before he tries to catch him, he sees "Mr. X" banging himself in the restroom mirror. Vasu tries to stop him, but an eerie spirit stops him from saving Mr. X. Vasu then sees human footprints walking on water and understands that it is the work of a supernatural entity.
Meanwhile, strange mishaps begin to take place in the apartment where Ramya died. Kalyani Subramanyam, who resides in the flat opposite Ramya's, dies by electric shock. An army veteran, Thiyagarajan, on his visit to Pondicherry, dies when an umbrella tip pierces his neck. The apartment watchman also dies a mysterious death. Vasu connects these deaths to Ramya but does not know how exactly. He finds that water is the common element in all the deaths. He appoints a few assistants to live in various flats of the apartment and inform him if there is any suspicious activity. The assistants point out a young man coming there to meet his girlfriend Deepa. Vasu identifies him as Mr. X and follows him to a theatre, but before he can catch him, he sees Mr. X banging his head into the restroom mirror. Vasu tries to stop him from killing himself, but an eerie spirit stops him from saving the young man. Vasu then sees human footprints walking on water and understands that it is the work of a supernatural entity.


Subtle symbols keep appearing to Vasu, and he begins to receive premonitions of the killings that are about to take place. The color red and water keep appearing together as premonitions and signals to Vasu that a murder is about to take place. Vasu is unable to convince his superiors that the deaths are not accidental. He investigates in the angle of life after death, and finds that a life can contact this world in any medium after the death. It may also be through water. Vasu now understands that Ramya's spirit kills everyone. One night, when Ramya's sister Divya ([[Saranya Mohan]]) visits Vasu in his house to console him for Ramya's death, the latter's spirit possesses her body and reveals the truth of her life after their separation from Vasu.
The colour red and water keep appearing together as signals to Vasu that a murder is about to take place. He is unable to convince his superiors that the deaths are not accidental. Vasu investigates from a supernatural standpoint of life after death, and finds that a spirit can contact this world in any medium after the death and that it may also be through water. Vasu realises that Ramya's spirit killed everyone. One night, when Ramya's sister Divya visits Vasu in his house to console him over Ramya's death, the latter's spirit possesses her and reveals the truth of her life after her break-up from Vasu.


Ramya married Bala and lived happily with him but just for a short time. Bala was a person who disliked anything secondhand in his life. He could not digest his wife’s past relation with her lover Vasu, and hence started to torture her. Ramya’s maidservant complained of Thiyagarajan in another flat as he had been sexually harassing her. Ramya warned Thiyagarajan that if he would have repeated this, she would inform it to his wife. Ramya also advised a girl to stop having a boyfriend as it would spoil her life, and this earned her the dislike of that girl. Ramya’s opposite apartment woman Kalyani wanted the flat where Ramya lived, for her daughter. The boyfriend created an impression that he had came to visit Ramya to the woman in the opposite flat. She had spun a false story against Ramya, and the master also confirmed it to Bala for taking revenge on her. Therefore, Bala killed Ramya and drowned her in the water to make it look like a suicide. Hence the beginning of the movie's plot with confusions among Vasu and other police officers for her death.
Ramya lived happily with Bala but only for a short time. Bala disliked anything secondhand in his life. He could not digest his wife's past relation with Vasu and started to harass her. Ramya's maid complained of Thiyagarajan in another flat as he had been sexually harassing her. Ramya warned Thiyagarajan that if he repeated this, she would inform his wife. Ramya also advised Deepa to stop having a boyfriend (Mr. X) as it would ruin her life, and this earned her Deepa's dislike. Ramya's neighbour Kalyani wanted the flat where Ramya lived, for her daughter. Mr. X created an impression that he had come to visit Ramya to Kalyani. She had spun a false story against Ramya, and Thiyagarajan also confirmed it to Bala as revenge. Therefore, Bala killed Ramya and drowned her in the water to make it look like a suicide.


Hence, Ramya's soul killed Kalyani by electric shock; Thiyagarajan by the umbrella tip; the watchman who supported the false statement against Ramya; Mr. X by dashing him in the mirror; and now, she horrifies Mr. X's lover and makes her mentally unstable, yet the girl survives. Vasu warns Bala that he will soon catch him with evidence for mercilessly killing Ramya. Bala’s friend Vignesh alias Vicky ([[Srinath (actor)|Srinath]]) misguides him right from the beginning of the film about the women tendency of varieties and also against Ramya. Vicky later gets killed by Bala himself as he threatened to reveal the truth about the murder. Bala is confident that he can be caught only if he himself admits the crime. One midnight, Bala kidnaps Divya and keeps her in his own car showroom. Vasu comes to save Divya but involves himself into a face-to-face combat with Bala. At the fight, Bala initially gains the upper hand, hits Vasu mercilessly with an iron rod on his head, and then stabs Vasu in his stomach with his own machete. Vasu then loses his power and consciousness, but Ramya's blood-thirsty spirit possesses him and gives him the upper hand to knock out Bala. Vasu succeeds in saving Divya, and then Ramya's spirit leaves him.
Hence, Ramya's soul killed Kalyani by electric shock; Thiyagarajan by the umbrella tip; the watchman who supported the false statement against Ramya; Mr. X by bashing him against the mirror; and continues to traumatise Deepa, which leaves the girl mentally unstable, yet she survives. Vasu informs Bala that he will soon avenge Ramya's death by bringing the truth of her murder by Bala to light. Bala's friend Vignesh misguides him right from the beginning about the women's promiscuity. Vicky later gets killed by Bala himself as he threatened to reveal the truth. Bala is confident that he can be caught only if he confesses to the crime. One night, Bala kidnaps Divya and holds her captive in a car showroom. Vasu comes to save her and gets into a face-to-face combat with Bala. In the fight, Bala initially gains the upper hand, hits Vasu mercilessly with an iron rod on his head, and then stabs Vasu in his stomach with his own machete. Vasu then loses consciousness, but Ramya's spirit possesses him and gives him the upper hand to knock out Bala. Vasu succeeds in saving Divya, and then Ramya's spirit leaves him.


The very next day, Bala suddenly confesses about his wife's murder, and hence, Vasu gets a chance to prove him as the murderer. Actually, Ramya's spirit had possessed Bala and made him speak the truth. After the press conference, while Bala is being taken to court, the sky's color begins to appear bizarre, it begins to rain, and petrol is shown to be leaking from the police jeep in which Bala is being taken to court. Vasu sees a red umbrella with water dripping from it. Then the screen fades to black and a jeep crashing sound can be heard, stating that Ramya did not spare Bala.
The following day, Bala suddenly confesses to his wife's murder, giving Vasu a reason to arrest him. In reality, Ramya's spirit had possessed Bala and made him confess the truth. After the press conference, while Bala is being taken to court, the sky's colour changes. It begins to rain, and petrol is shown to be leaking from the police jeep in which Bala is seated. Vasu sees a red umbrella with water dripping from it. The screen fades to black and the sound of a jeep crashing can be heard, implying that Bala was killed.


==Cast==
==Cast==
* [[Aadhi Pinisetty|Aadhi]] as ACP Vasudevan IPS (Vasu), an honest police officer and Ramya's ex-lover, the protoganist
{{cast listing|
* [[Nandha (actor)|Nandha]] as Balakrishnan (Bala), Ramya's husband, the main antagonist
* [[Aadhi Pinisetty|Aadhi]] as ACP Vasudevan IPS (Vasu)
* [[Sindhu Menon]] as Ramya Balakrishnan (the water ghost)
* [[Nandaa]] as Balakrishnan (Bala)
* [[Saranya Mohan]] as Divya Shriraman, Ramya's sister
* [[Sindhu Menon]] as Ramya Balakrishnan
* [[Srinath (actor)|Srinath]] as Vignesh (Vicky), Bala's friend, the secondary antagonist
* [[Saranya Mohan]] as Divya Shriraman
* [[Krishna (TV actor)|Krishna]] as Mr. X, a name that Vasu gives to the person behind Ramya's death
* [[Srinath (Tamil actor)|Srinath]] as Vignesh (Vicky)
* [[Lakshmi Ramakrishnan]] as Kalyani Subramanyam, an apartment resident
* [[Krishna (TV actor)|Krishna]] as Mr. X
* Boys Rajan as Col. Thiyagarajan, an ex-army veteran and the pervert master
* [[Lakshmi Ramakrishnan]] as Kalyani Subramanyam
* Boys Rajan as Col. Thiyagarajan
* Rajashekar as Shriraman, Divya and Ramya's father
* Rajashekar as Shriraman, Divya and Ramya's father
* Eeram Ram as Vasu's collegemate
}}


==Production==
==Production==
Filming began in January 2008, after Shankar had completed the shooting of his previous film ''[[Sivaji (film)|Shivaji]]'', which starred [[Rajinikanth]] in the main lead. Filming finally came to an end in June 2009 and was prepared for a September 2009 release. [[Aadhi Pinisetty|Aadhi]] of ''[[Mirugam]]'' fame was roped as the protagonist, while [[Nandha (actor)|Nandha]] of ''[[Mounam Pesiyadhe]]'' and ''[[Urchagam]]'' fame was selected as the main antagonist. While [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] to make her comeback as heroine through this film, though actress's demand led Shankar to cast a new face. Soon, [[Sindhu Menon]], who starred ''[[Youth (2002 film)|Youth]]'' and ''[[Kadal Pookkal]]'', signed for the role.
''Eeram'' marked the directorial debut of Arivazhagan who was Shankar's associate director. Shankar himself produced the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2009 |title=September– Month of thrillers in Kollywood |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2009/Aug/29/september–-month-of-thrillers-in-kollywood-81716.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222143839/https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/tamil/2009/Aug/29/september%E2%80%93-month-of-thrillers-in-kollywood-81716.html |archive-date=22 February 2025 |access-date=18 January 2025 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
==Box office==
The film released in 120 screens worldwide and was a blockbuster at the box office.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110211093039/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14913695&cid=13525926 Eeram is a sleeper hit]</ref>


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name       = Eeram
| name         = Eeram
| type       = [[Soundtrack]]
| type         = [[Soundtrack]]
| artist     = [[S. Thaman]]
| artist       = [[S. Thaman]]
| cover     =
| cover       =  
| alt       =
| alt         =  
| released   = 21 March 2008
| released     = 9 August 2009 (Tamil)<br />2011 (Telugu)
| recorded   = 2007-2008
| recorded     =  
| venue     =
| venue       =  
| studio     =
| studio       =  
| genre     = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| genre       = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length     =12:42
| length       = 12:42 (Tamil)<br />12:29 (Telugu)
| label     = [[Sony Music India]]
| label       = [[Sony Music India]]<br />[[Think Music]] (Tamil)<br />Aditya Music (Telugu)
| producer   = [[S. Thaman]]
| producer     = [[S. Thaman]]
| next_title = [[Sankham]]
| next_title   = [[Sankham]]
| next_year = 2009
| next_year   = 2009
}}
}}


The music was composed by debutant [[S. Thaman]]. The audio rights was bagged by [[Think Music India|Think Music]] and [[Sony Music India]]. The songs were released in March 2008, although the recording took place in 2007. The audio event was attended by [[M. Sasikumar]], [[Rajinikanth]], [[Allu Arjun]], [[Nandha (actor)|Nandha]], and [[Aadhi Pinisetty]]. All lyrics were penned by [[Viveka (lyricist)|Viveka]].<ref>https://gaana.com/album/eeram</ref>
The music was composed by debutant [[S. Thaman]]. The audio rights were bought by [[Think Music]] and [[Sony Music India]]. The songs were released on 9 August 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 August 2009 |title=Rajnikanth to Release Audio of Shankar's 'Eeram' |url=https://daijiworld.com/index.php/news/newsDisplay?newsID=63710 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221174309/https://daijiworld.com/index.php/news/newsDisplay?newsID=63710 |archive-date=21 February 2025 |access-date=21 February 2025 |website=[[Daijiworld Media|Daijiworld]] |language=en |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]}}</ref>  All lyrics were penned by [[Viveka (lyricist)|Viveka]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Eeram (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://gaana.com/album/eeram |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021232232/https://gaana.com/album/eeram |archive-date=21 October 2018 |accessdate=9 August 2022 |website=[[Gaana (music streaming service)|Gaana]]}}</ref>
 
The Telugu-dubbed soundtrack was released in 2011 by [[Aditya Music]].
 
{{track listing
| headline      = Tamil Track list
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
| total_length  = 12:42
| title1        = Mazhaiye Mazhaiye
| extra1        = [[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]]
| length1      = 4:09
| title2        = Tharai Erangiya
| extra2        = [[Suchitra Karthik|Suchitra]]
| length2      = 3:42
| title3        = Saaral En
| extra3        = [[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]]
| length3      = 2:12
| title4        = Theme of Eeram
| extra4        = [[Instrumental]]
| length4      = 2:39
}}


{{tracklist
{{track listing
| headline       = Track list
| headline     = Telugu Track list
| extra_column   = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length   = 12:42
| total_length = 12:29
| title1         = Mazhaiye Mazhaiye
| title1       = Kurisey Kurisey
| extra1         = [[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]]
| extra1       = Ranjith
| length1         = 4:09
| length1       = 4:07
| title2         = Tharai Erangiya
| title2       = Kurivippina
| extra2         = [[Suchitra Karthik|Suchitra]]
| extra2       = Suchitra
| length2         = 3:42
| length2       = 3:38
| title3         = Saaral En
| title3       = Jalley
| extra3         = [[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]]
| extra3       = Ranjith
| length3         = 2:12
| length3       = 2:12
| title4         = Theme of Eeram
| title4       = Vaishali&nbsp;– Theme Music
| extra4         = [[Instrumental]]
| extra4       = Instrumental
| length4         = 2:39
| length4       = 2:37
}}
}}


==Critical reception==
==Reception==
''Rediff'' wrote "Debutant director Arivazhagan, who has written and directed the film, has turned out a horror/suspense film that strives to score points on logic, novelty and raciness. The best part is that he actually makes you cling to the edge of the seat most of the time. No mean feat, considering the limitations on mainstream Tamil cinema."<ref>http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/sep/11/review-eeram.htm</ref> ''Behindwoods'' wrote " Although paranormal subjects are not something new, the narrative style, technical wizardry and the brilliant camera work give Eeram, the real eerie experience."<ref>http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/eeram.html</ref> ''The Hindu'' wrote "Arivazhagan must have polished his screenplay over and over again to come up with such a lucid narrative that strongly impacts the viewer. Only wish the attempt doesn’t prove to be a flash in the pan. Because Eeram shows that this young director is worth looking out for."<ref>http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/not-a-damp-squib-eeram/article3021917.ece</ref>
===Critical response===
''[[Rediff.com]]'' wrote "Debutant director Arivazhagan, who has written and directed the film, has turned out a horror/suspense film that strives to score points on logic, novelty and raciness. The best part is that he actually makes you cling to the edge of the seat most of the time. No mean feat, considering the limitations on mainstream Tamil cinema".<ref name="RED">{{cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=11 September 2009 |title=Eeram is brilliant |url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/sep/11/review-eeram.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619195530/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/sep/11/review-eeram.htm |archive-date=19 June 2017 |access-date=14 March 2016 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote "Arivazhagan must have polished his screenplay over and over again to come up with such a lucid narrative that strongly impacts the viewer. Only wish the attempt doesn't prove to be a flash in the pan. Because ''Eeram'' shows that this young director is worth looking out for".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=18 September 2009 |title=Not a damp squib -- Eeram |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/not-a-damp-squib-eeram/article3021917.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116051111/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/not-a-damp-squib-eeram/article3021917.ece |archive-date=16 November 2021 |access-date=14 March 2016 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Sify wrote, "''Eeram'' is cool and chilling, but would have been better if it was trimmed by atleast 15 minutes. Anyway Shankar can be proud of his new discovery- Arivazhagan, the film is worth a look".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Eeram |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14909711&ctid=5&cid=2429 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115091950/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14909711&ctid=5&cid=2429 |archive-date=2011-11-15 |access-date=2026-03-03 |work=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
===Box office===
The film released in 120 screens worldwide and was considered a [[sleeper hit]] by trade analysts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 October 2009 |title=Chennai Box Office&nbsp;– October 2 to 4 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14913695&cid=13525926 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211093039/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14913695&cid=13525926 |archive-date=11 February 2011 |access-date=30 October 2013 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>
 
==Dropped sequel==
After the success of ''Eeram'', Arivazhagan wanted to make a sequel as he had the story ready for it, but soon dropped the idea to avoid getting typecast. Later, he chose to go with a different genre which was not related to ''Eeram'', as he did not want to limit himself to only horror films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darshan |first=Navein |date=9 December 2023 |title='Sabdham was supposed to be part of Eeram franchise': Filmmaker Arivazhagan |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2023/Dec/25/sabdham-was-supposed-to-be-part-of-eeram-franchise-filmmaker-arivazhagan-2644583.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250518095800/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2023/Dec/25/sabdham-was-supposed-to-be-part-of-eeram-franchise-filmmaker-arivazhagan-2644583.html |archive-date=18 May 2025 |access-date=2 March 2025 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
 
{{Portal|Film|Speculative fiction/Horror|India}}
* [[List of ghost films]]
* [[List of ghost films]]
* [[List of horror films of 2009]]
* [[List of horror films of 2009]]
* [[Gothic film|Gothic film – Notable films]]


==References==
==References==
Line 107: Line 133:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|tt1670635}}
* {{IMDb title}}
{{Arivazhagan Venkatachalam}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
 
{{Arivazhagan}}
{{S. Shankar}}
{{S. Shankar}}


[[Category:2000s ghost films]]
[[Category:2000s horror thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s supernatural horror films]]
[[Category:2000s supernatural thriller films]]
[[Category:2009 crime thriller films]]
[[Category:2009 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:2009 Indian films]]
[[Category:2009 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Films about uxoricide]]
[[Category:Films directed by Arivazhagan Venkatachalam]]
[[Category:Films scored by Thaman S]]
[[Category:Films set in apartment buildings]]
[[Category:Films set in Puducherry]]
[[Category:Films set in Tiruchirappalli]]
[[Category:Films shot in Puducherry]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tiruchirappalli]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tiruchirappalli]]
[[Category:Indian crime horror films]]
[[Category:Indian crime thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian crime thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:2009 crime thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2000s supernatural thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s horror thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s ghost films]]
[[Category:Films scored by S. Thaman]]
[[Category:Films set in Tiruchirappalli]]
[[Category:2009 horror films]]
[[Category:Indian horror thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian ghost films]]
[[Category:Indian ghost films]]
[[Category:Indian haunted house films]]
[[Category:Indian haunted house films]]
[[Category:Indian horror thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian supernatural horror films]]
[[Category:Indian supernatural thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian supernatural thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian supernatural horror films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language crime thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s supernatural horror films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language horror thriller films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Uxoricide in fiction]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Films shot in Puducherry]]
[[Category:Films set in Puducherry]]
[[Category:2009 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Arivazhagan Venkatachalam]]

Latest revision as of 00:24, 5 March 2026


Eeram
File:Eeram.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byArivazhagan
Produced byS. Shankar
Written byArivazhagan
StarringAadhi
Nandaa
Sindhu Menon
Music byS. Thaman
CinematographyManoj Paramahamsa
Edited byKishore Te
Production
company
Release date
  • 11 September 2009 (2009-09-11)
Running time
164 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Eeram (transl. Moisture) is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language horror thriller film[1] written and directed by Arivazhagan in his directorial debut and produced by S. Shankar. The film stars Aadhi, Nandaa and Sindhu Menon. Saranya Mohan, Srinath, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan, and Krishna play supporting roles.[2] The music was composed by S. Thaman in his debut Tamil film with cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa and editing by Kishore Te.

Eeram was mostly shot in Chennai,[3] Srirangam,[4] Tiruchirappalli and Pondicherry.[3] The film was released on 11 September 2009 and became a commercial success.[5] The film received critical acclaim for its theme, narrative, cast performance, cinematography, musical score, and direction. Over the years it has attained cult status.[6] The Telugu dubbed version of the film titled Vaishali released on 27 May 2011,[7][8] and was commercially successful as well.[9]

Plot[edit | edit source]

The plot opens with water overflowing from an apartment at around 2:00 AM in Block E, which is seen by the apartment watchman. When he goes to inspect the source of the water, he witnesses a woman Ramya in the bathtub dead from asphyxiation. An investigation of her death is done by Assistant Commissioner of Police Vasudevan, an honest and upright police officer who is also Ramya's former boyfriend. Although circumstantial evidence points it was a suicide, Vasu doubts its reliability and restarts the investigation of the events leading to her death.

The investigation reveals that Ramya was having an extramarital affair with an unknown person, and his frequent visits to her flat are confirmed by her neighbours in the building. However, Vasu is not convinced and sure that there is someone behind Ramya's death and names him Mr. X. He also remembers his love life with Ramya during their college years. Vasu was refused Ramya's hand in marriage by her father Shriraman as he was not willing to get his daughter married to a police officer. When Vasu asked her to elope and marry him, she refused, and they parted ways. Later, Ramya married wealthy businessman Balakrishnan.

Meanwhile, strange mishaps begin to take place in the apartment where Ramya died. Kalyani Subramanyam, who resides in the flat opposite Ramya's, dies by electric shock. An army veteran, Thiyagarajan, on his visit to Pondicherry, dies when an umbrella tip pierces his neck. The apartment watchman also dies a mysterious death. Vasu connects these deaths to Ramya but does not know how exactly. He finds that water is the common element in all the deaths. He appoints a few assistants to live in various flats of the apartment and inform him if there is any suspicious activity. The assistants point out a young man coming there to meet his girlfriend Deepa. Vasu identifies him as Mr. X and follows him to a theatre, but before he can catch him, he sees Mr. X banging his head into the restroom mirror. Vasu tries to stop him from killing himself, but an eerie spirit stops him from saving the young man. Vasu then sees human footprints walking on water and understands that it is the work of a supernatural entity.

The colour red and water keep appearing together as signals to Vasu that a murder is about to take place. He is unable to convince his superiors that the deaths are not accidental. Vasu investigates from a supernatural standpoint of life after death, and finds that a spirit can contact this world in any medium after the death and that it may also be through water. Vasu realises that Ramya's spirit killed everyone. One night, when Ramya's sister Divya visits Vasu in his house to console him over Ramya's death, the latter's spirit possesses her and reveals the truth of her life after her break-up from Vasu.

Ramya lived happily with Bala but only for a short time. Bala disliked anything secondhand in his life. He could not digest his wife's past relation with Vasu and started to harass her. Ramya's maid complained of Thiyagarajan in another flat as he had been sexually harassing her. Ramya warned Thiyagarajan that if he repeated this, she would inform his wife. Ramya also advised Deepa to stop having a boyfriend (Mr. X) as it would ruin her life, and this earned her Deepa's dislike. Ramya's neighbour Kalyani wanted the flat where Ramya lived, for her daughter. Mr. X created an impression that he had come to visit Ramya to Kalyani. She had spun a false story against Ramya, and Thiyagarajan also confirmed it to Bala as revenge. Therefore, Bala killed Ramya and drowned her in the water to make it look like a suicide.

Hence, Ramya's soul killed Kalyani by electric shock; Thiyagarajan by the umbrella tip; the watchman who supported the false statement against Ramya; Mr. X by bashing him against the mirror; and continues to traumatise Deepa, which leaves the girl mentally unstable, yet she survives. Vasu informs Bala that he will soon avenge Ramya's death by bringing the truth of her murder by Bala to light. Bala's friend Vignesh misguides him right from the beginning about the women's promiscuity. Vicky later gets killed by Bala himself as he threatened to reveal the truth. Bala is confident that he can be caught only if he confesses to the crime. One night, Bala kidnaps Divya and holds her captive in a car showroom. Vasu comes to save her and gets into a face-to-face combat with Bala. In the fight, Bala initially gains the upper hand, hits Vasu mercilessly with an iron rod on his head, and then stabs Vasu in his stomach with his own machete. Vasu then loses consciousness, but Ramya's spirit possesses him and gives him the upper hand to knock out Bala. Vasu succeeds in saving Divya, and then Ramya's spirit leaves him.

The following day, Bala suddenly confesses to his wife's murder, giving Vasu a reason to arrest him. In reality, Ramya's spirit had possessed Bala and made him confess the truth. After the press conference, while Bala is being taken to court, the sky's colour changes. It begins to rain, and petrol is shown to be leaking from the police jeep in which Bala is seated. Vasu sees a red umbrella with water dripping from it. The screen fades to black and the sound of a jeep crashing can be heard, implying that Bala was killed.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Eeram marked the directorial debut of Arivazhagan who was Shankar's associate director. Shankar himself produced the film.[10]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Eeram
Soundtrack album by
S. Thaman
Released9 August 2009 (Tamil)
2011 (Telugu)
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length12:42 (Tamil)
12:29 (Telugu)
LabelSony Music India
Think Music (Tamil)
Aditya Music (Telugu)
ProducerS. Thaman
S. Thaman chronology
Eeram
(2009) 		Sankham
(2009)

The music was composed by debutant S. Thaman. The audio rights were bought by Think Music and Sony Music India. The songs were released on 9 August 2009.[11] All lyrics were penned by Viveka.[12]

The Telugu-dubbed soundtrack was released in 2011 by Aditya Music.

Tamil Track list
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Mazhaiye Mazhaiye"Ranjith4:09
2."Tharai Erangiya"Suchitra3:42
3."Saaral En"Ranjith2:12
4."Theme of Eeram"Instrumental2:39
Total length:12:42
Telugu Track list
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Kurisey Kurisey"Ranjith4:07
2."Kurivippina"Suchitra3:38
3."Jalley"Ranjith2:12
4."Vaishali – Theme Music"Instrumental2:37
Total length:12:29

Reception[edit | edit source]

Critical response[edit | edit source]

Rediff.com wrote "Debutant director Arivazhagan, who has written and directed the film, has turned out a horror/suspense film that strives to score points on logic, novelty and raciness. The best part is that he actually makes you cling to the edge of the seat most of the time. No mean feat, considering the limitations on mainstream Tamil cinema".[1] The Hindu wrote "Arivazhagan must have polished his screenplay over and over again to come up with such a lucid narrative that strongly impacts the viewer. Only wish the attempt doesn't prove to be a flash in the pan. Because Eeram shows that this young director is worth looking out for".[13] Sify wrote, "Eeram is cool and chilling, but would have been better if it was trimmed by atleast 15 minutes. Anyway Shankar can be proud of his new discovery- Arivazhagan, the film is worth a look".[14]

Box office[edit | edit source]

The film released in 120 screens worldwide and was considered a sleeper hit by trade analysts.[15]

Dropped sequel[edit | edit source]

After the success of Eeram, Arivazhagan wanted to make a sequel as he had the story ready for it, but soon dropped the idea to avoid getting typecast. Later, he chose to go with a different genre which was not related to Eeram, as he did not want to limit himself to only horror films.[16]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Srinivasan, Pavithra (11 September 2009). "Eeram is brilliant". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  2. ↑ Warrier, Shobha (9 September 2009). "'Eeram has all the emotions from my life'". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 12 December 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Eeram Preview". Tamilnow.com. 5 August 2009. Archived from the original on 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  4. ↑ Narahari, Prasanth G. (14 April 2010). "Camera Art". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  5. ↑ "Telugu version of 'Eeram' to hit the screens". The New Indian Express. 24 November 2010. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  6. ↑ "Aadhi's 'Eeram' completes 15 years!: Decoding the supernatural thriller's cult status". The Times of India. 11 September 2024. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  7. ↑ "Vaishali gets a release date". The Times of India. 21 April 2011. Archived from the original on 28 May 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  8. ↑ Jeevi. "Telugu Movie review – Vaishali". Idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  9. ↑ Srinivasan, Sudhir (20 June 2015). "'Fame is fleeting'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  10. ↑ "September– Month of thrillers in Kollywood". The New Indian Express. 29 August 2009. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  11. ↑ "Rajnikanth to Release Audio of Shankar's 'Eeram'". Daijiworld. IANS. 6 August 2009. Archived from the original on 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  12. ↑ "Eeram (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Gaana. Archived from the original on 21 October 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  13. ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (18 September 2009). "Not a damp squib -- Eeram". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  14. ↑ "Eeram". Sify. Archived from the original on 15 November 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  15. ↑ "Chennai Box Office – October 2 to 4". Sify. 6 October 2009. Archived from the original on 11 February 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  16. ↑ Darshan, Navein (9 December 2023). "'Sabdham was supposed to be part of Eeram franchise': Filmmaker Arivazhagan". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 18 May 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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