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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Kadhal Kavithai.m
| image          = Kaadhal Kavithai poster.jpg
| image          = Kaadhal Kavithai poster.jpg
| image_size    =
| caption        = Poster
| caption        = Poster
| director      = [[Agathiyan]]
| director      = [[Agathiyan]]
| producer      = [[Murali Manohar]]
| producer      = [[Sunanda Murali Manohar]]
| starring      = [[Prashanth]]<br>[[Isha Koppikar]]<br>[[Kasthuri (actress)|Kasthuri]]
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Prashanth]]|[[Isha Koppikar]]|[[Kasthuri Shankar|Kasthuri]]}}
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cinematography = [[Ravi Yadav]]
| cinematography = [[Ravi Yadav]]
| editing        = Lancy-Mohan
| editing        = Lancy-Mohan
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| studio        = Metro Film Corporation
| studio        = Metro Film Corporation
| released      = {{Film date|1998|12|25|df=y}}
| released      = {{Film date|1998|12|25|df=y}}
| runtime        = 145 minutes
| runtime        = 145 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil  
| language      = Tamil
| budget        =
| gross          =
| preceded_by    =
| followed_by    =
}}
}}
'''''Kadhal Kavithai''''' ({{trans|''Poem of love''}}) is a 1998 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romance film]] directed by [[Agathiyan]] and produced by [[Murali Manohar]]. The film features [[Prashanth (actor)|Prashanth]] and [[Isha Koppikar]] , while [[Kasthuri (actress)|Kasthuri]], [[Manivannan]] and [[Srividya]] play other supporting characters. The film had music composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]], while duo Lancy-Mohan and Ravi Yadav handled the editing and cinematography respectively.
'''''Kaadhal Kavithai''''' ({{translation|''Poem of love''}}) is a 1998 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romance film]] directed by [[Agathiyan]] and produced by [[Sunanda Murali Manohar]]. The film stars [[Prashanth]], [[Isha Koppikar]] (in her Tamil debut) and [[Kasthuri Shankar|Kasthuri]], while [[Manivannan]] and [[Srividya]] play supporting characters. The film had music composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]], while duo Lancy-Mohan and Ravi Yadav handled the editing and cinematography respectively.


The storyline revolves around a classical dancer who, while touring Europe, visits [[Princess Diana]]'s memorial at [[Althorp]]. Browsing through the various messages left by the public, she comes across a poetic, poignant epistle in Tamil that captivates her and impels her to scribble a response. While returning a few days later, she finds the author of that note has left another one, prompting her to begin to search for the author. After opening in December 1998, the film went on to gain success critically and became a commercially successful venture.<ref>http://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/16ss.htm</ref>
The storyline revolves around a classical dancer who, while touring Europe, visits [[Diana, Princess of Wales|Princess Diana]]'s memorial at [[Althorp]]. Browsing through the various messages left by the public, she comes across a poetic, poignant epistle in Tamil that captivates her and impels her to scribble a response. While returning a few days later, she finds the author of that note has left another one, prompting her to begin to search for the author. After opening on 25 December 1998, the film went on to gain success critically and became a commercially successful venture.


==Plot==
== Plot ==
Vishwa ([[Prashanth]]) spends his time hanging out with Anandham ([[Charle|Charlie]]) to avoid his mother ([[Ambika (actress)|Ambika]]), who always quarrels with his dad ([[Manivannan]]). To find peace, he plays tricks on others. Among the victims is Jothi ([[Isha Koppikar]]). The story moves to London, where Vishva visits [[Princess Diana]]'s grave and leaves a beautiful poem behind. At the same time, Jothi too visits the grave and leaves a note after reading the poem. Then begins a warm relationship between Jothi and Vishwa without seeing each other. Whether the two are united form the rest of the story.
{{More plot|date=June 2023}}
Vishwa spends his time hanging out with Anandham to avoid his mother, who always quarrels with his father. To find peace, he plays tricks on others. Among the victims is Jothi. The story moves to London, where Vishva visits [[Diana, Princess of Wales|Princess Diana]]'s grave and leaves a beautiful poem behind. At the same time, Jothi too visits the grave and leaves a note after reading the poem. Then begins a warm relationship between Jothi and Vishwa without seeing each other. Whether the two are united form the rest of the story.


==Cast==
== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
{{cast listing|
*[[Prashanth]] as Vishwa
*[[Prashanth]] as Vishwa
*[[Isha Koppikar]] as Jothi
*[[Isha Koppikar]] as Jothi
*[[Kasthuri (actress)|Kasthuri]] as Swapna
*[[Kasthuri Shankar|Kasthuri]] as Swapna
*[[Manivannan]] as Vishwa's father
*[[Manivannan]] as Vishwa's father
*[[Rajeev (Tamil actor)|Rajiv]] as Jothi's father
*[[Rajeev (Tamil actor)|Rajiv]] as Jothi's father
Line 43: Line 38:
*[[Karan (actor)|Karan]] in a special appearance
*[[Karan (actor)|Karan]] in a special appearance
*[[Raju Sundaram]] as himself in a special appearance
*[[Raju Sundaram]] as himself in a special appearance
*[[Roja (actress)|Roja]] as herself in a special appearance
*[[Roja Selvamani|Roja]] as herself in a special appearance
*[[Saranya Nag]] (child artiste)
*[[Saranya Nag]] as Jothi's friend (child artiste)
{{colend}}
}}
 
==Production==
After the success of [[S. Shankar|Shankar]]'s 1998 romantic film ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'', the co-producer [[Ashok Amritraj]] agreed to work with actor [[Prashanth]] again in his next film and thus signed on to finance a film to be directed by Agathiyan.<ref name="amrit">http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/16ss.htm></ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20041023142720/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/gossip/27-04-98/genes.htm</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/08spice.htm |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |work=Rediff.com |date=1999-12-08 |access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref> The film was initially titled ''Adhisayam'' (Wonder) and shooting began in [[Tamil Nadu]] in August 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/People/98/Feb/ashok.htm |title=A Chat with Ashok Amritraj |publisher=Indolink.com |date= |access-date=2012-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175549/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/People/98/Feb/ashok.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film went through a change of title to ''Kaadhal Kavithai'', reminiscent of Agathiyan's yesteryear film ''[[Kadhal Kottai]]'' and Amritraj sold the project to [[Sunanda Murali Manohar]] of Cee I TV Limited.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/A82102A5E81EB83765256940004D0D73 |title=Luring the audiences back to theatres - The Hindu |date=1999-01-22 |access-date=2012-08-05 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
 
[[Isha Koppikar]] made her debut as an actor with this film, despite signing on to appear in K. S. Ravi's ''[[En Swasa Kaatre]]'' before ''Kaadhal Kavithai''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/5F97CD3ABF2D273A65256B0E002AC478 |title=Papa's beti - Deccan Herald |date=2000-07-30 |access-date=2012-08-05 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The team had earlier approached [[Aishwarya Rai]] to be a part of the film, though she did not accept the offer.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20050312040740/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/27-06-98/prashant.htm</ref> [[Monal (actress)|Monal]] auditioned for the film, but did not make the final cast.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20041023142518/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/gossip/26-12-99/jothiga.htm</ref> [[Raju Sundaram]] choreographed a belly dance song shot in Rajasthan featuring actress [[Kasthuri (actress)|Kasthuri]].<ref name="amrit"/> Part of the film is shot in [[London]], with locations including near the [[River Thames]], the [[Houses of Parliament]], [[Piccadilly Circus]] and [[Althorp]], where the memorial to [[Princess Diana]] was located.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/hollywood/lot/2330/review.htm |title=Gokul'S Home Page |publisher=Oocities.org |date= |access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref><ref>http://m.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/28ss.htm</ref>


==Release==
== Production ==
A critic from Indolink.com gave the film a positive review mentioning that ''Kaadhal Kavithai'' "is handled neatly and that Agathian manages well with dialogues and a fresh mix of characters", describing it as "the must see movie of the year".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/Kaadhal_Kavithai_192031.html |title=Kaadhal Kavithai: Movie Review |publisher=Indolink.com |date= |access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref> A critic from ''Tamil Movie Cafe'' also gave the film a positive review, praising the director's work.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20001101043154/http://tmcafe.com/kathalkavithai.htm</ref> The [[Deccan Herald]] mentioned that the film is "visually a delight, the songs and music are pleasant, especially when they harmonise with the locations, which they don’t always." The reviewer adds that "Prashanth is alright though he seems a little narcissistic, you always feel that he’s looking at a mirror someone’s holding up. The heroine is new, and not unpleasant. Srividya is wasted, though brightening."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/4E8B272E9878BC126525694000620183 |title=Kadal Kavithai - Deccan Herald |publisher=Archive.cscs.res.in |date=2004-06-20 |access-date=2012-08-05 }}</ref>
After the success of the 1998 film ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'', its co-producer [[Ashok Amritraj]] agreed to work with actor [[Prashanth]] again in his next film and thus signed on to finance a film to be directed by [[Agathiyan]].<ref name="Dub-a-dub-a-dub">{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=16 January 1999 |title=Dub-a-dub-a-dub |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/16ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928194633/https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/16ss.htm |archive-date=28 September 2022 |access-date=7 June 2023 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 April 1998 |title="GENES" PRODUCER'S NEXT TAMIL VENTURE! |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/gossip/27-04-98/genes.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023142720/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/gossip/27-04-98/genes.htm |archive-date=23 October 2004 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 1999 |title=Rahman in Hollywood |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/08spice.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026090450/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/08spice.htm |archive-date=26 October 2012 |access-date=5 August 2012 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> The film, initially untitled, began filming in [[Tamil Nadu]] in August 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krishna |first=Sandya S. |title="Having watched the wonderful films in India, I was quite 'crazy' about films" |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/People/98/Feb/ashok.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175549/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/People/98/Feb/ashok.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=5 August 2012 |website=Indolink}}</ref> Amritraj later sold the project, later titled ''Kaadhal Kavithai'', to [[Sunanda Murali Manohar]] of Cee I TV Limited.<ref name="diana">{{Cite web |date=28 October 1998 |title=When love grows where Di died |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/28ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127022546/https://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/28ss.htm |archive-date=27 November 2018 |access-date=7 June 2023 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref>


[[Prashanth (actor)|Prashanth]] with ''Kaadhal Kavithai'' capped off a hat-trick of hit films in 1998 after the successes of Shankar's ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' and Ravichandran's ''[[Kannedhirey Thondrinal]]''.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> [[Eesha Koppikhar|Isha Koppikar]] won plaudits from critics for her performance with Rediff.com stating that with her "strong screen presence, and acting skills that belie her newbie status, she could be the latest to storm the TN industry".<ref name="amrit"/> The film won her further offers and [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] signed her on for his next ''[[Nenjinile]]'' after seeing her performance in ''Kaadhal Kavithai''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jun/07ss.htm |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |work=Rediff.com |date=1999-06-07 |access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref> She went on to win the [[Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South|Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut]] in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/324A4A470734BB1E6525694000620184 |title=Filmfare awards presented at a dazzling function - The Times of India |date=1999-04-25 |access-date=2012-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323102405/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/324A4A470734BB1E6525694000620184 |archive-date=23 March 2012 |df= }}</ref>
[[Isha Koppikar]] made her debut as an actor in Tamil cinema with this film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chatterji |first=Shoma A. |author-link=Shoma A. Chatterji |date=26 July 2008 |title='I want to get out of the item number trap' |url=https://m.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080726/saturday/main2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608045342/https://m.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080726/saturday/main2.htm |archive-date=8 June 2023 |access-date=8 June 2023 |website=[[The Tribune (India)|The Tribune]]}}</ref> The team had earlier approached [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan|Aishwarya Rai]] to be a part of the film, though she did not accept the offer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 1998 |title=Prashanth In Shankar, Agaththiyan Films |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/27-06-98/prashant.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050312040740/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/27-06-98/prashant.htm |archive-date=12 March 2005 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref> [[Monal Naval|Monal]] auditioned for the film, but did not make the final cast.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 December 1999 |title=Simran's Sister Monal! |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/gossip/26-12-99/jothiga.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023142518/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/gossip/26-12-99/jothiga.htm |archive-date=23 October 2004 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref> [[Prakash Raj]] was originally chosen for an important role; however he was replaced by [[Thalaivasal Vijay]] while [[Indraja]] was originally offered [[Kasthuri Shankar|Kasthuri]]'s role which she refused due to the role being glamorous. [[Roja Selvamani|Roja]] made a cameo appearance for a song which was originally offered to [[Simran (actress)|Simran]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=6 December 1998 |title=பெங்களூரிலிருந்து ஒரு மேகம்! |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1998-12-06/page/n97/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230607132933/https://archive.org/details/kalki1998-12-06/page/n97/mode/2up |archive-date=7 June 2023 |access-date=7 June 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=96 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> [[Raju Sundaram]] choreographed a belly dance song shot in Rajasthan featuring Kasthuri.<ref name="Dub-a-dub-a-dub" /> Part of the film was shot in [[London]], with locations including near the [[River Thames]], the [[Palace of Westminster|Houses of Parliament]], [[Piccadilly Circus]] and [[Althorp]], where the memorial to [[Diana, Princess of Wales]] was located.<ref name="diana" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=KAADHAL KAVITHAI |url=http://www.oocities.org/hollywood/lot/2330/review.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224123201/http://www.oocities.org/hollywood/lot/2330/review.htm |archive-date=24 February 2014 |access-date=5 August 2012 |website=Oocities.org}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
The soundtrack was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 1998 |title=Kadhal Kavithai (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/kadhal-kavithai-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/686351545 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608052507/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/kadhal-kavithai-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/686351545 |archive-date=8 June 2023 |access-date=8 June 2023 |website=[[Apple Music]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kaadhal Kavithai / Manam Virumbuthey Unnai |url=https://avdigital.in/products/kaadhal-kavithai-manam-virumbuthey-unnai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205103759/https://avdigital.in/products/kaadhal-kavithai-manam-virumbuthey-unnai |archive-date=5 February 2023 |access-date=8 June 2023 |website=AVDigital}}</ref> and became one of the most sold Tamil albums in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kaadhal Kavidhai |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Music/Reviews/98/Kaadhal_Kavidhai_19231.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020107051823/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Music/Reviews/98/Kaadhal_Kavidhai_19231.html |archive-date=7 January 2002 |access-date=5 August 2012 |website=Indolink}}</ref>
| name      = Kaadhal Kavithai
| type      = [[Soundtrack]]
| artist    = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released  = 1998
| recorded  =
| venue      =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length    =
| label      = New Music<br>Cee (I) TV Audio<br>[[Sa Re Ga Ma]]
| producer  =
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}
The soundtrack of the film was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]], his only collaboration with Agathian, was well received by the audience and became one of the most sold albums in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Music/Reviews/98/Kaadhal_Kavidhai_19231.html |title=Kaadhal Kavidhai: Music Review |publisher=Indolink.com |date= |access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! Track !! Song !! Singer(s) !! Duration
! Song !! Singer(s) !! Duration
|-  
|-
|1 || "Aalana Naal Mudhala" || [[Pushpavanam Kuppusamy]], [[Sowmya Raoh]] || 05:06
| "Aalana Naal Mudhala" || [[Pushpavanam Kuppusamy]], [[Sowmya Raoh]] || 05:06
|-
|-
|2 || "Hey Konji Pesu" || [[Ilaiyaraaja]], [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]] || 05:05
| "Hey Konji Pesu" || [[Ilaiyaraaja]], [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]] || 05:05
|-
|-
|3 || "Alai Meethu" || [[Bhavatharini]] || 03:04
| "Alai Meethu" || [[Bhavatharini]] || 03:04
|-
|-
|4 || "Diana Diana" || [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] || 05:11
| "Diana Diana" || [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] || 05:11
|-
|-
|5 || "Kadhal Meethu" || [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] || 05:08
| "Kadhal Meethu" || [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] || 05:08
|-
|-
|6 || "Manasa Thotta Kadhal" || [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] || 04:37
| "Manasa Thotta Kadhal" || [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] || 04:37
|-
|-
|7 || "Thathom" || [[Ila Arun]], [[Swarnalatha]] || 04:59
| "Thathom" || [[Ila Arun]], [[Swarnalatha]] || 04:59
|}
|}


==References==
== Release and reception ==
{{reflist|2}}
<!-- https://books.google.co.in/books?id=bXAWAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA53&dq=manivannan&article_id=4946,560684&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjo1Nqrtt-DAxVOnq8BHcVyDDkQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=manivannan&f=false -->
D. S. Ramanujam from ''[[The Hindu]]'' gave the film a positive review, praising the director's work.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=D. S. |date=1 January 1999 |title=Film Reviews: Kaathal Kavithai/Cheran Chozhan Pandiyan/There's something About Mary |url=http://www.webpage.com/hindu/daily/990101/09/09010224.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010906110301/http://www.webpage.com/hindu/daily/990101/09/09010224.htm |archive-date=6 September 2001 |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |pages=27}}</ref> Kala Krishnan Ramesh from ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' mentioned that the film is "visually a delight, the songs and music are pleasant, especially when they harmonise with the locations, which they don't always." The reviewer adds that "Prashanth is alright though he seems a little narcissistic, you always feel that he's looking at a mirror someone's holding up. The heroine is new, and not unpleasant. Srividya is wasted, though brightening."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramesh |first=Kala Krishnan |date=10 January 1999 |title=Kadal Kavithai |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/4E8B272E9878BC126525694000620183 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203041234/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/4E8B272E9878BC126525694000620183 |archive-date=3 December 2021 |access-date=5 August 2012 |website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref>
 
G. Ulaganathan from ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' wrote that both Prashanth and Koppikar performed well and "Prashanth, especially after his ''Jeans'' has matured as an actor".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulaganathan |first=G. |date=27 December 1998 |title='KK'hangover |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:80/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/076FF238CBFF48D26525694000570F70?OpenDocument |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024005929/http://www.cscsarchive.org:80/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/076FF238CBFF48D26525694000570F70?OpenDocument |archive-date=24 October 2007 |access-date=30 September 2022 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> R. P. R. of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' praised the acting of Manivannan and Ambika and poetic dialogues and felt the characterisation of parents of both main leads were more memorable than the lead pair but questioned Agathiyan for reusing the plot of his ''[[Kadhal Kottai]]'' instead of coming up with something new while panning the acting of Prashanth and Kasthuri's character design and concluded saying certain special features from the film may not attract the attention of fans because it is a familiar story but if you think the story doesn't matter, there are many other aspects of the film to consider.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ஆர். பி. ஆர். |date=10 January 1999 |title=காதல் கவிதை |url=https://ibb.co/2N9fm3C |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608055503/https://ibb.co/2N9fm3C |archive-date=8 June 2023 |access-date=8 June 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=81 |language=ta}}</ref>
 
Prashanth, with ''Kaadhal Kavithai'', capped off a hat-trick of hit films in 1998 after the successes of Shankar's ''Jeans'' and Ravichandran's ''[[Kannedhirey Thondrinal]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=D. S. |date=22 January 1999 |title=Luring the audiences back to theatres |url=http://www.webpage.com/hindu/daily/990122/09/09220222.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010411023141/http://www.webpage.com/hindu/daily/990122/09/09220222.htm |archive-date=11 April 2001 |access-date=11 March 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |pages=26}}</ref> Koppikar won plaudits from critics for her performance with Rediff.com stating that with her "strong screen presence, and acting skills that belie her newbie status, she could be the latest to storm the TN industry".<ref name="Dub-a-dub-a-dub" /> The film won her further offers and actor [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] signed her on for his film ''[[Nenjinile]]'' after seeing her performance in ''Kaadhal Kavithai''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=7 June 1999 |title=Exploring fresh avenues |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jun/07ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226045726/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jun/07ss.htm |archive-date=26 December 2014 |access-date=5 August 2012 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> She went on to win the [[Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut&nbsp;– South]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 1999 |title=Filmfare awards presented at a dazzling function |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/324A4A470734BB1E6525694000620184 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323102405/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/324A4A470734BB1E6525694000620184 |archive-date=23 March 2012 |access-date=5 August 2012 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=0276244|title=Kaadhal Kavithai}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}


{{Agathiyan}}
{{Agathiyan}}


[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1998 Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1998 romance films]]
[[Category:1998 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1998 films]]
[[Category:1998 films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Agathiyan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films set in London]]
[[Category:Films set in London]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in London]]
[[Category:Films shot in London]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Indian romance films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:1998 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romance films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Films directed by Agathiyan]]
[[Category:Films shot in Morocco]]

Latest revision as of 10:16, 3 March 2026

Kaadhal Kavithai
File:Kaadhal Kavithai poster.jpg
Poster
Directed byAgathiyan
Produced bySunanda Murali Manohar
Starring
Music byIlaiyaraaja
CinematographyRavi Yadav
Edited byLancy-Mohan
Production
company
Metro Film Corporation
Release date
  • 25 December 1998 (1998-12-25)
Running time
145 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Kaadhal Kavithai (transl. Poem of love) is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language romance film directed by Agathiyan and produced by Sunanda Murali Manohar. The film stars Prashanth, Isha Koppikar (in her Tamil debut) and Kasthuri, while Manivannan and Srividya play supporting characters. The film had music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, while duo Lancy-Mohan and Ravi Yadav handled the editing and cinematography respectively.

The storyline revolves around a classical dancer who, while touring Europe, visits Princess Diana's memorial at Althorp. Browsing through the various messages left by the public, she comes across a poetic, poignant epistle in Tamil that captivates her and impels her to scribble a response. While returning a few days later, she finds the author of that note has left another one, prompting her to begin to search for the author. After opening on 25 December 1998, the film went on to gain success critically and became a commercially successful venture.

Plot[edit | edit source]

Vishwa spends his time hanging out with Anandham to avoid his mother, who always quarrels with his father. To find peace, he plays tricks on others. Among the victims is Jothi. The story moves to London, where Vishva visits Princess Diana's grave and leaves a beautiful poem behind. At the same time, Jothi too visits the grave and leaves a note after reading the poem. Then begins a warm relationship between Jothi and Vishwa without seeing each other. Whether the two are united form the rest of the story.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

After the success of the 1998 film Jeans, its co-producer Ashok Amritraj agreed to work with actor Prashanth again in his next film and thus signed on to finance a film to be directed by Agathiyan.[1][2][3] The film, initially untitled, began filming in Tamil Nadu in August 1998.[4] Amritraj later sold the project, later titled Kaadhal Kavithai, to Sunanda Murali Manohar of Cee I TV Limited.[5]

Isha Koppikar made her debut as an actor in Tamil cinema with this film.[6] The team had earlier approached Aishwarya Rai to be a part of the film, though she did not accept the offer.[7] Monal auditioned for the film, but did not make the final cast.[8] Prakash Raj was originally chosen for an important role; however he was replaced by Thalaivasal Vijay while Indraja was originally offered Kasthuri's role which she refused due to the role being glamorous. Roja made a cameo appearance for a song which was originally offered to Simran.[9] Raju Sundaram choreographed a belly dance song shot in Rajasthan featuring Kasthuri.[1] Part of the film was shot in London, with locations including near the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus and Althorp, where the memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales was located.[5][10]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja,[11][12] and became one of the most sold Tamil albums in 1998.[13]

Song Singer(s) Duration
"Aalana Naal Mudhala" Pushpavanam Kuppusamy, Sowmya Raoh 05:06
"Hey Konji Pesu" Ilaiyaraaja, Sujatha 05:05
"Alai Meethu" Bhavatharini 03:04
"Diana Diana" Hariharan 05:11
"Kadhal Meethu" Hariharan 05:08
"Manasa Thotta Kadhal" Hariharan 04:37
"Thathom" Ila Arun, Swarnalatha 04:59

Release and reception[edit | edit source]

D. S. Ramanujam from The Hindu gave the film a positive review, praising the director's work.[14] Kala Krishnan Ramesh from Deccan Herald mentioned that the film is "visually a delight, the songs and music are pleasant, especially when they harmonise with the locations, which they don't always." The reviewer adds that "Prashanth is alright though he seems a little narcissistic, you always feel that he's looking at a mirror someone's holding up. The heroine is new, and not unpleasant. Srividya is wasted, though brightening."[15]

G. Ulaganathan from The New Indian Express wrote that both Prashanth and Koppikar performed well and "Prashanth, especially after his Jeans has matured as an actor".[16] R. P. R. of Kalki praised the acting of Manivannan and Ambika and poetic dialogues and felt the characterisation of parents of both main leads were more memorable than the lead pair but questioned Agathiyan for reusing the plot of his Kadhal Kottai instead of coming up with something new while panning the acting of Prashanth and Kasthuri's character design and concluded saying certain special features from the film may not attract the attention of fans because it is a familiar story but if you think the story doesn't matter, there are many other aspects of the film to consider.[17]

Prashanth, with Kaadhal Kavithai, capped off a hat-trick of hit films in 1998 after the successes of Shankar's Jeans and Ravichandran's Kannedhirey Thondrinal.[18] Koppikar won plaudits from critics for her performance with Rediff.com stating that with her "strong screen presence, and acting skills that belie her newbie status, she could be the latest to storm the TN industry".[1] The film won her further offers and actor Vijay signed her on for his film Nenjinile after seeing her performance in Kaadhal Kavithai.[19] She went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South.[20]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Rajitha (16 January 1999). "Dub-a-dub-a-dub". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  2. ↑ ""GENES" PRODUCER'S NEXT TAMIL VENTURE!". Dinakaran. 27 April 1998. Archived from the original on 23 October 2004. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  3. ↑ "Rahman in Hollywood". Rediff.com. 8 December 1999. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  4. ↑ Krishna, Sandya S. ""Having watched the wonderful films in India, I was quite 'crazy' about films"". Indolink. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "When love grows where Di died". Rediff.com. 28 October 1998. Archived from the original on 27 November 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  6. ↑ Chatterji, Shoma A. (26 July 2008). "'I want to get out of the item number trap'". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  7. ↑ "Prashanth In Shankar, Agaththiyan Films". Dinakaran. 27 June 1998. Archived from the original on 12 March 2005. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  8. ↑ "Simran's Sister Monal!". Dinakaran. 26 December 1999. Archived from the original on 23 October 2004. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  9. ↑ "பெங்களூரிலிருந்து ஒரு மேகம்!". Kalki (in தமிழ்). 6 December 1998. p. 96. Retrieved 7 June 2023 – via Internet Archive.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  10. ↑ "KAADHAL KAVITHAI". Oocities.org. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  11. ↑ "Kadhal Kavithai (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. 20 September 1998. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  12. ↑ "Kaadhal Kavithai / Manam Virumbuthey Unnai". AVDigital. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  13. ↑ "Kaadhal Kavidhai". Indolink. Archived from the original on 7 January 2002. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  14. ↑ Ramanujam, D. S. (1 January 1999). "Film Reviews: Kaathal Kavithai/Cheran Chozhan Pandiyan/There's something About Mary". The Hindu. p. 27. Archived from the original on 6 September 2001. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  15. ↑ Ramesh, Kala Krishnan (10 January 1999). "Kadal Kavithai". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 3 December 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  16. ↑ Ulaganathan, G. (27 December 1998). "'KK'hangover". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 24 October 2007. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  17. ↑ ஆர். பி. ஆர். (10 January 1999). "காதல் கவிதை". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 81. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  18. ↑ Ramanujam, D. S. (22 January 1999). "Luring the audiences back to theatres". The Hindu. p. 26. Archived from the original on 11 April 2001. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  19. ↑ Rajitha (7 June 1999). "Exploring fresh avenues". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  20. ↑ "Filmfare awards presented at a dazzling function". The Times of India. 25 April 1999. Archived from the original on 23 March 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.

External links[edit | edit source]

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