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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2026}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Kattradhu Thamizh
| image          = Kattradhu Thamizh.jpg
| image          = Kattradhu-thamizh.jpg
| caption        = Promotional Poster
| writer        = [[Ram (director)|Ram]]
| screenplay    =
| story          =
| based_on      =
| starring      = [[Jiiva]]<br />[[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]]<br />[[Karunas]]<br />[[Azhagam Perumal]]
| director      = [[Ram (director)|Ram]]
| director      = [[Ram (director)|Ram]]
| writer        = Ram
| caption        = Promotional poster
| producer      = Salmara Mohammad Sharief
| producer      = Salmara Mohammad Sharief
| narrator       =  
| starring       = [[Jiiva]]<br />[[Anjali (actress)|Anjali]]<br />[[Karunas]]<br />[[Azhagam Perumal]]
| music          = [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
| cinematography = [[S. R. Kathir]]
| cinematography = [[S. R. Kathir]]
| editing        = [[A. Sreekar Prasad]]
| editing        = [[A. Sreekar Prasad]]
| music          = [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
| studio        = MR Film Productions
| studio        = MR Film Productions
| distributor    =
| released      = {{film date|df=y|2007|10|6}}
| released      = {{film date|df=y|2007|10|6}}
| runtime        = 147 minutes
| runtime        = 147 minutes
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| country        = India
| budget        =
| gross          =
}}
}}


'''''Kattradhu Thamizh''''' ({{lang-en|Tamil, learnt}}; previously titled {{nowrap|''Tamil M. A.'')<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://chennai365.com/news/tamil-ma-movie-renamed/ | title=Tamil M.A movie renamed – Katradhu Tamil!! | publisher=chennai365.com | date=2007-09-28 | accessdate=2009-08-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726171605/http://chennai365.com/news/tamil-ma-movie-renamed/ | archive-date=26 July 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref>}} is a 2007 Indian [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]]-language [[psychological thriller]] film written and directed by [[Ram (director)|Ram]], who directs his debut film. Produced by  Salmara Mohammad Sharief, it stars [[Jiiva]], [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]] and [[Karunas]]. The film was released on 6 October 2007, to unanimous critical acclaim.
'''''Kattradhu Thamizh''''' ({{translation|Learnt Tamil}}) is a 2007 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[psychological drama]] film written and directed by [[Ram (director)|Ram]], in his directorial debut. Produced by  Salmara Mohammad Sharief, it stars [[Jiiva]], [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]] and [[Karunas]]. The film is about an ordinary young Tamil-postgraduate, who becomes a tortured victim of Chennai's gentrification, fuelled by the booming [[Information technology in India|IT industry]], slowly losing his mental balance and becoming a psychopath


The film is about an ordinary young Tamil-postgraduate, who becomes a tortured victim of Chennai city's gentrification, fueled by the booming IT industry, slowly losing his mental balance and becoming a psychopath. According to Ram, the movie explores what might become of a society, that undervalues the education and practice of arts and humanities. The film, though commercially not successful during its release, garnered a cult following later.
The film was released on 5 October 2007, to unanimous critical acclaim. Although the film was not commercially successful at the time of release, it has since become a cult classic.


==Plot==
==Plot==
Prabhakar ([[Jiiva]]) is a Tamil teacher in a private school in west Mambalam area of Chennai, who leads a lonely life in a lodge. He is frustrated and even tries to commit suicide, in a system where knowing your mother tongue and teaching it is looked down upon by a society craving for material benefits and imbalance in pay structure.
Prabhakar ([[Jiiva]]) is a Tamil teacher in a private school in west Mambalam area of Chennai, who leads a lonely life in a lodge. He is frustrated and even tries to commit suicide, in a system where knowing one's mother tongue and teaching it is looked down upon by a society craving for material benefits and imbalance in pay structure.
 
The narration is mostly in a series of flashbacks. Prabhakar, for no fault of his, is at the receiving end, terrorised by cops and on the run after killing a railway booking clerk in a fit of rage. He roams all around the country and joins some ''[[sadhu]]s'', high on pot and also grows his hair long and keeps a shaggy beard. Finally, he wants to exorcise the devils within and at gunpoint kidnaps a television anchor Yuvaan-Suang ([[Karunas]]), who records his life story, in which he confesses to killing 22 people in cold blood.


The narration is mostly in a series of flashbacks. Prabhakar, for no fault of his, is at the receiving end, terrorized by cops and on the run after killing a railway booking clerk in a fit of rage. He roams all around the country and joins some ''[[sadhu]]s'', high on pot and also grows his hair long and keeps a shaggy beard. Finally, he wants to exorcise the devils within and at gunpoint kidnaps a television anchor Yuvaan-Suang ([[Karunas]]), who records his life story, in which he confesses to killing 22 people in cold blood.
In the flashback, he reveals his past, his upbringing by a Tamil teacher Poobaal Raavar ([[Azhagam Perumal]]) and his childhood sweetheart Anandhi ([[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]]), who becomes an obsession for him later in his life. The love between Prabhakar and Anandhi is shown in flashes when Prabhakar is narrating his story to Yuvaan-Suang.


In the flashback, he reveals his past, his upbringing by a Tamil teacher Poobaal ([[Azhagam Perumal]]) and his childhood sweetheart Anandhi ([[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]]) who later in his life becomes an obsession for him. The love between Prabhakar and Anandhi is shown in flashes when Prabhakar is narrating his story to Yuvaan-Suang.
Prabhakar lives in a village and develops a friendship with a neighbouring girl named Anandhi. After a few years, Anandhi's family relocates, and Prabhakar's childhood is marred by tragic events as he loses his mother and grandparents in an accident. His father, a soldier, enrolls him in a boarding school before leaving. There, Prabhakar bonds with Poobal after some initial mischief. Gradually, he begins to see Poobal as a father figure. As the years pass, Prabhakar matures into a young man with a growing interest in Tamil, his favourite subject taught by his beloved teacher.


Prabhakar, the kid lives in a village. He develops a friendship with the neighboring girl, Anandhi. Anandhi's family relocates to another place after a few years, after which Prabhakar's childhood is marred by tragic events as he loses his mother and grandparents in an accident. His father, a soldier, admits him in a boarding school and leaves. There, he bonds with Poobal after some initial mischief. Slowly, Prabhakar starts looking upon Poobal as his father. Years roll by, and Prabhakar grows into a young man who develops an interest in Tamil, his favourite teacher's subject.
After completing 12th grade, Prabhakar learns of the tragic death of his beloved teacher, Poobal, in an accident and travels to pay his last respects. There, he encounters Anandhi, whose father also died in the same accident, arguing with another family for a chance to see her father's body. Prabhakar intervenes, engaging in a fistfight to ensure justice is served. This incident deepens the bond between Prabhakar and Anandhi, leading them to meet regularly.


After completing 12th grade, Prabhakar hears about the death of his beloved teacher Poobal, in an accident and travels to have one last look at him. There he sees Anandhi, his childhood sweetheart, whose father has also died in the same accident, in an argument with another family for having one look at her father's body. Prabhakar enters into a fistfight and ensures that justice is done. This incident nurtures the love between Prabhakar and Anandhi. They meet regularly thence. Prabhakar joins college where his preference for taking up Tamil is ridiculed by his roommate and a few others. Anandhi's mother does not object to her daughter's love for Prabhakar as she sees him as a source of financial support. At one point, she sells his motorcycle for her expenses. Prabhakar does not mind it. After a few years, Anandhi and her mother are forced to relocate to Anandhi's uncle's house in north India due to monetary difficulties. Prabhakar initially loses contact with her but traces her back to her uncle's home.
Prabhakar enrolls in college, where his choice to study Tamil is ridiculed by his roommate and a few others. Anandhi's mother does not object to her daughter's affection for Prabhakar, viewing him as a potential source of financial support. At one point, she sells Prabhakar's motorcycle to cover her expenses, but he does not mind. After a few years, Anandhi and her mother are forced to move to her uncle's house in North India due to financial difficulties. Initially, Prabhakar loses contact with her but eventually traces her back to her uncle's home.


Somehow, Anandhi finds Prabhakar and they share a poignant moment in her uncle's home where Prabhakar asks about her health, to which Anandhi asks about the time of his departure. Prabhakar buys some clothes for her and leaves her promising that he will keep in touch. After a few mail communications, Prabhakar again loses contact with her.
Anandhi manages to find Prabhakar, and they share a poignant moment at her uncle's house, where Prabhakar inquires about her health, and Anandhi asks about the time of his departure. He buys her some clothes and promises to keep in touch. However, after a few exchanges of letters, he loses contact with her again.


Meanwhile, Prabhakar gets a job as a Tamil teacher and starts living in a lodge. He manages with a meager salary and loses focus in his personal life. On one night, he intimidates a call center employee who flees after failing to recite the Tamil verses which a drunken Prabhakar gives to him. It is after this incident that the encounter with a police inspector happens where they arrest Prabhakar for smoking in public. Prabhakar is released and he tries to commit suicide, albeit unsuccessfully. The police again get hold of him and try to book him on false charges. Prabhakar manages to escape and then unintentionally kills the railway clerk.
Meanwhile, Prabhakar secures a job as a Tamil teacher and begins living in a lodge. He struggles with a meager salary and loses focus in his personal life. One night, he intimidates a call centre employee who flees after failing to recite the Tamil verses that a drunken Prabhakar gives him. Following this incident, he encounters a police inspector and is arrested for smoking in public. After being released, he attempts suicide but fails. The police later try to frame him on false charges, but Prabhakar manages to escape and unintentionally kills a railway clerk.


Later, at one point in his life, Prabhakar comes in contact with Anandhi who has turned into a prostitute. He rescues her from the pimps after holding them at gunpoint. He plans to leave the city to his hometown along with Anandhi. He leaves her at a women's hostel after which the encounter with the television anchor happens.
At one point in his life, Prabhakar reconnects with Anandhi, who has become a prostitute. He rescues her from her pimps at gunpoint and plans to leave the city with her to return to his hometown. He leaves her at a women's hostel before encountering Yuvaan-Suang.


The police get wind of Prabhakar and try to catch him in his hometown. Both Prabhakar and Anandhi hold hands and run towards an oncoming train committing suicide at the same place where Prabhakar's dog died during his childhood.
The police catch wind of Prabhakar and attempt to apprehend him in his hometown. In a tragic turn of events, both Prabhakar and Anandhi hold hands and run toward an oncoming train, committing suicide at the same spot where Prabhakar's dog died during his childhood.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{cast listing|
* [[Jiiva]] as Prabhakar
* [[Jiiva]] as Prabhakar
** [[Sree Raam]] as Young Prabhakar
* [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]] as Anandhi
* [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]] as Anandhi
** [[Venba (actress)|Venba]] as Young Anandhi
* Aravind Raj as Evra
* [[Karunas]] as Yuvaan-Suang
* [[Karunas]] as Yuvaan-Suang
* [[Azhagam Perumal]] as Poobaal Raavar / Tamil Aiyaa
* [[Azhagam Perumal]] as Poobaal Raavar
* [[Mari Selvaraj]] as College Student
* [[Sree Raam]] as Young Prabhakar
* Venba as Young Anandhi (credited as Keerthi)
* Mani K. Surya as Murugan
* Kaka Gopal as Kanakasabapathy
* Umapathi as Suryanarayanan
* [[Ganesh Babu]] as Navanitha Gopal
* Guru as Gnana Guru
* Kadhal Kannan as Anandha Rangan
* Arulmani as Postman
* Bhuvana as Anandhi's mother
* [[Senthi Kumari]] as Prabhakar's mother
* Saravanan as Prabhakar's father
* Anuradha as Prabhakar's grandmother
* Nandhu as Psychiatrist
* Birla Bose as Inspector
* Karnaa Radha as Writer
* S. S. Anand as Anandhi's uncle
* [[Mari Selvaraj]] as George (uncredited)
}}


==Production==
==Production==
By mid-2006, Ram an erstwhile assistant of [[Balu Mahendra]] began working on his directorial debut, initially being titled as ''Tamil M.A.'',<ref name="indiaglitz2">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/24822.html |title=Jeeva to take Tamil issue – Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref> which was later changed to ''Kattradhu Thamizh'' to get exempted from the entertainment taxation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/a-name-change-news-tamil-kkfu59hceab.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022145514/http://www.sify.com/movies/a-name-change-news-tamil-kkfu59hceab.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2012 |title=A name change! |publisher=Sify.com |date=26 September 2007 |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref> Ram told that the film would revolve around a young man, who gets into trouble because of his education,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/sep-06-01/06-09-06-jeeva.html |title=Tamil movies : An unidentifiable Jeeva in Tamil MA |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=6 September 2006 |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/10/06/stories/2007100650090300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230233939/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/10/06/stories/2007100650090300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 December 2007 |title=Metro Plus Puducherry / Cinema : Realistic film |location=India |date=6 October 2007 |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref> quoting that it would show the "pathetic state of our mother tongue [Tamil] in today's society".<ref name="indiaglitz2"/> He selected [[Jiiva]] to essay the lead character in his film, after he had seen ''[[Raam (2005 film)|Raam]]'' (2005) and been impressed by the actor's performance, while a newcomer Anupama from Mumbai was tipped to play the lead female character of Anandhi first,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/25158.html |title=Anupama – From Bangalore, Ahoy! – Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref> however she was later replaced by [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]], who debuted in Tamil cinema with this film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/30884.html |title=Jeeva on a serious mode – Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref> The film was shot for nearly a year across [[Maharashtra]], Andhra Pradesh, [[Kerala]] and [[Chennai]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14536296&cid=2408 |title='A path breaking film': Jeeva |publisher=Sify.com |date=2007-01-20 |accessdate=2011-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117115307/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14536296&cid=2408 |archive-date=17 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and gained high anticipation in its finishing stage, mainly due to Jeeva's looks in the promotional stills,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/four-releases-this-friday-news-tamil-kkfu3Ijfaed.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022145611/http://www.sify.com/movies/four-releases-this-friday-news-tamil-kkfu3Ijfaed.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2012 |title=Four releases this Friday |publisher=Sify.com |date=3 October 2007 |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref> and Ram's controversial statements at the film's soundtrack release, who cited that he had killed everyone who had hurt him during earlier days through the screenplay of the film.<ref>{{cite web|author=cinesouth |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/11092007-6.shtml |title=Dailynews – I killed those that I wanted to – 'Thamizh MA' director shocks! |publisher=Cinesouth.com |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharatwaves.com/news/article-8795.html |title=Tamizh M.A is ready! – Tamil Cinema News |publisher=Bharatwaves.com |date=9 December 2007 |accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref> Jeeva had grown a full length beard for the character and cited the hardships during the shoots of the film, which he considered as his most painful experience and a "torturous affair".<ref name="rediffint">{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde4.htm |title='I had to undergo therapy to come out of the character' |publisher=Specials.rediff.com |date= |accessdate=2011-01-09}}</ref> He revealed that he even had to undergo therapy to "come out of the character" as it was "too emotional".<ref name="rediffint"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde5.htm |title='The whole film was too emotional for me' |publisher=Specials.rediff.com |date= |accessdate=2011-01-09}}</ref> Ram denied that the film was his autobiography, clarifying that, unlike the protagonist in the film, he went on to work as a [[media consultant]] and that the film is a biography of a fictional character named Prabhakar.
The film is the directorial debut of Ram, an erstwhile assistant of [[Balu Mahendra]]. It was initially titled ''Tamil M.A.'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 August 2006 |title=Jeeva dons 4 roles in ‘Thamizh MA’ |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/26082006-6.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20061018072422/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/26082006-6.shtml |archive-date=18 October 2006 |website=Cinesouth}}</ref> but later changed to ''Kattradhu Thamizh'' with ''Tamil M.A.'' as the tagline to get exempted from the entertainment taxation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/a-name-change-news-tamil-kkfu59hceab.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022145514/http://www.sify.com/movies/a-name-change-news-tamil-kkfu59hceab.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2012 |title=A name change! |website=[[Sify]] |date=26 September 2007 |access-date=19 October 2011}}</ref> When approached to play the lead role, [[Jiiva]] was initially reluctant, feeling he lacked the maturity to play such a "heavy" role, but agreed after numerous discussions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2007 |title='I always give my 200 per cent' |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415103031/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde2.htm |archive-date=15 April 2021 |access-date=8 January 2026 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> He grew a full length beard for playing the lead role and cited the hardships during the shoots of the film, which he considered as his most painful experience and a "torturous affair".<ref name="rediffint">{{cite web |date=15 October 2007 |title='I am trying to unleash a lot of things that are remaining dormant inside me' |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908042820/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde4.htm |archive-date=8 September 2012 |access-date=9 January 2011 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> He revealed that he even had to undergo therapy to "come out of the character" as it was "too emotional".<ref name="rediffint" /><ref>{{cite web |date=15 October 2007 |title='I had to undergo therapy to come out of the character' |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde5.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908042931/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde5.htm |archive-date=8 September 2012 |access-date=9 January 2011 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2007 |title='The whole film was too emotional for me' |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde6.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319225209/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/15slde6.htm |archive-date=2016-03-19 |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> [[Anjali (actress)|Anjali]] debuted in Tamil cinema with this film.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=6 October 2007 |title=Realistic film |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/10/06/stories/2007100650090300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230233939/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/10/06/stories/2007100650090300.htm |archive-date=30 December 2007 |access-date=19 October 2011 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The film was shot for nearly a year across [[Maharashtra]], Andhra Pradesh, [[Kerala]] and [[Chennai]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14536296&cid=2408 |title='A path breaking film': Jeeva |website=[[Sify]] |date=20 January 2007 |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117115307/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14536296&cid=2408 |archive-date=17 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and gained high anticipation in its finishing stage, mainly due to Jeeva's looks in the promotional stills,<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/four-releases-this-friday-news-tamil-kkfu3Ijfaed.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022145611/http://www.sify.com/movies/four-releases-this-friday-news-tamil-kkfu3Ijfaed.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2012 |title=Four releases this Friday |website=[[Sify]] |date=3 October 2007 |access-date=19 October 2011}}</ref> and Ram's controversial statements at the film's soundtrack release, who cited that he had killed everyone who had hurt him during earlier days through the screenplay of the film.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=11 September 2007 |title=I killed those that I wanted to&nbsp;– 'Thamizh MA' director shocks! |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/11092007-6.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917160602/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/11092007-6.shtml |archive-date=17 September 2007 |access-date=19 October 2011 |website=Cinesouth}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
The soundtrack was composed by noted music composer [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] to the lyrics written by [[Na. Muthukumar]], which was released on 10 September 2007 under the film's previous title, ''Tamil MA''.<ref name=":1" /> It features five tracks, including one sung by his father, [[Ilaiyaraaja]], which was hailed mostly as the pick of the album.<ref name=":2" />
| name      = Kattradhu Thamizh (Tamil MA)
| type      = soundtrack
| artist    = [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
| cover      = Tamil MA cd cover.jpg
| alt        =
| released  = 5 October 2007
| recorded  = 2007
| venue      =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length    = 24:35
| label      = <div style="white-space: nowrap;"> [[Big Music]]<br />[[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]</div>
| producer  = [Salmara Mohammed Sharief
| prev_title = [[Kannamoochi Yenada]]
| prev_year  = 2007
| next_title = [[Vel (film)|Vel]]
| next_year  = 2007
}}
 
The soundtrack was composed by noted music composer [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] to the lyrics written by [[Na. Muthukumar]], which was released on 10 September 2007 under the film's previous title, ''Tamil MA''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/Events/13181.html|title='Thamizh M A' Audio Launch|publisher=indiaglitz.com|accessdate=2009-04-23}}</ref> It features five tracks, including one sung by his father, [[Ilaiyaraaja]], which was hailed mostly as the pick of the album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/news/tamil/ilayarajas-song-makes-katrathu-thamizh-a-hit/12392/story.htm|title=Ilayaraja's song makes 'Katrathu Thamizh' a hit|publisher=nowrunning.com|accessdate=2009-04-23}}</ref> Noticeably, the album comprises only solo numbers and doesn't feature any female vocals.


Yuvan Shankar Raja won accolades and high praise as the soundtrack received universal critical acclaim and was described as a "musical sensation",<ref name="Musicindiaonline">{{Cite web|url=http://www.musicindiaonline.com/ar/i/movie_name/9327/0/ |title=Audio Review : Tamil M A - Yuvan's symphonies shine through! |publisher=musicindiaonline.com |accessdate=2009-04-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208005105/http://www.musicindiaonline.com/ar/i/movie_name/9327/0/ |archivedate=8 December 2008 }}</ref> a "must-listen for all musical freaks",<ref name="Musicindiaonline"/> a "fascinating album" <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/03sssouth.htm|title=Thamizh MA's maestro sings for son|publisher=[[Rediff]]|accessdate=2009-08-06}}</ref> and "a solid and stirring triumph of Yuvan’s composing skills".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://itwofs.com/milliblog/2007/09/11/tamil-ma-tamil-yuvan-shankar-raja/|title=Tamil M.A (Tamil - Yuvan Shankar Raja)|publisher=milliblog.com|accessdate=2009-04-23}}</ref>
Yuvan Shankar Raja won accolades and high praise as the soundtrack received universal critical acclaim and was described as a "musical sensation", a "must-listen for all musical freaks",<ref name="Musicindiaonline">{{Cite web |title=Audio Review : Tamil M A&nbsp;– Yuvan's symphonies shine through! |url=http://www.musicindiaonline.com/ar/i/movie_name/9327/0/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208005105/http://www.musicindiaonline.com/ar/i/movie_name/9327/0/ |archive-date=8 December 2008 |access-date=23 April 2009 |website=MusicIndiaOnLine.com}}</ref> a "fascinating album" <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Srinivas |first=Saraswathy |date=3 October 2007 |title=Thamizh MA's maestro sings for son |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/03sssouth.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505070511/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/03sssouth.htm |archive-date=5 May 2008 |access-date=6 August 2009 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> and "a solid and stirring triumph of Yuvan’s composing skills".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karthik |author-link=Karthik Srinivasan |date=11 September 2007 |title=Tamil M.A (Tamil&nbsp;– Yuvan Shankar Raja) |url=http://itwofs.com/milliblog/2007/09/11/tamil-ma-tamil-yuvan-shankar-raja/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712044216/http://itwofs.com/milliblog/2007/09/11/tamil-ma-tamil-yuvan-shankar-raja |archive-date=12 July 2009 |access-date=23 April 2009 |website=[[Milliblog]] |publisher=}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! Track !! Song !! Singer(s)!! Duration (min:sec) !! Notes
! Song !! Singer(s)!! Length
|-
|-
|1 || "Innum Oru Iravu" || [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] || 05:56 ||
| "Innum Oru Iravu" || [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] || 5:56
|-
|-
|2 || "Unakkagathane Intha" || Yuvan Shankar Raja || 04:50 ||
| "Unakkagathane Intha" || Yuvan Shankar Raja || 4:50
|-
|-
|3 || "Para Para Pattaampoochi" || [[Rahul Nambiar]] || 04:06 ||
| "Para Para Pattaampoochi" || [[Rahul Nambiar]] || 4:06
|-
|-
|4 || "Paravaiye Engu Irukkiraai" || [[Ilayaraaja]] || 06:07 ||
| "Paravaiye Engu Irukkiraai" || [[Ilayaraaja]] || 6:07
|-
|-
|5 || "Vaazhkai Enbathu" || [[Shankar Mahadevan]] || 03:36 ||
| "Vaazhkai Enbathu" || [[Shankar Mahadevan]] || 3:36
|}
|}


==Critical reception==
==Release and reception==
The film gained highly positive reviews and met with critical acclaim upon its release. Aspects as direction, writing, performance, music, cinematography and editing were immensely lauded and appreciated and expected to bag a bunch of awards.
The film was initially scheduled for releasing on 28 September 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2007 |title=Tamizh M.A is ready! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamizh-m-a-is-ready-news-tamil-kkfuAjfacia.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20121022145701/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamizh-m-a-is-ready-news-tamil-kkfuAjfacia.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> It was released a week later, on 5 October alongside ''[[Pasupathi c/o Rasakkapalayam]]'', ''[[Thavam]]'' and ''[[Veeramum Eeramum]]''.<ref name=":0" /> Pavithra Srinivasan of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' wrote that ''Kattradhu Thamizh'' was a "hard-hitting film", while giving it 3.5 out of 5. She praised debutant director Ram and actor Jeeva's performance as Prabhakar, who she says, "leads you through dimensions that are frankly amazing".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=5 October 2007 |title=Katrathu Thamizh is hard hitting |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/05kt.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022202641/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/05kt.htm |archive-date=22 October 2011 |access-date=8 March 2009 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Manasvini of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' praised the acting of the star cast, Yuvan's music, Kathir's cinematography and Ram's direction but felt the protagonist's characterisation feels ambiguous and too many flashbacks confusing the viewers and concluded saying despite flaws, this film strongly conveyed love with depth and horrors of poverty with pain.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=மனஸ்வினி |date=28 October 2007 |title=கற்றது தமிழ் |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki2007-10-28/page/12/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521153454/https://archive.org/details/kalki2007-10-28/page/12/mode/2up |archive-date=21 May 2024 |access-date=21 May 2024 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=12 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>
 
''Behindwoods'' gave the film 4 out of 5, describing it as a "[[Kurinji|Kurinji flower]] in [[Indian cinema]]", depicting that such a film seldom gets filmed in Indian Cinema and a "must-see film".<ref name="Behindwoodsreview">{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-06/kattradhu-tamil-review.html|title=Kattradhu Tamil - A Kurinji flower in Indian cinema|publisher=behindwoods.com|accessdate=2009-03-08}}</ref> It praised the direction and the acting and technical department, which were of "higher order", pointing out the cinematographer, S. R. Kadhir's and music composer [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]'s work.<ref name="Behindwoodsreview"/> Concerning the performances, actor [[Jeeva (actor)|Jeeva]], it is said, came up with a "performance of his lifetime", while newcomer [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]] was a "delight to watch and spellbinds the viewer with her beautiful fresh look and her performance".<ref name="Behindwoodsreview"/> Equally impressed was Pavithra Srinivasan of ''[[Rediff]]'', who wrote that ''Kattradhu Thamizh'' was a "hard-hitting film", while giving it 3.5 out of 5. She praised debutant director Ram and actor Jeeva's performance as Prabhakar, who she says, "leads you through dimensions that are frankly amazing".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/05kt.htm|title=Katrathu Thamizh is hard hitting|publisher=[[Rediff]]|first=Pavithra|last=Srinivasan|accessdate=2009-03-08}}</ref>
 
==Awards==
Filmfare Best Debut Actress [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]]
===2nd Vijay Awards===
* [[Vijay Award for Best Debut Actress|Best Debut Actress]] - [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]]<ref name="Vijayawards">{{Cite web|url=http://www.starboxoffice.com/kollywood/vijayawards/about.html |title=Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards - The Awards Ceremony |publisher=[[Star Vijay]] |accessdate=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726022319/http://www.starboxoffice.com/kollywood/vijayawards/about.html |archivedate=26 July 2008 }}</ref>
* [[Vijay Award for Best Editor|Best Editor]] - [[A. Sreekar Prasad]]<ref name="Vijayawards"/>
* [[Vijay Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] - [[Jiiva]] (Nominated)
* [[Vijay Award for Best Director|Best Director]] - [[Ram (director)|Ram]] (Nominated)
* [[Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer|Best Story, Screenplay Writer]] - [[Ram (director)|Ram]] (Nominated)
* [[Vijay Award for Best Cinematographer|Best Cinematographer]] - [[S. R. Kathir]] (Nominated)
* [[Vijay Award for Best Find of the Year|Best Find of the Year]] - [[Ram (director)|Ram]] (Nominated)


===Film Critics Awards===
==Accolades==
* Best Writer Award - [[Ram (director)|Ram]]<ref name=FC>{{cite web|title=Cine Critics Award Distributed|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/events/16504.html|publisher=Indiaglitz|accessdate=24 January 2013}}</ref>
At the [[2nd Vijay Awards]], Anjali won the [[Vijay Award for Best Debut Actress|award for Best Debut Actress]], and [[A. Sreekar Prasad]] won for [[Vijay Award for Best Editor|Best Editor]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards&nbsp;– The Awards Ceremony |url=http://www.starboxoffice.com/kollywood/vijayawards/about.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726022319/http://www.starboxoffice.com/kollywood/vijayawards/about.html |archive-date=26 July 2008 |access-date=6 August 2009 |website=starboxoffice.com}}</ref>
* Best Music Director - [[Yuvan Shankar ]]<ref name=FC />
* Best Cinematographer Award - [[S. R. Kathir]]<ref name=FC />
* Best Lyricist - [[Na. Muthukumar]]<ref name=FC />


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


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=1501298}}
* {{IMDb title}}
 
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
{{Ram (director)}}
{{Ram (director)}}
[[Category:2000s psychological drama films]]
[[Category:2000s psychological drama films]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2007 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2007 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2007 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2007 drama films]]
[[Category:2007 films]]
[[Category:2007 films]]
[[Category:2007 Indian films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ram (director)]]
[[Category:Films scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
[[Category:Films shot in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Films shot in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Films shot in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian psychological drama films]]
[[Category:Indian psychological drama films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Works about gentrification]]
[[Category:Works about gentrification]]

Latest revision as of 10:07, 3 March 2026

Kattradhu Thamizh
Promotional poster
Directed byRam
Produced bySalmara Mohammad Sharief
Written byRam
StarringJiiva
Anjali
Karunas
Azhagam Perumal
Music byYuvan Shankar Raja
CinematographyS. R. Kathir
Edited byA. Sreekar Prasad
Production
company
MR Film Productions
Release date
  • 6 October 2007 (2007-10-06)
Running time
147 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Kattradhu Thamizh (transl. Learnt Tamil) is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language psychological drama film written and directed by Ram, in his directorial debut. Produced by Salmara Mohammad Sharief, it stars Jiiva, Anjali and Karunas. The film is about an ordinary young Tamil-postgraduate, who becomes a tortured victim of Chennai's gentrification, fuelled by the booming IT industry, slowly losing his mental balance and becoming a psychopath

The film was released on 5 October 2007, to unanimous critical acclaim. Although the film was not commercially successful at the time of release, it has since become a cult classic.

Plot[edit | edit source]

Prabhakar (Jiiva) is a Tamil teacher in a private school in west Mambalam area of Chennai, who leads a lonely life in a lodge. He is frustrated and even tries to commit suicide, in a system where knowing one's mother tongue and teaching it is looked down upon by a society craving for material benefits and imbalance in pay structure.

The narration is mostly in a series of flashbacks. Prabhakar, for no fault of his, is at the receiving end, terrorised by cops and on the run after killing a railway booking clerk in a fit of rage. He roams all around the country and joins some sadhus, high on pot and also grows his hair long and keeps a shaggy beard. Finally, he wants to exorcise the devils within and at gunpoint kidnaps a television anchor Yuvaan-Suang (Karunas), who records his life story, in which he confesses to killing 22 people in cold blood.

In the flashback, he reveals his past, his upbringing by a Tamil teacher Poobaal Raavar (Azhagam Perumal) and his childhood sweetheart Anandhi (Anjali), who becomes an obsession for him later in his life. The love between Prabhakar and Anandhi is shown in flashes when Prabhakar is narrating his story to Yuvaan-Suang.

Prabhakar lives in a village and develops a friendship with a neighbouring girl named Anandhi. After a few years, Anandhi's family relocates, and Prabhakar's childhood is marred by tragic events as he loses his mother and grandparents in an accident. His father, a soldier, enrolls him in a boarding school before leaving. There, Prabhakar bonds with Poobal after some initial mischief. Gradually, he begins to see Poobal as a father figure. As the years pass, Prabhakar matures into a young man with a growing interest in Tamil, his favourite subject taught by his beloved teacher.

After completing 12th grade, Prabhakar learns of the tragic death of his beloved teacher, Poobal, in an accident and travels to pay his last respects. There, he encounters Anandhi, whose father also died in the same accident, arguing with another family for a chance to see her father's body. Prabhakar intervenes, engaging in a fistfight to ensure justice is served. This incident deepens the bond between Prabhakar and Anandhi, leading them to meet regularly.

Prabhakar enrolls in college, where his choice to study Tamil is ridiculed by his roommate and a few others. Anandhi's mother does not object to her daughter's affection for Prabhakar, viewing him as a potential source of financial support. At one point, she sells Prabhakar's motorcycle to cover her expenses, but he does not mind. After a few years, Anandhi and her mother are forced to move to her uncle's house in North India due to financial difficulties. Initially, Prabhakar loses contact with her but eventually traces her back to her uncle's home.

Anandhi manages to find Prabhakar, and they share a poignant moment at her uncle's house, where Prabhakar inquires about her health, and Anandhi asks about the time of his departure. He buys her some clothes and promises to keep in touch. However, after a few exchanges of letters, he loses contact with her again.

Meanwhile, Prabhakar secures a job as a Tamil teacher and begins living in a lodge. He struggles with a meager salary and loses focus in his personal life. One night, he intimidates a call centre employee who flees after failing to recite the Tamil verses that a drunken Prabhakar gives him. Following this incident, he encounters a police inspector and is arrested for smoking in public. After being released, he attempts suicide but fails. The police later try to frame him on false charges, but Prabhakar manages to escape and unintentionally kills a railway clerk.

At one point in his life, Prabhakar reconnects with Anandhi, who has become a prostitute. He rescues her from her pimps at gunpoint and plans to leave the city with her to return to his hometown. He leaves her at a women's hostel before encountering Yuvaan-Suang.

The police catch wind of Prabhakar and attempt to apprehend him in his hometown. In a tragic turn of events, both Prabhakar and Anandhi hold hands and run toward an oncoming train, committing suicide at the same spot where Prabhakar's dog died during his childhood.

Cast[edit | edit source]

  • Jiiva as Prabhakar
  • Anjali as Anandhi
  • Karunas as Yuvaan-Suang
  • Azhagam Perumal as Poobaal Raavar
  • Sree Raam as Young Prabhakar
  • Venba as Young Anandhi (credited as Keerthi)
  • Mani K. Surya as Murugan
  • Kaka Gopal as Kanakasabapathy
  • Umapathi as Suryanarayanan
  • Ganesh Babu as Navanitha Gopal
  • Guru as Gnana Guru
  • Kadhal Kannan as Anandha Rangan
  • Arulmani as Postman
  • Bhuvana as Anandhi's mother
  • Senthi Kumari as Prabhakar's mother
  • Saravanan as Prabhakar's father
  • Anuradha as Prabhakar's grandmother
  • Nandhu as Psychiatrist
  • Birla Bose as Inspector
  • Karnaa Radha as Writer
  • S. S. Anand as Anandhi's uncle
  • Mari Selvaraj as George (uncredited)

Production[edit | edit source]

The film is the directorial debut of Ram, an erstwhile assistant of Balu Mahendra. It was initially titled Tamil M.A.,[1] but later changed to Kattradhu Thamizh with Tamil M.A. as the tagline to get exempted from the entertainment taxation.[2] When approached to play the lead role, Jiiva was initially reluctant, feeling he lacked the maturity to play such a "heavy" role, but agreed after numerous discussions.[3] He grew a full length beard for playing the lead role and cited the hardships during the shoots of the film, which he considered as his most painful experience and a "torturous affair".[4] He revealed that he even had to undergo therapy to "come out of the character" as it was "too emotional".[4][5][6] Anjali debuted in Tamil cinema with this film.[7] The film was shot for nearly a year across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Chennai,[8] and gained high anticipation in its finishing stage, mainly due to Jeeva's looks in the promotional stills,[9] and Ram's controversial statements at the film's soundtrack release, who cited that he had killed everyone who had hurt him during earlier days through the screenplay of the film.[10]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack was composed by noted music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja to the lyrics written by Na. Muthukumar, which was released on 10 September 2007 under the film's previous title, Tamil MA.[10] It features five tracks, including one sung by his father, Ilaiyaraaja, which was hailed mostly as the pick of the album.[11]

Yuvan Shankar Raja won accolades and high praise as the soundtrack received universal critical acclaim and was described as a "musical sensation", a "must-listen for all musical freaks",[12] a "fascinating album" [11] and "a solid and stirring triumph of Yuvan’s composing skills".[13]

Song Singer(s) Length
"Innum Oru Iravu" Yuvan Shankar Raja 5:56
"Unakkagathane Intha" Yuvan Shankar Raja 4:50
"Para Para Pattaampoochi" Rahul Nambiar 4:06
"Paravaiye Engu Irukkiraai" Ilayaraaja 6:07
"Vaazhkai Enbathu" Shankar Mahadevan 3:36

Release and reception[edit | edit source]

The film was initially scheduled for releasing on 28 September 2007.[14] It was released a week later, on 5 October alongside Pasupathi c/o Rasakkapalayam, Thavam and Veeramum Eeramum.[9] Pavithra Srinivasan of Rediff.com wrote that Kattradhu Thamizh was a "hard-hitting film", while giving it 3.5 out of 5. She praised debutant director Ram and actor Jeeva's performance as Prabhakar, who she says, "leads you through dimensions that are frankly amazing".[15] Manasvini of Kalki praised the acting of the star cast, Yuvan's music, Kathir's cinematography and Ram's direction but felt the protagonist's characterisation feels ambiguous and too many flashbacks confusing the viewers and concluded saying despite flaws, this film strongly conveyed love with depth and horrors of poverty with pain.[16]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

At the 2nd Vijay Awards, Anjali won the award for Best Debut Actress, and A. Sreekar Prasad won for Best Editor.[17]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Jeeva dons 4 roles in 'Thamizh MA'". Cinesouth. 26 August 2006. Archived from the original on 18 October 2006.
  2. ↑ "A name change!". Sify. 26 September 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  3. ↑ "'I always give my 200 per cent'". Rediff.com. 15 October 2007. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "'I am trying to unleash a lot of things that are remaining dormant inside me'". Rediff.com. 15 October 2007. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  5. ↑ "'I had to undergo therapy to come out of the character'". Rediff.com. 15 October 2007. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  6. ↑ "'The whole film was too emotional for me'". Rediff.com. 15 October 2007. Archived from the original on 19 March 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  7. ↑ Pillai, Sreedhar (6 October 2007). "Realistic film". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 December 2007. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  8. ↑ "'A path breaking film': Jeeva". Sify. 20 January 2007. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Four releases this Friday". Sify. 3 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "I killed those that I wanted to – 'Thamizh MA' director shocks!". Cinesouth. 11 September 2007. Archived from the original on 17 September 2007. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Srinivas, Saraswathy (3 October 2007). "Thamizh MA's maestro sings for son". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2008. Retrieved 6 August 2009.
  12. ↑ "Audio Review : Tamil M A – Yuvan's symphonies shine through!". MusicIndiaOnLine.com. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  13. ↑ Karthik (11 September 2007). "Tamil M.A (Tamil – Yuvan Shankar Raja)". Milliblog. Archived from the original on 12 July 2009. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  14. ↑ "Tamizh M.A is ready!". Sify. 12 September 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012.
  15. ↑ Srinivasan, Pavithra (5 October 2007). "Katrathu Thamizh is hard hitting". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2009.
  16. ↑ மனஸ்வினி (28 October 2007). "கற்றது தமிழ்". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 12. Retrieved 21 May 2024 – via Internet Archive.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  17. ↑ "Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards – The Awards Ceremony". starboxoffice.com. Archived from the original on 26 July 2008. Retrieved 6 August 2009.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Ram (director)

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