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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Short description|2015 Indian film by Rajesh M. Selva}}
<noinclude>{{Requested move notice|1=Thoongaavanam|2=Talk:Thoongaa Vanam#Requested move 26 March 2026}}
</noinclude>{{Use Indian English|date=March 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Thoongaa Vanam
| image          = Thoongaa Vanam.jpg
| image          = Thoongaa Vanam.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster in Tamil
| caption        = Theatrical release poster in Tamil
| director      = [[Rajesh M. Selva]]
| director      = [[Rajesh M. Selva]]
| screenplay    = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| screenplay    = [[Kamal Haasan]]
{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes
| based_on      = {{based on|''[[Sleepless Night (2011 film)|Sleepless Night]]''|[[Frédéric Jardin]]}}
    | label1= Dialogue by
    | data1 = {{unbulleted list| Suka {{small|(Tamil)}} | [[Abburi Ravi]] {{small|(Telugu)}} }}
}}
| based_on      = {{based on|''[[Sleepless Night (2011 film)|Nuit Blanche]]'' by [[Frédéric Jardin]]}}
| producer      = {{plainlist|
| producer      = {{plainlist|
* Kamal Haasan
* Kamal Haasan
* [[Chandrahasan]]
* [[Chandrahasan]]
* Gokulam Gopalan
}}
}}
| starring      = {{unbulleted list|Kamal Haasan|[[Prakash Raj]]|[[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]]|[[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]]|[[Sampath Raj]]|[[Yugi Sethu]]}}
| starring      = {{unbulleted list|Kamal Haasan|[[Prakash Raj]]|[[Trisha Krishnan]]|[[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]]|[[Sampath Raj]]}}
| cinematography = [[Sanu John Varghese]]
| cinematography = [[Sanu John Varghese]]
| editing        = [[Shan Mohammed]]
| editing        = [[Shan Mohammed]]
| music          = [[Mohamaad Ghibran|M. Ghibran]]
| music          = [[M. Ghibran]]
| studio        = {{plainlist|
| studio        = {{plainlist|
* [[Raaj Kamal Films International]]
* [[Raaj Kamal Films International]]
* Sri Gokulam Movies
* Sree Gokulam Movies
* [[Suresh Balaje|Wide Angle Creations]]
* [[Suresh Balaje|Wide Angle Creations]]
* RG Entertainment
* RG Entertainment
}}
}}
| distributor    = {{plainlist|
| distributor    = {{plainlist|
* [[Escape Artists Motion Pictures]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/kamals-thoongavanam-will-be-a-escape-artists-motion-pictures-release.html |title=GREAT ESCAPE FOR THOONGAVANAM  |publisher=Behindwoods |date=28 September 2015 |access-date=12 November 2015}}</ref>
* [[Escape Artists Motion Pictures]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2015 |title=They're still on top |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/the-buzz-around-rajinikanths-underproduction-kabali-and-kamal-haasans-thoongavanam-an-official-remake-of-french-thriller-sleepless-night-nuit-blanche-is-huge/article7747094.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128060757/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/the-buzz-around-rajinikanths-underproduction-kabali-and-kamal-haasans-thoongavanam-an-official-remake-of-french-thriller-sleepless-night-nuit-blanche-is-huge/article7747094.ece |archive-date=28 November 2024 |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref>
* Wide Angle Creations
* Wide Angle Creations
* [[Global United Media]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/global-united-media-to-release-thoongavanam-in-nsc-areas-of-tamil-nadu.html |title= I, BAAHUBALI AND NOW THOONGAVANAM |publisher=Behindwoods |date=30 October 2015 |access-date=12 November 2015}}</ref>
* [[Global United Media]]
}}
}}
| released      = {{film date|df=y|2015|11|10}} <small>(Tamil)</small><ref name="Thoongavanam Movie Database">{{Cite web|title = Thoongavanam Movie Database|url = http://www.tamilcinemainfo.com/movies/4-thoonga-vanam|website = tamilcinemainfo.com|access-date = 2 November 2015}}</ref><br /> {{film date|df=y|2015|11|20|ref1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/with-cheekati-raajyam-kamal-returns-to-telugu/article7242870.ece|title=With Cheekati Raajyam, Kamal returns to Telugu|first=Suresh|last=Krishnamoorthy|date=25 May 2015|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>}} <small>(Telugu)</small>
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|2015|11|10|Tamil|ref1=|2015|11|20|Telugu|ref2=}}
| runtime        = 127 minutes
| runtime        = 127 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = {{ ubl | Tamil | Telugu }}
| language      = {{ ubl | Tamil | Telugu }}
| budget        = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| budget        = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| gross          = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| gross          = {{estimated}} {{INR|link=yes}}50 [[crore]]<ref name="BO" />
}}
}}


'''''Thoongaa Vanam''''' ({{trans|Sleepless forest}}) is a 2015 Indian [[action thriller]] film directed by [[Rajesh M. Selva]]. The film stars [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Prakash Raj]], [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]], [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]], [[Sampath Raj]], and [[Yugi Sethu]], while Aman Abdullah, [[Asha Sharath]], [[Madhu Shalini]], and [[Jagan]] play supporting roles. It is filmed [[multiple-language version|simultaneously]] in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] languages, the latter titled '''''Cheekati Rajyam''''' ({{trans|Kingdom of darkness}}). Both versions were produced by [[Raaj Kamal Films International]] and Sri Gokulam Movies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kamal-haasans-thoongaavanam-cheekati-rajyam-posters-released-633556 |title=Kamal Haasan's 'Thoongaavanam', 'Cheekati Rajyam' Posters Released |publisher=Ibtimes.co.in |date=25 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Manisha-Koirala-for-Kamals-Thoonga-Vanam/articleshow/47278218.cms |title=Manisha Koirala for Kamal's 'Thoonga Vanam' |work=The Times of India |date=14 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> The film is a remake of the French film ''[[Sleepless Night (2011 film)|Nuit Blanche]]'' (2011).<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Thoongavanam-remake-of-a-French-film/articleshow/47662690.cms Thoongavanam, remake of a French film?&nbsp;– The Times of India]. ''The Times of India''. (14 June 2015). Retrieved 21 August 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.onlykollywood.com/thoongaavanam-is-an-official-remake-of-french-film-sleepless-night/ Thoongaavanam is an official remake of French film Sleepless Night]. Only Kollywood (13 June 2015). Retrieved 21 August 2015.</ref> ''Thoongaa Vanam'' was released on 10 November 2015 while the Telugu version ''Cheekati Rajyam'' was released on 20 November 2015. The film received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thoongaavanam to Oru Naal Iravil: Films remade in Tamil in 2015 that stayed with the audience|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/yearender-2015/photo/heres-the-list-of-remakes-made-in-tamil-in-2015-36-vayathinile-papanasam-thoongaavanam-memories-bangalore-days-premam-377021-2015-12-20|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2020-05-05}}</ref>
'''''Thoongaa Vanam''''' ({{translation|Sleepless forest}}) is a 2015 Indian [[action thriller film]] directed by [[Rajesh M. Selva]]. The film stars an [[ensemble cast]] including [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Prakash Raj]], [[Trisha Krishnan]], [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]], [[Sampath Raj]], [[Guru Somasundaram]], [[Yugi Sethu]], Aman Abdullah, [[Asha Sharath]], [[Madhu Shalini]] and [[Jagan (actor)|Jagan]]. It was filmed [[multiple-language version|simultaneously]] in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] languages, the latter titled '''''Cheekati Rajyam''''' ({{translation|Kingdom of darkness}}).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=3 November 2015 |title=My focus is to give quality films at great speed |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/kamal-haasan-my-focus-is-to-give-quality-films-at-great-speed/article7837607.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912074259/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/kamal-haasan-my-focus-is-to-give-quality-films-at-great-speed/article7837607.ece |archive-date=12 September 2019 |access-date=19 November 2016 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref> Both versions were produced by [[Raaj Kamal Films International]] and Sree Gokulam Movies. The film is a remake of the French film ''[[Sleepless Night (2011 film)|Sleepless Night]]'' (2011).<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2015 |title=Thoongaavanam to Oru Naal Iravil: Films remade in Tamil in 2015 that stayed with the audience |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/yearender-2015/photo/heres-the-list-of-remakes-made-in-tamil-in-2015-36-vayathinile-papanasam-thoongaavanam-memories-bangalore-days-premam-377021-2015-12-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914023858/https://www.indiatoday.in/yearender-2015/photo/heres-the-list-of-remakes-made-in-tamil-in-2015-36-vayathinile-papanasam-thoongaavanam-memories-bangalore-days-premam-377021-2015-12-20 |archive-date=14 September 2018 |access-date=5 May 2020 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
''Thoongaa Vanam'' was released on 10 November 2015 coinciding with [[Diwali]] while the [[Telugu language|Telugu]] version ''Cheekati Rajyam'' was released on 20 November 2015. The film received positive reviews from critics. This film marks Trisha's 50th film and completes her 15 years in the industry.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 September 2015 |title=Why is Thoongavanam special for Trisha? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Why-is-Thoongavanam-special-for-Trisha/article59842378.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726131657/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Why-is-Thoongavanam-special-for-Trisha/article59842378.ece |archive-date=26 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
The film begins with C.K Diwakar ([[Kamal Haasan]]), an [[Indian Revenue Service]] officer in the [[Narcotics Control Bureau]], and his deputy Mani ([[Yugi Sethu]]), busting a narcotics scam.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thoongavanam |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/thoongavanam/photostory/65503829.cms? |access-date=22 November 2019 |agency=Times of India}}</ref> In retribution, Vittal Rao ([[Prakash Raj]]), a drug smuggler who had masterminded the scam, kidnaps Diwakar's son Vasu (Aman Abdullah). He is willing to release Vasu if Diwakar can return to him a bag of [[cocaine]] that he seized while thwarting the scam. Without any options, Diwakar agrees and proceeds to Vittal's [[nightclub]], where Vasu is held hostage with the bag of cocaine, hiding it in the men's toilet. However, this is noticed by his colleague Mallika ([[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]]), who becomes suspicious. Thinking that Diwakar is involved in [[drug smuggling]], she informs her superior Dhiraviyam ([[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]]). Both begin to pursue Diwakar, taking away the bag of cocaine from the toilet in the process.
C.K. Diwakar is an [[Indian Revenue Service|IRS]] officer in the [[Narcotics Control Bureau|NCB]], who along with his deputy Mani, steals a narcotics shipment but gets stabbed in the process. In retaliation, Vittal Rao, a drug lord, who was due to receive the shipment, kidnaps Diwakar's son Vasu. He is willing to release Vasu if Diwakar can return to him the bag of [[cocaine]] that he stole earlier. With no other option at hand, Diwakar agrees and proceeds to Vittal's [[nightclub]], with the bag of cocaine, where Vasu is held hostage. His act of hiding the bag in the men's toilet is noticed by [[Narcotics Control Bureau|NCB]] agent Mallika, who becomes suspicious. Thinking that Diwakar is involved in [[drug smuggling]], she informs her superior Dhiraviyam / Mohan.
 
Dhiraviyam / Mohan begin to pursue Diwakar, taking away the bag of cocaine from the toilet in the process. When Diwakar realises that the bag of cocaine has gone missing, he decides to return to Vittal a bag containing packets of [[Powdered milk|milk powder]] instead, thinking that he and his cronies, including a gangster named Pedha Babu, will not realise the difference. Unfortunately, Vittal and Pedha soon find out that Diwakar had cheated them and decide to kill him. Diwakar's wound gets worse and starts bleeding. Caught between Vittal's gang on one side and Mallika and Dhiraviyam / Mohan on the other side, Diwakar confronts Mallika and tells her that contrary to her suspicions, he has been working undercover and had planned the entire operation to expose cops such as Dhiraviyam / Mohan and Mani, who are involved in drug smuggling.


When Diwakar realizes that the bag of cocaine has gone missing, he decides to return to Vittal a bag containing packets of [[maida flour|maida]] instead, thinking that he and his cronies, including a gangster named Pedha Babu ([[Sampath Raj]]), will not realize the difference. Unfortunately, Vittal and Pedha soon find out that Diwakar had cheated them and decide to kill him. Caught between Vittal's gang on one side and Mallika and Dhiraviyam on the other side, Diwakar confronts Mallika and tells her that contrary to her suspicions, he is working undercover and had planned the entire operation to expose police officers such as Dhiraviyam and even Mani, who are involved in drug smuggling. Then, Diwakar rescues Vasu without Vittal's knowledge, and Vittal is also arrested by Mallika and Dhiraviyam. While taking Vittal to prison, Mallika finds out that she has Mani's mobile phone, and on reading the messages in it, she finds out that Diwakar had been speaking the truth all along, realizing that Dhiraviyam and Mani are involved in drug smuggling and had tried to frame Diwakar. Though Dhiraviyam tries to resist arrest, killing Vittal in the process, he is eventually brought to justice.
Diwakar then rescues Vasu without Vittal's knowledge, and Vittal is also arrested by Mallika and Dhiraviyam / Mohan. While taking Vittal to prison, Mallika finds out that she has Mani's mobile phone, and on reading the messages in it, she finds out that Diwakar had been speaking the truth all along, realising that Dhiraviyam / Mohan and Mani are involved in drug smuggling and had tried to frame Diwakar. Though Dhiraviyam tries to resist arrest, killing Vittal in the process, he is eventually brought to justice. Diwakar falls unconscious due to the constant bleeding of his wound and Vasu takes him to the hospital. Diwakar recovers. Three months later, Mallika is now Diwakar's deputy, and the duo is shown thwarting the attempted murder of a police officer.
Three months later, Mallika is now Diwakar's deputy. The movie ends with both of them thwarting the attempted murder of a police officer.


==Cast==  
== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
''Adapted from the closing credits''{{efn|The closing credits mentioned several character names that are not used in the narrative including Duraipandian, Maheswari, Jagan, Mandhiramoorthy and Gelusil Babu.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Thoongaa Vanam|type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=[[Raaj Kamal Films International]] |year=2015 |time=1:55:24 to 1:59:56 |time-caption=From |via=[[Amazon Prime Video]]}}</ref>}}
* [[Kamal Haasan]] as C.K Diwakar
{{Cast listing|
* [[Prakash Raj]] as Vittal Rao
* [[Kamal Haasan]] as C. K. Diwakar, [[Narcotics Control Bureau|NCB]] Officer<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
* [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] as Mallika
* [[Prakash Raj]] as Vittal Rao<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
* [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]] as Dhiraviyam
* [[Trisha Krishnan|Trisha]] as Mallika, NCB Agent<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
* [[Sampath Raj]] as Pedha Babu
* [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]] as Dhiraviyam (Tamil)<ref name="BM">{{Cite web |last=Prakash |first=R S |date=13 November 2015 |title=Movie Review: Thoongavanam |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/kamal-hassan-trisha-prakashraj-sampath-yugi-sethu-kishore-somasundaram-asha-sarath-madhu-shalini-santhana-bharathi-and-master-amman-abdulla/articleshow/49773075.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20260326100355/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/kamal-hassan-trisha-prakashraj-sampath-yugi-sethu-kishore-somasundaram-asha-sarath-madhu-shalini-santhana-bharathi-and-master-amman-abdulla/articleshow/49773075.cms |archive-date=26 March 2026 |website=[[Bangalore Mirror]] |language=en |access-date=26 March 2026 }}</ref> / Mohan (Telugu), NCB Officer<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
* [[Yugi Sethu]] as Mani
* [[Sampath Raj]] as Pedha Babu<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
* [[Asha Sharath]] as Dr. Sujatha, Ck Diwakar's wife
* [[Yugi Sethu]] as T. I. Mani, NCB Inspector<ref name="BM"/>
* Aman Abdullah as Vasu Diwakar<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151109/entertainment-kollywood/article/kamal-haasan-aman%E2%80%99s-favourite|title=Kamal Haasan is Aman's favourite!|first=devika|last=gowri|date=10 November 2015|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
* [[Asha Sharath]] as Dr. Sujatha<ref name="BM"/>
* [[Madhu Shalini]] as Esther (nurse)
* Aman Abdullah as Vasu<ref name="BM"/>
* [[Jagan]] as Jagan
* [[Madhu Shalini]] as Esther
* [[Uma Riyaz Khan]] as Maheswari
* [[Guru Somasundaram]] as Vittal Rao's assistant
* [[Guru Somasundaram]] as Duraipandian
* [[Santhana Bharathi]] as Thandapani (Tamil)<ref name="TH"/>
* [[Santhana Bharathi]] as Thandapani (Tamil version) / Subba Rao (Telugu version)
* [[Ramajogayya Sastry]] as Subba Rao (Telugu)<ref name="TH"/>
* [[Chaams]] as Chef
* [[Uma Riyaz Khan]] as the bartender<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keramalu |first=Karthik |date=11 November 2015 |title='Thoongaavanam' review: The movie is uninspiring and a tame thriller |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/thoongaavanam-review-the-movie-is-uninspiring-and-a-tame-thriller-1163162.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613122300/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/thoongaavanam-review-the-movie-is-uninspiring-and-a-tame-thriller-1163162.html |archive-date=13 June 2022 |work=[[News18]] |language=en |access-date=26 March 2026 }}</ref>
* Suka as Mandhiramoorthy
* [[Jagan (actor)|Jagan]] as Vittal Rao's gang member
* [[Rajesh Selva]] as Head Chef
* [[Chaams]] as a [[Busser|busboy]]
{{colend}}
* [[Rajesh M. Selva]] as the head chef
* Suka (Tamil) / [[Abburi Ravi]] (Telugu) as another drunkard<ref name="AR"/>
* Sandeep as Vittal Rao's gang member
}}


==Production==
==Production==
In May 2015, [[Kamal Haasan]] announced that his next project, a bilingual thriller titled ''Thoongaa Vanam'' in Tamil, would be directed by his former assistant [[Rajesh M. Selva]] and produced by himself. The film was initially titled as ''Ore Iravu'', before going through a change of title.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2015 |title=Kamal's next action-thriller gets new title |url=https://www.desimartini.com/news/tamil/kamals-next-action-thriller-gets-new-title-article20106.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128053149/https://www.desimartini.com/news/tamil/kamals-next-action-thriller-gets-new-title-article20106.htm |archive-date=28 November 2024 |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=[[Desimartini]] |language=en}}</ref> Haasan added that the film would be shot simultaneously and with the same cast and crew as ''Cheekati Rajyam'' in the [[Telugu language|Telugu]] language.<ref name="CR">{{Cite web |date=24 May 2015 |title=Kamal Haasans Next Film Titled Cheekati Rajyam in Telugu |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/kamal-haasans-next-film-titled-cheekati-rajyam-in-telugu-765660 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526194922/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/kamal-haasans-next-film-titled-cheekati-rajyam-in-telugu-765660 |archive-date=26 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> Sanu Varghese and Shan Mohammed were named as the cinematographer and editor, respectively,<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2015 |title=Kamal Haasan next project 'Thoongavanam' is bilingual thriller |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kamal-haasan-next-project-thoongavanam-is-bilingual-thriller-2086649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519234358/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kamal-haasan-next-project-thoongavanam-is-bilingual-thriller-2086649 |archive-date=19 May 2015 |access-date=11 June 2015 |website=[[DNA India]]}}</ref> while [[Ghibran Vaibodha|Ghibran]] was recruited as the film's composer, working on his fourth successive Haasan film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 May 2015 |title=Kamal Haasan's next titled Cheekati Rajyam' in Telugu |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/479417/kamal-haasans-next-titled-cheekati.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604105332/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/479417/kamal-haasans-next-titled-cheekati.html |archive-date=4 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref><ref name="CR" /> Writer Suka was chosen to write the Tamil dialogues,<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2015 |title=Suka is the dialogue writer for Kamal's 'Thoongaa Vanam' |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/suka-is-the-dialogue-writer-for-kamals-thoongaa-vanam-news-tamil-pf1k3Iaeahdgb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527135631/http://www.sify.com/movies/suka-is-the-dialogue-writer-for-kamals-thoongaa-vanam-news-tamil-pf1k3Iaeahdgb.html |archive-date=27 May 2015 |access-date=6 June 2015 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> while [[Abburi Ravi]] was assigned to work on the dialogues for the Telugu version besides making a cameo.<ref name="AR">{{Cite news |last=CH |first=Murali Krishna |date=15 October 2019 |title=Abburi Ravi: I agreed to play a terrorist in Operation Gold Fish because of my friendship with Sai Kiran Adivi |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2019/Oct/15/abburi-ravi-i-agreed-to-play-a-terrorist-operation-gold-fish-because-riendship-with-sai-kiran-adivi-14932.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429135617/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2019/Oct/15/abburi-ravi-i-agreed-to-play-a-terrorist-operation-gold-fish-because-riendship-with-sai-kiran-adivi-14932.html |archive-date=29 April 2025 |access-date=19 March 2026 |work=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en}}</ref>


===Pre-production===
Kamal Haasan was reported to be play CK Diwakar, an [[Indian Revenue Service]] officer in [[Narcotics Control Bureau]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |date=28 September 2015 |title='Thoongaa Vanam' characters' names revealed! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thoongaa-vanam-characters%E2%80%99-names-revealed-news-tamil-pj2pzOddbiceg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929052518/http://www.sify.com/movies/thoongaa-vanam-characters%E2%80%99-names-revealed-news-tamil-pj2pzOddbiceg.html |archive-date=29 September 2015 |access-date=28 September 2015 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] and [[Prakash Raj]] were the first actors to be cast and reported to play the female lead and an important supporting role respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2015 |title=Manisha Koirala for Kamal's 'Thoonga Vanam' |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Manisha-Koirala-for-Kamals-Thoonga-Vanam/articleshow/47278218.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617111314/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Manisha-Koirala-for-Kamals-Thoonga-Vanam/articleshow/47278218.cms |archive-date=17 June 2015 |access-date=11 June 2015 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 May 2015 |title=Manisha Koirala approached for Kamal Haasan's next |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/manisha-koirala-approached-for-kamal-haasans-next/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708041726/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/manisha-koirala-approached-for-kamal-haasans-next/ |archive-date=8 July 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> While Prakash Raj was said to portray a drug dealer named Vital Rao, Trisha's role was Mallika, a police officer.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> In June 2015, [[Asha Sarath]], was announced as part of the cast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manohar |first=Niveda |date=29 June 2015 |title=Asha Sharath Joins Thoongavanam |url=https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/news/asha-sharath-joins-thoongavanam/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20241128061140/https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/news/asha-sharath-joins-thoongavanam/ |archive-date=28 November 2024 |access-date=29 November 2024 |website=Silverscreen India}}</ref> [[Uma Riyaz Khan]] was signed for an "important role" <ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2015 |title=Uma Riyaz Khan in Kamal's 'Thoonga Vanam' |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/uma-riyaz-khan-in-kamals-thoonga-vanam-news-tamil-pfqkusjihaiig.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519012008/http://www.sify.com/movies/uma-riyaz-khan-in-kamals-thoonga-vanam-news-tamil-pfqkusjihaiig.html |archive-date=19 May 2015 |access-date=11 June 2015 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> and [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]] informed that had been selected for a "key role" in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 May 2015 |title=Kishore in Kamal Haasan's Thoongavanam |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Kishore-in-Kamal-Haasans-Thoongavanam/articleshow/47460106.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601033651/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Kishore-in-Kamal-Haasans-Thoongavanam/articleshow/47460106.cms |archive-date=1 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> In June 2015, it was reported that [[Madhu Shalini]] was part of the film and had starting filming,<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 June 2015 |title=Madhu Shalini in Kamal Haasan's 'Thoongaavanam' |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/madhu-shalini-in-kamal-haasan-s-thoongaavanam-115060600172_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612024457/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/madhu-shalini-in-kamal-haasan-s-thoongaavanam-115060600172_1.html |archive-date=12 June 2015 |access-date=11 June 2015 |work=[[Business Standard]] |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]}}</ref> while [[Sampath Raj]] was also added to the cast.<ref>{{Cite news |last=CR |first=Sharanya |date=6 June 2015 |title=Sampath to work with Kamal in Thoonga Vanam |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Sampath-to-work-with-Kamal-in-Thoonga-Vanam/articleshow/47553975.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613232048/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Sampath-to-work-with-Kamal-in-Thoonga-Vanam/articleshow/47553975.cms |archive-date=13 June 2015 |access-date=11 June 2015 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Sampath's character was revealed to be that of a local gangster called Pedha Babu.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Aman Abdullah played Kamal Haasan's son, making his acting debut.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gowri |first=Devika |date=10 November 2015 |title=Kamal Haasan is Aman's favourite! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151109/entertainment-kollywood/article/kamal-haasan-aman%E2%80%99s-favourite |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020232835/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151109/entertainment-kollywood/article/kamal-haasan-aman%E2%80%99s-favourite |archive-date=20 October 2017 |access-date=20 August 2020 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref> [[Ramajogayya Sastry]] wrote the lyrics for the Telugu version apart from making a cameo.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 November 2015 |title=Kamal Haasan's Cheekati Rajyam all set for Telugu release |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/kamal-haasans-cheekati-rajyam-all-set-for-telugu-release/articleshow/49710953.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609233350/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/kamal-haasans-cheekati-rajyam-all-set-for-telugu-release/articleshow/49710953.cms |archive-date=9 June 2025 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en |access-date=26 March 2026 }}</ref> [[Principal photography]] began in late May at [[Ramoji Film City]] in [[Hyderabad]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krishnamoorthy |first=Suresh |date=25 May 2015 |title=With Cheekati Raajyam, Kamal returns to Telugu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/with-cheekati-raajyam-kamal-returns-to-telugu/article7242870.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713102025/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/with-cheekati-raajyam-kamal-returns-to-telugu/article7242870.ece |archive-date=13 July 2017 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and was completed in 38 working days by early August 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 August 2015 |title=Thoongavanam wrapped up in 38 days |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150808/entertainment-kollywood/article/thoongavanam-wrapped-38-days |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930030342/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150808/entertainment-kollywood/article/thoongavanam-wrapped-38-days |archive-date=30 September 2022 |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en}}</ref>
[[Kamal Haasan]] announced that his next project, a bilingual thriller titled ''Thoongaa Vanam'' in Tamil, and it would be directed by his former assistant [[Rajesh Selva]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/kamal-haasans-thoonga-vanam-first-look-posters-have-been-launched.html |title=Kamal Haasan's Thoonga Vanam first look posters have been launched |publisher=Behindwoods |date=24 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> and produced by himself. Kamal Haasan was so glad to be a part of this great film and expressed his thanks to all who supported him in his career. He added that the film would be shot simultaneously and with the same cast and crew as ''[[Cheekati Rajyam]]'' in the [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/kamal-haasans-next-film-titled-cheekati-rajyam-in-telugu-765660 |title=Kamal Haasans Next Film Titled Cheekati Rajyam in Telugu&nbsp;– NDTV Movies |publisher=Movies.ndtv.com |date=24 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> Sanu Varghese and Shan Mohammed were named as the cinematographer and editor, respectively,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kamal-haasan-next-project-thoongavanam-is-bilingual-thriller-2086649|title=Kamal Haasan next project 'Thoongavanam' is bilingual thriller|work=dna|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref> while [[Ghibran]] was recruited as the film's composer, working for a fourth successive Kamal Haasan film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/479417/kamal-haasans-next-titled-cheekati.html |title=Kamal Haasan's next titled Cheekati Rajyam' in Telugu |work=Deccan Herald |date=24 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/kamal-haasans-next-film-titled-cheekati-rajyam-in-telugu-765660|title=Kamal Haasans Next Film Titled Cheekati Rajyam in Telugu&nbsp;– NDTV Movies|publisher=NDTVMovies.com|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref> Writer Suka was chosen to write the Tamil dialogues,<ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/suka-is-the-dialogue-writer-for-kamals-thoongaa-vanam-news-tamil-pf1k3Iaeahdgb.html Suka is the dialogue writer for Kamal`s `Thoongaa Vanam`]. Sify.com (27 May 2015). Retrieved 21 August 2015.</ref> while Abburi Ravi was assigned to work on the dialogues for the Telugu version.<ref name="indiaglitz.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/kamals-cheekati-rajyam-first-look-launch-telugu-news-133591.html|title=Kamals Cheekati Rajyam first look Launch|publisher=IndiaGlitz|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref>
 
Kamal Haasan was reported to be play CK Dhiwakar, an [[Indian Revenue Service]] officer in [[Narcotics Control Bureau]].<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.sify.com/movies/thoongaa-vanam-characters%E2%80%99-names-revealed-news-tamil-pj2pzOddbiceg.html `Thoongaa Vanam` characters’ names revealed!]. Sify.com (28 September 2015). Retrieved 13 October 2015.</ref> [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] and [[Prakash Raj]] were the first actors to be cast and reported to play the female lead and an important supporting role respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Manisha-Koirala-for-Kamals-Thoonga-Vanam/articleshow/47278218.cms|title=Manisha Koirala for Kamal's 'Thoonga Vanam'|work=The Times of India|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/manisha-koirala-approached-for-kamal-haasans-next/ |title=Manisha Koirala approached for Kamal Haasan's next |work=The Indian Express |date=13 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> While Prakash Raj was said to portray a drug dealer named Vital Rao, Trisha's role was Mallika, a police officer.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> Initially, the makers were considering Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala to play Kamal's wife in the movie. But the crew later opted for [[Asha Sarath]] after watching her films.<ref>Menon, Akhila. (24 June 2015) [http://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2015/asha-sarath-to-be-kamal-haasan-heroine-thoongavanam-188112.html Asha Sarath To Be Kamal Hassan's Heroine]. Filmibeat. Retrieved 21 August 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/after-papanasam-asha-sharath-bags-role-kamal-haasans-thoongavanam-637473 After 'Papanasam', Asha Sharath Bags Role in Kamal Haasan's 'Thoongavanam']. ''International Business Times''. (29 June 2015). Retrieved 21 August 2015.</ref> [[Uma Riyaz Khan]] was signed for an "important role" <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/uma-riyaz-khan-in-kamals-thoonga-vanam-news-tamil-pfqkusjihaiig.html|title=Uma Riyaz Khan in Kamal's 'Thoonga Vanam'|work=Sify|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref> and [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]] informed that had been selected for a "key role" in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Kishore-in-Kamal-Haasans-Thoongavanam/articleshow/47460106.cms |title=Kishore in Kamal Haasan's Thoongavanam |work=The Times of India |date=29 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> In June 2015, it was reported that [[Madhu Shalini]] was part of the film and had starting filming,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/madhu-shalini-in-kamal-haasan-s-thoongaavanam-115060600172_1.html|title=Madhu Shalini in Kamal Haasan's 'Thoongaavanam'|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|date=6 June 2015|work=Business Standard|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref> while [[Sampath Raj]] was also added to the cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Sampath-to-work-with-Kamal-in-Thoonga-Vanam/articleshow/47553975.cms|title=Sampath to work with Kamal in Thoonga Vanam|work=The Times of India|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref> Sampath's character was revealed to be that of a local gangster called Pedha Babu.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
 
===Filming===
Following a photo shoot at the AVM Studios on 20 May 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/fresh-updates-on-kamal-haasans-thoongavanam-tamil-news-133140.html |title=Fresh Updates on Kamal Haasan's 'Thoongavanam' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=19 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> the film was officially unveiled on 25 May in [[Hyderabad]] with the release of the first look poster,<ref name="indiaglitz.com"/> after which [[principal photography]] began with a schedule at the [[Ramoji Film City]] in Hyderabad.<ref name="TV9 1">{{cite news|last1=Admin|title=Kamal Haasan begins shooting for Cheekati Rajyam|url=http://www.telugu9pm.com/2015/05/kamal-haasan-begins-shooting-for.html|access-date=5 June 2015|language=te|publisher=[[TV9 (Telugu)|TV9]]|format=news video|date=25 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Suresh Krishnamoorthy |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/with-cheekati-raajyam-kamal-returns-to-telugu/article7242870.ece |title=With Cheekati Raajyam, Kamal returns to Telugu |work=The Hindu |date=25 May 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> The filming was completed in 38 days by August 2015.


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
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| cover        =  
| cover        =  
| alt          =  
| alt          =  
| released    = {{start date|2015|10|07|df=y|}} (Tamil) <br /> {{start date|2015|11|03|df=y|}} (Telugu)  
| released    = {{start date|2015|10|07|df=y|}} (Tamil) <br /> {{start date|2015|11|03|df=y|}} (Telugu)
| recorded    = 2015
| recorded    = 2015
| venue        =  
| venue        =  
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| length      = 4:33
| length      = 4:33
| language    = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] <br /> [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| language    = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] <br /> [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| label        = [[Think Music India|Think Music]]
| label        = [[Think Music]]
| producer    = [[Ghibran]]
| producer    = [[Ghibran]]
| prev_title  = [[Papanasam (film)|Papanasam]]
| prev_title  = [[Papanasam (film)|Papanasam]]
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}}
}}


The soundtrack album for ''Thoongaa Vanam'' composed by [[Ghibran]], features only one song, "Neeye Unakku Raja" in the [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal genre]], written by [[Vairamuthu]] and sung by [[Kamal Haasan]], with backing vocals by [[Yazin Nizar]] and model-turned-singer [[C. Aishvarrya Suresh|Aishvarrya]].<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/I-have-never-sung-metal-before-Aishvarrya/articleshow/49300398.cms I have never sung metal before: Aishvarrya&nbsp;– The Times of India]. ''The Times of India''. (11 October 2015). Retrieved 2 November 2015.</ref> The song was released on 7 October 2015, along with its video song being simultaneously released on [[YouTube]].
The soundtrack album for ''Thoongaa Vanam'' composed by [[Ghibran Vaibodha|Ghibran]], features only one song, "Neeye Unakku Raja" in the [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal genre]], written by [[Vairamuthu]] and sung by [[Kamal Haasan]], with backing vocals by [[Yazin Nizar]] and model-turned-singer [[C. Aishvarrya Suresh|Aishvarrya]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Mrinalini |date=11 October 2015 |title=I have never sung metal before: Aishvarrya |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/i-have-never-sung-metal-before-aishvarrya/articleshow/49300398.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523034247/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/i-have-never-sung-metal-before-aishvarrya/articleshow/49300398.cms |archive-date=23 May 2023 |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The song was released on 7 October 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 October 2015 |title='Thoongaavanam' team's birthday gift for Kamal Haasan&nbsp;– a single! |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/thoongaavanam-teams-birthday-gift-for-kamal-haasan-a-single/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009004020/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/thoongaavanam-teams-birthday-gift-for-kamal-haasan-a-single/ |archive-date=9 October 2015 |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>


Behindwoods reviewing for the song stated that "Kamal’s textured voice and the glitch mode is on full throttle for this house-mix song, Ghibran’s toxic instrumentation takes us into a trance land of no hope and support. Be it the Veenai in the interlude or the numerous sound effects, the electronic influence in the composition, teamed up with some growling, bowls us over throughout. The female voice is no less, and particularly the metal-like singing is a whole new try." and gave a verdict, "Though it's just one, it's a gun!"<ref>[http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/thoongavanam/thoongavanam-songs-review.html Thoongavanam (aka) Thoonga Vanam songs review]. Behindwoods.com (7 October 2015). Retrieved 2 November 2015.</ref>
{{track listing
 
{{tracklist
| headline = Track listing (Tamil)
| headline = Track listing (Tamil)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length =
| title1 = Neeye Unakku Raja
| title1 = Neeye Unakku Raja
| lyrics1 = [[Vairamuthu]]
| lyrics1 = [[Vairamuthu]]
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}}
}}


The Telugu version of the song named "Dhairyam Veedi" written by [[Ramajogayya Sastry]] was released, on 3 November 2015.
{{track listing
 
{{tracklist
| headline = Track listing (Telugu)
| headline = Track listing (Telugu)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length =
| title1 = Dhairyam Veedi
| title1 = Dhairyam Veedi
| lyrics1 = [[Ramajogayya Sastry]]
| lyrics1 = [[Ramajogayya Sastry]]
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==Reception==
==Reception==


===''Thoongaa Vanam''===
=== ''Thoongaa Vanam'' ===
Gautaman Bhaskaran of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' gave the film a rating of 4/5 stars, calling it "an absolute slick crime adventure".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/thoongaavanam-review-a-better-kamal-film-pacy-and-slick/story-rrbDsdxAIsN6fIF8PjNohI.html | title=Thoongaavanam review: A better Kamal film, pacy and slick | work=[[Hindustan Times]] | date=10 November 2015 | access-date=11 November 2015 | first=Gautaman | last=Bhaskaran}}</ref> Latha Srinivasan of ''[[Daily News and Analysis]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars mentioning Thoongaa Vanam as a slick, well-made film that takes you through the course of happening over one night to the police officer and appreciated the debutant [[Rajesh Selva|Rajesh M. Selva]] for directing a film that broke from the regular [[Kollywood]] films. They also appreciated the performance of [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] and music director [[Gibran]] for the excellent background score.<ref name="dnatvanamreview">{{cite web|url=http://tamilplex.com/article/eng/2014/03/13/503/aadama-jeyichomada-cricket-scam.html|title='Thoongaavanam' review: This Kamal Haasan-Trisha starrer is more Hollywood than Kollywood|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=10 November 2015|access-date=10 November 2015|first=Latha|last=Srinivasan}}</ref> Avinash Gopinath of [[Oneindia|Filmibeat]] gave 3.5/5 stars and concluded "Without any songs and romantic sequences, {{sic|''Thoongaavanam''}} is not your regular Tamil film. After all, who else other than Kamal Haasan can make a Kollywood flick look truly international?"<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/reviews/2015/thoongaavanam-movie-review-and-rating-kamal-haasan-show-all-the-way-plot-story-204737.html | title=Thoongaavanam Movie Review & Rating: A No-Nonsense Action Thriller! | publisher=[[Oneindia|Filmibeat]] | date=10 November 2015 | access-date=11 November 2015 | first=Avinash | last=Gopinath}}</ref>
Gautaman Bhaskaran of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' gave the film a rating of 4/5 stars, calling it "an absolute slick crime adventure".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhaskaran |first=Gautaman |date=10 November 2015 |title=Thoongaavanam review: A better Kamal film, pacy and slick |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/thoongaavanam-review-a-better-kamal-film-pacy-and-slick/story-rrbDsdxAIsN6fIF8PjNohI.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110110300/http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/thoongaavanam-review-a-better-kamal-film-pacy-and-slick/story-rrbDsdxAIsN6fIF8PjNohI.html |archive-date=10 November 2015 |access-date=11 November 2015 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> Latha Srinivasan of ''[[Daily News and Analysis]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars mentioning Thoongaa Vanam as a slick, well-made film that takes you through the course of happening over one night to the police officer and appreciated Rajesh Selva for directing a film that broke from the regular Tamil films. They also appreciated the performance of Kamal Haasan, Trisha and Ghibran for the excellent background score.<ref name="dnatvanamreview">{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=10 November 2015 |title='Thoongaavanam' review: This Kamal Haasan-Trisha starrer is more Hollywood than Kollywood |url=http://tamilplex.com/article/eng/2014/03/13/503/aadama-jeyichomada-cricket-scam.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031324/http://tamilplex.com/article/eng/2014/03/13/503/aadama-jeyichomada-cricket-scam.html |archive-date=17 November 2015 |access-date=10 November 2015 |website=[[Daily News and Analysis]]}}</ref>


Rating it 3/5 stars, S. Saraswathi of [[Rediff.com|Rediff]] appreciated the performances of the lead cast as well as the film's technical aspects but criticised the lack of pace in the film's screenplay before concluding "the intriguing plot, good performances, Ghibran's innovative background score and camera angles of Sanu Varghese make director [[Rajesh Selva|Rajesh M. Selva]]'s {{sic|''Thoonga Vanam''|nolink=y}} worth a watch."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-thoonga-vanam-is-worth-a-watch/20151110.htm | title=Review: Thoonga Vanam is worth a watch | publisher=[[Rediff.com|Rediff]] | date=10 November 2015 | access-date=11 November 2015 | first=S. | last=Saraswathi}}</ref> M. Suganth of ''[[The Times of India]]'' also rated the film 3/5 and wrote, "even though the film cleverly spreads the action across various areas in the club [...] it isn't enough to shake off the feeling of claustrophobia. By the time the film gets over, we feel exhausted."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Thoongaavanam/movie-review/49744186.cms | title=Thoongaavanam Movie Review | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=11 November 2015 | access-date=11 November 2015 | first=M. | last=Suganth}}</ref> Entertainment website Behindwoods rated it 2.75/5, mentioning it as "There are thrills and surprises worth experiencing in this Thoongavanam", but also wrote "If one has to complain, it must be about the slightly slower pace of the movie", a contradictory statement when compared with general opinion. They appreciated the technicians as well as actors of the film with special mention to [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]], and Aman Abdullah.<ref name="behindwoodsreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/thoongavanam/thoongavanam-review.html|title='Thoongaavanam' movie review|publisher=Behindwoods|date=10 November 2015|access-date=10 November 2015}}</ref> Karthik Keramalu of [[CNN-IBN|IBNLive]] gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "Actors move in and out of rooms, run this way and that, plot and fail, hide and seek. Yet all the effort of the cast and crew is shaken and not stirred enough as the screenplay gets a few nods wrong."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/movies/%E2%80%AA%E2%80%8Ethoongaavanam-review-the-movie-is-uninspiring-and-a-tame-thriller-1163162.html | title='Thoongaavanam' review: The movie is uninspiring and a tame thriller | publisher=[[CNN-IBN|IBNLive]] | date=11 November 2015 | access-date=11 November 2015 | first=Karthik | last=Keramalu}}</ref>
Rating it 3/5 stars, S. Saraswathi of [[Rediff.com|''Rediff'']] appreciated the performances of the lead cast as well as the film's technical aspects but criticised the lack of pace in the film's screenplay before concluding "the intriguing plot, good performances, Ghibran's innovative background score and camera angles of Sanu Varghese make director Rajesh M. Selva's {{sic|''Thoonga Vanam''|nolink=y}} worth a watch."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saraswathi |first=S. |date=10 November 2015 |title=Review: Thoonga Vanam is worth a watch |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-thoonga-vanam-is-worth-a-watch/20151110.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112195251/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-thoonga-vanam-is-worth-a-watch/20151110.htm |archive-date=12 November 2015 |access-date=11 November 2015 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> M. Suganth of ''[[The Times of India]]'' also rated the film 3/5 and wrote, "even though the film cleverly spreads the action across various areas in the club [...] it isn't enough to shake off the feeling of claustrophobia. By the time the film gets over, we feel exhausted."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=11 November 2015 |title=Thoongaavanam Movie Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Thoongaavanam/movie-review/49744186.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114074757/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Thoongaavanam/movie-review/49744186.cms |archive-date=14 November 2015 |access-date=11 November 2015 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Karthik Keramalu of ''[[IBNLive]]'' gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "Actors move in and out of rooms, run this way and that, plot and fail, hide and seek. Yet all the effort of the cast and crew is shaken and not stirred enough as the screenplay gets a few nods wrong."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keramalu |first=Karthik |date=11 November 2015 |title='Thoongaavanam' review: The movie is uninspiring and a tame thriller |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/movies/%E2%80%AA%E2%80%8Ethoongaavanam-review-the-movie-is-uninspiring-and-a-tame-thriller-1163162.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113030741/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/movies/%E2%80%AA%E2%80%8Ethoongaavanam-review-the-movie-is-uninspiring-and-a-tame-thriller-1163162.html |archive-date=13 November 2015 |access-date=11 November 2015 |website=[[IBNLive]]}}</ref>


[[Baradwaj Rangan]] of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated that the film picks up in the post-interval portions "the kitchen-sink action choreography, the sounds of things breaking and clattering, the bursts of background score, the jittery camerawork", concluding the film as "an okay thriller", but criticised director [[Rajesh Selva]] for not giving the output to the dazzle of [[Brian De Palma]] films.<ref name="thehindureview">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thoongavanam-an-okay-thriller-with-goodies-for-fans/article7865210.ece|title=Thoongavanam: An okay thriller, with goodies for fans|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 November 2015|access-date=10 November 2015|first=Baradwaj|last=Rangan|author-link=Baradwaj Rangan}}</ref> [[Sify]] described the film as a "classy thriller that gives an edge of the seat ride with world class action sequences and no-nonsense execution!".[[Kamal Haasan]], [[Prakash Raj]], [[Sampath Raj]], [[Kishore (actor, born 1974)|Kishore]] and [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] were appreciated for their performances, while they concluded mentioning about the technical aspects like music, action, editing and camera work that gave an edge to the film.<ref name="sifyreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thoonga-vanam-review--plkkQcbiadhaj.html|title=Thoongavanam:Review|publisher=[[Sify]]|date=10 November 2015|access-date=10 November 2015}}</ref> Raisa Nasreen of Bookmyshow termed the film as "A solid action-thriller".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://in.bookmyshow.com/entertainment/thoongavanam-film-review-a-diwali-treat-for-kamal-haasan-fans/65781 | title=Thoongavanam: Film Review&nbsp;– A Diwali Treat for Kamal Haasan fans | publisher=Bookmyshow | date=10 November 2015 | access-date=11 November 2015 | first=Raisa | last=Nasreen}}</ref>
[[Baradwaj Rangan]], writing for ''[[The Hindu]]'', stated that the film picks up in the post-interval portions "the kitchen-sink action choreography, the sounds of things breaking and clattering, the bursts of background score, the jittery camerawork", concluding the film as "an okay thriller", but criticised Rajesh Selva for not giving the output to the dazzle of [[Brian De Palma]] films.<ref name="thehindureview">{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=10 November 2015 |title=Thoongavanam: An okay thriller, with goodies for fans |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thoongavanam-an-okay-thriller-with-goodies-for-fans/article7865210.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111094029/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thoongavanam-an-okay-thriller-with-goodies-for-fans/article7865210.ece |archive-date=11 January 2016 |access-date=10 November 2015 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> ''[[Sify]]'' described the film as a "classy thriller that gives an edge of the seat ride with world class action sequences and no-nonsense execution!". Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj, Sampath Raj, Kishore and Trisha were appreciated for their performances, while they concluded mentioning about the technical aspects like music, action, editing and camera work that gave an edge to the film.<ref name="sifyreview">{{Cite web |title=Thoonga Vanam |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thoonga-vanam-review--plkkQcbiadhaj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110225931/http://www.sify.com/movies/thoonga-vanam-review--plkkQcbiadhaj.html |archive-date=10 November 2015 |access-date=10 November 2015 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>


===''Cheekati Rajyam''===
===''Cheekati Rajyam''===
Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of ''The Hindu'' stated, "though the film isn't really exceptional, makes for an engaging watch". She also mentioned the performance of Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj and Trisha as good, concluding the film as a stylish cop drama as attention is paid even to little details of the film making.<ref name="TH">{{Cite web |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=20 November 2015 |title=Cheekati Rajyam: The night is sinister |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cheekati-rajyam-the-night-is-sinister/article7899886.ece |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309043146/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cheekati-rajyam-the-night-is-sinister/article7899886.ece |archive-date=9 March 2017 |access-date=22 November 2015 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Suresh Kaviyarani of the ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' wrote, "Though the second half is a bit slow, overall the movie is good as it is a nice departure from the regular masala films".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaviyarani |first=Suresh |date=20 November 2015 |title=Movie Review 'Cheekati Rajyam': A good adaptation |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151121/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-cheekati-rajyam-good-adaptation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713065600/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151121/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-cheekati-rajyam-good-adaptation |archive-date=13 July 2024 |access-date=18 March 2026 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref>


The Telugu version was released a week later with similar positive reviews. Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated, 'though the film isn't really exceptional, makes for an engaging watch', appreciating director on the promising debut. She also mentioned the performance of [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Prakash Raj]] and [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] as good, concluding the film as a stylish cop drama as attention is paid even to little details of the film making.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cheekati-rajyam-the-night-is-sinister/article7899886.ece|title=Cheekati Rajyam: The night is sinister|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 November 2015|access-date=22 November 2015}}</ref> Rating it 3/5 stars, Pravallika Anjuri of filmibeat stated that, even though the film is not up to the standard of an edgy or racy thriller, the performance of artistes, ideal run time and presentation makes it a must watch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/reviews/2015/cheekati-rajyam-movie-review-kamal-haasan-trisha-story-plot-rating-critics-review-205800.html|title=Cheekati Rajyam Movie Review: Promising Thriller|work=filmibeat|date=20 November 2015|access-date=22 November 2015}}</ref> 123 Telugu gave the film a rating of 3.25/5 stars, calling it as a slick action thriller with interesting moments going on its way with a racy first half, concluding as the film is a must watch for those who like action thrillers and for the rest, the film is a decent watch.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.123telugu.com/reviews/cheekati-rajyam-telugu-movie-review.html|title=Review : Cheekati Rajyam – Slick action thriller|work=123Telugu|date=20 November 2015|access-date=22 November 2015}}</ref> Venkat of Great Andhra gave the film a rating of 2.75/5 stating that <ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/cheekati-rajyam-review-slick-action-thriller-70639.html|title=Cheekati Rajyam–Slick action thriller|work=Great Andhra|date=20 November 2015|access-date=22 November 2015}}</ref>
==Box office==
The film grossed over ₹50 crore worldwide. Its box office shortcomings were attributed by journalists to the [[2015 South India floods]].<ref name="BO">{{Cite news |date=3 June 2022 |title='Vikram': Kamal Haasan's last five movies' box office stats |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vikram-kamal-haasans-last-five-movies-box-office-stats/photostory/91988285.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603182252/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vikram-kamal-haasans-last-five-movies-box-office-stats/photostory/91988285.cms |archive-date=3 June 2022 |access-date=12 June 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


==Box office==
==Notes==
The film collected about {{INRConvert|4|c}} in [[Tamil Nadu]] in first day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thoongavanam-thoongaavanam-first-day-box-office-collection-kamal-haasans-film-gets-good-654210|title='Thoongavanam' (Thoongaavanam) first day box office collection: Kamal Haasan's film gets good opening|website=International Business Times|date=2015-11-11|access-date=2020-05-19}}</ref>
{{Noteslist}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*{{IMDb title|4937812}}
*{{IMDb title}}
*{{Rotten Tomatoes}}
*{{Rotten Tomatoes|thoongaavanam_2015|Cheekati Rajyam}}
{{Raaj Kamal Films International}}
{{Raaj Kamal Films International}}
{{Kamal Haasan}}
{{Kamal Haasan}}
{{Rajesh M. Selva}}
{{Rajesh M. Selva}}


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Latest revision as of 22:23, 26 March 2026


Template:Requested move notice

Thoongaa Vanam
File:Thoongaa Vanam.jpg
Theatrical release poster in Tamil
Directed byRajesh M. Selva
Produced by
Screenplay byKamal Haasan
Based onSleepless Night
by Frédéric Jardin
Starring
Music byM. Ghibran
CinematographySanu John Varghese
Edited byShan Mohammed
Production
company
Distributed by
Release date
  • 10 November 2015 (2015-11-10) (Tamil)
  • 20 November 2015 (2015-11-20) (Telugu)
Running time
127 minutes
CountryIndia
Language
  • Tamil
  • Telugu
Box officeTemplate:Estimated ₹50 crore[2]

Thoongaa Vanam (transl. Sleepless forest) is a 2015 Indian action thriller film directed by Rajesh M. Selva. The film stars an ensemble cast including Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj, Trisha Krishnan, Kishore, Sampath Raj, Guru Somasundaram, Yugi Sethu, Aman Abdullah, Asha Sharath, Madhu Shalini and Jagan. It was filmed simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu languages, the latter titled Cheekati Rajyam (transl. Kingdom of darkness).[3] Both versions were produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and Sree Gokulam Movies. The film is a remake of the French film Sleepless Night (2011).[4]

Thoongaa Vanam was released on 10 November 2015 coinciding with Diwali while the Telugu version Cheekati Rajyam was released on 20 November 2015. The film received positive reviews from critics. This film marks Trisha's 50th film and completes her 15 years in the industry.[5]

Plot[edit | edit source]

C.K. Diwakar is an IRS officer in the NCB, who along with his deputy Mani, steals a narcotics shipment but gets stabbed in the process. In retaliation, Vittal Rao, a drug lord, who was due to receive the shipment, kidnaps Diwakar's son Vasu. He is willing to release Vasu if Diwakar can return to him the bag of cocaine that he stole earlier. With no other option at hand, Diwakar agrees and proceeds to Vittal's nightclub, with the bag of cocaine, where Vasu is held hostage. His act of hiding the bag in the men's toilet is noticed by NCB agent Mallika, who becomes suspicious. Thinking that Diwakar is involved in drug smuggling, she informs her superior Dhiraviyam / Mohan.

Dhiraviyam / Mohan begin to pursue Diwakar, taking away the bag of cocaine from the toilet in the process. When Diwakar realises that the bag of cocaine has gone missing, he decides to return to Vittal a bag containing packets of milk powder instead, thinking that he and his cronies, including a gangster named Pedha Babu, will not realise the difference. Unfortunately, Vittal and Pedha soon find out that Diwakar had cheated them and decide to kill him. Diwakar's wound gets worse and starts bleeding. Caught between Vittal's gang on one side and Mallika and Dhiraviyam / Mohan on the other side, Diwakar confronts Mallika and tells her that contrary to her suspicions, he has been working undercover and had planned the entire operation to expose cops such as Dhiraviyam / Mohan and Mani, who are involved in drug smuggling.

Diwakar then rescues Vasu without Vittal's knowledge, and Vittal is also arrested by Mallika and Dhiraviyam / Mohan. While taking Vittal to prison, Mallika finds out that she has Mani's mobile phone, and on reading the messages in it, she finds out that Diwakar had been speaking the truth all along, realising that Dhiraviyam / Mohan and Mani are involved in drug smuggling and had tried to frame Diwakar. Though Dhiraviyam tries to resist arrest, killing Vittal in the process, he is eventually brought to justice. Diwakar falls unconscious due to the constant bleeding of his wound and Vasu takes him to the hospital. Diwakar recovers. Three months later, Mallika is now Diwakar's deputy, and the duo is shown thwarting the attempted murder of a police officer.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Adapted from the closing credits[lower-alpha 1]

Production[edit | edit source]

In May 2015, Kamal Haasan announced that his next project, a bilingual thriller titled Thoongaa Vanam in Tamil, would be directed by his former assistant Rajesh M. Selva and produced by himself. The film was initially titled as Ore Iravu, before going through a change of title.[12] Haasan added that the film would be shot simultaneously and with the same cast and crew as Cheekati Rajyam in the Telugu language.[13] Sanu Varghese and Shan Mohammed were named as the cinematographer and editor, respectively,[14] while Ghibran was recruited as the film's composer, working on his fourth successive Haasan film.[15][13] Writer Suka was chosen to write the Tamil dialogues,[16] while Abburi Ravi was assigned to work on the dialogues for the Telugu version besides making a cameo.[11]

Kamal Haasan was reported to be play CK Diwakar, an Indian Revenue Service officer in Narcotics Control Bureau.[7] Trisha and Prakash Raj were the first actors to be cast and reported to play the female lead and an important supporting role respectively.[17][18] While Prakash Raj was said to portray a drug dealer named Vital Rao, Trisha's role was Mallika, a police officer.[7] In June 2015, Asha Sarath, was announced as part of the cast.[19] Uma Riyaz Khan was signed for an "important role" [20] and Kishore informed that had been selected for a "key role" in the film.[21] In June 2015, it was reported that Madhu Shalini was part of the film and had starting filming,[22] while Sampath Raj was also added to the cast.[23] Sampath's character was revealed to be that of a local gangster called Pedha Babu.[7] Aman Abdullah played Kamal Haasan's son, making his acting debut.[24] Ramajogayya Sastry wrote the lyrics for the Telugu version apart from making a cameo.[25] Principal photography began in late May at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad[26] and was completed in 38 working days by early August 2015.[27]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Thoonga Vanam
Soundtrack album by
Ghibran
Released7 October 2015 (2015-10-07) (Tamil)
3 November 2015 (2015-11-03) (Telugu)
Recorded2015
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length4:33
LanguageTamil
Telugu
LabelThink Music
ProducerGhibran
Ghibran chronology
Papanasam
(2015) 		Thoonga Vanam
(2015) 		Babu Bangaram
(2016)
External audio
Official Video Song (Tamil) at YouTube
Official Video Song (Telugu) at YouTube

The soundtrack album for Thoongaa Vanam composed by Ghibran, features only one song, "Neeye Unakku Raja" in the heavy metal genre, written by Vairamuthu and sung by Kamal Haasan, with backing vocals by Yazin Nizar and model-turned-singer Aishvarrya.[28] The song was released on 7 October 2015.[29]

Track listing (Tamil)
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Neeye Unakku Raja"VairamuthuKamal Haasan, Aishvarrya, Yazin Nizar4:33
Track listing (Telugu)
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Dhairyam Veedi"Ramajogayya SastryKamal Haasan, Aishvarrya, Yazin Nizar4:33

Reception[edit | edit source]

Thoongaa Vanam[edit | edit source]

Gautaman Bhaskaran of Hindustan Times gave the film a rating of 4/5 stars, calling it "an absolute slick crime adventure".[30] Latha Srinivasan of Daily News and Analysis gave 3.5/5 stars mentioning Thoongaa Vanam as a slick, well-made film that takes you through the course of happening over one night to the police officer and appreciated Rajesh Selva for directing a film that broke from the regular Tamil films. They also appreciated the performance of Kamal Haasan, Trisha and Ghibran for the excellent background score.[31]

Rating it 3/5 stars, S. Saraswathi of Rediff appreciated the performances of the lead cast as well as the film's technical aspects but criticised the lack of pace in the film's screenplay before concluding "the intriguing plot, good performances, Ghibran's innovative background score and camera angles of Sanu Varghese make director Rajesh M. Selva's Thoonga Vanam [sic] worth a watch."[32] M. Suganth of The Times of India also rated the film 3/5 and wrote, "even though the film cleverly spreads the action across various areas in the club [...] it isn't enough to shake off the feeling of claustrophobia. By the time the film gets over, we feel exhausted."[33] Karthik Keramalu of IBNLive gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "Actors move in and out of rooms, run this way and that, plot and fail, hide and seek. Yet all the effort of the cast and crew is shaken and not stirred enough as the screenplay gets a few nods wrong."[34]

Baradwaj Rangan, writing for The Hindu, stated that the film picks up in the post-interval portions "the kitchen-sink action choreography, the sounds of things breaking and clattering, the bursts of background score, the jittery camerawork", concluding the film as "an okay thriller", but criticised Rajesh Selva for not giving the output to the dazzle of Brian De Palma films.[35] Sify described the film as a "classy thriller that gives an edge of the seat ride with world class action sequences and no-nonsense execution!". Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj, Sampath Raj, Kishore and Trisha were appreciated for their performances, while they concluded mentioning about the technical aspects like music, action, editing and camera work that gave an edge to the film.[36]

Cheekati Rajyam[edit | edit source]

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu stated, "though the film isn't really exceptional, makes for an engaging watch". She also mentioned the performance of Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj and Trisha as good, concluding the film as a stylish cop drama as attention is paid even to little details of the film making.[9] Suresh Kaviyarani of the Deccan Chronicle wrote, "Though the second half is a bit slow, overall the movie is good as it is a nice departure from the regular masala films".[37]

Box office[edit | edit source]

The film grossed over ₹50 crore worldwide. Its box office shortcomings were attributed by journalists to the 2015 South India floods.[2]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ The closing credits mentioned several character names that are not used in the narrative including Duraipandian, Maheswari, Jagan, Mandhiramoorthy and Gelusil Babu.[6]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "They're still on top". The Hindu. 10 October 2015. Archived from the original on 28 November 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "'Vikram': Kamal Haasan's last five movies' box office stats". The Times of India. 3 June 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  3. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (3 November 2015). "My focus is to give quality films at great speed". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 September 2019. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  4. ↑ "Thoongaavanam to Oru Naal Iravil: Films remade in Tamil in 2015 that stayed with the audience". India Today. 20 December 2015. Archived from the original on 14 September 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  5. ↑ "Why is Thoongavanam special for Trisha?". The Hindu. 17 September 2015. Archived from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  6. ↑ Thoongaa Vanam (motion picture) (in தமிழ்). Raaj Kamal Films International. 2015. From 1:55:24 to 1:59:56 – via Amazon Prime Video.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 "'Thoongaa Vanam' characters' names revealed!". Sify. 28 September 2015. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Prakash, R S (13 November 2015). "Movie Review: Thoongavanam". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 26 March 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (20 November 2015). "Cheekati Rajyam: The night is sinister". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  10. ↑ Keramalu, Karthik (11 November 2015). "'Thoongaavanam' review: The movie is uninspiring and a tame thriller". News18. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 CH, Murali Krishna (15 October 2019). "Abburi Ravi: I agreed to play a terrorist in Operation Gold Fish because of my friendship with Sai Kiran Adivi". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  12. ↑ "Kamal's next action-thriller gets new title". Desimartini. 14 May 2015. Archived from the original on 28 November 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Kamal Haasans Next Film Titled Cheekati Rajyam in Telugu". NDTV. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 26 May 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  14. ↑ "Kamal Haasan next project 'Thoongavanam' is bilingual thriller". DNA India. 17 May 2015. Archived from the original on 19 May 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  15. ↑ "Kamal Haasan's next titled Cheekati Rajyam' in Telugu". Deccan Herald. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  16. ↑ "Suka is the dialogue writer for Kamal's 'Thoongaa Vanam'". Sify. 27 May 2015. Archived from the original on 27 May 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  17. ↑ "Manisha Koirala for Kamal's 'Thoonga Vanam'". The Times of India. 14 May 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  18. ↑ "Manisha Koirala approached for Kamal Haasan's next". The Indian Express. 13 May 2015. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  19. ↑ Manohar, Niveda (29 June 2015). "Asha Sharath Joins Thoongavanam". Silverscreen India. Archived from the original on 28 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  20. ↑ "Uma Riyaz Khan in Kamal's 'Thoonga Vanam'". Sify. 16 May 2015. Archived from the original on 19 May 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  21. ↑ "Kishore in Kamal Haasan's Thoongavanam". The Times of India. 29 May 2015. Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  22. ↑ "Madhu Shalini in Kamal Haasan's 'Thoongaavanam'". Business Standard. Indo-Asian News Service. 6 June 2015. Archived from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  23. ↑ CR, Sharanya (6 June 2015). "Sampath to work with Kamal in Thoonga Vanam". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  24. ↑ Gowri, Devika (10 November 2015). "Kamal Haasan is Aman's favourite!". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  25. ↑ "Kamal Haasan's Cheekati Rajyam all set for Telugu release". The Times of India. 8 November 2015. Archived from the original on 9 June 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  26. ↑ Krishnamoorthy, Suresh (25 May 2015). "With Cheekati Raajyam, Kamal returns to Telugu". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 July 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  27. ↑ "Thoongavanam wrapped up in 38 days". Deccan Chronicle. 8 August 2015. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  28. ↑ Sundar, Mrinalini (11 October 2015). "I have never sung metal before: Aishvarrya". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 May 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  29. ↑ "'Thoongaavanam' team's birthday gift for Kamal Haasan – a single!". The Indian Express. 7 October 2015. Archived from the original on 9 October 2015. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  30. ↑ Bhaskaran, Gautaman (10 November 2015). "Thoongaavanam review: A better Kamal film, pacy and slick". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 10 November 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  31. ↑ Srinivasan, Latha (10 November 2015). "'Thoongaavanam' review: This Kamal Haasan-Trisha starrer is more Hollywood than Kollywood". Daily News and Analysis. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
  32. ↑ Saraswathi, S. (10 November 2015). "Review: Thoonga Vanam is worth a watch". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 12 November 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  33. ↑ Suganth, M. (11 November 2015). "Thoongaavanam Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 November 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  34. ↑ Keramalu, Karthik (11 November 2015). "'Thoongaavanam' review: The movie is uninspiring and a tame thriller". IBNLive. Archived from the original on 13 November 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  35. ↑ Rangan, Baradwaj (10 November 2015). "Thoongavanam: An okay thriller, with goodies for fans". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 January 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
  36. ↑ "Thoonga Vanam". Sify. Archived from the original on 10 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
  37. ↑ Kaviyarani, Suresh (20 November 2015). "Movie Review 'Cheekati Rajyam': A good adaptation". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 13 July 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2026.

External links[edit | edit source]

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