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{{short description|2003 film by Ramana}}
{{other uses|Tirumalai (disambiguation){{!}}Tirumalai}}
{{other uses|Tirumalai (disambiguation){{!}}Tirumalai}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2013}}
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| name          = Thirumalai
| name          = Thirumalai
| image          = Thirumalai poster.jpg
| image          = Thirumalai poster.jpg
| caption        = Poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| writer        = [[Ramana (director)|Ramana]]
| writer        = Ramana
| starring      = [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]<br />[[Jyothika]]<br />[[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]]<br />[[Raghuvaran]]<br />[[Kausalya (actress)|Kausalya]]<br />[[Karunas]]
| starring      = [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]<br />[[Jyothika]]
| native_name    = {{film name|ta|திருமலை}}
| director      = [[Ramana (director)|Ramana]]
| director      = [[Ramana (director)|Ramana]]
| producer      = Pushpa Kandaswamy
| producer      = [[K. Balachander]]<br>Pushpa Kandaswamy
| cinematography = [[R. Rathnavelu]]
| cinematography = [[R. Rathnavelu]]
| editing        = [[Suresh Urs]]
| editing        = [[Suresh Urs]]
| distributor    = [[Kavithalayaa Productions]]
| studio        = [[Kavithalayaa Productions]]
| distributor    = Kavithalayaa Productions
| released      = {{Film date|2003|10|24|df=y}}
| released      = {{Film date|2003|10|24|df=y}}
| runtime        = 166 minutes
| runtime        = 167 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| music          = [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]]
| music          = [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]]
| budget        = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| budget        = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.-->
| gross          = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| gross          = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.-->
}}
}}
'''''Thirumalai''''' is a 2003 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action film|action]] [[romance film]] written and directed by [[Ramana (director)|Ramana]]. This film stars  [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] and [[Jyothika]] in lead roles, while [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]], [[Raghuvaran]], [[Kausalya (actress)|Kausalya]] and [[Karunas]] play supporting roles.


Produced by [[Kavithalayaa Productions]] banner, Thirumalai shows Vijay playing a bike mechanic of the Pudupet area in Chennai. This film was a turning point in Vijay's career as he transitioned himself into a leading action hero from a romantic hero in his acting career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/top-20-best-films-of-vijay/16-thirumalai-2003.html|title=16. Thirumalai (2003) &#124; Top 20 Best Films of Vijay|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> Filming began in March 2002 and was planned for a 2002 Christmas release, but the delays in dubbing sessions and some reshot scenes made it release by October 2003, during [[Diwali]], and was declared as a successful venture at the box office, despite the delays.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/movies/thirumalai.html|title=Thirumalai (2003) &#124; Thirumalai Movie &#124; Thirumalai Tamil Movie Cast & Crew, Release Date, Review, Photos, Videos|website=FilmiBeat}}</ref>
'''''Thirumalai''''' is a 2003 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language  [[romantic action film]] written and directed by [[Ramana (director)|Ramana]] and produced by [[Kavithalayaa Productions]]. The film stars [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] and [[Jyothika]], alongside [[Manoj K. Jayan]], [[Avinash Yelandur]], [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]], [[Raghuvaran]], [[Kausalya (actress)|Kausalya]] and [[Karunas]]. The music was composed by [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]], while cinematography and editing were handled by [[R. Rathnavelu]] and [[Suresh Urs]].


The film was remade in Telugu as ''[[Gowri (2004 film)|Gowri]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.fullhyderabad.com/gowri/telugu/gowri-movie-reviews-1366-2.html|title=Gowri Review|work=Full Hyderabad|access-date=23 January 2019|archive-date=29 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229233842/http://movies.fullhyderabad.com/gowri/telugu/gowri-movie-reviews-1366-2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with [[Sumanth]] and [[Charmy Kaur|Charmme Kaur]] in  2004. It was also remade in Bangladesh as ''Kotha Dao Sathi Hobe'' starring [[Shakib Khan]] in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kotha Dao Sathi Hobe - Shakib Khan, Apu Bishwas|url=http://airtelscreen.com/play/6Se7byxx9TU|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-31|website=airtelscreen.com|language=en}}</ref>
The film was released on 24 October 2003, coinciding with [[Diwali]]. ''Thirumalai'' became a box-office success and completed more than 100 days in theatres.<ref>{{cite web |last=Vinothkumar |first=S |date=2023-10-25 |title=20 years of thirumalai:விஜய்க்கு திருப்பம் தந்த திருமலை..மகிழ்ச்சியில் தளபதி செய்த காரியம்..நெகிழ்ச்சியான இயக்குனர்..! |url=https://tamil.samayam.com/tamil-cinema/movie-news/20-yeras-of-vijay-thirumalai-movie/articleshow/104689635.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915151606/https://tamil.samayam.com/tamil-cinema/movie-news/20-yeras-of-vijay-thirumalai-movie/articleshow/104689635.cms |archive-date=2024-09-15 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=[[Samayam]] |language=ta}}</ref> It became a turning point in Vijay's career, marking his transformation into an action hero from a romantic once.<ref>{{Cite news |title=5 films that rose Thalapathy Vijay to stardom |url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/tamil-cinema/article/5-films-that-rose-thalapathy-vijay-to-stardom/745407|access-date=2021-04-16 |work=Zoom TV Entertainment}}</ref> The film was remade in Telugu as ''[[Gowri (2004 film)|Gowri]]'' (2004).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Movie review - Gowri |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-gowri.html |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Thirumalai ([[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]) is a mechanic who lives with his friends in [[Pudhupettai]], [[Chennai]]. On the occasion of 2002 New Year's Eve, he meets Swetha ([[Jyothika]]) who wishes him good luck for the upcoming year, as happened, Thirumalai consider her as a good luck charm for him and falls in love with her. He begins stalking her. But she beats him up with the help of her goons. After realizing his good nature, she apologizes and reciprocates his feelings. This is opposed by her father Ashok ([[Avinash]]), who calls a thug named Arasu ([[Manoj K. Jayan]]), who has a reputation of being a big mafia crime boss in Chennai. Hence, Thirumalai fights with them and this makes Arasu realize all of his misbehavior. In the end, Arasu changes his mind about the match, and Ashok also realizes his mistakes. He accepts their love finally, and both reunite with each other.
Thirumalai, a rough-looking kind-hearted mechanic, lives a peaceful life in [[Chennai]] with his friends and also has close relations with his neighbors – Selvam and Nagalakshmi, a couple. Thirumalai considers Nagalakshmi as his sister. Thirumalai develops feelings for Shwetha after meeting her on [[New Year's Day]]. At first, Shwetha doesn't want to associate with Thirumalai and swears to her father Ashok, the owner of six [[TV channels]], that she doesn't even know about him. Thirumalai tries out many ways to win Shwetha's heart.


==Cast==
One day, one of Thirumalai's friends elopes with his lover from her wedding. Thirumalai went with them to the wedding venue and becomes successful in winning the heart of the girl's father and her fiancé, letting the girl marry Thirumalai's friend. Shwetha reciprocates his feelings after understanding his good nature. However, Ashok gets enraged with their relationship due to status issues and assigns Arasu, a gangster, to finish Thirumalai.
{{colbegin}}
 
* [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] as Thirumalai  
Arasu kidnaps Thirumalai's friends & neighbors and threatens him. Later, Arasu releases them, where he understands Thirumalai's kind-heartedness and decides to reform himself, which is not accepted by his assistant Dass. Dass turns Arasu's men against him to finish Arasu and Thirumalai. Thirumalai eventually fixes the issue and reunites with Shwetha, making Ashok realizing his mistakes.
* [[Jyothika]] as Swetha (Voice dubbed by Jayageetha)
 
* [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] as Palani
== Cast ==
* [[Raghuvaran]] as Selvam  
{{cast listing|
* [[Kausalya (actress)|Kausalya]] as Nagalakshmi Selvam
* [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] as Thirumalai
* [[Karunas]] as Gopi  
* [[Jyothika]] as Swetha  
* [[Manoj K. Jayan]] as Arasu
* [[Avinash Yelandur|Avinash]] as Ashok, Swetha's father
* [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] as Palanisamy
* [[Raghuvaran]] as Selvam (Artistu), Thirumalai's neighbour
* [[Kausalya (actress)|Kausalya]] as Nagalakshmi, Selvam's wife
* [[Karunas]] as Gopi
* [[Five Star Krishna]] as Krishna
* [[Five Star Krishna]] as Krishna
* [[Manoj K. Jayan]] as Arasu
* [[Avinash]] as Ashok, Swetha's father
* [[T. P. Gajendran]] as Gopal, Gopi's father
* [[T. P. Gajendran]] as Gopal, Gopi's father
* [[Shanthi Williams]] as Anju Mahendran's mother
* [[Shanthi Williams]] as Thirumalai's friend's mother
* [[Ajay Rathnam]] as Traffic Police Officer
* [[Ajay Rathnam]] as Traffic Police Officer
* [[Lavanya (actress)|Lavanya]] as Uma
* [[Lavanya (actress)|Lavanya]] as Uma
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* Anju Mahendran as Thirumalai's friend
* Anju Mahendran as Thirumalai's friend
* [[Pasi Sathya]] as Paravatham, Palani's grandmother
* [[Pasi Sathya]] as Paravatham, Palani's grandmother
* Cell Murugan as a Telugu devotee of [[Tirumala]] [[Vishnu]]
* [[Cell Murugan]] as a Telugu devotee from [[Tirumala]]  
* Annadurai Kannadasan as S. Raja (Company Owner)
* Annadurai Kannadasan as S. Raja (Company Owner)
* [[Kalairani]] as Gopi's mother
* [[Kalairani]] as Gopi's mother
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* [[Vijay Krishnaraj]] as Rathnavel, Uma's father
* [[Vijay Krishnaraj]] as Rathnavel, Uma's father
* Sakthi Kumar
* Sakthi Kumar
* [[Kovai Senthil]]
* [[Kovai Senthil]] as Selvam's neighbour
* [[Udayaraj|Master Udayaraj]] as Suma, Thirumalai's friend
* [[Udayaraj|Master Udayaraj]] as Suma, Thirumalai's friend
* [[R. Sundaramoorthy]] as a victim of Arasu
* [[R. Sundaramoorthy]] as Arasu's victim
* [[Nellai Siva]] as Thirumalai's friend
* [[Nellai Siva]] as Thirumalai's friend
* [[Raghavendra Lawrence]] in a special appearance in the song "Thaamthakka Dheemthakka"
* [[Kovai Babu]] in a special appearance
* [[Kiran Rathod]] in a special appearance in the song "Vaadiyamma Jakkamma"
* [[Raghava Lawrence]] in a special appearance in the song "Thaamthakka Dheemthakka"
* [[Kiran Rathod]] as Jakkamma in a special appearance in the song "Vaadiyamma Jakkamma"
* Ashok Raja in a special appearance in the song "Vaadiyamma Jakkamma"
* Ashok Raja in a special appearance in the song "Vaadiyamma Jakkamma"
{{colend}}
}}


==Production==
== Production ==
The filming began in March 2002, when [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] was simultaneously shooting for his previous action flick, ''[[Bagavathi]]'' (2002). Directing the film was debutant [[Ramana (director)|Ramana]] who had apprenticed with director [[R. K. Selvamani]]. The shooting finally ended in November 2002. On 15 January 2003, Vijay stated that he had started dubbing for his portions of the film. Vijay also sported a new look, which he maintained for his subsequent films until ''[[Puli (2015 film)|Puli]]'' (2015).
The filming began, when [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] was simultaneously shooting for his previous films like ''[[Vaseegara]]'' and ''[[Pudhiya Geethai]]''. Directing the film was debutant [[Ramana (director)|Ramana]] who had apprenticed with director [[R. K. Selvamani]]. The shooting finally ended in April 2003. On 20th of April 2003, Vijay stated that he had started dubbing for his portions of the film. Vijay also sported a new look, which he maintained and varied for his subsequent films until ''[[Sivakasi (film)|Sivakasi]]''. It was actually director Ramana, who suggested Vijay that he maintain a new look in the film, with his mustache trimmed and growing a beard. Vijay was initially hesitant to do so, but upon seeing the screen test, he was impressed with his new getup. [[Namrata Shirodkar]] was chosen initially to play the female lead, but the director was not satisfied with her onscreen presence and she was replaced by [[Jyothika]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thirumalai Unseen Stills ~ Namrata shirodkar As heroine. &#124; Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.283179755099575.67083.110150319069187&type=3 |via=Facebook |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624201934/https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.283179755099575.67083.110150319069187&type=3 |url-status=live }}{{Primary source inline|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jyothika Replaces Ms Shirodkar - Sify.com |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13049683 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031129193451/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13049683 |archive-date=29 November 2003 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> This was her second film with Vijay after ''[[Kushi (2000 film)|Kushi]]'' (2000).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/030505/85/240ma.html|date=5 May 2002|access-date=29 July 2025|title=Vijay - Jyothika in Thirumalai! Namratha discarded.|website=Yahoo Movies|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030804134507/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/030505/85/240ma.html|archive-date=4 August 2003}}</ref>


[[Namrata Shirodkar]] was chosen initially to play the female lead. But the director was not satisfied with her onscreen presence and she was replaced by [[Jyothika]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.283179755099575.67083.110150319069187&type=3|title=Thirumalai Unseen Stills ~ Namrata shirodkar As heroine. &#124; Facebook|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20031129193451/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13049683</ref> This is her second film with Vijay after ''[[Kushi (2000 film)|Kushi]]'' (2000).
Since the film's protagonist portrays a mechanic residing in Pudhupettai area, a set resembling Pudhupettai with a mechanic shop in it was erected at Mohan Studios at a cost of about {{INR}}50 lakh within 40 days.<ref>{{cite web|work=Cinesouth|access-date=6 September 2023|url=http://www.cinesouth.com/specials/interviews/vijay-t.shtml|title=Vijay works like a man possessed!|date=27 June 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040410165338/http://www.cinesouth.com/specials/interviews/vijay-t.shtml|archive-date=10 April 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]|language=ta|access-date=29 January 2024|url=https://archive.org/details/kalki2003-11-16/page/n17/mode/2up|title=புதுப்பேட்டை பிரம்மா|date=16 November 2003|page=17}}</ref> Designed by art director Kathir, the film shooting took place there for 30 days and shooting occurred in [[Chennai]], [[Nellore]] and [[Vishakhapatnam]], while the songs were filmed overseas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 December 2003 |title=Thirumalai |url=http://chennaionline.com/location/thirumalai.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031222002619/http://chennaionline.com/location/thirumalai.asp |archive-date=22 December 2003|website=Chennai Online}}</ref>


A set resembling a market place with a mechanic shop in it was erected at Mohan Studios at a cost of about {{[[Indian_rupee_sign|INR]]}} 50 lakh. Designed by art director Kathir, shooting took place there for 30 days. The film's shooting occurred in [[Chennai]], [[Nellore]] and [[Vishakhapatnam]], while the songs were filmed in [[Egypt]] and [[Switzerland]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://chennaionline.com/location/thirumalai.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031222002619/http://chennaionline.com/location/thirumalai.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2003|title=Thirumalai|date=22 December 2003}}</ref>
== Music ==
 
==Soundtrack==


{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name      = Thirumalai
| name      = Thirumalai
| type      = [[soundtrack]]
| type      = [[soundtrack]]
| artist    = [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]]
| artist    = [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]]
| cover      =
| cover      =
| alt        =
| alt        =
| released  = 25 December 2002
| released  = 22 June 2003
| recorded  = 2002
| recorded  = 2002–2003
| venue      =
| venue      =
| studio    =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length    =
| length    =
| label      = New Music<br/>Hit Musics<br/>Classic Audio<br/>[[Ayngaran International|Ayngaran Music]]
| label      = New Music<br />Hit Musics<br />Classic Audio<br />[[Ayngaran International|Ayngaran Music]]
| producer  = Vidyasagar
| producer  = Vidyasagar
| prev_title = [[Villain (2002 film)|Villain]]
| prev_title = [[Dhool]]
| prev_year  = 2002
| prev_year  = 2002
| next_title = [[Iyarkai]]
| next_title = [[Iyarkai]]
Line 93: Line 96:
}}
}}


Music was composed by [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raaga.com/tamil/movie/thirumalai-songs-T0000540|title=Thirumalai Songs Download, Thirumalai Tamil MP3 Songs, Raaga.com Tamil Songs|website=www.raaga.com}}</ref> The audio's album consisting of five songs, was released on 25 December 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mio.to//album/Thirumalai+%282003%29|title=Thirumalai (2002) - Vidyasagar|via=mio.to}}</ref> The audio was also well received among the audience.
The music was composed by [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thirumalai Songs Download, Thirumalai Tamil MP3 Songs, Raaga.com Tamil Songs |url=https://www.raaga.com/tamil/movie/thirumalai-songs-T0000540 |website=raaga.com |access-date=29 September 2019 |archive-date=29 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929100109/https://www.raaga.com/tamil/movie/thirumalai-songs-T0000540 |url-status=live }}</ref> The audio's album consisting of five songs, was released on 22nd June 2003, which marked Vijay's 29th birthday. It was the third collaboration of Vijay and Vidyasagar, preceded by [[Coimbatore Mappillai|''Coimbatore Maapillai'']] and ''[[Nilaave Vaa]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thirumalai (2002) – Vidyasagar |url=https://mio.to//album/Thirumalai+%282003%29 |via=mio.to |access-date=29 June 2020 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629061101/https://mio.to//album/Thirumalai+(2003) |url-status=live }}</ref> The audio was also well received among the audience and marked a series of collaborations between Vijay and Vidyasagar with ''[[Ghilli]], [[Madhurey]], [[Aathi]], [[Kuruvi]]'' and ''[[Kaavalan]].''


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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| "Neeyaa Pesiyadhu" || [[Shankar Mahadevan]] || [[Yugabharathi]] || Vijay, Jyothika
| "Neeyaa Pesiyadhu" || [[Shankar Mahadevan]] || [[Yugabharathi]] || Vijay, Jyothika
|-
|-
| "Azhagooril Poothvale" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Sujatha Mohan]] || [[Arivumathi]] || Vijay, Jyothika
| "Azhagooril Poothavale" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Sujatha Mohan]] || [[Arivumathi]] || Vijay, Jyothika
|-
|-
| "Dhimsu Katta" || Tippu, [[Srilekha Parthasarathy]] ||[[Pa. Vijay]]|| Vijay, Jyothika
| "Dhimsu Katta" || Tippu, [[Srilekha Parthasarathy]] ||[[Pa. Vijay]]|| Vijay, Jyothika
|}
|}


==Release==
== Release ==
The film was released on 24 October 2003. The film was later dubbed into [[Hindi]] as ''Dum 2'' in 2015 by Goldmines Telefilms with Vijay's voice dubbed by [[Chetanya Adib]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbfctCLguV0 |title=Video |website=www.youtube.com |access-date=2020-06-29}}</ref> Despite the remade Telugu version, the original film was again dubbed in Telugu as ''Gharana Mogudu'' and it was dubbed in Malayalam as the same title of this movie.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFKhF3g7Mpo |title=Video |website=www.youtube.com |access-date=2020-06-29}}</ref> it was dubbed in Bhojpuri as ''King No. 1''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8RxGjmv8XQ
The film was released on 24 October 2003 worldwide, on the occasion of [[Diwali]], and was commercially successful. The film released alongside ''[[Pithamagan]]'' and ''[[Anjaneya (film)|Anjaneya]]''.
|title=Video
|website=www.youtube.com
|access-date=2021-06-20}}</ref>


==Reception==
== Critical reception ==
Now running gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and stated "Yet another poor-boy rich-girl romance with parental opposition and mafia interference".<ref>{{cite web|title=Thirumalai review|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/452/tamil/thirumalai/167/review.htm|publisher=Now running |access-date=22 April 2015}}</ref> [[Chennai]] Online wrote "There's nothing fresh here that we haven't seen in an earlier Vijay film. The Vijay-Jyotika pair, after their successful combination in [[Kushi (2000 film)|Kushi]], was expected to re-create the same magic on screen. But it doesn't happen".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov307.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031130001344/http://chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov307.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 November 2003|title=Thirumalai|date=30 November 2003}}</ref> Thiraipadam wrote "Thirumalai sees director Ramana working within two big limitations. He has an age-old poor boy-rich girl love story in hand and has to contend with Vijay's mass image. Considering these restrictions, he has done a commendable job. By fashioning the hero's character a little differently and designing a fast screenplay that contains several stock situations but resolves them differently, he overcomes those negatives to deliver an entertaining feature".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thiraipadam.com/cgi-bin/movie_review.pl?id=431&user_name=bbalaji&review_lang=english&lang=english|title=Thirumalai - Tamil Movie Review|website=www.thiraipadam.com}}</ref> Behindwoods wrote " Things were never going easy for Vijay until Thirumalai happened and resurrected his image as a mass hero that he’s become today. The film was a well executed commercial potboiler which showcased [[Vijay_(actor)|Vijay]] excelling at all aspects of his role."<ref>{{cite web|title=TOP 20 BEST FILMS OF VIJAY|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/top-20-best-films-of-vijay/16-thirumalai-2003.html|publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=22 March 2021}}</ref>
''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 39 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web |last=சார்லஸ் |first=தேவன் |date=22 June 2021 |title=பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100344/https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/story/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |archive-date=8 October 2021 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> ''Chennai Online'' wrote, "There's nothing fresh here that we haven't seen in an earlier Vijay film. The Vijay-Jyotika pair, after their successful combination in [[Kushi (2000 film)|''Kushi'']], was expected to re-create the same magic on screen. But it doesn't happen".<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2003 |title=Thirumalai |url=http://chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov307.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031130001344/http://chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov307.asp |archive-date=30 November 2003 |website=Chennai Online}}</ref>


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


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|3332304}}
* {{IMDb title}}


{{Kavithalaya Productions}}
{{Kavithalaya Productions}}


[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2003 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2003 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2003 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films scored by Vidyasagar (composer)]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films scored by Vidyasagar]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Films shot in Egypt]]
[[Category:Films shot in Egypt]]
[[Category:Foreign films shot in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Films shot in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Indian romantic action films]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s romantic action films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:2000s masala films]]
[[Category:2003 Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 11:46, 12 March 2026


For other uses, see Tirumalai.

Thirumalai
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRamana
Produced byK. Balachander
Pushpa Kandaswamy
Written byRamana
StarringVijay
Jyothika
Music byVidyasagar
CinematographyR. Rathnavelu
Edited bySuresh Urs
Production
company
Distributed byKavithalayaa Productions
Release date
  • 24 October 2003 (2003-10-24)
Running time
167 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Thirumalai is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language romantic action film written and directed by Ramana and produced by Kavithalayaa Productions. The film stars Vijay and Jyothika, alongside Manoj K. Jayan, Avinash Yelandur, Vivek, Raghuvaran, Kausalya and Karunas. The music was composed by Vidyasagar, while cinematography and editing were handled by R. Rathnavelu and Suresh Urs.

The film was released on 24 October 2003, coinciding with Diwali. Thirumalai became a box-office success and completed more than 100 days in theatres.[1] It became a turning point in Vijay's career, marking his transformation into an action hero from a romantic once.[2] The film was remade in Telugu as Gowri (2004).[3]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Thirumalai, a rough-looking kind-hearted mechanic, lives a peaceful life in Chennai with his friends and also has close relations with his neighbors – Selvam and Nagalakshmi, a couple. Thirumalai considers Nagalakshmi as his sister. Thirumalai develops feelings for Shwetha after meeting her on New Year's Day. At first, Shwetha doesn't want to associate with Thirumalai and swears to her father Ashok, the owner of six TV channels, that she doesn't even know about him. Thirumalai tries out many ways to win Shwetha's heart.

One day, one of Thirumalai's friends elopes with his lover from her wedding. Thirumalai went with them to the wedding venue and becomes successful in winning the heart of the girl's father and her fiancé, letting the girl marry Thirumalai's friend. Shwetha reciprocates his feelings after understanding his good nature. However, Ashok gets enraged with their relationship due to status issues and assigns Arasu, a gangster, to finish Thirumalai.

Arasu kidnaps Thirumalai's friends & neighbors and threatens him. Later, Arasu releases them, where he understands Thirumalai's kind-heartedness and decides to reform himself, which is not accepted by his assistant Dass. Dass turns Arasu's men against him to finish Arasu and Thirumalai. Thirumalai eventually fixes the issue and reunites with Shwetha, making Ashok realizing his mistakes.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

The filming began, when Vijay was simultaneously shooting for his previous films like Vaseegara and Pudhiya Geethai. Directing the film was debutant Ramana who had apprenticed with director R. K. Selvamani. The shooting finally ended in April 2003. On 20th of April 2003, Vijay stated that he had started dubbing for his portions of the film. Vijay also sported a new look, which he maintained and varied for his subsequent films until Sivakasi. It was actually director Ramana, who suggested Vijay that he maintain a new look in the film, with his mustache trimmed and growing a beard. Vijay was initially hesitant to do so, but upon seeing the screen test, he was impressed with his new getup. Namrata Shirodkar was chosen initially to play the female lead, but the director was not satisfied with her onscreen presence and she was replaced by Jyothika.[4][5] This was her second film with Vijay after Kushi (2000).[6]

Since the film's protagonist portrays a mechanic residing in Pudhupettai area, a set resembling Pudhupettai with a mechanic shop in it was erected at Mohan Studios at a cost of about ₹50 lakh within 40 days.[7][8] Designed by art director Kathir, the film shooting took place there for 30 days and shooting occurred in Chennai, Nellore and Vishakhapatnam, while the songs were filmed overseas.[9]

Music[edit | edit source]

Thirumalai
Soundtrack album by
Vidyasagar
Released22 June 2003
Recorded2002–2003
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelNew Music
Hit Musics
Classic Audio
Ayngaran Music
ProducerVidyasagar
Vidyasagar chronology
Dhool
(2002) 		Thirumalai
(2003) 		Iyarkai
(2003)

The music was composed by Vidyasagar.[10] The audio's album consisting of five songs, was released on 22nd June 2003, which marked Vijay's 29th birthday. It was the third collaboration of Vijay and Vidyasagar, preceded by Coimbatore Maapillai and Nilaave Vaa.[11] The audio was also well received among the audience and marked a series of collaborations between Vijay and Vidyasagar with Ghilli, Madhurey, Aathi, Kuruvi and Kaavalan.

Song Singers Lyrics Picturization
"Thaamthakka Dheemthakka" Tippu, Karthik Na. Muthukumar Vijay, Raghavendra Lawrence
"Vaadiyamma Jakkamma" Udit Narayan Kabilan Vijay, Kiran Rathod
"Neeyaa Pesiyadhu" Shankar Mahadevan Yugabharathi Vijay, Jyothika
"Azhagooril Poothavale" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sujatha Mohan Arivumathi Vijay, Jyothika
"Dhimsu Katta" Tippu, Srilekha Parthasarathy Pa. Vijay Vijay, Jyothika

Release[edit | edit source]

The film was released on 24 October 2003 worldwide, on the occasion of Diwali, and was commercially successful. The film released alongside Pithamagan and Anjaneya.

Critical reception[edit | edit source]

Ananda Vikatan rated the film 39 out of 100.[12] Chennai Online wrote, "There's nothing fresh here that we haven't seen in an earlier Vijay film. The Vijay-Jyotika pair, after their successful combination in Kushi, was expected to re-create the same magic on screen. But it doesn't happen".[13]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Vinothkumar, S (25 October 2023). "20 years of thirumalai:விஜய்க்கு திருப்பம் தந்த திருமலை..மகிழ்ச்சியில் தளபதி செய்த காரியம்..நெகிழ்ச்சியான இயக்குனர்..!". Samayam (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  2. ↑ "5 films that rose Thalapathy Vijay to stardom". Zoom TV Entertainment. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  3. ↑ "Movie review - Gowri". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
  4. ↑ "Thirumalai Unseen Stills ~ Namrata shirodkar As heroine. | Facebook". Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2019 – via Facebook.[non-primary source needed]
  5. ↑ "Jyothika Replaces Ms Shirodkar - Sify.com". Sify. Archived from the original on 29 November 2003. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  6. ↑ "Vijay - Jyothika in Thirumalai! Namratha discarded". Yahoo Movies. 5 May 2002. Archived from the original on 4 August 2003. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
  7. ↑ "Vijay works like a man possessed!". Cinesouth. 27 June 2003. Archived from the original on 10 April 2004. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  8. ↑ "புதுப்பேட்டை பிரம்மா". Kalki (in தமிழ்). 16 November 2003. p. 17. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  9. ↑ "Thirumalai". Chennai Online. 22 December 2003. Archived from the original on 22 December 2003.
  10. ↑ "Thirumalai Songs Download, Thirumalai Tamil MP3 Songs, Raaga.com Tamil Songs". raaga.com. Archived from the original on 29 September 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  11. ↑ "Thirumalai (2002) – Vidyasagar". Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020 – via mio.to.
  12. ↑ சார்லஸ், தேவன் (22 June 2021). "பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast". Ananda Vikatan (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 8 October 2021.
  13. ↑ "Thirumalai". Chennai Online. 30 November 2003. Archived from the original on 30 November 2003.

External links[edit | edit source]

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