Aandavan Kattalai (2016 film): Difference between revisions

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{{short description|2016 film by M. Manikandan}}
{{Short description|2016 Indian film by M. Manikandan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Aandavan Kattalai
| image          = Aandavan Kattalai (2016).jpg
| image          = Aandavan Kattalai (2016).jpg
| caption        = Movie poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| native_name    =
| director      = [[M. Manikandan]]
| director      = [[M. Manikandan]]
| producer      = [[G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan]]
| writer        =
| screenplay    = {{plainlist|
| screenplay    = {{plainlist|
*Arul Chezhiyan
*T. Arul Chezhian
*M. Manikandan
*M. Manikandan
*[[Anucharan Murugaiyan|Anucharan]]
*[[Anucharan Murugaiyan|Anucharan]]
}}
}}
| story          = Arul Chezhiyan
| story          = T. Arul Chezhian
| producer      = [[G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan]]
| starring      = {{plainlist|
| starring      = {{plainlist|
*[[Vijay Sethupathi]]
*[[Vijay Sethupathi]]
*[[Ritika Singh]]
*[[Ritika Singh]]
*[[Pooja Devariya]]
*[[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]
*[[Yogi Babu]]
}}
}}
| music          = [[K (Indian composer)|K]]
| cinematography = N. Shanmuga Sundaram
| cinematography = N. Shanmuga Sundaram
| editing        = [[Anucharan Murugaiyan|Anucharan]]
| editing        = [[Anucharan Murugaiyan|Anucharan]]
| music          = [[K (composer)|K]]
| studio        = {{plainlist|
| studio        = {{plainlist|
*Gopuram Films
*Gopuram Films
Line 35: Line 29:
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        =
| gross          =
}}
}}
'''''Aandavan Kattalai''''' ({{trans|God's order}}) is a 2016 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Satire|satirical comedy film]] co-written and directed by [[M. Manikandan]]. The film features [[Vijay Sethupathi]] and [[Ritika Singh]] in the lead roles, with [[Pooja Devariya]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] and [[Yogi Babu]] amongst others in supporting roles. Produced by [[G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan]] and featuring music by composer [[K (Indian composer)|K]], the film began production in March 2016 and was released on 23 September 2016. Narrating the story of how two men from interior [[Tamil Nadu]] struggle to acquire travel documents to fly to [[London]], ''Aandavan Kattalai'' opened to widespread critical acclaim and became a huge commercial success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/aandavan-kattalai-box-office-collection-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-holding-well-tn-weekdays-695927 |title=Aandavan Kattalai box office collection: Vijay Sethupathi-starrer holding well in TN on weekdays |website=Ibtimes.co.in |date=2016-09-29 |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/swathi-reddy-bags-next-flick-london-babulu/articleshow/58547828.cms|title=Swathi Reddy bags next flick ‘London Babulu’ - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> The film has been remade in Telugu as ''[[London Babulu]]'' (2017). It was dubbed in Hindi as ''Pappu Passport'' by Goldmines Telefilms on 10 February 2020.<ref>{{Citation|title=Pappu Passport (Aandavan Kattalai) 2020 New Released Hindi Dubbed Full Movie {{!}} Vijay Sethupathi|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OykJ-EmzXw|language=en|access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref>
'''''Aandavan Kattalai''''' ({{translation|God's command}}) is a 2016 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[satire (film and television)|satirical]] [[comedy drama]] film directed and co-written by [[M. Manikandan]]. The film stars [[Vijay Sethupathi]] and [[Ritika Singh]], with [[Pooja Devariya]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] and [[Yogi Babu]] amongst others in supporting roles. It narrates the struggles of a man from interior [[Tamil Nadu]] to acquire documents to travel to London.


==Plot==
Produced by [[G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan]] and featuring music by [[K (composer)|K]], the film was shot between March and July 2016. It was released on 23 September the same year. The film received positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success, winning two [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards]]: Best Comedy Actor (Yogi Babu) and Best Comedy Actress ([[Vinodhini Vaidyanathan]]). It was remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''[[London Babulu]]'' (2017) and in [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] as ''[[Shubh Yatra]]'' (2023).
Faced with several debts, a village accountant Gandhi Arumugam ([[Vijay Sethupathi]]) leaves his village near [[Madurai]] to head to [[Chennai]] with his best friend Muthupandi Selvam alias Pandi ([[Yogi Babu]]) to get all the documents necessary for going to [[London]], where they plan to make money to pay off their debts. They approach two middlemen to help them get the passport and British tourist visa necessary for them to go to London. The middlemen claim that the [[British Deputy High Commission, Chennai|British Deputy High Commission]] would prefer to give tourist visas to those who are already married, so the duo are forced to add their "wife's" name while applying for the passport, with Gandhi adding his "wife's" name as Karmeghakuzhali, following a suggestion from their [[real estate broker]], Murugesan ([[Singampuli]]). However, Gandhi's visa application is rejected, forcing him to remain in Chennai and take up a job as an accountant with a drama troupe [[Stray Factory]], run by Master ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]), while Pandi passes his visa interview and leaves for London with the help of a passport officer, Kumar ([[S. S. Stanley]]).


With his hardwork and sincerity, Gandhi soon becomes the favorite employee of Master and is made to act in his plays. Eventually, Stray Factory are invited to perform in London, leaving Gandhi in a bind as he now needs to get his "wife's" name removed from his passport. He finds out that the only way to do so is to divorce his "wife", but for that he needs to find a woman who has the name Karmeghakuzhali. He successfully manages to track down a woman with the name Karmeghakuzhali ([[Ritika Singh]]), who is a television journalist, and tries to convince her to act as his wife and "divorce" him. He also acts like he is mute(can't speak). Initially she refuses, but she soon gives Gandhi the necessary documents to "divorce" her, feeling pity for him. However, since both husband and wife need to be present at court at the time of divorce, Gandhi convinces Aarthi ([[Pooja Devariya]]), an actress who works in Stray Factory, to act as Karmeghakuzhali at the court. But at the time of the divorce hearing, Aarthi disappears to the toilet, forcing a reluctant Karmeghakuzhali, who is present at the court, to take part in the divorce hearing. The subsequent events at the divorce hearing prove humiliating for Karmeghakuzhali, also she comes to know that Gandhi has been acting mute. Hence she leaves the court in tears with no "divorce" granted.
== Plot ==
Gandhi Arumugam, an accountant from a village near [[Madurai]], leaves for [[Chennai]] with his best friend Muthupandi "Pandi" Selvam, to acquire the documents necessary for going to London, where they plan to make money to pay off their debts. They approach two middlemen to help them get the passport and British tourist visa necessary. The middlemen claim that the [[Deputy High Commission of the United Kingdom, Chennai|British Deputy High Commission]] would prefer to give tourist visas to those who are already married, so the duo are forced to add their "wife's" name while applying for the passport, with Gandhi adding the name Karmeghakuzhali, following a suggestion from their real estate broker, Murugesan. However, Gandhi's visa application is rejected, forcing him to remain in Chennai and take up a job as an accountant with a theatrical troupe, while Pandi passes his visa interview and leaves for London with the help of a passport officer, Kumar.


Later, Gandhi finds out that Pandi was deported upon arrival in London by immigration officials for giving false information and address verification while obtaining his passport, and he too finds himself in the dock for doing the same. However, he shows his and Pandi's original Voter ID cards to the immigration officials, getting them released, while the middlemen are arrested. Pandi reveals that he was sent to Sri Lanka and tortured by prison officials after he had tried to seek asylum in London as a Sri Lankan refugee, and humiliated by the recent events, he returns to his village.
With his hard work and sincerity, Gandhi soon becomes his employer's favourite employee and is made to act in his plays. Eventually, the theatrical troupe are invited to perform in London, leaving Gandhi in a bind as he now needs to have his "wife's" name removed from his passport. He learns that the only way to do so is to divorce his "wife", but for that, he needs to find a woman who has the name Karmeghakuzhali. He manages to track down Karmeghakuzhali, a television journalist, and tries to convince her to act as his wife and "divorce" him. He also feigns muteness. Initially, she refuses, but she soon gives Gandhi the necessary documents to "divorce" her, pitying him. However, since both husband and wife need to be present at court at the time of divorce, Gandhi convinces Aarthi, an actress from his theatrical troupe, to act as Karmeghakuzhali at the court. But at the time of the divorce hearing, Aarthi disappears to the toilet, forcing a reluctant Karmeghakuzhali, who is present at the court, to take part in the divorce hearing. The subsequent events at the divorce hearing prove humiliating for Karmeghakuzhali, and she also learns that Gandhi's muteness is feigned. Hence, she bitterly leaves the court with no "divorce" granted.


Gandhi goes to the Regional Passport Office in Chennai and admits his crime to the Regional Passport Officer. The passport officer asks him to pay a fine of {{INRConvert|1.3|k|year=2016}} to get Karmeghakuzhali's name removed from his passport. But in a last-minute decision, Gandhi chooses not to remove Karmeghakuzhali's name from his passport and instead proposes marriage to Karmeghakuzhali, who is initially taken aback, but agrees. He soon gets his British visa and leaves for London with the rest of the Stray Factory troupe.
Later, Gandhi learns that Pandi was deported upon arrival in London by immigration officials for giving false information and address verification while obtaining his passport, and he too finds himself in the dock for doing the same. However, he shows his and Pandi's original voter ID cards to the immigration officials, getting them released, while the middlemen are arrested. Pandi reveals he was sent to Sri Lanka and tortured by prison officials after he tried to seek asylum in London as a [[British Sri Lankans|Sri Lankan refugee]], and humiliated by the recent events, he returns to his village.


==Cast==
Gandhi goes to the Regional Passport Office in Chennai and admits his crime to the Regional Passport Officer. The passport officer asks him to pay a fine of {{INRConvert|1.3|k|year=2016}} to get Karmeghakuzhali's name removed from his passport. But in a last-minute decision, Gandhi chooses not to do so and instead proposes marriage to Karmeghakuzhali, who is initially taken aback but agrees. He soon obtains a British visa and leaves for London with the rest of the theatrical troupe.
{{colbegin}}
 
== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Vijay Sethupathi]] as Gandhi Arumugam
* [[Vijay Sethupathi]] as Gandhi Arumugam
* [[Ritika Singh]] as Karmeghakuzhali
* [[Ritika Singh]] as Karmeghakuzhali
* [[Pooja Devariya]] as Aarthi
* [[Pooja Devariya]] as Aarthi
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Master
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Master
* [[Yogi Babu]] as Muthupandi Selvam
* [[Yogi Babu]] as Muthupandi "Pandi" Selvam
* [[A. Venkatesh (director)|A. Venkatesh]] as Ganthi's brother-in-law
* [[George Maryan]] as Senior lawyer
* [[Singampuli]] as Murugesan
* [[Singampuli]] as Murugesan
* [[A. Venkatesh]] as Gandhi's brother-in-law
* [[S. S. Stanley]] as Kumar
* [[S. S. Stanley]] as Kumar
* [[George Maryan]] as Senior Lawyer
* Aravindhan as Nesan<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2016 |title="எல்லாமே ஆண்டவன் கட்டளை சார்!" |trans-title="Everything is God's command, sir!" |url=https://www.vikatan.com/humour-and-satire/cinema/124720-aandavan-kattalai-aravindhan-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813090051/https://www.vikatan.com/humour-and-satire/cinema/124720-aandavan-kattalai-aravindhan-interview |archive-date=13 August 2023 |access-date=13 August 2023 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref>
* [[Vinodhini Vaidyanathan]] as Junior Lawyer
* [[Ramesh Thilak]] as Passport Broker
* [[Hareesh Peradi]] as Deportation Officer
* [[Hareesh Peradi]] as Deportation Officer
* [[Vinodhini Vaidyanathan]] as Junior lawyer
* Vazhakku En Muthuraman as Regional Passport Officer
* [[Cheenu Mohan]] as Passport Official
* [[Cheenu Mohan]] as Passport Official
* [[R. N. R. Manohar]] as Minister
* [[Ramesh Thilak]] as Passport Broker
* [[Namo Narayanan]] as Viji
* [[Namo Narayana]] as Viji
* Sushila Natraj as Judge Shantha Kumari
* Sushila Natraj as Judge Shantha Kumari
* Vazhakku En Muthuraman as Regional Passport Officer
* Carl A. Harte as Visa Officer (uncredited)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Actor |url=https://carlharte.net/actor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718200911/https://carlharte.net/actor/ |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=carlharte.net}}</ref>
* Aravindhan as Nesan
}}
*TSR
{{colend}}


==Production==
== Production ==
Following the release of ''[[Kaaka Muttai]]'' (2015), [[M. Manikandan|Manikandan]] revealed in July 2015 that he would direct [[Vijay Sethupathi]] in a film to be produced by G. N. Anbu Chazhiyan of Gopuram Films. Manikandan and Vijay Sethupathi had known each other before they entered the Tamil film industry and had regularly collaborated for independent short films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kakka-Muttai-Manikandan-to-direct-Vijay-Sethupathi/articleshow/48173455.cms|title=Kakka Muttai Manikandan to direct Vijay Sethupathi|work=The Times of India|access-date=23 July 2015}}</ref> The start of the shoot was delayed to allow [[Vijay Sethupathi]] to complete his ongoing projects, while Manikandan moved on to finish work on ''[[Kuttrame Thandanai]]'' (2016). Before the end of 2015, the makers announced that the film would be titled as ''Aandavan Kattalai'' and that composer [[K (Indian composer)|K]] would work on the film's score and soundtrack. Manikandan stated it would be based in Chennai and would be a "realistic dark comedy" with a "quirky" subject.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/composer-k-to-work-in-the-upcoming-vijay-sethupathi-manikandan-film.html|title=Composer K to work in the upcoming Vijay Sethupathi - Manikandan film|date=1 November 2015|website=Behindwoods}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-sethupathi-new-movie-aandavan-kattalai-directed-by-kaaka-muttai-manikandan-tamil-news-149517.html|title=Vijay Sethupathi-Manikandan's next gets a Sivaji title - Tamil News|date=29 December 2015|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> Prior to release, it was revealed that the film would narrate the people's craze of trying to get settled in foreign country and taking bureaucratic shortcuts to achieve their goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-sethupathi-rithika-singh-aandavan-kattalai-to-deal-with-issues-relating-to-passport-tamil-news-158647.html|title=What is Aandavan Kattalai all about?|publisher=indiaglitz.com|date=10 May 2016}}</ref> Actress [[Ritika Singh]] was signed on to portray the leading female role of a journalist, only a month after the release of her first film ''[[Irudhi Suttru]]'' (2016).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ritika-to-play-an-urban-girl-in-Manikandans-next-film/articleshow/51208818.cms|title=Ritika to play an urban girl in Manikandan's next film - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/irudhu-suttur-rithika-singh-the-heroine-in-aandavan-kattalai-vijay-sethupathi-manikandan-tamil-news-153563.html|title='Irudhi Suttru' Rithika to act with Vijay Sethupathi!!! - Tamil News|date=27 February 2016|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> An ensemble cast of actors including [[Pooja Devariya]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], [[Singampuli]] and [[Yogi Babu]] also joined the team, before production began.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2016/vijay-sethupathi-s-next-to-expose-discrepancies-in-issuing-passports-225793.html|title=Vijay Sethupathi's Next To Expose Discrepancies In Issuing Passports!|date=11 May 2016|website=filmibeat.com}}</ref>
Following the release of ''[[Kaaka Muttai]]'' (2015), director [[M. Manikandan]] revealed in July 2015 that he would direct [[Vijay Sethupathi]] in a film to be produced by [[G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan]] of Gopuram Films. Manikandan and Sethupathi had known each other before they entered the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]] and had regularly collaborated for independent short films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karthik |first=Janani |date=23 July 2015 |title=Kakka Muttai Manikandan to direct Vijay Sethupathi |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kakka-Muttai-Manikandan-to-direct-Vijay-Sethupathi/articleshow/48173455.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812003729/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kakka-Muttai-Manikandan-to-direct-Vijay-Sethupathi/articleshow/48173455.cms |archive-date=12 August 2015 |access-date=23 July 2015 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> However, Manikandan only began work on the film a year later, after finishing ''[[Kuttrame Thandanai]]'' (2016). The film's title was revealed as ''Aandavan Kattalai'', after a [[Aandavan Kattalai (1964 film)|1964 film]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=KR |first=Manigandan |date=16 September 2015 |title=No Songs in My Next Film: Kakka Muttai Director |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2015/Sep/16/no-songs-in-my-next-film-kakka-muttai-director-815598.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005124948/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2015/Sep/16/no-songs-in-my-next-film-kakka-muttai-director-815598.html |archive-date=5 October 2024 |access-date=5 October 2024 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=1 January 2016 |title=Vijay gets a Sivaji Ganesan title! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/160101/entertainment-kollywood/article/vijay-gets-sivaji-ganesan-title |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126170215/http://deccanchronicle.com/160101/entertainment-kollywood/article/vijay-gets-sivaji-ganesan-title |archive-date=26 January 2016 |access-date=5 October 2024 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Ritika Singh]] was signed on as the lead actress, only a month after the release of her first film ''[[Irudhi Suttru]]'' (2016).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Karthik |first=Janani |date=2 March 2016 |title=Ritika to play an urban girl in Manikandan's next film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ritika-to-play-an-urban-girl-in-Manikandans-next-film/articleshow/51208818.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030054429/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ritika-to-play-an-urban-girl-in-Manikandans-next-film/articleshow/51208818.cms |archive-date=30 October 2020 |access-date=24 October 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Manikandan revealed that ''Aandavan Kattalai'' would be a "light-hearted entertainer that throws the spotlight on discrepancies in the passport issuing structure" and the problems common people face because of that, noting that unlike ''Kaaka Muttai'', it would be more realistic but still entertaining.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bisht |first=Akhil |date=11 May 2016 |title=M. Manikandan Opens Up About Vijay Sethupathi Starrer 'Aandavan Kattalai' |url=https://www.desimartini.com/news/tamil/m-manikandan-opens-up-about-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-aandavan-kattalai-article32570.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005125636/https://www.desimartini.com/news/tamil/m-manikandan-opens-up-about-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-aandavan-kattalai-article32570.htm |archive-date=5 October 2024 |access-date=5 October 2024 |website=[[Desimartini]] |language=en}}</ref> The film began production in early March 2016 at [[Kilpauk]], Chennai and progressed swiftly throughout the city.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 March 2016 |title=Shooting of Andavan Kattalai begins |url=https://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=25033 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924074131/https://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=25033 |archive-date=24 September 2024 |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=Live Chennai}}</ref> The final schedule was shot in a studio resembling an embassy in Chennai during May 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2016 |title='Kaaka Muttai' director M. Manikandan's next about discrepancies in issuing passports |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kaaka-muttai-director-m-manikandans-next-about-discrepancies-in-issuing-passports-2793281/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029135056/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kaaka-muttai-director-m-manikandans-next-about-discrepancies-in-issuing-passports-2793281/ |archive-date=29 October 2020 |access-date=24 October 2020 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]}}</ref> Filming [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] in July 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2016 |title=ஆண்டவன் கட்டளையை முடித்த விஜய் சேதுபதி |trans-title=Vijay Sethupathi wraps ''Aandavan Kattalai'' |url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/cinema/cinemanews/2016/07/27155234/1028675/Vijay-Sethupathi-Aandavan-Kattalai-Shooting-Wrapped.vpf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221103349/https://www.maalaimalar.com/cinema/cinemanews/2016/07/27155234/1028675/Vijay-Sethupathi-Aandavan-Kattalai-Shooting-Wrapped.vpf |archive-date=21 December 2023 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=[[Maalai Malar]] |language=ta}}</ref>


The film began production in early March 2016 at Kilpauk, Chennai and progressed swiftly throughout the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-sethupathi-rithika-singh-manikandan-aandavan-kattalai-launched-and-shooting-starts-tamil-news-154409.html|title=Today Pooja, Tomorrow Release for Vijay Sethupathi - Tamil News|date=10 March 2016|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> The final schedule was shot in a studio resembling an embassy in Chennai during May 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kaaka-muttai-director-m-manikandans-next-about-discrepancies-in-issuing-passports-2793281/|title=‘Kaaka Muttai’ director M. Manikandan’s next about discrepancies in issuing passports|date=10 May 2016}}</ref> The shoot of the film and dubbing work was completed by July 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-sethupathi-rithika-singh-aandavan-kattalai-shooting-wrapped-up-dubbing-starts-tamil-news-163804.html|title=An important update on Vijay Sethupathi's 'Aandavan Kattalai'|publisher=indiaglitz.com|date=24 July 2016}}</ref>
== Soundtrack ==
The music of ''Aandavan Kattalai'' was composed by [[K (composer)|K]]. The album was released on 12 September 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2016 |title='Aandavan Kattalai' album is my personal milestone, says K |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai-album-is-my-personal-milestone-says-k-news-tamil-qkejvTcjhcajj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207114240/http://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai-album-is-my-personal-milestone-says-k-news-tamil-qkejvTcjhcajj.html |archive-date=7 February 2017 |access-date=24 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avEN8yGu4sg |title=Aandavan Kattalai&nbsp;– Music Box {{!}} Tamil |date=11 September 2016 |publisher=[[Sony Music India]] |access-date=19 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007015024/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avEN8yGu4sg |archive-date=7 October 2020 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> [[Karthik Srinivasan|Karthik]] of ''[[Milliblog]]'' wrote, "Aandavan Kattalai's music has a wacky appeal".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karthik |author-link=Karthik Srinivasan |date=13 September 2016 |title=Aandavan Kattalai (Music review), Tamil – K |url=https://milliblog.com/2016/09/13/aandavan-kattalai-music-review-tamil-k/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913035851/https://milliblog.com/2016/09/13/aandavan-kattalai-music-review-tamil-k/ |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=[[Milliblog]] |language=en}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
{{track listing
{{Infobox album
| headline      = Track listing
| name       = Aandavan Kattalai
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
| type       = soundtrack
| total_length  = 23:32
| artist    = [[K (Indian composer)|K]]
| title1        = Vazkhai Oru Ottagam
| cover      =
| extra1        = [[Benny Dayal]]
| alt        =
| length1      = 3:57
| released  = 12 September 2016
| lyrics1      = Vivek
| recorded  = 2016
| title2        = Elandha Pazham
| venue      =
| extra2        = Yogi Sekar
| studio    =
| length2      = 1:43
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| lyrics2      = S. Gnanakaravel
| length    = 23:32
| title3        = Imsai Rani
| language  = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| extra3        = [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]
| label      = [[Sony Music India]]
| length3       = 3:43
| producer  = K
| lyrics3       = Vivek
| prev_title = [[Kammatipaadam]]
| title4        = Vaadagai Veedu
| prev_year  = 2016
| extra4        = Jiby, Deepu, Philip, Sajan, [[K (composer)|K]]
| next_title = [[Ammani]]
| length4      = 2:28
| next_year  = 2016
| lyrics4      = S. Gnanakaravel
| title5        = Karmeghakuzhali
| extra5        = Jananie S.V
| length5      = 2:38
| title6        = 108 Thenga
| extra6        = [[K (Indian composer)|K]]
| length6      = 2:24
| lyrics6      = S. Gnanakaravel
| title7        = Gandhi Thatha
| extra7        = Darwin Guna
| length7      = 1:17
| lyrics7      = Darwin Guna
| title8        = Polambing Song
| extra8        = [[K (Indian composer)|K]]
| length8      = 2:04
| lyrics8      = Vivek
| title9        = Yaaro Petha Pillai
| extra9        = [[Anthony Daasan]]
| length9      = 2:38
| lyrics9      = S. Gnanakaravel
}}
}}


The music of ''Aandavan Kattalai'''s was composed by [[K (Indian composer)|K]]. The soundtrack album features nine tracks, sung by  [[Benny Dayal]], [[Anthony Daasan]], Janani S. V. and K himself; while all lyrics were written by Gnanakaravel, Vivek Velmurugan, Darwin Guna. The album was released on 12 September 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai-album-is-my-personal-milestone-says-k-news-tamil-qkejvTcjhcajj.html|title='Aandavan Kattalai' album is my personal milestone, says K|website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avEN8yGu4sg |title=Aandavan Kattalai - Music Box &#124; Tamil |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=2016-09-11 |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> Behindwoods.com gave the album a rating of 2.75/5 stating "''Aandavan Kattalai'' is a brilliant album from K who gives the best of various genres in a perfect package".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/aandavan-kattalai/aandavan-kattalai-songs-review.html |title=Aandavan Kattalai (aka) Andavan Kattalai songs review |website=Behindwoods.com |date=2016-09-12 |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref>
== Release ==
''Aandavan Kattalai'' was theatrically released on 23 September 2016 by Sri Green Productions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aandavan Kattalai – Opens on Sep 23 |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai---opens-on-sep-23-imagegallery-kollywood-qjtkJAdbidhbe.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926022310/http://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai---opens-on-sep-23-imagegallery-kollywood-qjtkJAdbidhbe.html |archive-date=26 September 2016 |access-date=24 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> The film had a lower profile release than ''[[Thodari]]'' (2016), which released on the same day, but by the first weekend, due to positive reviews and favourable [[word of mouth]], it had overtaken the less positively received ''Thodari'' in collections and also replaced its shows in several cinema halls.<ref>{{Cite web |last=R |first=Manoj Kumar |date=27 September 2016 |title=Aandavan Kattalai dominates Dhanush's Thodari at box office |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/aandavan-kattalai-dominates-dhanushs-thodari-at-box-office-3052410/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027231552/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/aandavan-kattalai-dominates-dhanushs-thodari-at-box-office-3052410/ |archive-date=27 October 2020 |access-date=24 October 2020 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Sree Prasad |date=7 February 2017 |title=Chennai Box Office: Excellent opening for Aandavan Kattalai while Dhanush's Thodari disappoints |url=http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/chennai-box-office-excellent-opening-for-aandavan-kattalai-while-dhanush-s-thodari-disappoints-regional-cinema-trade-report-1475062735.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207112721/http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/chennai-box-office-excellent-opening-for-aandavan-kattalai-while-dhanush-s-thodari-disappoints-regional-cinema-trade-report-1475062735.html |archive-date=7 February 2017 |access-date=6 February 2017 |website=CatchNews.com}}</ref>
 
=== Critical reception ===
[[Baradwaj Rangan]] gave ''Aandavan Kattalai'' a positive review for ''[[The Hindu]]'', and noted that it was "yet another marvellous comedy of desperation from Manikandan". The critic added that "Manikandan and his writing team (Arul Chezhiyan, Anucharan) should hold classes for other Tamil filmmakers who want the story-screenplay-dialogue credit but reveal little understanding of these elements" as "everything in ''Aandavan Kattalai'' is there for a reason".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=23 September 2016 |title=Aandavan Kattalai: My dear visa |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Aandavan-Kattalai-My-dear-visa/article14649325.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250627072427/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Aandavan-Kattalai-My-dear-visa/article14649325.ece |archive-date=27 June 2025 |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> M. Suganth of ''[[The Times of India]]'' wrote, "Just like how Manikandan's ''Kaaka Muttai'' and ''Kutramme Thandanai'' refrained from finger-pointing and sermonising, ''Aandavan Kattalai'', too, is far from being preachy, despite involving a subject that offer plenty of targets to take pot-shots at" and gave the film a high rating of three-and-a-half out of five stars.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=23 September 2016 |title=Aandavan Kattalai Movie Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Aandavan-Kattalai/movie-review/54482105.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928013136/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Aandavan-Kattalai/movie-review/54482105.cms |archive-date=28 September 2016 |access-date=19 December 2016 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


{{tracklist
Sreedhar Pillai wrote for ''[[Firstpost]]'', "''Aandavan Kattalai'' works largely due to its script and the situational comedy in the narration" and "the way the story unfolds and the difficult situations the hero faces is so well brought out, without taking any cinematic liberties".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=24 September 2016 |title=Aandavan Kattalai review: After Kaaka Muttai, this Manikandan film reinforces that content is king |url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/aandavan-kattalai-review-after-kaaka-muttai-this-manikandan-film-reinforces-that-content-is-king-3018858.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927081946/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/aandavan-kattalai-review-after-kaaka-muttai-this-manikandan-film-reinforces-that-content-is-king-3018858.html |archive-date=27 September 2016 |access-date=19 December 2016 |website=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref> Similarly, Anupama Subramanian of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' called it "a film that's not to be missed",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=24 September 2016 |title=Aandavan Kattalai movie review: A film that's not to be missed! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/240916/aandavan-kattalai-movie-review-a-film-thats-not-to-be-missed.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003165534/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/240916/aandavan-kattalai-movie-review-a-film-thats-not-to-be-missed.html |archive-date=3 October 2016 |access-date=19 December 2016 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref> while ''[[Sify]]'' appreciated the film's screenplay, humour, cast performances, cinematography and editing, concluding that "''Aandavan Kattalai'' is a must watch for all the ardent movie buffs".<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 September 2016 |title=Aandavan Kattalai review: Must watch |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai-review-must-watch-review-tamil-qjxrrQefdhjec.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426184439/http://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai-review-must-watch-review-tamil-qjxrrQefdhjec.html |archive-date=26 April 2017 |access-date=19 December 2016 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> S Saraswathi of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' gave it 4 out of 5 stating that "the director once again delivers big time with a refreshing screenplay loaded with reality and fun, some great music, delightful characters and brilliant all-round performances".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saraswathi |first=S |date=23 September 2016 |title=Review: Andavan Kattalai is not to be missed |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-andavan-kattalai-is-not-to-be-missed/20160923.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009074819/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-andavan-kattalai-is-not-to-be-missed/20160923.htm |archive-date=9 October 2016 |access-date=19 December 2016 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref>
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 23:32
| all_lyrics =
| title1 = Vazkhai Oru Ottagam
| extra1 = [[Benny Dayal]]
| length1 = 3:57
| title2 = Elandha Pazham
| extra2 = Yogi Sekar
| length2 = 1:43
| title3 = Imsai Rani
| extra3 = [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]
| length3 = 3:43
| title4 = Vaagadai Veedu
| extra4 = Jiby, Deepu, Philip, Sajan, [[K (Indian composer)|K]]
| length4 = 2:28
| title5 = Kaarmegazhukali
| extra5 = Jananie S.V
| length5 = 2:38
| title6 = 108 Thenga
| extra6 = [[K (Indian composer)|K]]
| length6 = 2:24
| title7 = Gandhi Thatha
| extra7 = Darwin Guna
| length7 = 1:17
| title8 = Polambing Song 
| extra8 = [[K (Indian composer)|K]]
| length8 = 2:04
| title9 = Yaaro Petha Pillai
| extra9 = [[Anthony Daasan]]
| length9 = 2:38
}}


==Release==
=== Accolades ===
The film was theatrically released on 23 September 2016 by distributors, Sri Green Productions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai---opens-on-sep-23-imagegallery-kollywood-qjtkJAdbidhbe.html|title=Aandavan Kattalai - Opens on Sep 23 1|website=Sify}}</ref> The film had a lower profile release that [[Prabhu Solomon]]'s [[Dhanush]]-starrer ''[[Thodari]]'' (2016), which released on the same day, but by the first weekend, it had overtaken it in collections and also replaced its shows in several cinema halls.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/aandavan-kattalai-dominates-dhanushs-thodari-at-box-office-3052410/|title=Aandavan Kattalai dominates Dhanush’s Thodari at box office|date=27 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/chennai-box-office-excellent-opening-for-aandavan-kattalai-while-dhanush-s-thodari-disappoints-regional-cinema-trade-report-1475062735.html|title=Chennai Box Office: Excellent opening for Aandavan Kattalai while Dhanush's Thodari disappoints|website=CatchNews.com}}</ref> The film subsequently went on to become a profitable venture for the producers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-17/vijay-sethupathis-aandavan-kattalai-television-premiere-on-january-26th.html|title=Vijay Sethupathi’s Aandavan Kattalai television premiere on January 26th|date=25 January 2017|website=Behindwoods}}</ref> The satellite rights of the film were sold to [[Sun TV Network|Sun TV]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-17/vijay-sethupathis-aandavan-kattalai-television-premiere-on-january-26th.html |title= Did You Notice This New Trend in KOLLYWOOD? |website= www.behindwoods.com |access-date= 25 January 2017}}</ref>
At the [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards]], Yogi Babu won the award for Best Comedy Actor, and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan won for Best Comedy Actress.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 January 2017 |title=Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards - 2016 |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/78546-ananda-vikatan-cinema-awards---2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323164539/https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/78546-ananda-vikatan-cinema-awards---2016#bypass-sw |archive-date=23 March 2023 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=en}}</ref>


Upon release, the film received mostly positive reviews from film critics and audiences.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ibtimes.co.in/aandavan-kattalai-movie-review-live-audience-response-694763 |title= Aandavan Kattalai movie review by audience: Live update |website= Ibtimes.co.in |date= 2016-09-23 |access-date= 2016-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ibtimes.co.in/aandavan-kattalai-review-round-critics-give-thumbs-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-694956 |title=Aandavan Kattalai review round-up: Critics give thumbs-up to Vijay Sethupathi-starrer |website=Ibtimes.co.in |date=2016-09-24 |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> [[Baradwaj Rangan]] of [[the Hindu]] gave "''Aandavan Kattalai'' a positive reviews and noted that it was "yet another marvellous comedy of desperation from Manikandan". He added that "Manikandan and his writing team (Arul Chezhiyan, Anucharan) should hold classes for other Tamil filmmakers who want the story-screenplay-dialogue credit but reveal little understanding of these elements" as "everything in ''Aandavan Kattalai'' is there for a reason".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/aandavan-kattalai-review/article9140564.ece |title=Aandavan Kattalai: My dear visa - Reviews |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> [[Times of India]] wrote "Just like how Manikandan's ''Kaaka Muttai'' and ''Kutramme Thandanai'' refrained from finger-pointing and sermonising, ''Aandavan Kattalai'', too, is far from being preachy, despite involving a subject that offer plenty of targets to take pot-shots at" and gave the film a high rating of three-and-a-half out of five stars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Aandavan-Kattalai/movie-review/54482105.cms |title=Aandavan Kattalai Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India |website=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2016-09-23 |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> [[Firstpost]] wrote "''Aandavan Kattalai'' works largely due to its script and the situational comedy in the narration" and "the way the story unfolds and the difficult situations the hero faces is so well brought out, without taking any cinematic liberties".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/aandavan-kattalai-review-after-kaaka-muttai-this-manikandan-film-reinforces-that-content-is-king-3018858.html |title=Aandavan Kattalai review: After Kaaka Muttai, this Manikandan film reinforces that content is king |website=Firstpost.com |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> Similarly, [[Deccan Chronicle]] called it "a film that's not to be missed", while Indiaglitz.com called it a "gem".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/240916/aandavan-kattalai-movie-review-a-film-thats-not-to-be-missed.html |title=Aandavan Kattalai movie review: A film that's not to be missed! |website=Deccanchronicle.com |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/aandavan-kattalai-tamil-movie-review-20419.html |title=Aandavan Kattalai review. Aandavan Kattalai Tamil movie review, story, rating |website=IndiaGlitz.com |date=2016-09-23 |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> Likewise, Sify.com stated "''Aandavan Kattalai'' is a must watch for all the ardent movie buffs" and Rediff.com added "the director once again delivers big time with a refreshing screenplay loaded with reality and fun, some great music, delightful characters and brilliant all-round performances".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/aandavan-kattalai-review-must-watch-review-tamil-qjxrrQefdhjec.html |title=Review : Aandavan Kattalai review: Must watch |website=Sify.com |date=2016-09-23 |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> Rediff gave it 4 out of 5 stating that "it is not to be missed".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-andavan-kattalai-is-not-to-be-missed/20160923.htm |title=Review: Andavan Kattalai is not to be missed - Rediff.com Movies |website=Rediff.com |date=2016-09-23 |access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref>
== Remakes ==
''Aandavan Kattalai'' was remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''[[London Babulu]]'' (2017)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chinnikrishna |first=B |date=17 November 2017 |title=London Babulu movie review: Rakshith is no Vijay Sethupathi but has his heart in the right place |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/london-babulu-movie-review-rakshith-is-no-vijay-sethupathi-but-has-his-heart-in-the-right-place-4214377.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213003713/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/london-babulu-movie-review-rakshith-is-no-vijay-sethupathi-but-has-his-heart-in-the-right-place-4214377.html |archive-date=13 December 2022 |access-date=11 August 2023 |website=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref> and in [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] as ''[[Shubh Yatra]]'' (2023).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oza |first=Nandini |date=28 April 2023 |title='Shubh Yatra' review: A fun take on Gujarati 'US dream' |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/04/28/shubh-yatra-review-a-fun-take-on-gujarati-us-dream.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621070852/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/04/28/shubh-yatra-review-a-fun-take-on-gujarati-us-dream.html |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=21 June 2023 |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]}}</ref>


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


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|6076366}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}


{{M. Manikandan}}
{{M. Manikandan}}


[[Category:2010s satirical films]]
[[Category:2016 comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2016 films]]
[[Category:2016 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2016 Indian films]]
[[Category:2010s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2016 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Indian comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Films about fraud]]
[[Category:Films about illegal immigration to Europe]]
[[Category:Films about illegal immigration to Europe]]
[[Category:Films about immigration to the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Films about journalists]]
[[Category:Films about theatre]]
[[Category:Films directed by M. Manikandan]]
[[Category:Films produced by G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan]]
[[Category:Films scored by K (composer)]]
[[Category:Films scored by K (composer)]]
[[Category:Films about theatre]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Illegal immigration to the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Indian comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian satirical films]]
[[Category:Indian satirical films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:2010s satirical films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2016 comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 20:40, 23 March 2026


Aandavan Kattalai
Theatrical release poster
Directed byM. Manikandan
Produced byG. N. Anbu Chezhiyan
Screenplay by
Story byT. Arul Chezhian
Starring
Music byK
CinematographyN. Shanmuga Sundaram
Edited byAnucharan
Production
company
  • Gopuram Films
  • Tribal Arts
Distributed bySri Green Productions
Release date
  • 23 September 2016 (2016-09-23)
Running time
150 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Aandavan Kattalai (transl. God's command) is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language satirical comedy drama film directed and co-written by M. Manikandan. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi and Ritika Singh, with Pooja Devariya, Nassar and Yogi Babu amongst others in supporting roles. It narrates the struggles of a man from interior Tamil Nadu to acquire documents to travel to London.

Produced by G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan and featuring music by K, the film was shot between March and July 2016. It was released on 23 September the same year. The film received positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success, winning two Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards: Best Comedy Actor (Yogi Babu) and Best Comedy Actress (Vinodhini Vaidyanathan). It was remade in Telugu as London Babulu (2017) and in Gujarati as Shubh Yatra (2023).

Plot[edit | edit source]

Gandhi Arumugam, an accountant from a village near Madurai, leaves for Chennai with his best friend Muthupandi "Pandi" Selvam, to acquire the documents necessary for going to London, where they plan to make money to pay off their debts. They approach two middlemen to help them get the passport and British tourist visa necessary. The middlemen claim that the British Deputy High Commission would prefer to give tourist visas to those who are already married, so the duo are forced to add their "wife's" name while applying for the passport, with Gandhi adding the name Karmeghakuzhali, following a suggestion from their real estate broker, Murugesan. However, Gandhi's visa application is rejected, forcing him to remain in Chennai and take up a job as an accountant with a theatrical troupe, while Pandi passes his visa interview and leaves for London with the help of a passport officer, Kumar.

With his hard work and sincerity, Gandhi soon becomes his employer's favourite employee and is made to act in his plays. Eventually, the theatrical troupe are invited to perform in London, leaving Gandhi in a bind as he now needs to have his "wife's" name removed from his passport. He learns that the only way to do so is to divorce his "wife", but for that, he needs to find a woman who has the name Karmeghakuzhali. He manages to track down Karmeghakuzhali, a television journalist, and tries to convince her to act as his wife and "divorce" him. He also feigns muteness. Initially, she refuses, but she soon gives Gandhi the necessary documents to "divorce" her, pitying him. However, since both husband and wife need to be present at court at the time of divorce, Gandhi convinces Aarthi, an actress from his theatrical troupe, to act as Karmeghakuzhali at the court. But at the time of the divorce hearing, Aarthi disappears to the toilet, forcing a reluctant Karmeghakuzhali, who is present at the court, to take part in the divorce hearing. The subsequent events at the divorce hearing prove humiliating for Karmeghakuzhali, and she also learns that Gandhi's muteness is feigned. Hence, she bitterly leaves the court with no "divorce" granted.

Later, Gandhi learns that Pandi was deported upon arrival in London by immigration officials for giving false information and address verification while obtaining his passport, and he too finds himself in the dock for doing the same. However, he shows his and Pandi's original voter ID cards to the immigration officials, getting them released, while the middlemen are arrested. Pandi reveals he was sent to Sri Lanka and tortured by prison officials after he tried to seek asylum in London as a Sri Lankan refugee, and humiliated by the recent events, he returns to his village.

Gandhi goes to the Regional Passport Office in Chennai and admits his crime to the Regional Passport Officer. The passport officer asks him to pay a fine of ₹1,300 (equivalent to ₹1,500 or US$21 in 2019) to get Karmeghakuzhali's name removed from his passport. But in a last-minute decision, Gandhi chooses not to do so and instead proposes marriage to Karmeghakuzhali, who is initially taken aback but agrees. He soon obtains a British visa and leaves for London with the rest of the theatrical troupe.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Following the release of Kaaka Muttai (2015), director M. Manikandan revealed in July 2015 that he would direct Vijay Sethupathi in a film to be produced by G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan of Gopuram Films. Manikandan and Sethupathi had known each other before they entered the Tamil film industry and had regularly collaborated for independent short films.[3] However, Manikandan only began work on the film a year later, after finishing Kuttrame Thandanai (2016). The film's title was revealed as Aandavan Kattalai, after a 1964 film.[4][5] Ritika Singh was signed on as the lead actress, only a month after the release of her first film Irudhi Suttru (2016).[6] Manikandan revealed that Aandavan Kattalai would be a "light-hearted entertainer that throws the spotlight on discrepancies in the passport issuing structure" and the problems common people face because of that, noting that unlike Kaaka Muttai, it would be more realistic but still entertaining.[7] The film began production in early March 2016 at Kilpauk, Chennai and progressed swiftly throughout the city.[8] The final schedule was shot in a studio resembling an embassy in Chennai during May 2016.[9] Filming wrapped in July 2016.[10]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The music of Aandavan Kattalai was composed by K. The album was released on 12 September 2016.[11][12] Karthik of Milliblog wrote, "Aandavan Kattalai's music has a wacky appeal".[13]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Vazkhai Oru Ottagam"VivekBenny Dayal3:57
2."Elandha Pazham"S. GnanakaravelYogi Sekar1:43
3."Imsai Rani"VivekKarthik3:43
4."Vaadagai Veedu"S. GnanakaravelJiby, Deepu, Philip, Sajan, K2:28
5."Karmeghakuzhali" Jananie S.V2:38
6."108 Thenga"S. GnanakaravelK2:24
7."Gandhi Thatha"Darwin GunaDarwin Guna1:17
8."Polambing Song"VivekK2:04
9."Yaaro Petha Pillai"S. GnanakaravelAnthony Daasan2:38
Total length:23:32

Release[edit | edit source]

Aandavan Kattalai was theatrically released on 23 September 2016 by Sri Green Productions.[14] The film had a lower profile release than Thodari (2016), which released on the same day, but by the first weekend, due to positive reviews and favourable word of mouth, it had overtaken the less positively received Thodari in collections and also replaced its shows in several cinema halls.[15][16]

Critical reception[edit | edit source]

Baradwaj Rangan gave Aandavan Kattalai a positive review for The Hindu, and noted that it was "yet another marvellous comedy of desperation from Manikandan". The critic added that "Manikandan and his writing team (Arul Chezhiyan, Anucharan) should hold classes for other Tamil filmmakers who want the story-screenplay-dialogue credit but reveal little understanding of these elements" as "everything in Aandavan Kattalai is there for a reason".[17] M. Suganth of The Times of India wrote, "Just like how Manikandan's Kaaka Muttai and Kutramme Thandanai refrained from finger-pointing and sermonising, Aandavan Kattalai, too, is far from being preachy, despite involving a subject that offer plenty of targets to take pot-shots at" and gave the film a high rating of three-and-a-half out of five stars.[18]

Sreedhar Pillai wrote for Firstpost, "Aandavan Kattalai works largely due to its script and the situational comedy in the narration" and "the way the story unfolds and the difficult situations the hero faces is so well brought out, without taking any cinematic liberties".[19] Similarly, Anupama Subramanian of Deccan Chronicle called it "a film that's not to be missed",[20] while Sify appreciated the film's screenplay, humour, cast performances, cinematography and editing, concluding that "Aandavan Kattalai is a must watch for all the ardent movie buffs".[21] S Saraswathi of Rediff.com gave it 4 out of 5 stating that "the director once again delivers big time with a refreshing screenplay loaded with reality and fun, some great music, delightful characters and brilliant all-round performances".[22]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

At the Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, Yogi Babu won the award for Best Comedy Actor, and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan won for Best Comedy Actress.[23]

Remakes[edit | edit source]

Aandavan Kattalai was remade in Telugu as London Babulu (2017)[24] and in Gujarati as Shubh Yatra (2023).[25]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ ""எல்லாமே ஆண்டவன் கட்டளை சார்!"" ["Everything is God's command, sir!"]. Ananda Vikatan (in தமிழ்). 20 October 2016. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  2. ↑ "Actor". carlharte.net. Archived from the original on 18 July 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  3. ↑ Karthik, Janani (23 July 2015). "Kakka Muttai Manikandan to direct Vijay Sethupathi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 August 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  4. ↑ KR, Manigandan (16 September 2015). "No Songs in My Next Film: Kakka Muttai Director". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  5. ↑ Subramanian, Anupama (1 January 2016). "Vijay gets a Sivaji Ganesan title!". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  6. ↑ Karthik, Janani (2 March 2016). "Ritika to play an urban girl in Manikandan's next film". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  7. ↑ Bisht, Akhil (11 May 2016). "M. Manikandan Opens Up About Vijay Sethupathi Starrer 'Aandavan Kattalai'". Desimartini. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  8. ↑ "Shooting of Andavan Kattalai begins". Live Chennai. 11 March 2016. Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  9. ↑ "'Kaaka Muttai' director M. Manikandan's next about discrepancies in issuing passports". The Indian Express. IANS. 10 May 2016. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  10. ↑ "ஆண்டவன் கட்டளையை முடித்த விஜய் சேதுபதி" [Vijay Sethupathi wraps Aandavan Kattalai]. Maalai Malar (in தமிழ்). 27 July 2016. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  11. ↑ "'Aandavan Kattalai' album is my personal milestone, says K". Sify. 4 October 2016. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  12. ↑ Aandavan Kattalai – Music Box | Tamil. Sony Music India. 11 September 2016. Archived from the original on 7 October 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2016 – via YouTube.
  13. ↑ Karthik (13 September 2016). "Aandavan Kattalai (Music review), Tamil – K". Milliblog. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  14. ↑ "Aandavan Kattalai – Opens on Sep 23". Sify. Archived from the original on 26 September 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  15. ↑ R, Manoj Kumar (27 September 2016). "Aandavan Kattalai dominates Dhanush's Thodari at box office". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  16. ↑ Nair, Sree Prasad (7 February 2017). "Chennai Box Office: Excellent opening for Aandavan Kattalai while Dhanush's Thodari disappoints". CatchNews.com. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  17. ↑ Rangan, Baradwaj (23 September 2016). "Aandavan Kattalai: My dear visa". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 June 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  18. ↑ Suganth, M (23 September 2016). "Aandavan Kattalai Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 September 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  19. ↑ Pillai, Sreedhar (24 September 2016). "Aandavan Kattalai review: After Kaaka Muttai, this Manikandan film reinforces that content is king". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  20. ↑ Subramanian, Anupama (24 September 2016). "Aandavan Kattalai movie review: A film that's not to be missed!". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 3 October 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  21. ↑ "Aandavan Kattalai review: Must watch". Sify. 23 September 2016. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  22. ↑ Saraswathi, S (23 September 2016). "Review: Andavan Kattalai is not to be missed". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 9 October 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  23. ↑ "Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards - 2016". Ananda Vikatan. 24 January 2017. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  24. ↑ Chinnikrishna, B (17 November 2017). "London Babulu movie review: Rakshith is no Vijay Sethupathi but has his heart in the right place". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  25. ↑ Oza, Nandini (28 April 2023). "'Shubh Yatra' review: A fun take on Gujarati 'US dream'". The Week. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:M. Manikandan

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