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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
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{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Kovil
| name           = Kovil
| image =
| image         = Kovil film poster.jpg
| director = [[Hari (director)|Hari]]
| caption        = Poster
| writer = [[Hari (director)|Hari]]
| director       = [[Hari (director)|Hari]]
| starring = [[Silambarasan]]<br/>[[Sonia Agarwal]]<br/>[[Vadivelu]]<br/>[[Rajkiran]]<br/>[[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]<br/>[[Rekha (South Indian actress)|Rekha]]
| writer         = Hari
| producer =  [[A. M. Rathnam]]
| producer      = [[A. M. Rathnam]]
| music = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| starring       = [[Silambarasan]]<br />[[Sonia Agarwal]]
| cinematography = [[Priyan (cinematographer)|Priyan]]
| cinematography = [[Priyan]]
| editing = [[V. T. Vijayan]]
| editing       = [[V. T. Vijayan]]
| studio = [[A. M. Rathnam|Sri Suriya Movies]]
| music          = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| distributor = [[A. M. Rathnam|Sri Satya Sai Movies]]
| studio        = [[A. M. Rathnam|Sri Suriya Movies]]
| released = {{film date|df=y|2004|1|14}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/pongal-attractions-news-tamil-kkfvNUhhgiesi.html|title=Pongal Attractions|website=Sify}}</ref>
| released       = {{film date|df=y|2004|1|10}}
| runtime = 148 minutes
| runtime       = 148 minutes
| country = India
| country       = India
| language = Tamil
| language       = Tamil
}}
}}
'''''Kovil''''' ({{lang-en|Temple}}) is a 2004 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic drama film|romantic drama]] film written and directed by  [[Hari (director)|Hari]] and produced by [[A. M. Rathnam]]. It starred [[Silambarasan]] and [[Sonia Agarwal]] in the lead roles while [[Vadivelu]], [[Rajkiran]], and [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] play supporting roles. The music was composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]], with editing done by [[V. T. Vijayan]] and cinematography by [[Priyan (cinematographer)|Priyan]]. The film released on 14 January 2004 and was released to positive reviews from critics and audience.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kovil-review-tamil-pclvyUagdjcca.html|title=Kovil|website=Sify}}</ref> The film was a super hit.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/kovil/article28575527.ece|title="Kovil"|date=30 January 2004|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> It was dubbed into [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Rudrudu''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j4VKexc-wQ |title=YouTube |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2020-03-24}}</ref>
'''''Kovil''''' ({{translation|Temple}}) is a 2004 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic drama film]] written and directed by  [[Hari (director)|Hari]] and produced by [[A. M. Rathnam]]. It stars [[Silambarasan]] and [[Sonia Agarwal]] while [[Vadivelu]], [[Rajkiran]], [[Charle]] and [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] play supporting roles. The music was composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]], with editing done by [[V. T. Vijayan]] and cinematography by [[Priyan]]. The film was released on 10 January 2004 and became a box-office hit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chandramouli |first=Rajesh |date=14 July 2004 |title=Tamil films under stress |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tamil-films-under-stress/articleshow/778146.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125044901/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tamil-films-under-stress/articleshow/778146.cms |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


==Plot==
== Plot ==
{{More plot|date=August 2022}}<!--per [[WP:FILMPLOT]], plot summaries should be between 400 and 700 words-->
Puliyankulam and [[Veppankulam]] are adjacent villages with an enmity that has lasted for generations. Periyasamy is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] from Puliyankulam and is widely respected by the villagers. Michael Soosai is a devout [[Protestant]] from Veppankulam and does not trust followers of other religions. Sakthivel is Periyasamy's son, who studies in a college in [[Nagercoil]]. Angel is Michael's daughter, who also attends the same college. Sakthivel and Angel meet in college and fall in love. Angel is afraid that her father will never allow her to marry a Hindu, especially from the rival village. Michael and Periyasamy learn about the relationship between Sakthivel and Angel. Michael gets enraged and scolds his daughter, while Periyasamy agrees for the wedding. Michael does not want an inter-[[religion]] marriage and decides to force his daughter to become a [[nun]]. Periyasamy arrives and tells the truth in front of everyone that Angel Devi is Michael Susai's adopted daughter whose real name is Fathima Begum was born to [[Muslim]] parents Jaffer Hussain and Ayesha Beevi. Michael realises his mistake and agrees for the wedding.


Puliyankulam and [[Veppankulam]] are nearby villages with an enmity lasting for a few generations. Periyasamy ([[Rajkiran]]) is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] from Puliyankulam and is widely respected by the villagers. Michael Soosai ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]) is a devout [[Roman Catholic ]] from Veppankulam and does not trust other religions. Sakthivel ([[Silambarasan]]) is Periyasamy’s son, and he studies in a college in [[Nagercoil]]. Angel ([[Sonia Agarwal]]) is Michael's daughter, and she attends the same college. Sakthivel and Angel meet in college and fall in love. Angel is afraid that her father will never allow her to marry a Hindu, especially from the rival village. Michael and Periyasamy get to know about the relationship between Sakthivel and Angel. Michael gets angry and scolds his daughter, while Periyasamy agrees for the wedding. Michael does not want an inter-[[religion]] marriage and decides to force his daughter to become a [[nun]]. Periyasamy arrives and tells the truth in front of everyone that Angel is Michael’s adopted daughter who was born to [[Muslim]] parents. Michael realizes his mistake and agrees for the wedding.
== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
* [[Silambarasan]] as Shakthivel
* [[Sonia Agarwal]] as Fathima Begum / Angel Devi
* [[Vadivelu]] as 'Bullet' Pandi, Shakthivel's younger paternal uncle
* [[Rajkiran]] as Periyasamy
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Michael Susai,  Angel Devi's adoptive father
* [[Rekha Harris|Rekha]] as Mary,  Angel Devi's adoptive mother
* [[Charle]] as Boothapandi
* [[Sathyan (Tamil actor)|Sathyan]] as Murugan, Shakthivel's friend
* [[Ganeshkar]] as Senthil, Shakthivel's friend
* [[Rajesh (Tamil actor)|Rajesh]] as Church Father Anthony James
* [[S. N. Lakshmi]] as Kamatchi, Shakthivel's grandmother
* [[Singamuthu]] as Astrologer Shanmugam
* Sathya Rangavasan as Sivagami, Shakthivel's mother
* Akash as Joseph, Angel Devi's adoptive cousin
* [[Bava Lakshmanan]] as Cycle Susai
* S. Ramana Girivasan as Namasivayam, Police Control Room Officer
* [[Paravai Muniyamma]] (special appearance in the song "Kadhal Panna")
}}


==Cast==
== Production ==
{{colbegin}}
Filming was held in locations including Tenkasi, Coutralam, Nagercoil and Munnar, and was completed within 59 days and two duet songs were shot at Thirunelveli.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mannath |first=Malini |date=9 December 2003 |title='Kovil' |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/location/kovil.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040426122515/http://www.chennaionline.com/location/kovil.asp |archive-date=26 April 2004 |access-date=29 April 2013 |website=Chennai Online}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 October 2003 |title=Devotees to visit Kovil during December! |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/09102003-3.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031212001850/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/09102003-3.shtml |archive-date=12 December 2003 |access-date=15 November 2024 |website=Cinesouth}}</ref>
* [[Silambarasan]] as Shaktivel (Rudhra in Telugu)
* [[Sonia Agarwal]] as Angel Devi Soosai
* [[Vadivelu]] as 'Bullet' Pandi (Shaktivel's uncle)
* [[Rajkiran]] as Periyasamy, Shaktivel's father
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Michael Soosai, Angel's father
* [[Rekha (South Indian actress)|Rekha]] as Angel's mother
* [[Charle]] as Muruga
* [[Ganeshkar]] as Shaktivel's friend
* [[Rajesh (actor)|Rajesh]] as Father
* [[Singamuthu]] as Astrologer
* [[Sathyan (Tamil actor)|Sathyan]] as Shakthivel's friend
* Bava Lakshmanan as Cycle Soosai
* S. Ramana Girivasan as Police Control Room Officer
* [[Paravai Muniyamma]] in a guest role
* Akash as Angel's Brother
{{colend}}


==Production==
== Soundtrack ==
One of the high points of the film is cycle race where hero Silambarasan and villain Akash take part. There are 3 fights in the film, but they've been very realistically picturised, says the director. The entirely village-based subject has been shot at locations in  Nagercoil, Kuttralam, Munnar among other places. Says Hari, "For the cycle race we shot, we collected about a 1,000 people for the scene. We took about five days to shoot. The total shooting for the film was wrapped up in 59 days".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/location/kovil.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041025025710/http://www.chennaionline.com/location/kovil.asp|archivedate=2004-10-25|title='Kovil'|date=25 October 2004}}</ref>
The soundtrack was composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]]. All lyrics were written by [[Snehan]], except for "Collegikku" ([[Na. Muthukumar]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kovil Tamil Film Audio CD by Harris Jayaraj |url=https://mossymart.com/product/kovil-tamil-film-audio-cd-by-harris-jayaraj/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115081915/https://mossymart.com/product/kovil-tamil-film-audio-cd-by-harris-jayaraj/ |archive-date=15 January 2023 |access-date=15 January 2023 |website=Mossymart}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
{{Track listing
Hindu praised Simbu's performance as "restraint and maturity".<ref name="auto"/>
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| headline = Track listing<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 2003 |title=Kovil |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/kovil/NZE6Eq75gvE_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523231642/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/kovil/NZE6Eq75gvE_ |archive-date=23 May 2022 |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=[[JioSaavn]]}}</ref>
| total_length = 27:37
| title1 = Arali Vidhaiyil
| extra1 = [[Palakkad Sreeram]]
| lyrics1 = [[Snehan]]
| length1 = 3:06
| title2 = Collegikku
| extra2 = [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]
| lyrics2 = [[Na. Muthukumar]]
| length2 = 5:16
| title3 = Kadhal Panna
| extra3 = Kovai Kamala, [[Silambarasan]], [[Vadivelu]], [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]]
| lyrics3 = Snehan
| length3 = 4:33
| title4 = Kokku Meena
| extra4 = [[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[Srilekha Parthasarathy]]
| lyrics4 = Snehan
| length4 = 4:37
| title5 = Puyalae Puyalae
| extra5 = Karthik , [[Mahathi (singer)|Mahathi]]
| lyrics5 = Snehan
| length5 = 4:59
| title6 = Silu Silu
| extra6 = Tippu
| lyrics6 = Snehan
| length6 = 5:06
}}


==Soundtrack==
{{Track listing
The soundtrack comprises six songs composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]], marking his first collaboration with Silambarasan. All lyrics written by [[Snehan]] except for "Collegikku" ([[Na. Muthukumar]]). The soundtrack received positive reviews upon release and became a commercial hit.
| extra_column = Singer(s)
{{Infobox album
| headline = Telugu track listing<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rudrudu |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/rudrudu/F65PW5JC6JI_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208104619/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/rudrudu/F65PW5JC6JI_ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=[[JioSaavn]]}}</ref>
| name      = Kovil
| total_length = 31:56
| type      = [[soundtrack]]
| title1 = Ravika Leni
| artist    = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| extra1 = [[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]], Sumangali
| cover      =
| lyrics1 = Sahithi
| alt        =
| length1 = 4:48
| released  = 2003
| title2 = Kasi Kasiga
| recorded  =2003
| note2 = Happy Version
| venue      =
| extra2 = [[Harish Raghavendra]]
| studio    =
| lyrics2 = Sahithi
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length2 = 5:05
| length    =27:37
| title3 = Poovamma
| label      = Five Star Audio<br>[[Ayngaran International|Ayngaran Music]]
| extra3 = [[Khushi Murali|Murali]], Sumangali
| language = [[Tamil (language)|Tamil]]
| lyrics3 = Sahithi
| producer  = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| length3 = 5:00
| prev_title = [[Saamy]]
| title4 = Vishapu Vanilo
| prev_year  = 2003
| extra4 = Dr. Narayana
| next_title = [[Arul]]
| lyrics4 = Sahithi
| next_year  = 2004
| length4 = 2:06
}}
| title5 = Gunde Ninda Dhairyam
{{tracklist|
| extra5 = Murali, [[Malgudi Subha]]
|extra_column=Singer(s)
| lyrics5 = Ponduri
|headline = Track-List<ref>{{cite web |title=Kovil - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn |url=https://www.saavn.com/album/kovil/B4xm3G,EG80_ |accessdate=3 November 2018 |date=1 January 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Harris Jayaraj: Kovil (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Musikstreaming - Lyssna i Deezer |url=https://www.deezer.com/en/album/6511235 |accessdate=3 November 2018 |language=sv-SE |date=13 April 2013}}</ref>
| length5 = 4:33
|total_length=27:37
| title6 = Kasi Kasiga
|title1=Arali Vidhaiyil|extra1=Palakkad Sriram| lyrics1 = [[Snehan]]|length1= 3:06
| note6 = Sad Version
|title2=Collegikku|extra2=[[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]| lyrics2 = [[Na. Muthukumar]]|length2=5:16
| extra6 = Harish Raghavendra
|title3=Kadhal Panna|extra3=Kovai Kamala, [[Silambarasan]], [[Vadivelu]], [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]]| lyrics3 = Snehan|length3=4:33
| lyrics6 = Sahithi
|title4=Kokku Meena|extra4=[[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[Srilekha Parthasarathy]]| lyrics4 = Snehan|length4=4:37
| length6 = 5:04
|title5=Puyalae Puyalae|extra5= Karthik , [[Mahathi]]| lyrics5 =Snehan|length5=4:59
| title7 = Collegeki Podam
|title6=Silu Silu|extra6=Tippu| lyrics6 = Snehan|length6=5:06
| extra7 = Ranjith
}}
| lyrics7 = Ponduri
{{Infobox album
| length7 = 5:20
| name      = Rudrudu
| type      = [[soundtrack]]
| artist    = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released  = 2006
| recorded  =2003
| venue      =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length    =31:56
| label      = [[Aditya Music]]
| language = [[Telugu (language)|Telugu]]
| producer  = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
}}
{{tracklist|
|extra_column=Singer(s)
|headline = Telugu Track-List<ref>{{cite web |title=Rudrudu - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn |url=https://www.saavn.com/album/rudrudu/F65PW5JC6JI_ |accessdate=3 November 2018}}</ref>
|total_length=31:56
|title1=Ravika Leni|extra1=[[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]], Sumangali| lyrics1 = Sahithi|length1= 4:48
|title2=Kasi Kasiga|note2=Happy Version|extra2=[[Harish Raghavendra]]| lyrics2 = Sahithi|length2=5:05  
|title3=Poovamma|extra3=[[Khushi Murali|Murali]], Sumangali| lyrics3 = Sahithi|length3=5:00
|title4=Vishapu Vanilo|extra4=Dr. Narayana| lyrics4 = Sahithi|length4=2:06  
|title5=Gunde Ninda Dhairyam|extra5=Murali, [[Malgudi Subha]]| lyrics5 = Ponduri|length5=4:33
|title6=Kasi Kasiga|note6=Sad Version|extra6=Harish Raghavendra | lyrics6 = Sahithi|length6=5:04
|title7=Collegeki Podam|extra7=Ranjith | lyrics7 = Ponduri|length7=5:20
}}
}}


==References==
== Release and reception ==
''Kovil'' was released on 10 January 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2004 |title=Pongal Attractions |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/pongal-attractions-news-tamil-kkfvNUhhgiesi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129122414/http://www.sify.com/movies/pongal-attractions-news-tamil-kkfvNUhhgiesi.html |archive-date=29 January 2017 |access-date=24 March 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Malathi Rangarajan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' praised Silambarasan's performance as being "restrained and mature", but criticised the story for lack of originality.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=30 January 2004 |title="Kovil" |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/kovil/article28575527.ece |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219213344/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/kovil/article28575527.ece |archive-date=19 December 2019}}</ref> ''[[Sify]]'' reviewed the film more negatively, criticising its similarities to ''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]'' (1981) and said, "Anyone who sees the film can find this out and is sure to compare it with the original". The reviewer appreciated Silambarasan because he was lacking "his usual mannerisms and style looks cool and is a relief to watch", although they criticised Aggarwal's performance and Harris Jayaraj's music.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2004 |title=Kovil |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kovil-review-tamil-pclvyUagdjcca.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129124718/http://www.sify.com/movies/kovil-review-tamil-pclvyUagdjcca.html |archive-date=29 January 2017 |access-date=24 March 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Visual Dasan of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' praised Hari for handling a controversial subject while also appreciating Priyan's cinematography and Harris Jayaraj's music.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=தாசன் |first=விஷுவல் |date=25 January 2004 |title=கோவில் |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki2004-01-25/page/n97/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230208083033/https://archive.org/details/kalki2004-01-25/page/n97/mode/2up |archive-date=8 February 2023 |access-date=11 January 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=95 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> Malini Mannath wrote for ''Chennai Online'', "The director's two earlier films ''[[Thamizh]]'' and ''[[Saamy|Samy]]'' reveald him as a maker who thought differently. But this film is a routine, same romance, predictable and a little outdated".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mannath |first=Malini |date=17 January 2004 |title=Kovil |url=http://chennaionline.com/moviereviews/tammov323.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040302013347/http://chennaionline.com/moviereviews/tammov323.asp |archive-date=2 March 2004 |access-date=8 February 2023 |website=Chennai Online}}</ref> ''Cinesouth'' wrote "The screenplay fumbles like the lovers do when they arent able to make the right decision. Unfortunately, the solutions they think up only gets the screenplay into further troubles".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinesouth.com/scopes/reviews/kovil.shtml|website=Cinesouth|access-date=13 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040412194936/http://cinesouth.com/scopes/reviews/kovil.shtml|archive-date=12 April 2004|title=Tamil cinema review - Koviel review by Cinesouth}}</ref> ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' wrote "Hari beginning the movie with scene of religious misunderstanding between two sects of people arouses interest. But the screenplay is inconsistent and is predictable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb152004/mr3.asp|title=Kovil|first=G. |last=Ulaganathan|website=Deccan Herald|access-date=16 March 2025|date=15 February 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040829133111/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb152004/mr3.asp|archive-date=29 August 2004}}</ref>
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*{{IMDb title}}
*{{Rotten Tomatoes}}
{{Hari (director)}}
{{Hari (director)}}
 
[[Category:2004 Indian films]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kovil (Film)}}
[[Category:2004 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2004 films]]
[[Category:2004 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2004 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Hari (director)]]
[[Category:Films directed by Hari (director)]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Harris Jayaraj]]
[[Category:Films shot in Munnar]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tirunelveli]]
[[Category:Indian interfaith romance films]]
[[Category:Indian interfaith romance films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Harris Jayaraj]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Munnar]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:2004 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films produced by A. M. Rathnam]]

Latest revision as of 10:01, 3 March 2026

Kovil
Poster
Directed byHari
Produced byA. M. Rathnam
Written byHari
StarringSilambarasan
Sonia Agarwal
Music byHarris Jayaraj
CinematographyPriyan
Edited byV. T. Vijayan
Production
company
Release date
  • 10 January 2004 (2004-01-10)
Running time
148 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Kovil (transl. Temple) is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Hari and produced by A. M. Rathnam. It stars Silambarasan and Sonia Agarwal while Vadivelu, Rajkiran, Charle and Nassar play supporting roles. The music was composed by Harris Jayaraj, with editing done by V. T. Vijayan and cinematography by Priyan. The film was released on 10 January 2004 and became a box-office hit.[1]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Puliyankulam and Veppankulam are adjacent villages with an enmity that has lasted for generations. Periyasamy is a Hindu from Puliyankulam and is widely respected by the villagers. Michael Soosai is a devout Protestant from Veppankulam and does not trust followers of other religions. Sakthivel is Periyasamy's son, who studies in a college in Nagercoil. Angel is Michael's daughter, who also attends the same college. Sakthivel and Angel meet in college and fall in love. Angel is afraid that her father will never allow her to marry a Hindu, especially from the rival village. Michael and Periyasamy learn about the relationship between Sakthivel and Angel. Michael gets enraged and scolds his daughter, while Periyasamy agrees for the wedding. Michael does not want an inter-religion marriage and decides to force his daughter to become a nun. Periyasamy arrives and tells the truth in front of everyone that Angel Devi is Michael Susai's adopted daughter whose real name is Fathima Begum was born to Muslim parents Jaffer Hussain and Ayesha Beevi. Michael realises his mistake and agrees for the wedding.

Cast[edit | edit source]

  • Silambarasan as Shakthivel
  • Sonia Agarwal as Fathima Begum / Angel Devi
  • Vadivelu as 'Bullet' Pandi, Shakthivel's younger paternal uncle
  • Rajkiran as Periyasamy
  • Nassar as Michael Susai, Angel Devi's adoptive father
  • Rekha as Mary, Angel Devi's adoptive mother
  • Charle as Boothapandi
  • Sathyan as Murugan, Shakthivel's friend
  • Ganeshkar as Senthil, Shakthivel's friend
  • Rajesh as Church Father Anthony James
  • S. N. Lakshmi as Kamatchi, Shakthivel's grandmother
  • Singamuthu as Astrologer Shanmugam
  • Sathya Rangavasan as Sivagami, Shakthivel's mother
  • Akash as Joseph, Angel Devi's adoptive cousin
  • Bava Lakshmanan as Cycle Susai
  • S. Ramana Girivasan as Namasivayam, Police Control Room Officer
  • Paravai Muniyamma (special appearance in the song "Kadhal Panna")

Production[edit | edit source]

Filming was held in locations including Tenkasi, Coutralam, Nagercoil and Munnar, and was completed within 59 days and two duet songs were shot at Thirunelveli.[2][3]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack was composed by Harris Jayaraj. All lyrics were written by Snehan, except for "Collegikku" (Na. Muthukumar).[4]

Track listing[5]
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Arali Vidhaiyil"SnehanPalakkad Sreeram3:06
2."Collegikku"Na. MuthukumarKarthik5:16
3."Kadhal Panna"SnehanKovai Kamala, Silambarasan, Vadivelu, Tippu4:33
4."Kokku Meena"SnehanShankar Mahadevan, Srilekha Parthasarathy4:37
5."Puyalae Puyalae"SnehanKarthik , Mahathi4:59
6."Silu Silu"SnehanTippu5:06
Total length:27:37
Telugu track listing[6]
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Ravika Leni"SahithiRanjith, Sumangali4:48
2."Kasi Kasiga" (Happy Version)SahithiHarish Raghavendra5:05
3."Poovamma"SahithiMurali, Sumangali5:00
4."Vishapu Vanilo"SahithiDr. Narayana2:06
5."Gunde Ninda Dhairyam"PonduriMurali, Malgudi Subha4:33
6."Kasi Kasiga" (Sad Version)SahithiHarish Raghavendra5:04
7."Collegeki Podam"PonduriRanjith5:20
Total length:31:56

Release and reception[edit | edit source]

Kovil was released on 10 January 2004.[7] Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu praised Silambarasan's performance as being "restrained and mature", but criticised the story for lack of originality.[8] Sify reviewed the film more negatively, criticising its similarities to Alaigal Oivathillai (1981) and said, "Anyone who sees the film can find this out and is sure to compare it with the original". The reviewer appreciated Silambarasan because he was lacking "his usual mannerisms and style looks cool and is a relief to watch", although they criticised Aggarwal's performance and Harris Jayaraj's music.[9] Visual Dasan of Kalki praised Hari for handling a controversial subject while also appreciating Priyan's cinematography and Harris Jayaraj's music.[10] Malini Mannath wrote for Chennai Online, "The director's two earlier films Thamizh and Samy reveald him as a maker who thought differently. But this film is a routine, same romance, predictable and a little outdated".[11] Cinesouth wrote "The screenplay fumbles like the lovers do when they arent able to make the right decision. Unfortunately, the solutions they think up only gets the screenplay into further troubles".[12] Deccan Herald wrote "Hari beginning the movie with scene of religious misunderstanding between two sects of people arouses interest. But the screenplay is inconsistent and is predictable".[13]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Chandramouli, Rajesh (14 July 2004). "Tamil films under stress". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  2. ↑ Mannath, Malini (9 December 2003). "'Kovil'". Chennai Online. Archived from the original on 26 April 2004. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Devotees to visit Kovil during December!". Cinesouth. 9 October 2003. Archived from the original on 12 December 2003. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
  4. ↑ "Kovil Tamil Film Audio CD by Harris Jayaraj". Mossymart. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  5. ↑ "Kovil". JioSaavn. 1 January 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  6. ↑ "Rudrudu". JioSaavn. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  7. ↑ "Pongal Attractions". Sify. 12 January 2004. Archived from the original on 29 January 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  8. ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (30 January 2004). ""Kovil"". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  9. ↑ "Kovil". Sify. 12 January 2004. Archived from the original on 29 January 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  10. ↑ தாசன், விஷுவல் (25 January 2004). "கோவில்". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 95. Retrieved 11 January 2023 – via Internet Archive.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. ↑ Mannath, Malini (17 January 2004). "Kovil". Chennai Online. Archived from the original on 2 March 2004. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  12. ↑ "Tamil cinema review - Koviel review by Cinesouth". Cinesouth. Archived from the original on 12 April 2004. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  13. ↑ Ulaganathan, G. (15 February 2004). "Kovil". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 29 August 2004. Retrieved 16 March 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Hari (director)

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