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Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam
| Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam | |
|---|---|
| File:Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam.jpg | |
| Directed by | Chimbu Deven |
| Produced by |
|
| Written by | Chimbu Deven |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Original songs: G. V. Prakash Kumar Background Score: Sabesh–Murali |
| Cinematography | Alagappan N |
| Edited by | Raja Mohammad |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 140 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam (transl. Brute Lion from Iron fort) is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language Western comedy film directed by Chimbu Deven, starring choreographer-turned-actor Raghava Lawrence, Padmapriya, Lakshmi Rai, and Sandhya[1] alongside an ensemble supporting cast including Nassar, Sai Kumar, and M. S. Baskar. The film is a "western adventure comedy film" based on cowboy stories, which is set in the 19th century paying homages to many western films.[2] The film's shooting commenced in April 2009 and was released on 7 May 2010 to mixed reviews.[3] In Tamil cinema, after the movie Ganga (1972) starring Jaishankar, this is a full-length Western being taken after 38 years.[4] The film comically highlights the current world politics.[5]
Plot[edit]
The town of Jayshankarapuram, home of Tamil-speaking cowboys, is ruled by a one-eyed tyrant named Kizhakku Kattai (literally translating to East Wood as in Clint Eastwood), who rules over other villages as well, and is always surrounded by his assistants: a cowgirl named Pakki and an outlaw named Ulakkai. In order to free their town from Kattai's rule, Bilagiri James, Dagelandi, Jada, and Viruma travel to a neighboring town, Holaypuram, to seek out a savior.
There, they encounter Singaram, a man with a noble heart who has been sentenced to death for duty negligence. The gang saves Singaram from execution and explains their situation. Singaram learns why he was chosen. The brave Singam was the previous marshal of Jayashankarapuram who bore a striking resemblance to Singaram, and also was the only one who stood up to Kattai's tyranny. Singam disappeared under mysterious circumstances years ago, and the town was left defenseless.
Thus, Singaram is brought to the village and is passed off as Singam. Singaram learns to adapt to his new name, learning all the hero's skills and tricks. He wins the respect of the village seniors, which includes Paandu Paramu and Keluthi Amma. Soon, a girl named Baali falls for Singaram. He later surpasses the original hero's prowess, though initially, it is due to dumb luck. In between the hero's and the villain's camp is a Red Indian village where the tribals are pure vegetarians. With the introduction of this village, Athirikesa, the leader of the tribal group, his father Rangula, and his beautiful daughter Thumbi are also introduced.
The villagers at Jayashankarapuram find a map that is hidden in their "MGR Timesquare", but it is only one half they have. They have to find the other half to hunt for treasure that is preserved and hidden somewhere far away. Unfortunately, Kattai has other plans. He negotiates a deal of freeing prisoners in exchange of the treasure. Singaram and the folks find the treasure in an Indiana Jones-esque adventure. They successfully find the treasure and escape the cave. But, it is revealed that Dagelandy is a right-hand man of Kattai, who was spying Singaram's gang all along. Kattai also reveals that he killed Singam a few years ago and challenges Singaaram to a duel in front of the people. While Kattai gains the upper hand initially, the thought of Singam's death in the hands of Kattai infuriates Singaram and he starts beating up Kattai. Kattai is eventually shot dead by Pakki, out of her love for Singaram and she leaves the place with her cronies. Peace prevails within Jayshankarpuram's inhabitants and the red Indians.
Singaram is hailed as a hero in Jayshankarapuram and is presented with a large diamond and a platter of gold coins of the treasure as a reward by the people. However, Singaram declines the gold coins for the diamond, instead asking the people to use the coins to build a school for the children, while stating that education is important and is to be imparted to all. He is given a heartful farewell by the people and rides off. On the way, Baali stops him saying that while he took the diamond, he was leaving his "life" behind. Singaram smiles and they both ride off in the sunset.
Cast[edit]
- Raghava Lawrence as Singam and Singaram
- Padmapriya as Baali
- Lakshmi Rai as Pakki
- Sandhya as Thumbi
- Nassar as Kizhakku Kattai
- Sai Kumar as Ulakkai
- M. S. Bhaskar as Athirikesa
- Senthil as Rangula Peri
- Mouli as Bilagiri James
- Ilavarasu as Dagelandi
- Ramesh Khanna as Jada
- Vaiyapuri as Viruma
- Delhi Ganesh as Paandu Paramu
- Manorama as Keluthi Amma
- Chams as Lee
- Mohan Raman as Sheriff
- Besant Ravi as Color Kathiresan
- V. S. Raghavan (cameo appearance) as an Old man in Jaishankar Puram
Cultural references[edit]
- The film features two fictional villages Jaishankarpuram and Ashokapuram which was named after Jaishankar and Ashokan who played the hero and villain in Ganga which was first of the Genere in India.
- In the court sequence you will find Amitabh Bachchan's portrait instead of Gandhi paying homage to Sholay.
- The antagonist's name, "Kilakku Kattai", literally translates to Eastwood, in reference to Clint Eastwood.
- During their journey to get the treasure they find an ID card which has Indiana Jones's name on it.
- In a sequence when the protagonist is explained about the village it said John Wayne and Clint Eastwood are founding fathers of this community.
Production[edit]
For the role of a cowboy, Raghava Lawrence grew his hair long and learnt horse riding.[6][7]
Soundtrack[edit]
All the songs' lyrics were written by Vairamuthu.[8]
| Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 2009 | |||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Label | Think Music | |||
| G. V. Prakash Kumar chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Title | Singers |
|---|---|
| "Velaikkari Nee" | MK Balaji, Ramya NSK, Bhargavi |
| "Nenjam Nenjam" | G. V. Prakash Kumar, Harini, Sulabha |
| "Ilantamizha" | Tippu |
| "War Theme" | Rahul Nambiar |
| "Kanna Nee Ennai" | Bombay Jayashri, Naveen Iyer, D.A. Srinivas |
| "Raaja Singham" | Rahul Nambiar, Shakthisree Gopalan, Big Nikk |
| "Irumbukottai Murattu Singam" | Theme |
Release & reception[edit]
The film was dubbed into Hindi by Goldmines Telefilms.[9]
Sify wrote "Hats off in cowboy style to writer and director Chimbudevan for doing such good research and bringing about authenticity to his plot and acknowledging great western legendary films of the 60?s and 70?s. But if only he had worked out a better script, it would have been a great fun ride".[10] Behindwoods wrote "Simbu Devan should certainly be applauded for giving the audience an all new experience and his hard work is palpable. On the flipside, he does not engage the audience completely and loses his grip on them on and off. There are times when the film appears outright childish. The screen play meanders a while and there is a jump of genre here and there".[11]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Sandhya is Lawrence's heroine!". Sify. Archived from the original on 8 April 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2009.
- ↑ "Chimbudevan's cowboy film starts". Sify. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
- ↑ "Chimbudevan directs a new cowboy film in Tamil". Rediff. Archived from the original on 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ↑ "Kollywood Cowboy - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 December 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ↑ "'Irumbu Kottai Murattu Singam', a family film". News18. 17 May 2010. Archived from the original on 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ↑ sify.com
- ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (19 November 2009). "Spaghetti Eastern!". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ↑ "Super Cowboy Review - Lawrence, Sandhya, Super Cowboy Telugu Movie Review ,Telugu movie review, Telugu cinema - 123telugu.com - Andhra Pradesh News and Views". www.123telugu.com. Archived from the original on 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ↑ "sify.com". Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
External links[edit]
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