Thadaiyara Thaakka

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Thadaiyara Thaakka
File:Thadaiyara Thaakka.jpg
Theatrical Release Poster
Directed byMagizh Thirumeni
Produced byN. S. Mohan
Susil Mohan
M. Hemanth
Written byMagizh Thirumeni
StarringArun Vijay
Mamta Mohandas
Rakul Preet Singh
Maha Gandhi
Vamsi Krishna
Music byOriginal songs:
S. Thaman Background Score: Santhosh Narayanan
CinematographyM. Sukumar
Edited byPraveen K. L.
N. B. Srikanth
Production
company
Feather Touch Entertainment
Release date
  • 1 June 2012 (2012-06-01)
Running time
129 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Thadaiyara Thaakka (transl. Breaking all Barriers) is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film[2] written and directed by Magizh Thirumeni, starring Arun Vijay, Mamta Mohandas and Rakul Preet Singh. The title is derived from a devotional song titled Kanda Shasti Kavasam.[3] The film follows a taxi driver who is suspected of attacking a don and goes on the run as the don's brother and the gang start chasing after him.

Director Magizh Thirumeni conceived of the film when he was bedridden with viral fever and took 7 years to develop the story and characters. He initially discussed the title with the director Gautham Vasudev Menon while working with him as an assistant on Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, but it eventually stayed with him. Once the story was completed, he wanted an actor apt for this kind of action film; a protagonist with the boy next door looks and demeanor. Arun Vijay was chosen for the role after being introduced to Thirumeni by a mutual friend. Similarly, he narrated the script to Mamta Mohandas, who agreed to act in the film. With Thadaiyara Thaakka, he introduced Telugu film actor Vamsi Krishna and debutante Maha Gandhi as antagonists. The cinematography was handled by M. Sukumar, while Praveen K. L. and N. B. Srikanth jointly edited the film. The music was composed by S. Thaman, while Madhan Karky wrote the lyrics. Thirumeni was impressed with Anal Arasu's stunts and called them the film's major highlight.[4] The film was shot in and around Chennai, and Arun Vijay performed the stunts by himself.[5]

The film was released theatrically on 1 June 2012, receiving critical acclaim for its action sequences, technical aspects and screenplay.[6] However, it underperformed at the box office, which Thirumeni attributed to the low-key promotions and publicity. The film slowly gained praise from viewers after the end of its theatrical run.[7] Arun Vijay would go on to call it the best film in his career, during an interview for his 2015 film Yennai Arindhaal.[8]

Plot[edit]

Selva (Arun Vijay), is a self-built man who owns a small travel agency in Chennai. He works hard and is honest, and dreams of making it big in life. He is all set to marry his lover Priya (Mamta Mohandas). The city is under the grip of dreaded baddies Maha (Maha Gandhi), and his brother Kumar (Vamsi Krishna). They are loan sharks who go to any extent to wield their clout in the city. During a rainy night, Selva comes across a drunk Maha, and within minutes, Maha is killed in mysterious circumstances. The blame falls on Selva. Kumar and his men want to bump off Selva. A perplexed Selva runs for cover. He sets out to find the real killer, but there is a twist in the tale.

Maha had abducted Gayathri Ramakrishnan (Rakul Preet Singh), the only daughter of a very rich Businessman based in Delhi. He has been using her solely as his personal sex slave for nine months, revolting on the thought that even the richest and most powerful men in the country can't touch her. One rainy night, Gayathri escapes captivity and comes across the intoxicated and defenseless Maha sitting on the road. She uses the chance to exert revenge and kills him. She discreetly places the murder weapon in Selva's car, and Selva is thus framed. Selva's two friends are taken captive and killed off brutally by Kumar. Selva's two cars and office are also destroyed by Kumar's men, and Priya's family escapes the city to save themselves.

With his entire life turned around by a crime he did not commit, Selva takes a new avatar as he decides to wage a bloody war with the baddies. Finally, he kills Kumar and the eight main members of his gang. To dispose of the bodies, he uses a meat grinder overnight and fees the flesh to pigs in a sty. Though Selva and Priya take care of Gayathri, she comes to know that she is pregnant from Maha's rape. At the same time, Selva's gang comes to know of Gayathri's origins from the TV news. Unfortunately, Gayathri commits suicide, and the film ends.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

Development[edit]

After achieving commercial successes with Malai Malai (2009) and Maanja Velu (2010), Feather Touch Entertainment and Arun Vijay came together for a third collaboration. The film was launched at the Palani Murugan temple, with the film's crew being present.[9] The film's title was announced to be Thadaiyara Thaakka, derived from the Kanda Shasti Kavasam. Arun Vijay plays a left-handed character.[10] About the title, the director said: "When I was working with Gautham Menon, we were discussing this title for Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu. Generally, Gautham Menon will ask his assistant directors for titles for his scripts, and I had suggested this then. Gautham, too, liked this, but somehow we could not use it then. However, this title stayed with me for a long time, and when I had readied the script, I felt this suited the script very well"[11] and about the story idea he further added that: "The idea was conceived once when I was bedridden with viral fever. When an idea is very good and simmers for a long time, it kind of grows on you, and the characters come to life and become powerful. That’s how the characters and the story took shape seven years ago".[11]

Casting[edit]

Bollywood actress Prachi Desai was first roped in for the lead female role, signing her first Tamil project,[12] with sources claiming that she was paid 15 million as remuneration.[13] Despite having signed up, Desai failed to turn up for shooting, delaying the filming.[14] Nearly five months later, she was removed from the project,[15] and Malayali singer-actress Mamta Mohandas replaced her, making Thadaiyara Thaakka her third Tamil film.[16] Prior to Mamta's entry, Kannada film actress Nidhi Subbaiah was considered for the role.[17] Rakul Preet Singh, Femina Miss India 2011 contestant, who previously had starred in a Kannada film, was selected for another pivotal female role.[18][19] Salim Baig, who played the antagonist in Gharshana, Kaakha Kaakha's Telugu version, was chosen to enact the villain in Thadaiyara Thaakka, with reports noting that there were two more villains in the film.[20]

Filming[edit]

Some scenes of the film were shot at Border Thottam, at night.[21][22] Arun Vijay stated that the film was primarily shot in night at second half.[23] The team roped in Mumbai based model Debi Dutta for the kuthu number "Poondhamalli Dhaan". The track was canned in TR Gardens in an enormous set resembling the famous Zam Bazaar at nights on a grand scale with 50 dancers and 150 junior artists. It was choreographed by Noble Master.[24][25] Arun Vijay had developed a six-pack for this film.[26] Rain had delayed the schedule and pushed back the release.[27] The crew shot the climax at the Binny Mills for nine days. A factory set was erected with 15 feet fenced compound worth 4.5  million rupees. Art director Mohana Mahendran tried to find a live location, but since he wasn't satisfied, the team erected a set of an old abandoned factory with machinery. In a scene featuring Arun Vijay, Vamsi and his gang was shot there. Stunt director Anal Arasu composed a lengthy shot that was canned with four cameras. During the take, Vamsi had to swing a huge iron bar against Arun Vijay in the end, where Arun has to miss it and jump. However, the iron bar slipped from Vamsi's hand and hit Arun's shoulder. Shoot was wrapped with few shots remaining.[28]

Soundtrack[edit]

Soundtrack was composed by Thaman, with lyrics by Madhan Karky and Vaali. Arun Vijay had sung few lines for a folk-song with L. R. Eswari.[29] The audio was launched at radio station "Suryan FM".[30] Magizh Thirumeni, Arun Vijay, Thaman and Madhan Karky were present at the launch,[31] while Mamta Mohandas was absent as she had one on a trip.[32] Soundtrack rights were sold to Saregama.

Thadaiyara Thaakka
Soundtrack album by
Released10 April 2012
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LanguageTamil
S. Thaman chronology
Ishtam
(2012)
Thadaiyara Thaakka
(2012)
Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya
(2012)
No. Song Singers Lyrics
1 "Kelaamale" Aalap Raju, Rita Madhan Karky
2 "Kelaamale" (Unplugged) S. Thaman, Rita
3 "Kaalangal" Chinmayi, Javed Ali
4 "Naan Poonthamalli" L. R. Eswari, Solar Sai, Arun Vijay Vaali
5 "Theme Music" Instrumental

Critical reception[edit]

Milliblog wrote: "Short, tuneful soundtrack by Thaman who gets the melodies right and the sole kuthu wrong".[33] Behindwoods wrote:"A decent effort from Thaman that passes muster".[34] Nowrunning wrote:"Flawed but praiseworthy flick".[35] Behindwoods wrote:"Credible characters, fairly good screenplay and neat performances are the factors that work for TT, However, there are a few snag moments in the second half when the script’s journey appears a bit meandering.[36]

Box-office[edit]

The film has grossed 1,726,000 (US$24,000) in first week.[37] In the second week, film took average opening and grossed 6.02659 lakh (US$8,400).[38]

References[edit]

  1. "THADAIYARA THAAKKA (PG13)". Infocomm Media Development Authority.
  2. "Arun Vijay to pack a punch". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 4 March 2012. "Thadaiyara Thaakka is an action thriller. I got completely glued to the script as soon as he narrated it to me," says Arun.
  3. "THADAYARA THAAKKA MOVIE REVIEW". Behindwoods.com. The chaste Tamil title Thadayara Thaakka taken from the famous Kanda Sashti Kavacham appears to give the necessary spunk and fizz to this action-centric film which has combined suspense elements in an interesting way.
  4. "MAGIZH THIRUMENI INTERVIEW". Behindwoods.com.
  5. "THADAIYARA THAAKKA MOVIE PREVIEW". Behindwoods.com. Shot in and around Chennai, Thadaiyara Thaakka is touted to be an action film with risky action sequences performed by Arun Vijay himself.
  6. "Thadaiyara Thaakka Tamil Movie - Critic Review". Moviecrow.com.
  7. "Every actor, a technician should grab an opportunity to work with Gautham Menon". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 4 February 2014. Thadaiyara Thaakka's release wasn't known to many. Low key promotions and publicity may be the reasons. But as time went by, people started talking about the film. This was a truly unforgettable experience for me.
  8. "ACTOR ARUN VIJAY INTERVIEW". Behindwoods.com. Thadaiyara Thaakka is the best film in my career.
  9. "Events - 'Thadaiyara Thaakka' Movie Launch". IndiaGlitz. 8 March 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  10. "Left is the neiw right for Arun Vijay - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 20 February 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  11. 11.0 11.1 "Magizh Thirumeni - Tamil Cinema Actor Interview - Thadaiyara Thaakka | Arun Vijay | Mamta Mohandas | Magizh Thirumeni | Thaman". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  12. "Prachi Desai to make Tamil debut". The Times of India. 27 February 2011. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  13. "Prachi Desai gets 1.5 crores for Tamil film?". The Times of India. 28 March 2011. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  14. "Arun Vijay to sue Prachi Desai - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 18 June 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  15. Prakash KL (5 July 2011). "Prachi Desai shown the door". Oneindia.in. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  16. "Mamta's third film in Tamil". The Times of India. 23 July 2011. Archived from the original on 1 July 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  17. "Arun Vijay starts heroine hunting". Sify. 15 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  18. "Mamata Mohandas Bags It! - Mamata Mohandas - Thadaiyara Thakka - Prachi Desai - Arun Vijay - Rakul Preet Singh - Tamil Movie News". Behindwoods.com. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  19. Suruchi Sharma. "Rakul Preet Singh in a trilingual film". Indiatimes. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  20. "Arun Vijay speaks on 'Thadaiyara Thaakka' - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 20 August 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  21. "Arun Vijay had a tough time". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012.
  22. "Arun Vijay shoots in Border Thottam - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 17 September 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  23. "Arun Vijay's night tales". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 September 2011.
  24. "'Thadaiyara Thaakka' - Status quo - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 5 November 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  25. "Arun Vijay & Debi Dutta for a kuthu in TT - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 22 March 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  26. "Arun Vijay is in the six-pack league!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 August 2013.
  27. "Thadaiyara Thaaka lags behind". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 July 2012.
  28. "Arun Vijay injured in the sets of 'TT' - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  29. "Arun Vijay turns singer with 'Thadaiyara Thaakka' - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 29 February 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  30. "Videos - Kashayam With Bosskey - Cine Pokes". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  31. "Thadayara Thakka Released - Thadaiyara Thaaka - Arun Vijay - Thaman - Mamta Mohandas - Tamil Movie News". Behindwoods.com. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  32. "Why Mamta didn't attend 'Thadaiyara...' music launch? - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 9 May 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  33. Karthik (4 May 2012). "Thadaiyara Thaakka (Music review), Tamil – Thaman S by Milliblog!". Itwofs.com. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  34. "Thadaiyara Thaakka Music Review - Thadaiyara Thaakka Music Review". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  35. "Thadaiyara Thaakka Review - Tamil Movie Review by Rohit Ramachandran". Nowrunning.com. 3 June 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  36. "Thadaiyara Thaakka Review - Thadaiyara Thaakka Movie Review". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  37. "Thadaiyara Thaakka - Behindwoods.com - Tamil Top Ten Movies". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  38. "Thadaiyara Thaakka - Behindwoods.com - Tamil Top Ten Movies". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 18 August 2012.

External links[edit]

Template:Magizh Thirumeni

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