Kanthaswamy

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This article is about the Tamil language film. For other uses, see Kandasamy.

Kanthaswamy
Kalaipuli S. Dhanu
Starring
Cinematography
Kalaipuli Internationals
(India)
  • Ayngaran International
    (Overseas)
    • Release date
    		August 21, 2009 (2009-08-21)
    Running time
    		195 minutes
    CountryIndia
    LanguageTamil
    Budgetest. ₹31 crore[1]
    Box officeest. ₹21 crore[2]

    Kanthaswamy is a 2009 Indian

    titular character, with Prabhu, Shriya Saran, Ashish Vidyarthi, Mukesh Tiwari, Krishna and Vadivelu appearing in supporting roles. The film was dubbed in Telugu as Mallanna with Vadivelu's scenes reshot with Brahmanandam. The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by Devi Sri Prasad
    .

    The film was released on 21 August 2009 and received mixed reviews and became a flop at the box office.[3][4] It was remade in Bangladesh as Most Welcome, starring Ananta Jalil and Barsha.[5]

    Plot

    Kanthaswamy is a

    black money owned by Pallur Paramajothi Ponnusamy alias PPP, an arrogant entrepreneur and his partner Rajmohan. Ponnusamy pretends to suffer from a stroke
    in order to escape questioning by the police. Ponnusamy's daughter Subbulakshmi gets enraged by the news and goes after Kanthaswamy to seek revenge by pretending to be in love with him.

    Knowing her real intentions, Kanthaswamy plays along, which forms a cat-and-mouse chase between the two where they eventually fall in love with each other. In a parallel comedic role, Thengakadai Thenappan/Kobarikayala Subbayya is also sought by a local

    police inspector
    who tries to solve the mystery of "Lord Muruga saving the people". In a series of twists, the police inspector is able to bring out the truth that the CBI is involved in the role behind the secret work of helping the needy people, though he is not able to confirm it. Kanthaswamy finds the password of Subbulakshmi's family bank account, in which the black money is illegally saved, where he tricks Subbalakshmi into revealing the password and answers the security questions indirectly.

    Kanthaswamy transfers the money to his own account, which he would use for helping poor and needy people. In the end, Ponnusamy originally gets stroke upon knowing that his black money had been robbed and that the account has zero balance, where they had stored it. After bankrupting Ponnusamy, Kanthaswamy encounters Rajmohan, whom people think to be a humble person. Kanthaswamy reveals Rajmohan's true intentions, which leads the people to understand Rajmohan's true colour and Kanthaswamy arrests him. Subbulakshmi, who realizes that her father is a corrupt person, proposes to Kanthaswamy where they get married and live in Rajasthan. Kanthaswamy reads some letters tied to a tree (just like the ones at the Lord Muruga temple), where he puts a letter in a pocket with a secret smile, implying that he will pursue as a vigilante again.

    Cast

    Telugu version

    Production

    Development

    After the vigilante film Samurai, actor Vikram decides to do another vigilante film. In January 2007, early reports suggested that Kalaipuli International were set to make a film starring Vikram directed by Susi Ganesan, titled Kanthaswamy for a release during Diwali 2007.[6] Soon after the announcement, Shriya Saran, who was acting in Sivaji: The Boss at the time, was chosen to play the heroine.[7] However, due to Vikram and Shriya's projects, the film was delayed and the first schedule was postponed to July 2007. The film's first photo shoot was carried out in June 2007 at Muthukadu near Chennai featuring the lead actors.[8] The film began filming a pre-launch trailer, the first of its kind in Tamil cinema, to be screened at the launch, with Hari, Susi Ganesan and fashion designer Chetan travelling to Malaysia to look for Hollywood-inspired costumes.[9]

    The inauguration of Kanthaswamy took place on 22 September 2007 at the Devi Paradise theatre in Chennai. For the event, a unique electronic invitation, made in China, was presented to guests who had been invited. The invitation was the size of a laptop and featured an 8-minute trailer of Kanthaswamy.

    Indian film history.[11] Following the launch ceremony, the team announced they had adopted two villages near Madurai; Sangampatti and Gandhi Nagar, to shoot in initially and then to provide basic amenities like school and proper roads among other things to the villagers for a year. The team, who were praised for their actions, were the first production team to take part in such activity in Tamil cinema.[12]

    In November 2007, the shooting was halted temporarily due to an accident that occurred at the shooting spot at the Chennai Boat Club. Cameraman Ekambaram was canning the shots as per director Susi Ganesan's instructions when a pole erected on the sets unexpectedly fell on the director's head, resulting in an injury.[13] The film finished schedules at Italy, where the trailer was filmed as well as schedules in Tanzania, Kenya and Switzerland. During the production of the film, actor Raghuvaran died suddenly and hence subsequently, his role was replaced by Ashish Vidyarthi, which also led to a delay in the release of the film. A schedule in locations in Mexico was also held, after the team went location hunting there, with a song and several scenes canned.[14] The film, initially described as a "hilarious comedy", was rumoured to be a remake of the American cult hit The Breakfast Club,[15] however Susi Ganesan has claimed that the film has a more Robin Hood feel to it.[16]

    Casting

    Following the announcement of the project, Shriya Saran was signed in February 2007, when she was in the middle of completing her other projects

    Irfan Khan and Suman.[20] Along with the change of actor for Raghuvaran's role, Indrajith's role was taken by Mukesh Tiwari and the role created for Santhanam was deleted. Moreover, Vivek, who had featured in the original trailer, opted out and was replaced by Vadivelu. Mansoor Ali Khan took up a negative role in the film to make a comeback in acting.[21]

    The producer of Kanthaswamy,

    art direction, audiography and lyrics respectively. Devi Sri Prasad composed the music. While N. K. Ekambaram was assigned as the director of photography of the film, the film was edited by three film editors Praveen K. L., N. B. Srikanth and M. V. Rajesh. Kanal Kannan
    and Chatrapathy Shakthi are the fight masters for the film, whilst Mittra media are responsible for the publicity designs of the film outputs, adding to their work with the trailer and the invitations. The film is co-produced, by Chennai businessmen, A. Paranthaman and A. K. Natraj, along with Dhanu.

    Music

    Tamil

    Kanthaswamy
    Feature film soundtrack
    Length35:04
    LanguageTamil
    LabelSony Music India
    ProducerDevi Sri Prasad
    Devi Sri Prasad chronology
    Current
    (2009)     		Kanthaswamy
    (2009)     		Arya 2
    (2009)

    The film has seven songs composed by Devi Sri Prasad (DSP). For the first time, Vikram has sung most of the songs in this movie. The songs from the bilingual albums were released to the public after an audio launch at the Chennai Trade Centre in Chennai on 17 May 2009. "En Peru Meenakumari" samples "Bambara Kannaala" from Manamagan Thevai (1957).[22][23]

    All tracks are written by

    Rita Thyagarajan05:233."Meow Meow"Vikram, Priya Himesh04:314."Ithellam Dupe"Vikram, Devi Sri Prasad04:085."Mambo Mamiya"Vikram, Rita04:366."En Peru Meenakumari"Malathy Lakshman, Krishna Iyer04:207."Kanthaswamy Theme"Devi Sri Prasad03:048."Kanthaswamy" (DSP mix)Devi Sri Prasad
    03:16Total length:35:04

    Telugu

    Mallanna
    Feature film soundtrack
    Length35:05
    LanguageTelugu
    LabelSony Music India
    ProducerDevi Sri Prasad

    All lyrics are written by Sahithi

    Track-List
    No.TitleSinger(s)Length
    1."Excuse Me"Vikram, Suchitra05:48
    2."Allegra"Rita Thyagarajan05:23
    3."Meow Meow"Vikram, Priya Himesh04:31
    4."Ivannee Dupe"Vikram, Devi Sri Prasad04:08
    5."Mambo Mamiya"Vikram, Rita Thyagarajan04:36
    6."Naa Peru Meenakumari"Malathy Lakshman, Krishna Iyer04:20
    7."Mallana Theme"Devi Sri Prasad03:03
    8."Mallana" (DSP mix)Devi Sri Prasad03:16
    Total length:35:05

    Release

    The satellite rights of the film were sold to

    Hotstar
    . The Telugu version satellite rights were sold to     Star Maa.

    Reception

    Critical response

    Kanthaswamy received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Vikram and Shriya's performances, the soundtrack, background score, and plot. However the film's editing, writing, and length received criticism.[25]

    Indiaglitz reviewed that "the movie was delight to watch and praised Shriya that as a cool cat, she plays a perfect foil to Vikram in the film".

    Rediff gave the film 2.5/5 stars and commented: "Watch Kandhasamy for its beautiful locales, a ravishing heroine, and Vikram's smile but go with nil expectations as this particular super-hero doesn't have much to offer a discerning viewer".[28] Behindwoods rated the film 2/5 and stated that it was "A hollow hype".[29] Cinema Chaat gave the film 3.5/5 stars, and stated that "Kanthaswamy is not a great film, but instead serves as an excellent example of what might have been."[30]

    For the Telugu version Mallanna, Fullhyd.com gave the film a positive rating of 3.25/5, writing that "Well, it's been long since we saw the good guys consistently act much smarter than the bad guys. And for that alone, Mallanna comes out a winner."[31] Idlebrain gave the film a rating of two-and-a-half out of five and noted that "On a whole, Mallana is an example of what happens when popular screenplay goes wrong in any of Shankar's movies".[24]

    Box office

    The film collected ₹ 13.7 million in the UK.[32] In Malaysia it collected a $1,077,658 in its total run.[33] In Chennai box office it collected ₹ 72.8 million in seven weeks.[34][35][36]

    Accolades

    Amrita Mathrubhumi Award

    Edison Awards

    • Best Public Relations Officer
      – Diamond Babu

    Vijay Awards

    The film has been nominated for the following categories:[38]

    References

    1. ^ "Kanthaswamy Budget". bestoftheyear.in. 7 June 2017. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
    2. ^ "Kanthaswamy Box Office". bestoftheyear.in. 7 June 2017. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
    3. ^ "Mallanna film muhurat – Telugu cinema function – Vikram & Shriya". Idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
    4. ^ "Mallanna press meet function – Telugu cinema – Vikram & Shriya". Idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
    5. ^ "Kanthaswamy... When?". Behindwoods. 2 March 2009. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    6. ^ "Susi-Hari venture named 'Kandasamy'". Nowrunning.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 14 June 2009. Retrieved 28 January 2007.
    7. ^ a b "What makes Shriya click?". IndiaGlitz.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 2 March 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
    8. ^ "Hari begins work on Kandasamy". Galattatime.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 13 May 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
    9. ^ "Hari's costume party". Behindwoods.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2007.
    10. ^ Ashok Kumar, S.R (2007). "Invitation for launch of 'Kandasamy' not commonplace". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 January 2009. Retrieved 19 September 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
    11. ^ Warrior, Shobha (2007). "I want my movies to be the biggest film of 2008". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2007.
    12. ^ Kavitha, S.S (2007). "Adoption with a difference". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 January 2009. Retrieved 10 November 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
    13. ^ "'Kandasamy' shooting comes to a halt". Cinesouth. 2007. Archived from the original on 25 November 2007. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
    14. ^ "Bangkok purchases for 'Kandasamy'". Cinesouth. 2007. Archived from the original on 27 June 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2007.
    15. ^ "Vikram's Kandasamy remake of the English movie "The Breakfast Club"". TamilFilmRatings.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 13 May 2007. Retrieved 10 May 2007.
    16. ^ "The Robin Hood of Kollywood". OneIndia.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 7 May 2007.
    17. ^ "Kanthaswamy's latest replacement". Behindwoods.com. 2008. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2008.
    18. ^ "A new star joins Kanthaswamy". Behindwoods.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2007.
    19. ^ "Prithiviraj's sibling in Kanthaswamy". Behindwoods.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
    20. ^ "Kanthaswamy's new villain!". Sify. 2007. Archived from the original on 22 November 2007. Retrieved 27 November 2007.
    21. ^ "Mansoor's Kanthasamy connection". Chennai365.com. 2008. Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
    22. ^ "கந்தசாமி - இசை விமர்சனம் - Nilacharal". Nilacharal.com. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
    23. ^ "Item girl turns heroine!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
    24. ^ a b "Mallanna (Kanthaswamy in Tamil) review – Telugu cinema Review – Vikram & Shriya Saran". Idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
    25. ^ "Movie Review — Kanthaswamy". Tamilomovie.com. Archived from the original on 22 November 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    26. ^ "Kanthaswamy Tamil Movie Review". IndiaGlitz. 21 August 2009. Archived from the original on 15 October 2007. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    27. ^ "Movie Review:Kandasamy". Sify. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    28. ^ "Kandasamy is a commercial cocktail". Rediff. 21 August 2009. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    29. ^ "Kanthaswamy — Tamil Movie Reviews". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 22 June 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    30. ^ "Kanthaswamy". 26 August 2010. Archived from the original on 23 March 2015. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
    31. ^ "Mallanna Movie Review". movies.fullhyderabad.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
    32. ^ Taran Adarsh (16 September 2009). "Eagerly awaiting 'Wanted', 'Dil Bole Hadippa'". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 23 December 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
    33. ^ "Malaysia Box Office, October 1–4, 2009". Boxofficemojo.com. 8 April 2012. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    34. ^ "2009- Kollywood Hits & Misses!". Sify. Archived from the original on 2 January 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    35. ^ Pillai, Sreedhar (11 November 2009). "Kollywood sets a new milestone". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012.
    36. ^ "Article Window". epaper.timesofindia.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
    37. ^ "Suriya & Shriya to win Mathrubhumi awards". Indiaglitz. 5 January 2010. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
    38. ^ "Countdown for the Vijay awards". Behindwoods. 14 May 2010. Archived from the original on 19 September 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2012.

    External links

    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kanthaswamy&oldid=1216030148"