Kadugu
- 24 March 2017 (2017-03-24)
Kadugu (transl. Mustard) is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language drama film written, produced and directed by Vijay Milton. The film features an ensemble cast of Bharath, Rajakumaran, Radhika Prasidhha, Subiksha, Bharath Seeni and A. Venkatesh. Distributed by actor Suriya, the film had a theatrical release on 24 March 2017 and won positive reviews from critics.[1][2] The director rehashed the core plot of this movie for his Kannada directorial debut Bairagee (2022).[3]
Cast
- Bharath as Nambi
- Rajakumaran as Pandi (Puli J. Pandi)
- Radhika Prasidhha as Eby
- Subiksha as Maha
- Bharath Seeni as Anirudh
- A. Venkatesh as Inspector
- Venkat Subha as Minister
- Muthu Alagarsamy
- Flower A. Manoharan as a Politician
- Balaji Sakthivel as himself (cameo appearance)
- Vijay Milton as himself (cameo appearance)
Production
In May 2014, Vijay Milton announced his interest in directing actor T. Rajender for a film about a person who goes from "zero" to "hero".[4] Milton later became busy with the production of 10 Endrathukulla (2015) and was later unsuccessful in convincing Rajender to be a part of the project. He subsequently signed on Rajakumaran to portray the lead role of a puli vesham artist. Bharath signed the project in early 2016 and bulked up for the film in order to portray a boxer, training under the physical trainer Sivakumar. To work on the film, Bharath reduced his remuneration and worked flexibly to accommodate the project. He also denied reports that he was playing the antagonist in the film, stating he would play one of the three leading roles.[5][6] Vijay Milton's brother Bharath Seeni was selected to portray the third leading role, while actresses Subiksha and Radhika Prasidhha were also signed on to feature in the film.[7] Srushti Dange had earlier held discussions for a role in the film, before Subiksha was finalised.[8] Actress Samantha had also distanced herself from the film after being reported to have been signed on for a role opposite Rajakumaran.[9] The film began production during March 2016 in Chennai, soon after the cast was finalised.[10] The climax of the film was shot around the outskirts of Chennai during May 2016.[11][12]
After watching and being impressed by a pre-release screening of the film, actor Suriya chose to purchase the distribution rights and give it a wide release across Tamil Nadu through his 2D Entertainment banner.[13]
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of the film was launched on, with the producers holding a special event named "Believe in Yourself" to mark the launch. Invitees to the event were called to passionately speak about their respective professions.[14][15] The film's songs were composed by S. N. Arunagiri, while the background music was scored by Anoop Seelin. The soundtrack also marked the first complete album for Suriya's music label, 2D Music, after they had earlier released a single for Magalir Mattum (2017).[16]
No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Kadugalavu" | Madhan Karky | Haricharan | 3:18 |
2. | "Nilavedhu Karaiyedhu" | Madhan Karky | Sundar Narayana Rao, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi | 2:34 |
3. | "Kadugu" (Theme Music — Version 1) | — | — | 4:41 |
4. | "Kadugu" (Theme Music — Version 2) | — | — | 1:29 |
Total length: | 12:02 |
Release and reception
The film had a theatrical release on 24 March 2017, following a premiere show in the week leading up to the release.[17] In their review, Sify stated the film was "a solid comeback from Vijay Milton" and that the director "clearly conveys that filmmaking is not about grand sets, big names or a mammoth budget".[18] Sreedhar Pillai wrote for Firstpost, "Vijay Milton film's biggest strength is its story and characterisation", and added "Rajakumaran as Puli Pandi is a revelation and aptly cast, while Bharat as Nambi has given a stunning performance".[19] Likewise The Times of India gave the film a positive review, mentioning "Milton narrates a story whose plot points are familiar, but he injects freshness into the film by giving it a unique setting and populating it with characters who are unusual and fascinating", while the Deccan Chronicle also cited the film is "well etched out with strong dialogues".[20][21]
The New Indian Express noted "the script and direction may not have reached the level of Milton's delightful debut directorial venture Goli Soda (2014), but its emotional take on life, honesty and sincerity in its storytelling, gives it a positive feel", suggesting to "watch Kadugu once".[22] In contrast, The Hindu's Vishal Menon wrote the film is "over-the-top, yet disturbing tale about overcoming guilt" and "it's these flaws that pull down a powerful film, simply to an ordinary one".[23] Baradwaj Rangan wrote, "What can you say about a film that wants to fight for women's causes, and yet labels an unapologetic female professional a slut?"[24]
References
- ^ Balachandran, Logesh (29 April 2016). "Rajakumaran puts on puli vesham in Vijay Milton's Kadugu". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 May 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ "Vijay Milton is back; Kadugu garners rave reviews". International Business Times. 23 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "Vijay Milton's Next Direction Venture". CineCluster. 20 November 2020. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
- ^ Shyam, Sai (3 May 2014). "Vijay Milton to work with T Rajendar". iFlickz. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Raghavan, Nikhil (6 August 2016). "When friends become enemies". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ CR, Sharanya (29 May 2016). "Bharath beefs up to play a boxer in Kadugu". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 June 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ "Two Bharaths in Vijay Milton's next". IndiaGlitz.com. 15 March 2016. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ "Kuttram Kadithal actress in Vijay Milton's next". The Times of India. 22 February 2016. Archived from the original on 6 January 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ Jyothsna (9 February 2016). "SAMANTHA DENIES THE UNCONVENTIONAL CASTING". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 17 June 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ "Date fixed for Vijay Milton's Next". IndiaGlitz. 17 March 2016. Archived from the original on 6 July 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ "Bharath pins hopes on Kadugu". News Today. 31 May 2016. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ "When two opposites meet". The Times of India. 19 March 2017. Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "Suriya's 2D Entertainment acquires 'Kadugu'". Sify. 9 February 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "Vijay Milton's Kadugu has a unique audio launch". The Times of India. 15 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "Suriya at Vijay Milton's "Kadugu" audio launch". Sify. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Sundar, Mrinalini (24 March 2017). "Music Review: Kadugu". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Arul (24 March 2017). "Suriya, Bharath, Sneha, Prasanna At Kadugu Premier Show". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "Kadugu Review: A solid comeback from Vijay Milton". Sify. 23 March 2017. Archived from the original on 23 March 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Pillai, Sreedhar (24 March 2017). "Kadugu movie review: Vijay Milton film's biggest strength is its story and characterisation". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Suganth, M. "Kadugu Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Subramanian, Anupama (24 March 2017). "Kadugu movie review: Well etched out with strong dialogues". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Mannath, Malini (25 March 2017). "Jerky twists with a natural flow". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 31 March 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Menon, Vishal (24 March 2017). "Kadugu: Tiger tales". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Rangan, Baradwaj (24 March 2017). "Kadugu Movie Review". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
External links
- Kadugu at IMDb
- v
- t
- e
- Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu (2006)
- Goli Soda (2014)
- 10 Endrathukulla (2015)
- Kadugu (2017)
- Goli Soda 2 (2018)
- Bairagee (2022)
- Mazhai Pidikkatha Manithan (2024)