Wikipedia

Thadaiyara Thaakka

Thadaiyara Thaakka (transl. Breaking all Barriers) is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Magizh Thirumeni and produced under Feather Touch Entertainment. It stars Arun Vijay, Mamta Mohandas and Rakul Preet Singh (In her Tamil debut).[2] The title is derived from a devotional song titled Kanda Shasti Kavasam.[3]

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

Thadaiyara Thaakka was released theatrically on 1 June 2012 to critical acclaim from critics, but underperformed at the box office, which Thirumeni attributed to the low-key promotions and publicity.[4] The film slowly gained praise from viewers after the end of its theatrical run.[5] During an interview for Yennai Arindhaal, Arun Vijay would go on to call it as the best film in his career.[6]

Plot edit

Selva is a self-built man who owns a small travel agency in Chennai, and works hard to achieve something in life. He is all set to marry his lover Priya. The city is under the grip of dreaded loan shark brothers Maha and Kumar who would 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.

Past: Maha had abducted Gayathri Ramakrishnan, the only daughter of a wealthy Delhi-based businessman and has been using her solely as his personal slave for 9 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 Maha sitting on the road. She uses the chance to exact vengeance and kills him. Her helper at home discreetly (but unintentionally) places the murder weapon in Selva's car, so Selva is framed.

Present: Selva's two friends are taken captive and one of them is killed off brutally by Kumar and the other is set to be killed if Selva doesn't surrender to Kumar that night. Selva's travel agency 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 gangsters where he kills Kumar and the 8 members of his gang. To dispose of the bodies, he uses a meat grinder overnight and feeds the flesh to the pigs. Though Selva and Priya take care of Gayathri, she discovers that she is pregnant with Maha's child. At the same time, Selva and Priya learns of Gayathri's origins from the TV news. Unfortunately, Gayathri commits suicide.

Cast edit

Production edit

Development edit

Magizh Thirumeni conceived of the film when he was bedridden with viral fever and took 7 years to develop the story and characters. Thirumeni 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, Thirumeni 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, Thirumeni narrated the script to Mamta Mohandas, who agreed to act in the film. Thirumeni introduced Telugu actor Vamsi Krishna and debutante Maha Gandhi as the antagonists. M. Sukumar was hired as the cinematographer, 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. Anal Arasu was hired as the action choreographer and Thirumeni described the action sequences as the film's major highlight.[7] The film was shot in and around Chennai, and Arun Vijay performed the stunts by himself.[8]

Casting edit

Bollywood actress Prachi Desai was first roped in for the lead female role, signing her first Tamil project,[9] with sources claiming that she was paid ₹ 15 million as remuneration.[10] Despite having signed up, Desai failed to turn up for shooting, delaying the filming.[11] Nearly five months later, she was removed from the project,[12] and Malayali singer-actress Mamta Mohandas replaced her, making Thadaiyara Thaakka her third Tamil film.[13] Prior to Mamta's entry, Kannada film actress Nidhi Subbaiah was considered for the role.[14] Rakul Preet Singh, Femina Miss India 2011 contestant, who previously had starred in a Kannada film, was selected for another pivotal female role.[15][16] 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.[17]

Filming edit

Some scenes of the film were shot at Border Thottam, at night.[18][19] Arun Vijay stated that the film was primarily shot in night at second half.[20] 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.[21][22] Arun Vijay had developed a six-pack for this film.[23] Rain had delayed the schedule and pushed back the release.[24] 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.[25]

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.[26] The audio was launched at radio station "Suryan FM".[27] Magizh Thirumeni, Arun Vijay, Thaman and Madhan Karky were present at the launch,[28] while Mamta Mohandas was absent as she had one on a trip.[29] Soundtrack rights were sold to Saregama.

Thadaiyara Thaakka
Soundtrack album by
S. Thaman
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".[30] Behindwoods wrote: "A decent effort from Thaman that passes muster".[31]

Reception edit

Critical reception edit

The Times of India gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "‘Thadaiyara Thaakka’ at most times is grey and there is always a sense of anticipation as to what would happen next."[32] Nowrunning wrote: "Flawed but praiseworthy flick".[33] 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.[34]

Box office edit

The film has grossed ₹1,726,000 (US$22,000) in first week.[35] In the second week, film took average opening and grossed ₹6.02659 lakh (US$7,500).[36]

Remake edit

The film was remade by Nanda Kishore in Kannada as Raana starring Shreyas Manju and Reeshma Nanaiah. It was released in 11 November 2022 and became an average grosser at the box office.

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. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2012. 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. ^ "Thadaiyara Thaakka Tamil Movie - Critic Review". Moviecrow.com. Archived from the original on 12 July 2020. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
  5. ^ "Every actor, a technician should grab an opportunity to work with Gautham Menon". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 25 February 2014. 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.
  6. ^ "ACTOR ARUN VIJAY INTERVIEW". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2020. Thadaiyara Thaakka is the best film in my career.
  7. ^ "MAGIZH THIRUMENI INTERVIEW". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 2 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  8. ^ "THADAIYARA THAAKKA MOVIE PREVIEW". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2020. Shot in and around Chennai, Thadaiyara Thaakka is touted to be an action film with risky action sequences performed by Arun Vijay himself.
  9. ^ "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.
  10. ^ "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.
  11. ^ "Arun Vijay to sue Prachi Desai - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 18 June 2011. Archived from the original on 19 June 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  12. ^ Prakash KL (5 July 2011). "Prachi Desai shown the door". Oneindia.in. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  13. ^ "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.
  14. ^ "Arun Vijay starts heroine hunting". Sify. 15 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  15. ^ "Mamata Mohandas Bags It! - Mamata Mohandas - Thadaiyara Thakka - Prachi Desai - Arun Vijay - Rakul Preet Singh - Tamil Movie News". Behindwoods.com. 7 July 2011. Archived from the original on 2 September 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  16. ^ Suruchi Sharma. "Rakul Preet Singh in a trilingual film". Indiatimes. Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  17. ^ "Arun Vijay speaks on 'Thadaiyara Thaakka' - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 20 August 2011. Archived from the original on 29 November 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  18. ^ "Arun Vijay had a tough time". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012.
  19. ^ "Arun Vijay shoots in Border Thottam - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 17 September 2011. Archived from the original on 23 September 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  20. ^ "Arun Vijay's night tales". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 September 2011.
  21. ^ "'Thadaiyara Thaakka' - Status quo - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 5 November 2011. Archived from the original on 7 November 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  22. ^ "Arun Vijay & Debi Dutta for a kuthu in TT - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 22 March 2012. Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  23. ^ "Arun Vijay is in the six-pack league!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 August 2013.
  24. ^ "Thadaiyara Thaaka lags behind". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 July 2012.
  25. ^ "Arun Vijay injured in the sets of 'TT' - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 17 November 2011. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  26. ^ "Arun Vijay turns singer with 'Thadaiyara Thaakka' - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 29 February 2012. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  27. ^ "Videos - Kashayam With Bosskey - Cine Pokes". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  28. ^ "Thadayara Thakka Released - Thadaiyara Thaaka - Arun Vijay - Thaman - Mamta Mohandas - Tamil Movie News". Behindwoods.com. 2 May 2012. Archived from the original on 22 June 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  29. ^ "Why Mamta didn't attend 'Thadaiyara...' music launch? - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 9 May 2012. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  30. ^ Karthik (4 May 2012). "Thadaiyara Thaakka (Music review), Tamil – Thaman S by Milliblog!". Itwofs.com. Archived from the original on 26 July 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  31. ^ "Thadaiyara Thaakka Music Review - Thadaiyara Thaakka Music Review". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 21 June 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  32. ^ "Thadaiyara Thaakka Movie Review {2.5/5}". Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 November 2015.
  33. ^ "Thadaiyara Thaakka Review - Tamil Movie Review by Rohit Ramachandran". Nowrunning.com. 3 June 2012. Archived from the original on 7 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  34. ^ "Thadaiyara Thaakka Review - Thadaiyara Thaakka Movie Review". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 14 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  35. ^ "Thadaiyara Thaakka - Behindwoods.com - Tamil Top Ten Movies". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  36. ^ "Thadaiyara Thaakka - Behindwoods.com - Tamil Top Ten Movies". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.

External links edit

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