Rajapattai

Rajapattai

Promotional poster
Directed by Suseenthiran
Produced by Prasad V. Potluri
Written by Bhaskar Sakthi
(dialogues)
Screenplay by Suseenthiran
Story by Seenu Vasan
Starring Vikram
Deeksha Seth
K. Vishwanath
Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja
Cinematography R. Madhi
Edited by Mu. Kasi Viswanathan
Production
company
Distributed by Gemini Film Circuit[1]
Release dates
  • 23 December 2011 (2011-12-23)
[1]
Running time
 133 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil

Rajapattai (Tamil: ராஜபாட்டை; English: King's path) is a 2011 Tamil masala film directed by Suseenthiran based on a story by Seenu Vasan.[2] Featuring Vikram and Deeksha Seth in the lead roles and music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, the film is produced by Prasad V. Potluri's newly launched PVP Cinema on a budget of ₹ 400 million.[3] The story revolves around the issue of land grabbing and how the protagonist becomes involved in it.[4] The film was also dubbed into Telugu and was released as Veedinthe on 30 December.[5] The film received largely negative reviews and was flop at the box office.

Plot

'Anal' Murugan (Vikram) a gym boy who dreams of becoming a successful villain in films lives along with Thambi Ramaiah and his gym co-boys. He bumps into an old man Dakshinamoorthy (K. Vishwanath) who is under pressure from his son Chidambaram (Avinash) to sell his orphanage to a scheming lady politician Ranganayaki (Sana) who is majorly into land grabbing along with her hatchet man 'Vaappa' Abdul Kadhir (Pradeep Rawat). Murugan eventually falls in love with Dharshini (Deeksha Seth). The one-man army Murugan becomes the Dakshinamoorthy’s saviour as Ranganayaki and her men are after them. How Murugan single-handedly fights the powerful politician and brings them to light forms the rest of the story.

Cast

Production

Development

In early 2007, it was reported that director Boopathy Pandian would direct a film written by his assistant, Seenu Vasan, with Ajith Kumar expected to play the lead role.[6] The film was briefly postponed as Ajith had to complete his remaining projects and soon Boopathy Pandian confirmed otherwise and revealed that the film would actually be made by Rajakaliamman Films with Vikram and Nayantara in the lead roles.[7][8] However Vikram's commitment to Kanthaswamy and Raavanan resulted in the film eventually becoming shelved. In late 2010, Vikram was forced to pull out of his film with director Selvaraghavan after the project was shelved too and gave dates to a new venture produced by the same studio, for a film to be directed by Suseenthiran.[9] Reports emerged that the film would be titled Vendhan,[10] but this was dismissed by the director.[11] The director initially wanted to experiment with a new script but to make use of the actor's tight schedules he chose to use Seenu's original script. The new title of the film, "Rajapattai" was eventually released in May 2011,[12][13] with the first schedule planned to begin in early June.[14] A first press meet was held on 6 June 2011 with the entire crew being present. Kanakaratna Ramesh was to produce the film,[9] however his teenage sons Pratish and Santosh were eventually revealed to be producers, launching their own banner named SP Creations.[15] Suseenthiran disclosed that the film would be a "full-fledged commercial" masala film, with action, comedy and romance,[16][17] further adding that the dialogues would be penned by Bhaskar Sakthi.[16] By September 2011, reports confirmed that the film had been taken over by Prasad V. Potluri's PVP Cinemas, after Ramesh faced financial restraints.[3]

Casting

Reports suggested that the film would depict the relationship between a grandfather, played by K. Vishwanath and his grandson played by Vikram. Furthermore, the film was supposed to feature Vikram in dual roles as father and son,[18][19] however the news was denied by sources, which confirmed that Vikram was to essay dual roles initially, but since the script had been reworked, he would play only one character.[20][21] Vikram was revealed to play a stunt man who aspires to become a noted villain in the film industry,[22] with the makers adding that his character had negative shades.[23][24][25] In March 2011, Deeksha Seth confirmed her presence in the film,[26] citing that she would portray the leading female role of an IT professional.[27] For a parallel lead female role, Amala Paul was signed on, but was forced to pull out due to schedule problems.[28] Sources reported that Mithra Kurian was then signed on for the film for her second big Tamil venture after Kaavalan,[29] after discussions with Abhinaya were unsuccessful.[30] However, the reports turned out to be false. Pradeep Rawat, best known for his performance in Ghajini, was selected to play the main antagonist in the film.[31] Actresses Shriya Saran and Reemma Sen, who had both worked together with Vikram earlier, were roped in to perform an item number together,[32] after attempts to sign Hansika Motwani, who was reportedly offered ₹ 12 million for the role,[33] had failed.[34] In late October, National Film Award-winner Thambi Ramaiah as well as cinematographer-turned-actor Aruldass, who had also played a pivotal role in the director's Naan Mahaan Alla, were roped in for other supporting roles.[27] Suseenthiran also confirmed that he would rejoin with the Naan Mahaan Alla crew, with Yuvan Shankar Raja, R. Madhi and Mu. Kasi Viswanathan taking care of the music, cinematography and editing, respectively.

Filming

Filming began in June 2011, with the first schedule, during which filming was held in and around Chennai, lasting for 60 days.[35] In August 2011, the first song was shot for five days in Mahabalipuram, with Vikram, Deeksha Seth and fifty back-up dancers participating.[36] The team subsequently shot scenes in a set worth ₹ 4 million that was erected at Senthil Studios in Saligramam, Chennai,[36] while the next schedule was to be shot in Thiruvannaamalai and Pondicherry.[36] In October 2011, filming was held near the Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai.[37] Few days later, the crew was shooting a song and several stunt sequences near Karaikudi,[38] and later in Kumbakonam.[39] The climax scene that was canned for eight days at the Binny Mills in Chennai,[40] had reportedly cost approximately ₹ 30 million.[39][41] During the last week of October and early November, Saloni Aswani, who had previously starred in Madurai Veeran, was shooting for the song "Villadhi Villain" along with Vikram at the AVM Studios, Chennai.[42][43] The item number, featuring Shriya Saran and Reemma Sen, was initially to be filmed in Japan,[32] however, since Suseenthiran was not satisfied with the locations, he decided to can it in Lucca, Italy.[44][45][46] Other locations in Italy where filming was held include Volterra, Monteriggioni and Montecatini Terme.[47]

Soundtrack

Rajapattai
Soundtrack album to Rajapattai by Yuvan Shankar Raja
Released 7 December 2011 (Telugu version)
9 December 2011 (Tamil version)
Recorded 2011
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Length 23:10
Language Tamil
Label Gemini Audio
Producer Yuvan Shankar Raja
Yuvan Shankar Raja chronology
Kazhugu
(2012)		 Rajapattai
(2011)		 Vettai
(2012)

Rajapattai's score and soundtrack are composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, becoming his first work for a Vikram-starrer.[35] Since Yuvan Shankar Raja's previous single tracks from Vaanam and Mankatha had met with success,[48] the team planned to release a single track from Rajapattai, too, by late October.[49] However, the plan did not materialize. The final mixing of the songs was planned to be held in London.[50]

The album's Telugu version was launched first on 7 December 2011 at Taj Deccan in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh by director V. V. Vinayak,[51] with other noted Telugu film directors S. S. Rajamouli, Krish and badminton player Jwala Gutta being present along with the cast and crew.[52][53] The original Tamil version was released two days later at the Anna Centenary Auditorium in Kotturpuram, Chennai.[54][55]

The soundtrack album features five tracks, with the first song ("Podi Paiyan Polave") being repeated at the end. As reported earlier,[56][57] Vikram had performed the song "Laddu Laddu" in both languages. The song "Paniye Pani Poove" was co-sung by Renu Kannan, one of the finalists of the second season of the reality-based singing competition Airtel Super Singer.

Tracklist

All lyrics written by Yugabharathi. 

No. TitleSinger(s) Length
1. "Podi Paiyan Polave (I)"  Haricharan 04:36
2. "Villathi Villain"  Mano, Malathi 04:34
3. "Paniye Panipoove"  Javed Ali, Renu Kannan 04:51
4. "Laddu Laddu Rendu Laddu"  Vikram, Suchitra, Priyadarshini 04:37
5. "Podi Paiyan Polave (II)"  Haricharan 04:36
Total length:
 23:10

Release

In early November 2011, reports confirmed that Sun Pictures had bought the domestical distribution rights of the film.[58] However two weeks later, Sun Pictures cancelled the deal and opted out.[59] Subsequently, Gemini Film Circuit acquired the theatrical release rights, confirming the film' release for the Christmas weekend on 23 December 2011.[60][61] The Telugu version would be released one week later, distributed by Suresh Movies.[62] The film released about 500+ screens worldwide.

The film accounted for 64% of the takings in Chennai box office in its second weekend.[63]

Critical response

The film was heavily panned by critics. It was considered the worst movie for both Vikram and the director. A view was that like this movie can be given a negative rating even. Behindwoods gave the film 2.5 out of 5 and wrote that it was "only for Vikram's fans and action lovers" and also stated 'Rajapattai is popcorn in its flavor'.[64] Pavithra Srinivasan from Rediff described the film as bland, adding that it was "just an actor's quest for superstardom, and is a disappointing fare", giving it 1 out of 5.[65] Sify wrote: "This old-fashioned masala entertainer is enjoyable in parts. It is vintage Vikram coupled with rich production values that makes Rajapattai watchable, despite its obvious flaws".[66] Rohit Ramachandran of Nowrunning.com rated Rajapattai 2.75/5 calling it "a trashy commercial".[67] CNN-IBN rated 2 out of 5 and wrote that it was a "road unfit to travel".[68] Chennaionline noted: "Had Suseenthiran managed to keep an element of suspense somewhere in the script, the film could have been more watchable".[69]

References

  1. 1 2 "'Rajapattai': Under Gemini Film Circuit".
  2. ↑ "FIR on Vikram's 'Rajapattai'". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  3. 1 2 "Rajapattai taken over by PVP Cinemas!". Sify. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  4. ↑ "Tough guy, Vikram!". Daily News and Analysis. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  5. ↑ "Gemini Film Circuit snaps Rajapattai". Sify. 25 November 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  6. ↑ "Ajith on the move – Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 5 April 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  7. ↑ "Nayantara opposite Vikram – Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 10 September 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  8. ↑ "Suseendiran - Tamil Cinema Director Interview - Suseendiran | Rajapattai | Vikram | Deeksha Seth - Behindwoods.com". Videos.behindwoods.com. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  9. 1 2 "Vikram drops Selva, grabs Suseendran". Sify.com. 31 December 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  10. ↑ "Yuvan to score Chiyaan's Vendhan". IndiaGlitz. 10 May 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  11. ↑ "Not Vendhan...". IndiaGlitz. 18 May 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  12. ↑ "Vikram walks on Raja Pattai". IndiaGlitz. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  13. ↑ "Vikram to shoot in Chennai". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  14. ↑ "Vikram goes back to romance". The Times of India. 4 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  15. ↑ "Raja Pattai team meets the press". Sify.com. 20 June 2007. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  16. 1 2 "FIR on Vikram's Rajapattai". IndiaGlitz. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  17. ↑ "Vikram On Rajapaattai". Behindwoods.com. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  18. ↑ "Vikram's Latest Gimmick!". Behindwoods.com. 31 May 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  19. ↑ "Vikram to don dual roles in Suseendran's next". IndiaGlitz. 31 May 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  20. ↑ "No dual role for Vikram". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  21. ↑ "Vikram's Vendhan is now 'Raja Pattai'". Reviews.in.88db.com. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  22. ↑ "The Other Side Of Vikram Revealed!". Behindwoods.com. 17 September 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  23. ↑ "The Latest On Vikram Film". Behindwoods.com. 26 September 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  24. ↑ Anupama Subramanian (29 September 2011). "Vikram is an aspiring villain". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  25. ↑ "Latest on Vikram's 'Rajapattai'". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  26. ↑ "Deeksha to begin Kollywood career". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  27. 1 2 "Off-beat film maker Suseendran changes tack". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 7 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  28. ↑ "An ace up Amala's sleeve!". Sify.com. 25 January 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  29. ↑ Anupama Subramanian (7 April 2011). "Mithra Kurien to team up with Chiyaan Vikram". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  30. ↑ "Vikram Trilingual flick with Singanamala Ramesh". Cinefundas.com. 11 January 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  31. ↑ "Action all the way for Pradeep Rawat". Times of India. 27 September 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  32. 1 2 "Vikram to sizzle with Reema & Shriya!". Sify. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  33. ↑ Anupama Subramanian (17 September 2011). "Hansika Motwani offered Rs 1.2cr for item song". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  34. ↑ "Hansika turns down `1cr for item song". Times of India. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  35. 1 2 "Vikram walks on 'Raja Pattai'". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  36. 1 2 3 "Deeksha, Vikram hit the beach!". Times of India. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  37. ↑ "Raja Pattai Team Spotted!". Behindwoods.com. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  38. ↑ "Vikram & Suseenthiran shoot near Karaikudi". Times of India. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  39. 1 2 "Rs 3 crore climax for Rajapattai – The Times of India". The Times of India.
  40. ↑ "Vikram's Rajapattai nears completion!". Sify.com. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  41. ↑ Nidhi R. Daiya (1 November 2011). "Kollywood's urge to splurge". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  42. ↑ http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/saloni's-back-tamil-films-item-number-323
  43. ↑ "Saloni shakes a leg with Vikram for Rajapattai". Sify.com. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  44. ↑ "Suseenthiran's Italian job". Times of India. 1 November 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  45. ↑ "Shriya, Reemma shoot for the special song with Vikram". Behindwoods. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  46. ↑ Vivarelli, Nick (17 December 2011). "Tuscany welcomes Chinese soap opera". Variety.
  47. ↑ http://archivio-radiocor.ilsole24ore.com/articolo-1004990/toscana-set-cinematografici-due-mega/ (Italian)
  48. ↑ "Yuvan On A Hat – Trick?". Behindwoods.com. 7 October 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  49. ↑ "Yuvan on a hat – trick?". 7 October 2011. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  50. ↑ "Kollywood: Not on track". Times of India. 20 October 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  51. ↑ "Veedinthe music launched". Sify.com. 8 December 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  52. ↑ "Veedinthe (by birth) music launch – Telugu cinema". Idlebrain.com. 7 December 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  53. ↑ "Jwala Gutta becomes a regular at filmi events". The Times of India. 15 December 2011.
  54. ↑ "Rajapattai audio launched". Sify.com. 11 December 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  55. ↑ "Vikram's 'Rajapattai' audio launched! – Bollywood Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  56. ↑ "Vikram's 'Rajapattai' joins the single bandwagon". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  57. ↑ "Yuvan To Make Vikram Sing Again?". Behindwoods.com. 27 September 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  58. ↑ "Sun snaps Vikram's Rajapattai". Sify.com. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  59. ↑ "Sun Pictures opts out of Rajapattai!". Sify.com. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  60. ↑ "Gemini Film Circuit snaps Rajapattai". Sify.com. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  61. ↑ "'Rajapattai': Under Gemini Film Circuit – Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  62. ↑ "Vikram`s Veedinthe on Dec 30". Sify.com. 13 December 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  63. ↑ Rajapattai remains No.1 in Chennai box office for second weekend
  64. ↑ "RAJAPATTAI MOVIE REVIEW".
  65. ↑ "Movie Review: Rajapattai".
  66. ↑ "Movie Review:Rajapattai". Sify.com. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  67. ↑ ${FullName} (23 December 2011). "Rajapattai Review – Tamil Movie Review by Rohit Ramachandran". Nowrunning.com. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  68. ↑ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-review-rajapattai--a-road-unfit-for-travel/214771-8-68.html
  69. ↑ "Movie Review : 'Rajapattai' | Movie Review – Movies". ChennaiOnline. Retrieved 9 November 2012.

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