Arul


Arul is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Hari starring Vikram, Jyothika, Pasupathy, Kollam Thulasi, and Vadivelu, among others. The music is composed by Harris Jayaraj. The story tells how a man is rejected by his family but then finds his way back. The film opened to mixed reviews from both critics as well as audience. The film was dubbed in Telugu as Akhandudu and in Hindi as Main Balwaan. The film received mixed reviews.

Plot

Arul, who works in a mill, is the third son of four brothers in a family of goldsmiths. Once, Arul's brother steals a chain due to financial circumstances. Arul took the blame for it, was labelled as a thief, and was seen as a black sheep by his father Bala Aasari. Thus, he vows never to make a gold ornament ever again. Kanmani, who moves into his neighbourhood eventually falls for him.However Arul does not reciprocate. One day, when Bala scolds Arul at a family gathering, Kanmani stands up for him causing Bala to insult her. Soon, Arul marries Kanmani. The setting up of the party office of the ruling party forces Arul to lock horns with MLA Gajapathy and his brother Minister Sethupathy, the party leader.

Cast

After the success of Saamy, Hari decided to renew the collaboration with Vikram for second time with Arul.
Jyothika was selected as heroine pairing with Vikram for second time after Dhool. Vivek was originally a part of the cast but fell out with the director and was subsequently replaced by Vadivelu in the film.
A 45 days' shooting schedule took place at Coimbatore, where Vikram, Jyotika and Vadivelu took part. A song sequence was also picturised on Vikram and Chaya Singh who's been roped in to do the single dance number. Fifty dancers took part in the dance number choreographed by Dinesh. The dance picturisation took six days to be completed.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack album and background score were composed by Harris Jayaraj collaborating with Hari and Vikram for the third time.

Release

Critical reception

The film received mixed reviews. Nowrunning stated the film as "long, stale, tedious and drab". Sify wrote:"If you like Rambo style of films, Arul is worth investing".

Box office

Unexpected and untimely summer rains all over Tamil Nadu dampened the box office and opening of Arul. The second weekend too was disrupted by polling day campaigns. The film was declared as above average hit at the box office.