Thamizh
Thamizh is a 2002 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Hari, in his directorial debut and produced by Amutha Durairaj. The movie stars Prashanth and Simran in the leading roles, while Vadivelu, Ashish Vidyarthi, Nassar, and Livingston, among others, portray supporting roles. Featuring music composed by Bharadwaj, Thamizh opened to positive reviews upon release in April 2002. The film was remade in Bengali as Aakrosh.
Plot
Thamizh leads a happy life with his mother and sister-in-law Kalaichelvi. Thamizh's brother Anbazhagan is working in Kuwait, and he too dreams of joining him there. Meenakshi, their tenant, and Thamizh fall in love. When the goons of Periyavar injure Thamizh's niece, he stops Periyavar's car on the road and questions him. He then beats up one of Periyavar's goons when insulted. This makes him Periyavar's target, and though he tries to withdraw from the violence, he is forced to join forces with Rathnam, Periyavar's sworn enemy, and eventually defeats him.Cast
- Prashanth as Thamizh
- Simran as Meenakshi
- Vadivelu as Moorthy
- Ashish Vidyarthi as Periyavar
- Nassar as Rathnam
- Livingston as Anbazhagan
- Manorama as Thamizh's mother
- Urvashi as Kalaichelvi
- Delhi Ganesh as Meenakshi's father
- K. S. Ravikumar as Police Inspector
- Minnal Deepa as Moorthy's sister
- Thalaivasal Vijay as Haneefa
- Ponnambalam
- Charle
- Crane Manohar
- Besant Ravi
- Karnaa Radha
Production
The similarities of title and release date between Thamizh and Vijay-starrer Thamizhan created confusion with the producers of both films unable to accommodate any changes. Made at a cost of 20 million, the film failed to get a distributor before release due to competition from other films, so producer Amudha Durairaj marketed the venture herself.
Release
The film gained positive reviews upon release, with a critic noting the "debutant director has woven an action packed entertainer and has etched out the roles well". Another critic wrote "When one leaves the theatre, one gets the satisfaction of watching a good film. This feeling has been rare in recent lives. Thamizh has turned out as the thirst quencher". Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu noted "Thamizh is backed by a strong storyline and a significant end and the positive twist is appealing."The film became a box office success despite opening with little publicity, with positive word of mouth significantly helping the film's prospects.
Soundtrack
The film score and the soundtrack were composed by film composer Bharadwaj in his first collaboration with director Hari. The soundtrack, released in 2002, features 7 tracks.Track | Song | Singer | Lyrics |
1 | 'Azhakana' | Shankar Mahadevan | Vaali |
2 | 'Kaathelenum' | Harish Raghavendra | Snehan |
3 | 'Kannukkulle kadhala' | Unni Krishnan, Swarnalatha | Thamarai |
4 | 'Penne' | Manikka Vinayagam | Snehan |
5 | 'Rosappu' | Yugendran, Anuradha Sriram | Snehan |
6 | 'Thamizh' | Mano | Pazhani Bharathi |
7 | 'Vikkuthe' | Srinivas, Sujatha | Viveka |