Badri (2001 film)

Plot

Sri Badrinatha Moorthy (Vijay) is the youngest son of a family and a careless guy, always going around girls and enjoying with them. His womanizing habits are a source of heartburn for his father (Kitty). However, his elder brother, Vetri (Riyaz Khan), a kickboxer and his father's favourite son, is very fond of him. Janu (Bhumika Chawla), Badri's neighbour, is in love with him, but it is just one sided as Badri considers her a good friend and a source of money and cars to impress girls (Janu's father is a garage owner). He falls in love with Mamathi (Monal), a rich girl, and poses as a rich guy to impress her. However, she soon finds out Badri has lied to her. Mamathi dumps Badri and insults him in front of his father. Badri's father, tired of his son's antics, disowns him. Later Vetri is attacked by his enemies and is bedridden, unable to take part in the kickboxing championship. Badri decides to fight for his brother and to redeem himself in his father's eyes by fighting in the championship match against Rohit (Bhupinder Singh), who happens to be Mamathi's new boyfriend. He defeats Rohit, redeems himself in front of his father's eyes and finally accepts Janu's love.

Production

Badri, produced by Sri Venkateswara Art Films, was announced in August 2000 and was slated to be remake of the Telugu film Thammudu starring Pawan Kalyan. Arun Prasad, who directed the original, reprises his role as did the composer Ramana Gogula. Most of the other technicians were also taken from Tollywood. Art director G. K. hired 200 technicians to create a high tech complex in Vahini studios for the film. When first announced, it was reported that Vijay would essay dual lead roles, although this claim later proved to be untrue. Bhupinder Singh was also selected to reprise his role from the original version as Rohit, the antagonist.

During the filming of a pivotal scene in the "Travelling Soldier" song, Vijay allowed a car to run over his fingers and the shot was canned with three cameras, with the scene attracting media attention. Martial arts expert Shihan Hussaini helped with the production and features in the film in a guest appearance. Other scenes were shot at Amir Mahal in Chennai.

The film teamed up with Coca-Cola for their publicity campaign after Vijay had signed on to the soft drink company as a brand ambassador.

Release

The film opened to highly positive reviews from reviewers. The Hindu reported that the film "clearly reveals the diligence and sincerity of Vijay". The reviewer also praises that debutant Bhumika Chawla gives "a dignified portrayal", while that Monal "needs to work on her expressions".

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of the film was composed by Ramana Gogula who composed the original film and reused all the tunes made his debut in Tamil and notably remains his first and only Tamil film he had worked so far, was well received by the audience. The lyrics were penned by Palani Bharathi.