Kanavu Variyam

Cast

Production

The film's writer, director and lead actor Arun Chidambaram returned to Chennai from his corporate job in Chicago to begin working on the film. Shot entirely in Tamil Nadu during late 2015, Arun Chidambaram revealed that Kanavu Variyam was about the shortage of electricity in the villages of India and would have a theatrical release following an extended circuit of international film festivals. The film was produced by Arun's brother Karthik, while Shyam Benjamin worked on the film's soundtrack and Selvakumar associated with the project as the cinematographer. Hindi television actress Jiya Shankar debuted in films as the lead actress, while Ilavarasu, Black Pandi, Gnanasambandan, Yog Japee and Senthil Kumari all enacted supporting roles.

Kanavu Variyam received media attention within Tamil Nadu, after it was announced that Warner Bros. Pictures had associated with the project as a distributor, marking the first collaboration of the Hollywood studio with a South Indian film. The film's teaser was launched by music director Yuvan Shankar Raja, and received attention from several film industry personalities. The launch of the soundtrack and trailer took place at Prasad Labs in Chennai in February 2017. Along with the whole film crew, it was attended by renowned personalities including film director Bharathiraja, space scientist K.Sivan, Tamil Nadu meteorologist Pradeep John, and designer D. Udaya Kumar. During the event, in recognition of his scientific achievements, K. Sivan, was conferred with the title “Inspiring Scientist of India” at the event, owing to theme of the film. Bharathiraja was conferred the title “Inspiring Director of India” for his achievements in the film industry and Sirgazhi Siva Chidambaram was conferred with the title “Inspiring Voice of India” award. Further awards were handed to the other chief attendees of the event.

Soundtrack

The music of Kanavu Variyam was composed by Shyam Benjamin. "Kalla/Manna", a song from the film which refers to fifty one traditional games of rural India, won the Silver Remi for Best Children's Song and won the Best Youth Focus Music Video award at the Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival at Oklahoma, USA.

Release

The film's world premiere was at the 49th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival on 9 April 2016.

Critical reception

Prior to its theatrical release, Kanavu Variyam received critical acclaim in major film festivals across the globe. News portals including The Hindu, NDTV, Dina Thanthi highly appreciated the preview shows of the film and stated "Arun is a director to watch out for".

The film had a theatrical release across Tamil Nadu on 24 February 2017. The New Indian Express called the film a "feel good entertainer", adding that "when many of our makers look towards the West for inspiration, it is heartwarming that the U.S. based-Chidambaram has turned to the rural scenario and the issues faced by the villagers as his debut work" and that "the film is inspiring and motivating, is worth a watch by both adults and children". Other critics gave the film a less welcoming review, with The Times of India stating "as a director, though his plot and intention is commendable, amateurish execution and slow screenplay spoil the flow of the narration". Sify.com wrote "on the whole, a weak script that lacks subtlety and nuance, the film is ultimately a bore" and that "though the intentions of director Arun Chidambaram is laudable, his bumbling execution is a spoiler". Sowmya Rajendran of TheNewsMinute also criticised the film stating "science can explain several phenomena, but I am still wondering what explains the film's success and the reputation it has built for itself", stating that she was "deeply puzzled" with the film's success on the international circuit. Sinndhuja Ramprasad of SilverScreen called the film a "Well-Intentioned At Best", adding that "I’m moved by the effort, and so is the rest of the theatre. They laugh hard."

Awards and recognition

Kanavu Variyam has received the following recognitions following its preview shows and participation in international film festivals: