Kuttram Kadithal

Cast

Production

Director Bramma stated that he had conceived the story for his debut film, only after he decided he wanted to be a filmmaker. Christy Selvappan, a media manager with the Qatar-based TV channel Al Jazeera and an old friend of Bramma, made the offer to produce a film if Bramma chose to direct. The two decided to make a film that should have "universal appeal". Bramma said, "We started off on a small scale and knew that content was our trump card. We wanted every single person who watched our film to be able to relate to the incident in the story. We wanted to make sure that the film will be remade in other languages, at least in other Indian languages". Bramma also told that the incident showcased in the film was not a real-life one although it was inspired by a number of similar incidents that have happened in the country, while disclosing that it had to with "schooling in particular and education in general". The title of the film is derived from the 44th adhikaaram (chapter) of the Thirukkural, where Thiruvalluvar alludes to avoiding mistakes.

Bramma chose Radhika Prasidhha, a theatre artiste, writer and director, to portray the lead role after had seen a web series that she had done. Other pivotal roles were given to Pavel Navageethan, a writer and theatre artiste, who has also directed at least 10 short films, Sai Raj Kumar, a film student, and Master Ajay, a 12 year old stage actor from a government home. The film was shot in 120 locations in Chennai for 52 days in a budget of 1.5 crores.

Critical reception

Sify wrote, "it's a simple film but the sublime detailing and exemplary execution provides us a lifetime movie watching experience and undoubtedly, Kuttram Kadithal is one of the best films ever made in Tamil cinema. To be honest, we have a cult classic here". Behindwoods.com gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Kuttram Kadithal is one such film which doesn't while away 2 hours of your time. It tells you how you should spend the rest of the hours left to live". Rediff gave 3.5 stars out of 5 as well, calling it an "intense drama that questions the adequacy of our school system" and a "brilliant team effort that hits you hard". Silverscreen.in wrote, "There's something in this too-perfect film that leaves you aching. It has an intelligent and compelling storyline. Well-written dialogues, unseasoned, yet terrific actors, and brilliant technicians amply support the film. But in the end, you find yourself searching for the thorn that pricked your feet. While you were walking through a soft, lush lawn. Mesmerised". Indiaglitz.com gave 4 out of 5 and wrote, "Kuttram Kadithal is a must watch film that bears testimony to the standards of National Awards given to films in India". G. Dhananjayan in his book Pride of Tamil cinema - 1931 to 2013 wrote "Overall, the film deserves watching by every school, teacher, student and parent for its theme".

Baradwaj Rangan wrote, "Up to a point, Bramma exhibits superb control. His reveals are slow; he trusts the audience. The actors are marvellous....And Bramma is careful not to take sides...But somewhere in the second half, Bramma loses his grip and runs out of things to do. He keeps delaying the inevitable...and we keep killing time with a koothu performance and a detour at a shady-looking lodge".

Accolades

Kuttram Kadithal was screened at around various national and international film festivals. It was chosen to be screened at the 16th Mumbai Film Festival, where it competed with four other films in 'The New Faces of Indian Cinema' category. It was the only Tamil film chosen to compete in the 16th Zimbabwe International Film Festival. It was also the only Tamil film selected for the Indian Panorama section of the 45th International Film Festival of India.

Parallel Digital Release

In a first for Tamil Cinema, Kuttram Kadithal is being released in online portals, like HeroTalkies.com & Tentkotta.com, just 3 days post its Theatrical Release in India. Owing to no overseas Theatrical release, a legal online release gives the producers of the movie an additional source of income.