Saguni

Plot

The film starts with the demise of CM (Satyamoorthy), a political plot produced by Boopathi (Prakash Raj), thereby starting the film on a serious note. Then, we are introduced to Kamalakannan (Karthi), who tells his story to the auto driver Rajini Appadurai (Santhanam). Appadurai assumes that Kamal is rich and drives him around the city to be profited for him.

Kamal is a country boy, who is working in a small company. He has come to the city to meet the concerned politicians and plead them to halt a subway project, by which he could lose his property in his village. He is the son of a humble person, who serves unlimited food to the guests and passers-by every day. Under this background, he has come to Chennai to settle the matter, as the forefather’s property is living heaven for the family.

Kamal stays in his aunt’s (Roja) house and love blossoms between Kamal and her daughter Sridevi (Pranitha Subhash). The love affair breaks up as it's not accepted by his aunt.

He meets the politician, Boopathi, who once visited their village during the election campaign and had promised to do good needs when required. But Kamal comes to know that he is the one behind the project. He later makes Ramani (Raadhika Sarathkumar) as the mayor of Chennai by helping in her campaigns. He later, in a jail, gets the contact of Perumal (Kota Srinivasa Rao), who has an infamous political party. Meanwhile, he joins Perumal's party and makes him win the election making him the CM of Tamil Nadu. Boopathi is at last arrested for being the reason behind for Sathyamoorthy's suicide with his family. Kamal, at last saves his property with his intelligence and unites with Sridevi.

Cast

Production

The film was first revealed in early April 2011, when it was reported that Karthi was considering a "social satire" script written by debutant film maker, Shankar Dayal, to be his next venture after the success of his previous film Siruthai. Karthi confirmed the news and revealed he would feature in a new get-up for the film, although expressing that the script was still in development. Veteran actress Raadhika Sarathkumar signed on to play a supporting role in May 2011, whilst Roja signed on to play a doctor in the film and Mumtaj was selected to play a role making her comeback after 3 years. Kannada actress Pranitha who made her debut in Tamil with Udhayan, was confirmed for the lead female role after much speculation that Shriya Saran would form a part of the cast.

Kota Srinivasa Rao and Salim Ghouse were selected to play politicians in the film, while Nassar was roped in to play a godman. However, in a turn of events, it was announced that the makers were unimpressed with Ghouse's performance and replaced him with Prakash Raj. Subsequently, combination scenes shot with Ghouse and Mumtaj, including those which appeared in the original trailer, were removed and reshot with Prakash Raj and Kiran Rathod. Anushka Shetty shot for a cameo role, that of a funny police officer within one day, while Andrea Jeremiah also appeared in a single scene.

The first look of the film was duly released through a series of promotional posters in early 2011, with the makers suggesting a potential release to coincide with Diwali 2011. Some scenes were shot in and around Chennai including the Napier bridge, while the climax was shot in Hyderabad. The songs were choreographed by Bobby Antony, Baba Baskar, Prem Rakshith and Raju; one of which was shot in Poland. There were rumours that the film was based on Neera Radia but makers quickly denied it. The team shot a scene at the famous shopping complex near Ashok Nagar in Chennai. The director and his crew were happy to complete the shoot before the place got uncontrollably crowded.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack, composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, consists of 5 tracks. The audio launch was to be held on 11 May, but postponed to 2 June. The Telugu version would release on 5 June. Two songs along with the videos were launched on 21 May, Karthi's birthday. The song "Kandha Kaaravadai" has been downloaded 75,000 times. Other songs like "Manasellam Mazhaiye" and "Vella Bambaram" also topped the charts .

Eventually the album became successful among masses. Rediff wrote that it was "run-of-the-mill and has nothing new to offer". Behindwoods wrote: "The songs have all been composed with the sole intention of entertaining the audience. Save the melody, the rest all play to the gallery all the way. Good 'mass' album".

Release

The distribution rights were bought by Studio Green and Vendhar Movies for ₹230 million (US$3.6 million). The satellite rights of the film were secured by Sun TV. The film was given a "U" certificate by the Indian Censor Board and Telugu version was given a "U/A" certificate. It was slated to release in April initially, but failed to meet the deadline and would be released on 22 June eventually. Makers have planned to release the films in more than 1,100 screens across the globe. Andhra will see the film being released in 450 screens. Telugu rights were bought by Bellamkonda Suresh for ₹80 million (US$1.2 million). The producers have spent more than ₹ 120 million for the promotion of the film. The film Shakuni opened in 85 screens in Kerala by Beebah Creations & Sayujyam Cine Release

Reception

Saguni received mixed to positive reviews upon release. Behindwoods quoted that Saguni was a fairly engaging political game giving main credits to Karthi and Santhanam. The Tamil version was an average grosser and the Telugu version titled Shakuni succeeded at the box office.

Budget & Boxoffice

the film budget of ₹250 million (US$3.9 million). This film grossing of ₹500 million (US$7.8 million).