Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam

Plot

Thirukumaran (Dhanush) is a carefree, laid-back guy who has a great time with his friends (Tiger Kumar (Karunas), Sukumar and others). He falls in love with Priya (Shriya Saran), who is the sister of Guru (Prakash Raj), a rich business tycoon. The story is about a cat-and-mouse game between Thiru and Guru, who is against Thiru and Priya's love. Thiru wins the game at the end.

Cast

Production

The film was announced in late August 2005 with Boopathy Pandian and Dhanush coming together after a previous collaboration in Devathayai Kanden (2005). Pandian had previously discussed the role with Bharath, but the actor's refusal meant that Dhanush was chosen. Shriya Saran, who rose to fame in Tamil films after her role in Mazhai, was signed as the heroine and the film was titled as Naveena Thiruvilayadal, though the prefix was later dropped. In September 2010, actor Sivaji Ganesan's Fan Club issued legal notice to the film's producer, Vimala Geetha, to change the name of the film Thiruvilayadal within 15 days or face legal action before the necessary forum. They had felt that the title was reminiscent of the 1965 Sivaji film of the same name, and felt that the new venture would defame the old film. K. Bhagyaraj was initially pencilled in to play Dhanush's father in the film, but was later replaced by Mouli due to the delay of the film. Shriya Saran was forced to opt out of the film in October 2005 owing to her commitment to work in Rajinikanth's Sivaji. Reports suggested that either Tamannaah or Ileana may be approached to replace her, while the film's inactivity led to rumours that the film was cancelled.

However, in January 2006, Boopathy Pandian confirmed that the film would continue and the remaining portions would be swiftly completed. Shriya however returned to work on the film after she was able to allot dates.

Release

The film opened in December 2006 to positive reviews from critics. Rediff.com noted that "Director Boopathy Pandian has a tight hold on pacing, ensuring that the interest never flags", adding that "the real reason to watch Thiruvilaiyadal Aarambam is Dhanush, who epitomises the new age hero: he is no superman, he is not even close to perfect, and he is thoroughly unapologetic about it all." Another critic from Indiaglitz mentioned that "Bhoopathy Pandian has a good grasp of what makes an entertainer click with the masses. His simple handling of an easy subject sees it through." Sify cited that "Dhanush as the hyperactive Thiru is simply superb and his ability to deliver funny lines casually is commendable. Prakash Raj does his role to perfection, while Shriya looks good and her costumes are fabulous."

The film grossed ₹100 million (US$1.6 million) in Tamil Nadu - the highest grosser for actor Dhanush at that time. Post-release after being offended by a remark in the film, Bank of Baroda contemplated taking action against the film.

Remakes

In 2007, the film was remade as Takkari in Telugu with Nitin and Sadha playing the lead roles. It was also remade and released in Kannada as Dhool in 2011, with Yogesh and Aindrita Ray in the lead roles while Prakash Raj reprised his role. Furthermore, it was then remade and released in Bengali as Idiot in 2012, with Ankush Hazra, Srabanti Chatterjee, and Aditya Pancholi in the lead roles, and in Oriya as Rangila Toka. It was also remade in Bangladeshi Bengali as Daring Lover.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of the film was composed by D. Imaan and won good reviews upon release in October 2006. The lyrics were penned by Vairamuthu, Na. Muthukumar, Viveka and Thiraivannan. The soundtrack also features a remixed version of the song "Ennama Kannu" from Mr. Bharath (1986).