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Viswasam

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Viswasam
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySiva
Written bySiva
Aadhi Narayana
K. Manikandan
Ra. Savarimuthu
Antony Bakyaraj
Chandran Pachaimuthu
Produced byT. G. Thyagarajan
(presenter)
Sendhil Thyagarajan
Arjun Thyagarajan
StarringAjith Kumar
Nayanthara
Jagapathi Babu
CinematographyVetri Palanisamy
Edited byRuben
Music byD. Imman
Production
company
Distributed byKJR Studios
Raja Mannar Films
Sakthi Film Factory
Release date
  • 10 January 2019 (2019-01-10) (India)[1]
Running time
156 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget₹100 crore[2]
Box officeest. ₹185–200 crore[3][4]

Viswasam (transl. Loyalty) is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Siva and produced by Sathya Jyothi Films. The film stars Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara and Jagapathi Babu in the lead roles, alongside Vivek, Thambi Ramaiah, Robo Shankar, Kovai Sarala, Yogi Babu, Anikha Surendran, Kalairani, Sujatha Sivakumar, Rajitha and R. N. R. Manohar. It is the second collaboration between Ajith with Siva out of three films. The film follows Thookudurai, a villiage ruffian, who goes to take on Gautham Veer after trying to patch his marriage with Niranjana.

The film was officially announced in November 2017 under the tentative title Thala 58, as it is Ajith's 58th film as leading actor, and the official title was announced a few days later. Principal photography commenced in May 2018. It was predominantly shot in Chennai and Hyderabad before wrapping by mid-November 2018. The film has music composed by D. Imman, cinematography handled by Vetri Palanisamy and editing by Ruben.

Viswasam was released worldwide on 10 January 2019 in theatres to mixed reviews from critics.[5] Imman won Best Music Director at the 67th National Film Awards.[6] The film was also a commercial success, grossing around ₹185-200 crore, thus ranking among the highest grossing South Indian films of 2019 and securing the position of the third highest grossing Tamil films of 2019.

Plot

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Thookudurai is the well-respected businessman and chieftain of his village Koduvilarpatti in Theni. After ten years, a festival is set to occur at the village's temple. Thookudurai's family and friends have been longing to see Thookudurai's wife and daughter. After much deliberation, Thookudurai decides to travel to Mumbai to meet them. During the journey, Thookudurai's uncles, Merit and Rosamani, are upset over Thookudurai's current life and reminisce about his life.

Past: Thooku Durai used to be a happy-go-lucky man and a rice mill owner in his village, who uses violent ways to deal with problems. While chasing a few goons, Thooku Durai stumbles across a doctor named Niranjana, who witnesses his antics and lodges a case against him. When Thooku Durai sees Niranjana, he immediately falls for her and he surrenders to the police. Niranjana is later forced to release Thookudurai after Aavudaiyappan threatens to close her medical camp unless she pays him. After fighting the goons, Thooku Durai relocates Niranjana's field to his rice mill. Niranjana realizes her love for Thooku Durai and she proposes to him, which he accepts after some consideration. Thookudurai and Niranjana marry and lead a happy life, but Niranjana is disturbed by Thookudurai's involvement in feuds. Soon, Niranjana gets pregnant and is accepted to one of the most exceptional pharmaceutical programs, which she refuses for Thookudurai.

After their daughter, Swetha, is born, Niranjana leaves out of town, after getting a promise from Thookudurai not to bring Swetha to any fights. On the way to pick up Niranjana from Railway Station, Aavudaiyappan, picks up a fight with Thookudurai. Thookudurai finds Niranjana at home, and Swetha passes due to the fight. After rushing to the emergency ward, Swetha survives but Niranjana gets infuriated at Thookudurai and tells him to stay away from her and her daughter. Niranjana and Swetha leave the village to the city.

Present: Thookudurai tries to meet up with Niranjana at her company Niranjana Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd at Mumbai, but to no avail. Thookudurai later sees his daughter Swetha, who is in contention for the Junior National 100 m title. Swetha travels home when attempts are made to kill her. Thookudurai arrives in the nick of time to save her. It is then revealed that the well-known entrepreneur Gautham Veer is behind this. Gautham Veer is the owner of Skyline Exports and owns a range of multinational companies. Gautham Veer expects the same of his daughter Neha, who is slower than Swetha by milliseconds. After Gautham Veer threatens Neha that she will find no affection in him if she loses, she resorts to doping, which helps her win the race. Unfortunately, Swetha finds out, who reports it to the authorities. Fearing that her father's reputation and affection would completely vanish, Neha attempts suicide but becomes paralyzed in the process.

Gautham Veer is distraught at seeing his daughter Neha's condition and vows to have Swetha killed at any cost. After saving her, Thookudurai requests Niranjana to appoint him as Swetha's driver for the next ten days, until her competition, on the condition that he does not reveal him as her father, to which she reluctantly agrees. Thookudurai enjoys being in the company of Swetha while saving her from goons on multiple occasions. Thookudurai later meets Gautham Veer and he challenges him. Unfortunately, Thookudurai is run over by a car before Swetha's competition and Thookudurai is in critical condition. Niranjana and Swetha are forced to leave for America, and Thookudurai recovers. Swetha also brings Gautham Veer's wife and Gautham Veer's daughter. Before the competition, Gautham Veer fights an already injured Thookudurai, at this point Niranjana reveals that Thookudurai is Swetha's father. Swetha lags during the race as she has no encouragement.

Thookudurai fights Gautham Veer back, and Durai reaches the track, and he encourages his daughter by whistling. Swetha wins the race. At the same time, Gautham Veer arrives on the road to attack Thookudurai, but after Gautham Veer sees his daughter's recovery, he realizes his mistake. Thookudurai tells Gautham Veer that children should grow up as they desire and not burden them with what their parents want. Swetha is announced as the winner, along with Thookudurai's name added to Swetha's name by Niranjana, and they reunite with Thookudurai.

Cast

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Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The collaboration between Sathya Jyothi Films, director Siva, and actor Ajith Kumar was announced via the studio's official Twitter handle in late November 2017, after months of speculation on Ajith Kumar's next project. Nayanthara was announced as the lead actress in early February 2018.[8] D. Imman was signed on to work as the film's music composer, which marked his first collaboration with Ajith Kumar and Siva. This would be Yogi Babu's 100th film as an actor.[9]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography was supposed to begin on 23 March 2018[10] but was pushed back significantly to the Tamil Film Producers Council's strike.[11] It eventually began on 7 May at Hyderabad,[12] and wrapped in November 2018 and released for Pongal 2019.[13]The crew also filmed in Chennai and Mumbai.[14]

Music

[edit]
Main article: Viswasam (soundtrack)

The soundtrack album is composed by D. Imman, making his first collaboration with Ajith Kumar and Siva. The background music was copied for the Bollywood film Marjaavaan, directed by Milap Milan Zaveri and starring Sidharth Malhotra, Tara Sutaria and Riteish Deshmukh in lead roles.

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

Viswasam was released on 10 January 2019, coinciding with the occasion of Thai Pongal festival along with Rajinikanth starrer Petta.[15][16][17]

Home media

[edit]

The film was released on digital platform Amazon Prime Video on 25 February 2019. The satellite rights were sold to Sun Network.[18]

Reception

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Box office

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The film collected more than ₹15 crore (US$2.34 million) in Tamil Nadu, ₹2 crore (US$311,760.06) in Kerala, more than ₹1.5 crore (US$233,820.04) in Karnataka, ₹1 crore (US$155,880.03) in Rest of India, more than ₹7 crore (US$1.09 million) in Overseas and with a total of ₹25.4 crore (US$3.96 million) in first day.[19] The film collected ₹33.50 crore (US$5.22 million) in India in 2 days.[20] The film collected ₹180 crore (US$28.06 million) worldwide in 3 weeks.[21]

Critical response

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The film received mixed reviews praising the performances(particularly Ajith Kumar and Jagapathi Babu), action sequences, soundtrack, film's score and emotional quotient but criticism for the direction, screenplay, and predictable plot

.[22] The Times of India rated 3/5, stating, "The film follows the regular template in its narration and changes track at a point keeping in mind to reach all sections of audience. The plot also becomes predictable once the real story unfolds. But the lack of evident flaws make it a one time watch entertainer".[23]Behind Woods rated 3/5 stating "Viswasam is packaged with right commercial elements to satisfy the family audience and Thala fans".[24]Film Companion rated 3/5 stating "A lot of mainstream filmmaking is about finding new ways to tell the same old story. With Viswasam, Siva does more. He justifies his star’s faith in (and perseverance with) him". First Post rated 3/5 stating "Viswasam has several moments worth paying a visit to the theatre. The bang for buck interval fight sequence in the rain is one of the highlights of the film. As a pair, Ajith and Siva make a strong comeback with the film, which has its issues but makes for quite an entertaining watch anyway".[25]India Glitz rated 3/5 stating "Viswasam is Siva – Ajith combo's emotional Pongal treat for families".[26]Sify rated 3/5 stating "Ajith is endearing and is in tremendous form that the actor looks super energetic as Thooku Durai. Viswasam is a pucca family entertainer for this Pongal festival. Go and enjoy with your family!".[27]India Today rated 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "After churning out an underwhelming spy thriller Vivegam, Ajith and director Siruthai Siva go back to the rural route with Viswasam. But the film does not do justice to expectations and is impressive only in parts, says our review".[28]The News Minute rated 2 out of 5 stars stating "After touring Eastern Europe in 'Vivegam', Siva brings Ajith back to Tamil Nadu and it proves to be a wise move".[29]The Hindu stated "The problem with the film is that it offers very little for Ajith, the star".[30]Hindustan Times rated 1.5 out of 5 stars stating "While the idea would have been to make audience feel the moment of sweet victory, all it does is ruin the palette for those who enjoy a good commercial film".[31]Deccan Chronicle stated "Though there’s nothing new by way of story, Siva has made a movie that is all about a mass star – Thala Ajith".[32]Cinema Express rated 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Director Siva's biggest achievement is giving us an Ajith who is having fun on screen after a long time, apart from which the film mainly works on surprise value".[33]

Accolades

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Award[a] Date of ceremony[b] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Edison Awards 12 January 2020 Mass Hero Of The Year Ajith Kumar Nominated [34]
[35]
Best Film Viswasam Nominated
Favourite Actress Nayanthara Nominated
Best Music Director D. Imman Nominated
Best Playback Singer – Male Sid Sriram ("Kannaana Kanney") Nominated
Best Child Artist Anikha Nominated
Best Movie Poster Anil & Bhanu Nominated
National Film Awards 25 October 2021 Best Music Direction D. Imman Won [36]
Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards 15 January 2020 Best Music Director Won [37]
Best Playback Singer Male Sid Sriram ("Kannaana Kanney") Won
Best Lyricist Thamarai ("Kannaana Kanney") Won
South Indian International Movie Awards 18–19 September 2021 Best Film – Tamil Sathya Jyothi Films Nominated [38]
Best Actor – Tamil Ajith Kumar Nominated
Best Actor in a Negative Role – Tamil Jagapathi Babu Nominated
Best Lyricist – Tamil Thamarai – (for "Kannaana Kanney") Nominated
Best Actress – Tamil Nayanthara Won [39]
Best Music Director – Tamil D. Imman Won
Zee Cine Awards Tamil 4 January 2020 Favourite Film of The Year Viswasam Won [40]
[41]
Favourite Heroine Nayanthara Won
Favourite Music Director D. Imman Won
Favourite Song "Kannaana Kanney" Won
Best Playback Singer – Male Sid Sriram ("Kannaana Kanney") Won
Best Lyricist Thamarai ("Kannaana Kanney") Won

Notes

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  1. ^ Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.
  2. ^ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Viswasam release date: Here is when Ajith's film will hit the screens – IBTimes India Archived 18 August 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Ibtimes.co.in (11 December 2018). Retrieved on 2019-01-18.
  2. ^ "விஸ்வாசம் பட்ஜெட் 100 கோடி!: மலைக்க வைக்கும் அஜித், நயன் சம்பளம்". Tamil Samayam (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Bigil, Petta, Viswasam, Kanchana 3, Nerkonda Paarvai, Kaithi power Kollywood's theatrical takings in 2019 to Rs 1000 cr". Firstpost. 4 December 2019. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 5 December 2019.
  4. ^ "Viswasam box office collection: Ajith starrer earns Rs 200 crore worldwide". Indian Express. 6 March 2019. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  5. ^ "Viswasam is the biggest blockbuster in Tamil cinema: KJR Studios". The Indian Express. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  6. ^ "67th National Film Awards: Complete list of winners". The Hindu. 22 March 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  7. ^ Viswasam motion poster: Ajith, in his two looks, has stolen the hearts of his fans Archived 5 December 2018 at the Wayback Machine. timesnownews.com. 26 November 2018
  8. ^ "Thala Ajith to team up with Siva for the fourth time?". Times of India. 6 August 2017. Archived from the original on 7 February 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  9. ^ Thala Ajith 58 Viswasam will be Yogi Babu's 100th film Archived 30 December 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved on 18 January 2019.
  10. ^ "After Viswasam, Ajith is expected to join hands with Prabhudheva?". hundustan times. 7 March 2018. Archived from the original on 3 July 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  11. ^ "'Viswasam' long schedule begins today!". Sify. 30 June 2018. Archived from the original on 3 July 2018.
  12. ^ "Thala Ajith starts shooting for Viswasam!". Sify. 7 May 2018. Archived from the original on 7 May 2018.
  13. ^ Thala Ajith`s `Viswasam` shoot wrapped up. Sify.com (10 November 2018). Retrieved on 18 January 2019.
  14. ^ "Viswasam shoot to be wrapped up earlier?". The Times of India. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  15. ^ Viswasam Review {3/5}: The plot also becomes predictable once the real story unfolds Archived 10 January 2019 at archive.today. Timesofindia.indiatimes.com (10 January 2019). Retrieved on 2019-01-18.
  16. ^ "Ajith starrer 'Viswasam' to release in over 450 theatres in Andhra and Telangana. hindi dubbing rights of the film is sold by goldmines telefilms and hindi release date is not confirmed information is required for hindi release date and premiere channel". TheNewsMinute. 28 February 2019. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  17. ^ "Jagamalla. hindi dubbing rights is sold by goldmines telefilms information is required for hindi release date and premiere channel". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  18. ^ "Thala Ajith's Viswasam begins streaming on Amazon Prime". IndianExpress. 25 February 2019. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  19. ^ Upadhyaya, Prakash (11 January 2019). "Petta vs Viswasam day 1 box office collection (Worldwide): Which is the biggest opener?". International Business Times, India Edition. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  20. ^ "Viswasam vs Petta: Ajith becomes first actor in 27 years to top Rajini at Tamil Nadu box office". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 17 January 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  21. ^ "Viswasam box office collection Day 21: Ajith film inches towards Rs 200-crore worldwide". India Today. 31 January 2019. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  22. ^ "Viswasam movie review and rating by audience: Live updates". International Business Times. 10 January 2019. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  23. ^ "VISWASAM MOVIE REVIEW". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 January 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  24. ^ "VISWASAM MOVIE REVIEW". BehindWoods. 10 January 2019. Archived from the original on 20 March 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  25. ^ "Viswasam movie review: Ajith holds together Siva's no-brainer that never stops playing to the gallery". FirstPost. 10 January 2019. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  26. ^ "Viswasam Review". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  27. ^ "Viswasam review: An engaging mass masala entertainer". Sify. Archived from the original on 14 January 2019.
  28. ^ "Viswasam Movie Review: Ajith and Nayanthara are excellent in wasted opportunity". India Today. 10 January 2019. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  29. ^ "'Viswasam' review: If you forget logic, Ajith's film is passable". The News Minute. 10 January 2019. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  30. ^ "'Viswasam' review: a fancy upgrade of 'Veeram'". The Hindu. 10 January 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  31. ^ "Viswasam movie review: Ajith's film is a tiring tale of melodrama". Hindustan Times. 10 January 2019. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  32. ^ "Viswasam movie review: A well-packaged experience". Deccan Chronicle. 11 January 2019. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  33. ^ "Viswasam Review: A sprightly Ajith saves this festival". Cinema Express. 10 January 2019. Archived from the original on 10 May 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  34. ^ "Edison Awards 2020 nominations". Edison Awards. Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  35. ^ "Edison Awards 2020: Vijay, Thala Ajith, Rajinikanth, Chiyaan Vikram Nominated For 'Mass Hero of the Year'; Here's The Complete List of Nominations". Latestly.com. 27 November 2019. Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  36. ^ "67th National Film Awards: Complete list of winners". The Hindu. 22 March 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  37. ^ "11th NTFF 2020 – Winners list of Awardees – Tamilar Viruthu – Tamil Nadu". Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards. 15 January 2020. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  38. ^ "The 9th South Indian International Movie Awards Nominations for 2019". South Indian International Movie Awards. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  39. ^ "Manju Warrier, Suriya, others win at SIIMA Awards: Full list of winners". The News Minute. 21 September 2021. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  40. ^ "Zee Cine Awards Tamil 2020 winners list: Ajith, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush won these honours". International Business Times. 5 January 2020. Archived from the original on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  41. ^ "Zee Cine Awards Tamil 2020: The complete winners list". Indian Express. 5 January 2020. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
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