D Block (film)

Last updated

D Block
D Block Tamil film poster.jpg
release poster
Directed byVijay Kumar Rajendran
Written byVijay Kumar Rajendran
Produced by Aravinnd Singh
Starring Arulnithi
Charandeep
Avantika Mishra
Karu Palaniappan
CinematographyAravinnd Singh
Edited byGanesh Siva
Music byKaushik Krish
Production
company
MNM Films
Distributed bySakthi Film Factory
Release date
  • 1 July 2022 (2022-07-01)
Running time
135 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

D Block is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age thriller film written and directed by debutant Vijay Kumar Rajendran (Eruma saani fame) and produced by cinematographer Aravinnd Singh under the banner MNM Films and presented by Sakthi Film Factory. [1] The film stars Arulnithi and Avantika Mishra with a supporting cast including Karu Palaniappan, Charandeep, Thalaivasal Vijay, Ramesh Khanna, and Uma Riyaz Khan. [2] The film's soundtrack and background score are composed by Ron Ethan Yohann and Kaushik Krish respectively, with cinematography by Aravinnd Singh and editing by Ganesh Siva. The film was released in theatres on 1 July 2022. [3] The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audience, praising the cinematography, background score, plot, and Arulnithi's performance, but criticizing the screenplay and pacing. In December 2022, the Hindi dubbed version of the movie, under the same name, was released. [4]

Contents

Plot

The film takes place at an isolated Engineering college in the middle of the Coimbatore forest. The hostels for students are nearby, and the women's hostel, D Block, is in the middle of the forest.

Swathi, a first-year class leader, sees something disturbing and informs her friends. Believing she imagined it, her friends attempt to pacify her. However when she later visits the hostel terrace, she is dragged away by an unknown figure and found dead in the morning.

The administration covers up the cause of her death as a tiger attack, and the principal bribes the police. Meanwhile, Maya, a senior student, meets with Arul and his friends and shows them a drawing of her friend Poornima. Poornima's picture was drawn four years ago, but it exactly matches Swathi's drawing. Maya suggests that someone is behind the deaths, but Arul and his friends refuse to accept it.

One night, Arul and his friends sneak into D Block to meet Arul's girlfriend, Shruti, on her birthday. They see a terrifying figure on the roof of D Block and become scared. When they attempt to inform the college administration, the principal and warden refuse to believe them.

Arul, his friends, and Maya decide to investigate the mystery themselves. They discover that eight other female students have died in the same way as Swathi. One of the dead girls was the daughter of a security guard who had formerly worked at the university. Arul and his friend go to see the guard and find the girl alive but mentally ill. The watchman tells them that the deaths at the university were not caused by a tiger but by something else.

The friends approach a cafeteria worker at the university to learn more about the past. The cafeteria worker tells them that a person named Kali peeked into the girls' washroom while a girl was showering and was brutally hit by college boys and was sent to the police station. The inspector, while getting his details, recognized that he was the same Kali who had suffered from mental illness since childhood and had been involved in the construction of D Block. As a child, Kali kidnapped and killed two girls. Three other girls were also later abducted, and two of them were killed. The surviving girl identified Kali as the killer, and the police arrested Kali and sent him to a rehabilitation center. Later, Kali ran away from the rehabilitation center and became involved in the construction of D Block as a laborer. One day, Kali was caught sneaking into the women's bathroom by several students. The students beat him up before handing him over to the police, but Kali managed to escape. From then on, he began to kidnap and kill girls at the university.

Arul, his friends, and Maya find Kali's entry point into the hostel. They investigate the forest but cannot find anything, and Arul turns to old issues of the college magazine for clues. Later, Arul sees some photos taken by his friend in the forest and realizes that Kali had been standing behind them, and that his next target is Maya. He tries to warn Maya but fails, and he sees Kali pushing Maya from the D Block terrace. Maya's death is ruled as suicide.

Arul tells his friends and Shruti that five of Kali's eight victims had been Bharatanatyam dancers. At his insistence, Shruti interviews all the classical dancers in the hostel and finds out that one of the girls has recently seen him. Arul and his friends believe that she is Kali's next target. That night, Arul and his friends enter D Block to protect the dancer with the help of their friend, Ria. However, when they find out that the girl has short hair, Arul realizes that Kali doesn't target classical dancers but girls with long hair. At the same time, they find out that Kali has kidnapped Shruti.

Arul and his friends find Shruti in the forest and bring her back to the hostel. They inform the police and wait for them to arrive, but an enraged Kali returns to the hostel and tries to kidnap Shruti. Arul, his friends, and their seniors struggle to stop him. All the girls in D Block join forces to fight against Kali and trample him to death.

Cast

Production

Development

In February 2020, YouTuber Vijay Kumar Rajendran (of Eruma Saani fame) announced his directorial debut in a film starring Arulnithi in the lead and produced by cinematographer Aravinnd Singh under the banner MNM Films with the tentative title as #Arulnithi15 (the actor's 15th film in leading role). The film marked Arulnithi fifth project with Aravinnd Singh after Demonte Colony (2015), Aarathu Sinam (2016), Iravukku Aayiram Kangal (2018) and K-13 (2019). [5]

Casting

Avantika Mishra was cast in the film as the female lead opposite to Arulnithi. [6] Apart from the direction, Vijay Kumar Rajendran was also acting in the film in a prominent role. It was reported that Arulnithi was playing the role of a college student and to prepare for his role, he took some weight loss. [7]

Music

D Block
Soundtrack album by
Ron Ethan Yohann
Released2022
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Length4:24
LanguageTamil
Label Think Music India
Ron Ethan Yohann chronology
Vanam
(2021)		D Block
(2022)		 Diary
(2022)
Singles from D Block
  1. "Ice Katti Kuruvi"
    Released: 4 February 2022

The songs were composed by Ron Ethan Yohann and Kaushik Krish, while the latter did the film score. The first single from the film titled "Ice Katti Kuruvi" was released by Think Music India on 4 February 2022.

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Ice Katti Kuruvi"Gnanakaravel Ron Ethan Yohann, Pradeep Kumar 4:24

Release

Theatrical

The title of the film and the first look poster of the film were unveiled by director Pandiraj via his Twitter account on 21 July 2021. [8] In January 2022, the film was given a "U/A" certificate by Central Board of Film Certification [9] and the trailer was released by Nelson Dilipkumar, Lokesh Kanagaraj and Venkat Prabhu. [10]

Home media

The satellite rights of the film were sold to Colors Tamil. The movie was made available to stream on Amazon Prime Video on August 1, 2022. [11]

Reception

Critical response

Logesh Balachandran of The Times of India , rated the film to be 2 out of 5 and stated, "The technical aspects of the film look very average and don't really elevate the mood of the film. D Block marks the debut of Eruma Saani Vijay Kumar, a popular YouTuber, and he has a long way to go in terms of writing for the screen." [12] Vignesh Madhu of Cinema Express gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "D Block has more such moments to prove that 'Eruma Saani' Vijay Kumar is a promising filmmaker in the making. If only he had paid more attention to making the first half more interesting with less focus on the comedy and romance portions, this film would have been a wholesome thriller." [13] Indiaglitz rated the film to be 2.25 out of 5 and stated, "Go for this one if you fancy psycho thrillers and if your expectations are minimal." [14] S Subhakeerthana of OTTplay gave 1.5 stars out of 5 and stated that "Please binge-watch your favourite film on Netflix instead of wasting your time on D Block.". [15] India herald critic gave 3 out 5 stars and wrote that "The issue with D Block is that it renders its opponent unbeatable in every manner, but his narrative is uninteresting and does little to justify his superiority" [16]

Box office

D Block collected a total of ₹16 crore. The film was a box office success[ citation needed ]

Related Research Articles

<i>Kaakha Kaakha</i> 2003 film by Gautham Vasudev Menon

Kaakha Kaakha is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. It stars Suriya and Jyothika in the lead roles, with Jeevan playing the antagonist. The film featured music composed by Harris Jayaraj and cinematography by R. D. Rajasekhar.

<i>Vismayathumbathu</i> 2004 Malayalam film

Vismayathumbathu is a 2004 Indian Malayalam-language psychological thriller film written, directed and produced by Fazil. It stars Mohanlal, Mukesh, and Nayanthara. Mohanlal plays Sreekumar, who possess sixth sense, while Nayanthara does the role of a wandering spirit who get associated with Sreekumar. The film is based on the novel If Only It Were True by Marc Levy which was also adapted into 2005 American film Just Like Heaven.

Arulnithi Tamilarasu is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Tamil films. He is the grandson of Late. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. He debuted in 2010 film Vamsam. Arulnithi is well known for playing the lead role in Crime and Suspense Thrillers.

<i>Anveshanam</i> 2020 film directed by Prasobh Vijayan

Anveshanam (transl. Investigation) is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language mystery-thriller drama film directed by Prasobh Vijayan. The film stars Jayasurya, Leona Lishoy, Shruthi Ramachandran, Nandhu, Vijay Babu, Lal Paul and Lena Kumar in the lead roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mahat Raghavendra</span> Indian actor

Mahat Raghavendra is an Indian actor who works across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema. He is best known for his supporting roles in the heist thriller film, Mankatha (2011), the action drama, Jilla (2014) and As lead in the Double XL (2022)

<i>Mouna Guru</i> 2011 Indian film

Mouna Guru is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Santhakumar and produced by M. K. Thamizharasu. The film stars Arulnidhi and Ineya, while John Vijay, Madhusudhan Rao, Uma Riyaz Khan, Krishnamoorthy, and Balakrishnan play supporting roles. Mouna Guru illustrates a misunderstood college youth who becomes unwittingly involved in a crime plot that spirals his life out of order.

<i>Thagaraaru</i> 2013 Indian film

Thagaraaru (transl. Argument) is a 2013 Indian Tamil action mystery drama film written and directed by newcomer Ganesh Vinaayac and produced by Cloud Nine Movies. The film stars Arulnithi and Poorna in the lead roles while Jayaprakash, Pawan, Sulile Kumar, and Aadukalam Murugadoss appear in supporting roles. The soundtrack was composed by Dharan, while Praveen Sathya composed the score. Dillraj was the cinematographer, and T. S. Suresh edited the film. The film released on 6 December 2013 and received mixed reviews from critics. Due to the popularity of Madurai Backdrop, The film received generally positive reviews and become an above average hit at the box office.

<i>Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara</i> 2013 film directed by Gokul

Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, also referred to as iDhaaba, is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film, written and directed by Gokul. Produced by Leo Visions, the film stars Vijay Sethupathi, Ashwin, Swathi, Nandita, and Pasupathy. It was released on 2 October 2013. The film received positive reviews from critics and became a success. It was remade in Kannada as Jackson (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avantika Mishra</span> Indian actress and model

Avantika Mishra is an Indian actress and former model who predominantly appears in Telugu films. She has also acted in Tamil films.

<i>Iravukku Aayiram Kangal</i> 2018 Indian film

Iravukku Aayiram Kangal is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Mu. Maran. The film features an ensemble cast including Arulnithi, Ajmal Ameer, Mahima Nambiar, Vidya Pradeep, Chaya Singh, and Suja Varunee, while Anandaraj, John Vijay, Lakshmy Ramakrishnan, and Aadukalam Naren play supporting roles. Sam CS composed the soundtrack. Axess Film Factory began production in March 2017. The film was released in 11 May 2018 to mostly positive reviews from critics and became a box office success.

<i>Chhichhore</i> 2019 Indian film directed by Nitesh Tiwari

Chhichhore (transl. Frivolous) is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, written by Tiwari in association with Piyush Gupta and Nikhil Mehrotra, and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, with Fox Star Studios acquiring the distribution rights. Based on Tiwari's experiences as a student of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, the film stars Sushant Singh Rajput, Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Sharma, Naveen Polishetty, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Tushar Pandey and Saharsh Kumar Shukla in the lead roles, with Shishir Sharma and Mohammad Samad in supporting roles.

<i>K-13</i> (film) 2019 Indian film

K-13 is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language psychological mystery film written and directed by Barath Neelakantan in his directorial debut. The film stars Arulnithi and Shraddha Srinath, while Gayathrie, Yogi Babu, and Ramesh Thilak play supporting roles. Sam C. S. has been hired as music composer for the film replacing initially speculated music director turned actor Darbuka Siva due to the latter's acting and directorial commitments and aspirations. The film was released on 3 May 2019 to positive reviews but become an average hit.

<i>Naan Sirithal</i> 2020 Indian film by Raana

Naan Sirithal is a 2020 Indian Tamil-language comedy film written and directed by Raana in his directorial debut. Following the success of Meesaya Murukku and Natpe Thunai, Sundar C. co-produced Adhi's third film and it became a hat-trick hit. Hiphop Tamizha and Iswarya Menon and K. S. Ravikumar is playing a villain role, while Badava Gopi and Eruma Saani Vijay are playing supporting roles. It is a feature film version of Raana's own short film Keka Beka Keka Beka. The film released on 14 February 2020 to mixed reviews.

<i>Meeku Maathrame Cheptha</i> Indian Telugu drama film by Shammeer Sultan

Meeku Maathrame Cheptha is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film written and directed by Shammeer Sultan, and produced by Vardhan Deverakonda and Vijay Deverakonda under the banner King of the Hill Entertainment. The film features Tharun Bhascker and Abhinav Gomatam in lead roles while Anasuya Bharadwaj, Vani Bhojan, and Avantika Mishra play supporting roles. The film marks the debut of Sultan as director and Deverakonda as producer, who also makes a cameo appearance.

<i>Plan Panni Pannanum</i> 2021 Tamil Film

Plan Panni Pannanum is a 2021 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by Badri Venkatesh, produced by Rajesh Kumar and Sinthan L from Positive Print Studios. The story is written by A. C. Karunamurthy (Karnamurthy), dialogues by Radhakrishnan, and the film stars Rio Raj and Ramya Nambeesan. The music for the film is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja while cinematography is handled by Rajasekar and editing is done by Sam RDX.

<i>N4</i> (film) 2023 Indian film

N4 is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language crime-thriller film written and directed by Lokesh Kumar. The film stars Michael Thangadurai, Gabriella Sellus, Akshay Kamal, Afsal Hameed, Vinusha Devi, Pragya Nagra, Anupama Kumar in pivotal roles whilst Abhishek Shankar, Vadivukkarasi, Azhagu and Subhalaxmi Parida play supporting roles.

<i>Kalathil Santhippom</i> 2021 Indian Tamil-language sports action drama masala film by N. Rajasekar

Kalathil Santhippom is a 2021 Indian Tamil language sports action drama film written and directed by N. Rajasekar with dialogues penned by R. Ashok. The film stars Jiiva, Arulnithi, Manjima Mohan and Priya Bhavani Shankar. The film is based on the sport of kabaddi and the friendship between two men Ashok and Anand who were initially regarded as rivals. The film also marked the posthumous release of actor Naadodigal Gopal who died on 5 March 2020 prior to the film release. It had its theatrical release on 5 February 2021 and opened to positive reviews from critics and became an average hit at the box office.

<i>Dejavu</i> (2022 film) 2022 Indian film

Dejavu is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language mystery thriller film directed by Arvindh Srinivasan and produced by K. Vijay Pandi and P. G. Muthiah. The film stars Arulnithi, Madhoo, Achyuth Kumar, and Smruthi Venkat. The film was released theatrically on 22 July 2022 and received mixed reviews from critics and audience, and became a box office success. The film was partially shot in Telugu as Repeat with Naveen Chandra replacing Arulnithi, which was directly released on Hotstar.

<i>Odavum Mudiyadhu Oliyavum Mudiyadhu</i> 2023 Indian film

Odavum Mudiyadhu Oliyavum Mudiyadhu is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language comedy horror film directed by Ramesh Venkat. The film stars Sathyamurthi.V and Yashika Aannand in the lead roles. The film was produced by Rajan under the banner of Akshaya Pictures.

The following is the filmography of Indian actor and producer Jayaprakash.

References

  1. ↑ "Arulnithi to play a college student in his next". The News Minute . 26 February 2020. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  2. ↑ "Arulnithi signs up for another thriller, Avantika Mishra to play the female lead". The Times of India . 8 April 2020. Archived from the original on 9 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  3. ↑ "Arulnithi's D-Block to release on July 1". The Times of India . 20 May 2022.
  4. ↑ "Prime Video: D Block". Primevideo.com. Primevideo. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  5. ↑ "Arulnithi to star in Eruma Saani Vijay's directorial debut". Cinema Express . 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  6. ↑ "Avantika Mishra to make her Tamil debut in Arulnithi's next". The New Indian Express . 8 April 2020. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  7. ↑ "Arulnithi loses 7kg to play a student". The Times of India . 25 February 2020. Archived from the original on 28 January 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  8. ↑ "First look poster of Arulnithi's D Block". The Times of India . 21 July 2021. Archived from the original on 17 September 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  9. ↑ "Arulnithi's 'D Block' gets U/A certificate". DT Next . Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  10. ↑ "Nelson Dilipkumar, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Venkat Prabhu launch 'D Block' movie trailer starring Arulnidhi". The Times of India . 17 January 2022. Archived from the original on 28 January 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  11. ↑ "அருள்நிதி நடிக்கும் 'D ப்ளாக்'… டிஜிட்டல் & ஓவர்சீஸ் உரிமையைக் கைப்பற்றிய பிரபல நிறுவனம்". 23 June 2022.
  12. ↑ "D Block Movie Review : Hastily written thriller with no depth". The Times of India .
  13. ↑ "D Block Movie Review: A gripping thriller with the right chills". Cinema Express . July 2022.
  14. ↑ "D Block Review".
  15. ↑ "D Block movie review: An insipid murder mystery that shows much promise in the beginning". OTTPlay. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  16. ↑ "D Block Movie Review - A Gripping Campus Thriller". indiaherald.com. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.