Dharma Durai (2016 film)

Last updated

Dharma Durai
Dharma Durai 2016 poster.jpg
Poster
Directed by Seenu Ramasamy
Written bySeenu Ramasamy
Produced by R. K. Suresh
Starring
Cinematography M. Sukumar
Edited by Kasi Viswanathan
Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja
Production
company
Release date
  • 19 August 2016 (2016-08-19)
Running time
147 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget₹13 crore [1]
Box officeest.₹26 crore [2]

Dharma Durai is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language slice-of-life drama film directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by R. K. Suresh. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi in the lead alongside an ensemble cast consisting of Tamannaah Bhatia, Aishwarya Rajesh, Srushti Dange, Radhika Sarathkumar, Ganja Karuppu and Rajesh in pivotal roles. Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the music, while M. Sukumar and Kasi Viswanathan handled the cinematography and editing, respectively.

Contents

Dharma Durai was theatrically released worldwide on 19 August 2016. Garnering positive reviews, the film grossed approximately ₹26 crore at the box office, covering its budget of ₹13 crore. Along with other accolades, the film won a prize for Vairamuthu for Best Lyrics at the 64th National Film Awards. [3] [4]

Plot

Dharmadurai, known as the village drunkard, constantly embarrasses his brothers and brother-in-law, who run a chit-fund business. They often lock him up and mistreat him. Only his mother, Pandiyamma, and his friend Gopalaswamy sympathize with him. One night, Pandiyamma overhears her sons planning to kill Dharmadurai, so she helps him escape, urging him to start a new life far away. Dharmadurai, unaware that he has taken the chit-fund money with him, leaves for Madurai. When his brothers discover his absence and the missing money, they search for him but eventually give up. In a flash back, it is shown that Dharmadurai, the first graduate from his village, pursued his MBBS at Madurai Medical College. During college, he was part of a close-knit group with Subhashini and Stella, who harbored feelings for him. Inspired by Dr Kamaraj's ethos of serving the underprivileged, they vowed to stay in India post-graduation but lost touch thereafter. Back in the present, seeking solace and guidance, Dharmadurai seeks out Stella, only to discover she had passed away in a car accident. Then, he goes to the hospital where Subhashini is working. Subhashini, who is now married to a Hyderabad-based doctor, is alarmed at the change in Dharmadurai. Dharmadurai tells her why he had become an alcoholic.

Following his graduation, Dharmadurai returned to his village and established a clinic. One day, he encountered Anbuselvi, a farm laborer who brought some sick elderly women to his clinic. Dharmadurai was immediately drawn to Anbuselvi and sought permission from her father, Paraman, to marry her, which Paraman granted. Anbuselvi also agreed to the marriage, and plans were made. However, Dharmadurai's brothers demanded a large dowry, including gold ornaments and a significant sum of money, which Paraman refused. Consequently, the marriage was called off, leading to Anbuselvi's tragic suicide. Filled with rage and grief, Dharmadurai confronted his brothers, blaming them for the tragedy. He was on the brink of violence when he was stopped by Pandiyamma. Devastated and betrayed, Dharmadurai closed his clinic and turned to alcohol. After Subhashini hears Dharmadurai's story, she brings him to her apartment and helps him recover from his struggles with alcohol. As they spend more time together, Subhashini shares her own painful experience of her husband's betrayal and her decision to divorce him. She confesses her long-standing love for Dharmadurai since their college days, and he reciprocates her feelings. They decide to start a life together, and Subhashini bravely ends her marriage. Dharmadurai returns to his medical practice in their town, dedicating himself to helping the needy. His reputation grows, and one day, a blind Dr Kamaraj, inspired by Dharmadurai's work, pays him a visit. Upon Dr Kamaraj's suggestion, Dharmadurai and Subhashini decide to marry. As they plan their future together, Subhashini becomes pregnant with Dharmadurai's child. Subhashini encourages Dharmadurai to reconcile with his family, suggesting he return to his village to make amends and share the news of their upcoming marriage. Dharmadurai agrees, ready to face his past and embrace his future with Subhashini and their child.

In his village, Dharmadurai discovers that his family had to leave their home after being compelled to sell it to repay the villagers, who had uncovered their embezzled funds. Upon arriving at the makeshift hut where his mother and brothers now reside, one of his brothers, consumed by anger at Dharmadurai's actions, strikes him with a spanner. However, when he realizes that Dharmadurai has recovered the stolen money, he is overcome with remorse. Pandiyamma rushes Dharmadurai to the hospital, where he receives treatment from a former college classmate with whom he had conflicts in college. While recuperating, Dharmadurai receives a call from Subhashini, urging him to return promptly, as both she and their unborn child eagerly await his arrival.

Cast

Cameo appearance

Production

In November 2015, Seenu Ramasamy announced that he would direct Vijay Sethupathi in a film to be produced by R. K. Suresh of Studio 9 Productions. [5] Following the project's announcement, Anand Kumaresan, who had initiated work on a film titled Vasantha Kumaran with the actor and producer in 2012, expressed frustration and demanded explanations regarding the delay of his project. Previously, the film had been suspended due to a disagreement between Suresh and Vijay Sethupathi. [6] The makers of Dharma Durai disclosed that they were in talks with Lakshmi Menon, Aishwarya Rajesh and Gayathrie to play three of the film's four leading female roles. [7] Production of the film commenced in mid-December 2015, with actresses Tamannaah Bhatia, Sshivada, Aishwarya Rajesh and Srushti Dange confirmed as part of the cast. [8] [9] Radhika Sarathkumar was cast to portray Sethupathi's mother. [10]

Music

Dharma Durai
Soundtrack album by
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Released3 August 2016
StudioU1 Records
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Length19:15
LanguageTamil
Label TrendMusic
Producer Yuvan Shankar Raja
Yuvan Shankar Raja chronology
Yatchan
(2015)		Dharma Durai
(2016)		 Chennai 600028 II
(2016)

Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the music for Dharma Durai. The Tamil album was released at an event on 3 August 2016.

No.TitleWriter(s)Singer(s)Length
1."Endha Pakkam" Vairamuthu Chinmayi Sripada, Rahul Nambiar 5:02
2."Poi Vaada"Vairamuthu Srimathumitha 2:03
3."Makka Kalanguthappa"Mathichiyam BalaMathichiyam Bala4:05
4."Naan Kaatrilae"Vairamuthu Karthik 3:33
5."Andipatti"Vairamuthu Senthildass Velayutham, Surmukhi Raman 4:32
Total length:19:15

Release

Dharma Durai was theatrically released worldwide on 19 August 2016. [11]

Reception

Critical response

The film received positive response from critics.

Gautaman Bhaskaran of Hindustan Times gave 3.5/5 stars and commented, "Scripted with subtlety and helmed without melodrama, Dharmadurai is far better than any Tamil work one has seen in a long time", expressing that the film features strong performances and picturesque cinematography, telling the story of a former doctor dealing with family betrayal and personal struggles, albeit with some coincidental and preachy elements. [12] The Hindu wrote, "Dharmadurai leaves us dry-eyed, despite having much potential for drama", noting that despite its potential and interesting themes about a village doctor navigating modern ideals and traditional expectations, it is undermined by heavy-handed messaging and literal dialogue that detracts from its emotional impact and storytelling. [13] Sreedhar Pillai of The First Post , in his review, stated, "Dharma Durai is a feel-good family entertainer that works to a large extent due to Vijay Sethupathi, an actor of substance" and pointed out that strong performances from the cast are hindered by a thin plot and commercial twists. [14]

S. Saraswath of Rediff.com rated the film 3/5, calling it, "An engaging screenplay, stunning music, wonderful performances, and the perfect rural ambiance make Dharmadurai a fun watch." He opened the film as a poignant tale of family, redemption, and self-discovery, albeit with some flaws in the screenplay, elevated by strong performances and a captivating rural setting. [15] Malini Mannath of The New Indian Express quoted, "The film may have its moments that strike an emotional chord. But viewed as a whole, Dharmadurai doesn't completely fulfill." She also mentioned that the film highlights Sethupathi's robust performance but grapples with a meandering second half and contrived plot elements. [16] M. Suganth of The Times of India rated the film 3/5 stars and conveyed that despite its affecting moments and strong performances, it is hindered by a slow narrative and synthetic sub-plots, preventing it from fully realizing its potential as an emotional roller coaster. [17] Anupama Subramanian of Deccan Chronicle stated, "Barring a few dull moments, Seenu Ramasamy's Dharma Durai is a feel-good movie," and noted that it follows the journey of a once-promising doctor turned alcoholic as he seeks redemption and reconnects with his past, showcasing strong performances and emotional depth amidst occasional narrative shortcomings. [18]

Box office

Dharma Durai was produced with a budget of ₹13 crore and earned ₹11.50 crore in its first week of release. [1] According to The Hindu , the film broke even at the box office, suggesting a lifetime gross of approximately ₹26 crore. [2]

Accolades

YearAwardCategoryAwardeeOutcomeRef.
2016 Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards Best Actor Vijay Sethupathi Won [19]
Asiavision Awards Best Actor – TamilWon
Best Actress – Tamil Tamannaah Bhatia Won [20]
Best Director Seenu Ramasamy Won
2017 6th South Indian International Movie Awards Best ActressTamannaah BhatiaNominated
Best Lyrics for "Endha Pakkam" Song Vairamuthu Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Aishwarya Rajesh Won
64th Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting ActressNominated
Best Lyrics for "Endha Pakkam" SongVairamuthuNominated
64th National Film Awards Best Lyrics for "Endha Pakkam" SongVairamuthuWon [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seenu Ramasamy</span> Indian film director, screenwriter and poet (born 1973)

Seenu Ramasamy is an Indian film director, screenwriter and poet who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. He is known for directing quality films like Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010), Neerparavai (2012), Dharma Durai (2016), and Maamanithan (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirrupathi Brothers</span> Indian film production company

Thirrupathi Brothers is an Indian Tamil film production company owned by brothers N. Subash Chandrabose and N. Lingusamy and was founded in 2006.

<i>Thenmerku Paruvakaatru</i> 2010 film by Seenu Ramasamy

Thenmerku Paruvakatru is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by Shibu Issac. The film is named after a song composed by A. R. Rahman for the film, Karuthamma. It stars Vijay Sethupathi, Vasundhara Kashyap and Saranya Ponvannan in her 100th film, which won her Best Actress at National film Awards. The music was composed by N. R. Raghunanthan with cinematography by Chezhiyan and editing by Mu. Kasivishwanathan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sivakarthikeyan</span> Indian actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer and television presenter (born 1985)

Sivakarthikeyan Doss, also known by the initialism SK, is an Indian actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer and television presenter, who works predominantly in Tamil films. In 2021, he won the Kalaimamani Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vijay Sethupathi</span> Indian actor and film producer (born 1978)

Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu is an Indian actor and film producer who predominantly works in Tamil films. Sethupathi is the recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Award, two Filmfare Awards South and two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.

<i>Rummy</i> (2014 film) 2014 film directed by Balakrishnan .K

Rummy is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller drama film co-produced and directed by debutant Balakrishnan K. It features Vijay Sethupathi, Inigo Prabhakar, Aishwarya Rajesh, Gayathrie Shankar, Soori and Joe Malloori. The music was composed by D. Imman with editing by Raja Mohammad and cinematography by Premkumar Chandran. The story revolves around college students, Sakthi and Joseph, fall in love with girls of the same family. When the family learns about the love affairs, they are ready to go to any length to save their honour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aishwarya Rajesh</span> Indian actress (born 1990)

Aishwarya Rajesh is an Indian actress who works predominantly in Tamil films along with Malayalam and Telugu films. Aishwarya is a recipient of four South Indian International Movie Awards, two Filmfare Award South and one Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

Asiavision Awards have been held annually since 2006 to honor the artistes and technicians of Indian cinema and television & is organized under the leadership of renowned journalist Nissar Syed.

<i>Idam Porul Yaeval</i> Unreleased film by Seenu Ramasamy

Idam Porul Yaeval is an unreleased Indian Tamil language drama film directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by N. Lingusamy. It features Vijay Sethupathi and Vishnu Vishal alongside Aishwarya Rajesh and Nandita Swetha in the lead cast. Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the music. The film remains unreleased for a decade due to financial difficulties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srushti Dange</span> Indian actress

Srushti Dange is an Indian actress, who has mostly appeared in Tamil films and appears in a few Telugu and Malayalam films. She is also the runner up of the reality cooking show Cooku with Comali .

<i>Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga</i> 2015 film by M. Rajesh

Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga also known by the initialism VSOP, is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by M. Rajesh. It stars Arya and Tamannaah Bhatia as the lead roles alongside Santhanam and Muktha in supporting roles. Arya produced the film through his studio The Show People, associating with Prasad V Potluri's PVP cinema. The soundtrack was composed by D. Imman. Nirav Shah and Vivek Harshan handled cinematography and editing, respectively. The film began production in November 2014 and was released on 14 August 2015 to mixed reviews.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yogi Babu</span> Indian actor and comedian (born 1985)

Yogi Babu is an Indian actor and comedian, who appears in Tamil films. He has won Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Aandavan Kattalai (2016), Kolamavu Kokila (2018), Pariyerum Perumal (2018), Love Today (2022) and Maaveeran (2023). He is also a recipient of five SIIMA Awards.

R. K. Suresh is an Indian film producer and actor in Tamil cinema, who heads the production company, Studio 9. In 2015, Suresh debuted as an actor, working in Bala's Tharai Thappattai and M. Muthaiah's Marudhu. He is currently the vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Tamil Nadu OBC wing.

<i>Mupparimanam</i> Indian Tamil romantic thriller film

Mupparimanam is a 2017 Indian Tamil language romantic thriller film written and directed by Adhiroopan. The film stars Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and Srushti Dange, with Skanda Ashok, Ravi Prakash and Thambi Ramaiah in supporting roles. Featuring music composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar and cinematography by Rasamathi, the film began production during late 2015, and was released on 3 March 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kasi Viswanathan</span> Indian film editor (born 1968)

Kasivishwanathan is an Indian film editor, who has worked on Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam language films.

<i>Kanne Kalaimaane</i> 2019 film by Seenu Ramasamy

Kanne Kalaimaane is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Seenu Ramasamy. The film stars Udhayanidhi Stalin and Tamannaah Bhatia. The film is produced by Udhayanidhi under his Red Giant Movies. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and the film released on 22 February 2019.

<i>Kanaa</i> (film) 2018 film directed by Arunraja Kamaraj

Kanaa is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language sports drama film starring Sathyaraj, Aishwarya Rajesh, Sivakarthikeyan, and Darshan. The film is written and directed by Arunraja Kamaraj, who is directing for the first time. It was released theatrically on 21 December 2018. The film has music composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, cinematography by Dinesh B. Krishnan, editing by Ruben and production by Sivakarthikeyan under his newly established Sivakarthikeyan Productions banner. It was remade in Telugu as Kousalya Krishnamurthy, with Aishwarya and Sivakarthikeyan reprising their roles.

<i>Maamanithan</i> (film) Tamil drama film directed by Seenu Ramasamy

Maamanithan is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by Yuvan Shankar Raja under his YSR Films banner. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi, Gayathrie, Guru Somasundaram, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Anikha Surendran, Jewel Mary and Shaji Chen. In addition, Yuvan composed the soundtrack of this film along with his father, Ilaiyaraaja. The cinematography and editing were handled by M. Sukumar and A. Seekar Prasad

<i>Ka Pae Ranasingam</i> 2020 film by P. Virumaandi

Ka Pae Ranasingam is a 2020 Indian Tamil-language political drama film written and directed by P. Virumaandi in his directorial debut. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi and Aishwarya Rajesh. Based on a true story, the film follows Ariyanachi, a poor woman who strives to bring her deceased husband's body back to India from Dubai, battling the odds of political agenda, corruption and a treacherous bureaucracy that stand in her way.

<i>Azhagiya Kanne</i> (2023 film) 2023 Indian film

Azhagiya Kanne is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by R. Vijayakumar and starring Leo Sivakumar and Sanchita Shetty in the lead roles. It was released on 23 June 2023.

References

  1. 1 2 "Vijay Sethupathi: The average Joe who made it big in Tamil films". Hindustan Times. 8 September 2016. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  2. 1 2 Pillai, Sreedhar (24 December 2016). "Kollywood's 2016 report card". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  3. 1 2 "64th National Film Awards" (PDF) (Press release). Directorate of Film Festivals. 7 April 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  4. ↑ "'Joker' and '24' sweep National honours". Top 10 Cinema. 7 April 2017. Archived from the original on 9 April 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  5. ↑ "Vijay-Seenu team up again for Dharmadurai". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 November 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  6. ↑ "Vasanthakumaran director demands justice". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 December 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  7. ↑ "Two New Heroines For Vijay Sethupathi's'Dharmadurai'". Desimartini. 17 December 2015. Archived from the original on 20 January 2016. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  8. ↑ "Vijay Sethupathi's 'Dharmadurai' shoot begins!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 December 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  9. ↑ "Aishwarya Rajesh, Srushti Dange join Tamannaah". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  10. ↑ "Nayanthara to do a special number with Vijay Sethupathi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  11. ↑ Desk, India Today Web (7 August 2016). "Dharmadurai: Vijay Sethupathi's film gets a release date". India Today. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2024.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  12. ↑ "Dharmadurai review: A subtle work without the histrionic". Hindustan Times. 19 August 2016. Archived from the original on 22 November 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  13. ↑ "Dharmadurai: movie review". The Hindu. 19 August 2016. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  14. ↑ Pillai, Sreedhar (19 August 2016). "Dharma Durai review: Vijay Sethupathi stands at the forefront of this feel good entertainer". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  15. ↑ Saraswathi, S (20 August 2016). "Review: Dharmadurai is an enjoyable family drama". Rediff. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  16. ↑ Mannath, Malini (21 August 2016). "Dharmadurai review: Good in parts, not as a whole". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  17. ↑ Suganth, M (19 August 2016). "Dharmadurai Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Dharmadurai by Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  18. ↑ Subramanian, Anupama (20 August 2016). "Dharma Durai movie review: A drama worth a watch". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  19. ↑ "Norway Tamil Film Festival: Complete list of winners". The Times of India . 7 March 2017. Archived from the original on 4 November 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.
  20. ↑ "Actress Tamanna at AsiaVision Movie Awards 2016 : Photos". C65.in. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
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.