James Pandu

Last updated

James Pandu
James Pandu.jpg
Title card
Directed by Selva
Written bySuki Murthy
Nagulan Ponnusamy (dialogues)
Story by Parthiban
Produced byV. Sundar
StarringParthiban
Prabhu Deva
Kausalya
Renu Desai
Cinematography Thangar Bachan
Edited by Suresh Urs
Music by S. A. Rajkumar
Production
company
Vishwas
Release date
  • 4 May 2000 (2000-05-04)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

James Pandu is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language comedy thriller film directed by Selva and produced by V. Sundar. The film stars Parthiban, Prabhu Deva, Kausalya, and Renu Desai. It was released on 4 May 2000. [1]

Contents

Plot

James and Pandu are porters. Though they were inseparable friends before, there is no love lost between them now. James is in love with Renu, while Kausalya, a mute, has feelings for Pandu. A chit fund company owner hires James to "steal" a bag of money from himself so he could abscond with the money, but his manager hires Pandu to steal the bag from James. When James and Pandu lay their hands on the money, they become friends again and decide to split the money. However, the company owner is found murdered, and they become the prime suspects. In the climax, Raghavachari comes to court and tells the truth that he killed the company owner because the latter would cheat many people. James and Pandu are both proven innocent.

Cast

Production

The film saw Parthiban and Prabhu Deva acting together for first time, though they appeared previously together in Suyamvaram but they did not have any scenes together. [2] Selva had initially titled the film as Visil, before renaming the project. [3] The title of the film is a play on the name of fictional British secret agent James Bond. Isha Koppikar was initially cast in the film. [4] The first shot was taken at the Arunachalam studios. The unit picturised two songs in the snowy and hilly areas of Gangtok in Sikkim. [5] There at a height of 14,000 feet (4,300 m) is based an army camp, reported the highest situated army camp in the world. The unit, that got the permission to shoot there, had much difficulty picturising the songs in the cold hilly area, but have returned triumphant. Participating in the songs were Prabhu Deva and Renu. A ten days shooting schedule in Chennai followed by shooting, at places like Hyderabad, Chalakkudi and Mercara. [6]

Soundtrack

Soundtrack was composed by S. A. Rajkumar. [7] [8] The song "Kannena Minsarama" is based off of "Rona" by Alabina. [9]

TitleSinger(s)LyricsLength
"James Pandu Da" Mano, Unni Menon Kalidasan04:09
"Kannena Minsarama" Devan Ekambaram, Bombay Jayashri Na. Muthukumar 04:23
"Nikkattuma Nadakattuma"Mano, Anuradha Sriram Bharathi Sakthi04:31
"Un Azhagai" Srinivas, Reshmi Viveka 05:04
"Vennila Ethuvum" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Reshmi Thamarai 04:06

Reception

India Info wrote "In the name of comedy the two heroes indulge in so many senseless antics that it makes you sick. As the story is credited to R Parthipan he is solely responsible for this disaster". [10] The Hindu wrote, "A film that begins on an interesting note but soon dwindles into something different". [11] Malini Mannath wrote for Chennai Online, "James Pandu is Selva's ' holiday special,' where one doesn't have to tax one's intelligence at all. So enjoy it kids!". [12] Kalki wrote that in order to make a comedy, the makers chose a plot with thriller which is quite strong, they could have made a thriller instead of comedy. [13] Dinakaran wrote "As there's running and chasing of characters throughout length of the film, the story's treatment doesn't show any signs of (positive) grip! The way Bondu and James struggle and stumble as they carry the money bag along with them sounds nonsensical rather than comical!". [14]

Related Research Articles

<i>Autograph</i> (2004 film) 2004 Indian film

Autograph is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written, produced and directed by Cheran. The film's soundtrack is composed by Bharadwaj. Cheran also plays the lead role in his film for the first time, and other cast members include Gopika, Sneha, Mallika and Kaniha.

<i>Ennavalle</i> 2001 film by J. Suresh

Ennavalle is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language romance film directed by J. Suresh which stars, R. Madhavan in the lead role. Sneha made her Tamil debut through this film. The film also featured Manivannan, Thalaivasal Vijay, and Charle in pivotal roles, while music was composed by S. A. Rajkumar. The film was released on 21 December 2000 and failed at the box office.

<i>Vetri Kodi Kattu</i> 2000 Indian film

Vetri Kodi Kattu is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Cheran. The film stars Murali, Parthiban, Meena, and Malavika, while Vadivelu, Manorama, Anandaraj, Vijayakumar, and Charle play supporting roles. It was released on 30 June 2000 and won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues, in addition to three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards including Third Best Film and Best Dialogue Writer. The film's title is based off a song from Padayappa (1999).

<i>Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven</i> 2000 Indian film

Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language war drama film produced by R. B. Choudary of Super Good Films and directed by Kavi Kalidas, in his only directorial credit. The film stars Ajith Kumar and Simran, while Nassar, Raghava Lawrence, Manivannan, and Kitty play supporting roles and Parthiban in a guest appearance. The music was composed by S. A. Rajkumar with cinematography by Agilan and editing by V. Jaishankar. The film released on 19 May 2000 and failed at the box office.

<i>123</i> (film) 2002 Indian film

123 is a 2002 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by K. Subash. It was partially reshot in Telugu and Kannada. The film stars real-life brothers Prabhu Deva, Raju Sundaram, and Nagendra Prasad alongside Jyothika as the female lead, while Deva composed the film's music. Based on the Marathi play All The Best by Devendra Pem, 123 was released on 1 June 2002.

<i>Ammuvagiya Naan</i> 2007 Indian film

Ammuvagiya Naan is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Padmamagan, starring R. Parthiban and Bharathi. The music was compose by Sabesh–Murali. The film released in September 2007 and became a hit.

<i>Manadhai Thirudivittai</i> 2001 film by R. D. Narayanamurthy

Manadhai Thirudivittai is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by newcomer R. D. Narayanamurthy. The film stars Prabhu Deva in the main lead role alongside Kausalya and newcomer Gayatri Jayaraman, while Vadivelu, Vivek, Ranjith and Sriman play supporting roles. The film is produced by K. R. Gangadharan and the music is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

<i>Kunguma Pottu Gounder</i> 2001 film directed by Suraj

Kunguma Pottu Gounder is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film directed by Suraj, credited as G. Saisuresh. The film stars Sathyaraj and Rambha, with Kausalya, Karan, Mouli and Goundamani in supporting roles. It was released on 8 June 2001. The film was remade in Kannada as Mutthu (2002).

<i>Sabhash</i> 2000 Indian film

Sabhash is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language mystery thriller film directed by K. Subash, starring R. Parthiban, Divyaa Unni and Ranjith. It was released in September 2000. The film was remade into Hindi as Vaada (2005).

<i>Azhagana Naatkal</i> 2001 film by Sundar C.

Azhagana Naatkal is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed by Sundar C, is a remake of the Malayalam film Minnaram (1994) and is also loosely based on the Tamil film Penne Nee Vaazhga (1967). The film stars Karthik and Rambha and became the third collaboration of the pair with Sundar.C, after the successes of Ullathai Allitha (1996) and Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga (1999). The film also featured Mumtaj, Goundamani and Senthil in pivotal roles and featured music composed by Deva. The film was released on 7 December 2001.

<i>Aasaiyil Oru Kaditham</i> 1999 Indian film

Aasaiyil Oru Kaditham is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by Selva. The film stars Prashanth, Kausalya, Anand, and Chandni alongside an ensemble supporting cast including Vivek, Vijayakumar, Sathyapriya, Rajan P. Dev, and Santhana Bharathi. It is a remake of the Telugu film Snehithulu (1998). The music was composed by Deva with cinematography by K. S. Selvaraj and editing by Venkateswara Rao. The film was released on 17 December 1999.

<i>Kadhal Kirukkan</i> 2003 Indian film

Kadhal Kirukkan is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film, written and directed by Sakthi Chidambaram, starring Parthiban, Richa Pallod and Vineeth. The film is a remake of the 2002 Hindi film Deewangee.

<i>Thai Poranthachu</i> 2000 Indian film

Thai Poranthachu is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by R. K. Kalaimani. The film stars Prabhu, Karthik and Kausalya whilst Vivek and Ponnambalam play supporting roles. It was remade in Telugu as Choosoddaam Randi.

<i>Sandhitha Velai</i> 2000 Indian film

Sandhitha Velai is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Ravichandran, his second film after Kannedhirey Thondrinal (1998). The film stars Karthik in two roles. Roja and Kausalya play the female leads, while Vijayakumar, Sujatha, Moulee, Chinni Jayanth, Vivek, Manivannan, and Nassar play supporting roles alongside an ensemble cast. The film was released on 14 April 2000 during the Tamil New Year.

<i>Ramachandra</i> (film) 2003 film by Raj Kapoor

Ramachandra is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language action film, directed by Raj Kapoor, starring Sathyaraj and Vijayalakshmi. The film was released on 15 January 2003. It is a remake of the 1995 Telugu film Khaidi Inspector.

<i>Maaran</i> (2002 film) 2002 Indian film

Maaran is a 2002 Indian Tamil-language vigilante film, directed by A. Jawahar, starring Sathyaraj, Seetha and Raghuvannan. It was released on 20 September 2002. The film was a moderate success at the box office.

<i>Ennamma Kannu</i> 2000 Indian film

Ennamma Kannu is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language film, written and directed by Sakthi Chidambaram. The film stars Sathyaraj and Devayani, with Ranjith and Vadivelu in key roles. It was released on 16 June 2000. The name of the film was inspired by a song from Mr. Bharath (1986), which also starred Sathyaraj. The film was remade in Telugu as Ramma Chilakamma in 2001.

<i>Engalukkum Kaalam Varum</i> (2001 film) 2001 film by Balaruban

Engalukkum Kaalam Varum is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film directed by Balaruban. The film stars Livingston, Kausalya, Vivek and Vadivelu. It was released on 9 February 2001.

<i>Iraniyan</i> (film) 1999 Indian film

Iraniyan is a 1999 Indian Tamil language film directed by Vincent Selva. The film stars Murali and Meena, while Raghuvaran, Vadivelu and Ranjith play other supporting roles. A fictionalised biography of the Indian freedom fighter Vattakudi Iraniyan, it was released on 18 November 1999. Raghuvaran won the Dinakaran Cinema Award for Best Villain.

Krishnan Subash, was an Indian director and screenwriter who directed Tamil and Hindi films. He is the son of R. Krishnan.

References

  1. ↑ "James Bandu ( 2000 )". Cinesouth. Archived from the original on 15 November 2004. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  2. ↑ "James Pandu". Sify . Archived from the original on 23 January 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  3. ↑ "An Interview: Parthiban". Dinakaran . 30 September 1999. Archived from the original on 24 June 2004. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  4. ↑ "Cine News". Dinakaran . 1 November 1999. Archived from the original on 24 November 2004. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  5. ↑ "சிக்கிமில் ஜேம்ஸ் பாண்டு!". Kalki (in Tamil). 26 December 1999. p. 93. Archived from the original on 18 June 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023– via Internet Archive.
  6. ↑ Mannath, Malini. "James Pandu". Chennai Online. Archived from the original on 23 December 2001. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  7. ↑ "James Pondu / Taalam". AVDigital. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  8. ↑ "James Pandu". JioSaavn . 16 November 2000. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  9. ↑ S, Karthik. "Tamil [Other Composers]". ItwoFS . Archived from the original on 22 May 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  10. ↑ "James-Pandu – Comedy at its worse". India Info. Archived from the original on 21 November 2005. Retrieved 7 May 2009.
  11. ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (28 April 2000). "Film Review: James Pandu". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  12. ↑ Mannath, Malini. "James Pandu". Chennai Online. Archived from the original on 19 October 2000. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  13. ↑ "ஜேம்ஸ் பாண்டு". Kalki (in Tamil). 21 May 2000. p. 96. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2022– via Internet Archive.
  14. ↑ "Review: James Bondu". Dinakaran . 31 May 2000. Archived from the original on 4 August 2003. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
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.