Jeeva (2014 film)

Last updated

Jeeva
Jeeva (2014).jpg
Poster
Directed by Suseenthiran
Written bySanthosh (Dialogues)
Screenplay by
  • Suseenthiran
  • Arun Balaji
Story bySuseenthiran
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography R. Madhi
Edited by Anthony L. Ruben
Music by D. Imman
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release date
  • 27 September 2014 (2014-09-27)
Running time
127 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Jeeva is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language sports film written and directed by Suseenthiran, who also produces the film along with cinematographer R. Madhi and art director Rajeevan under the banner of Vennila Kabadi Team. The film stars Vishnu and Sri Divya, while Soori and Lakshman Narayan plays supporting roles. Its music was composed by D. Imman, cinematography was handled by R. Madhi and editing was by Anthony L. Ruben, while dialogue was written by Santhosh. This film is about a young aspiring cricketer who dreams of playing for the India national cricket team. The film opened to positive reviews from critics on 27 September 2014 and become a successful venture at the box office.

Contents

Plot

The films begins with Jeeva, who sits on a park bench and starts to narrate his life story. He is a lower middle-class boy who is interested in cricket from a young age and sees Sachin Tendulkar as his idol. Though his father initially does not support him, he later starts to do so on the request of his friend. Jeeva grows up and becomes a part of the school team. He excels in his game and turns out to be a star player. Seeing his performances, a local cricket club offers him a chance to join and train with them, for which his father disagrees saying that his academic performance is poor due to cricket and he may not get a job in future. In between, Jeeva falls in love with his neighbor Jenny, but they are broken up when their family discovers this. Jeeva starts to drink due to this heartbreak, so to make him concentrate on good deeds again, Jeeva's father agrees to let him join the cricket club.

Jeeva becomes a sensation at the club, scoring good runs in every game. His opening partner Ranjith initially has ego clashes with Jeeva, but later they become friends and produce great performances. They both develop and their team starts to enter higher division competitions. In the meantime, Jenny meets Jeeva after a long time, and they start loving again. However, he is pressured into marrying her and pleads for a chance after being selected. Then comes the tournament that selects the players for the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team, and as expected, both Jeeva and Ranjith are selected. However, the real trouble starts after joining the Tamil Nadu Team: it mostly comprises players from a particular community, and since Jeeva and Ranjith are from a different community, they are sidelined for most of the games. They are given chances in tough conditions where it is hard to score more runs, but they still manage to put up a decent performance. Jeeva even once gets applauded by the captain of the Rajasthan team, who is a veteran national team member, but being dropped in the upcoming games affects their average and their subsequent chances of joining the team for future games.

Angered by being rejected from the team, Ranjith storms into the Association office and blasts at the chairman for showing partiality towards the Brahmin community and leaves with a heavy heart. Both Jeeva and Ranjith feel that their cricketing careers are over. Ranjith commits suicide and Jeeva is heartbroken. Jenny's father agrees for their marriage and promises a job for Jeeva, provided he converts to Christianity and quits cricket. Jeeva initially agrees but immediately tells Jenny that he cannot live without cricket, and Jenny leaves him. Jeeva returns to training and he practices even harder, waiting for a miracle to happen that will revive his cricketing career.

That miracle occurs when his coach gets a call from the Rajasthan CPL (IPL) team franchise, to offer Jeeva a chance to play in the upcoming season of CPL. Jeeva learns that it was the Rajasthan Team Captain, Irfan, who applauded him during the Ranji Trophy match, who has suggested his name for the CPL. Jeeva is awestruck and happy as his coach says that if he performs well in the CPL, he can directly enter the national team. He and his family celebrate this as he reunites with Jenny.

The story returns to the present, where Jeeva, now a star player of the national cricket team, is being interviewed by TV channels. He narrates his experience on his debut CPL match, where he smashes the first ball he faces for a sixer, and he consistently puts up great performances, which seals his place in the national team. Jeeva ends his interview by saying that in other countries, players lose by playing, but in India, the players lose even without getting a chance to participate.

Cast

Production

Soon after wrapping up production works of Rajapattai , Suseenthiran announced in October 2011 that he would shortly start his next venture featuring Vishnu. The film titled Veera Dheera Sooran was said to be an original story, to be made simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. [3] In early 2012, it was reported that director Pandiraj would write the film's dialogues. [4] However the director opted to concentrate on other projects before starting the film. He subsequently began a different project with Vishnu and production work on the film began again in August 2013. [5] The project initially began as a bilingual, with Sundeep Kishan selected to portray the lead role in the Telugu version, but scheduling problems meant that the version was dropped. [6] Sri Divya was signed on to play a college girl in the film after the director was impressed with her performance in Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam . [7] Surabhi, who debuted in Ivan Veramathiri was signed as another heroine. [8] She had to opt out later due to conflicting schedules. [9] [10] Vinoth Kishan was initially signed to play a supporting role, but was later replaced by Lakshman Narayan, who had played the lead role in Bharathiraja's Annakodi (2013). The title of the film was officially announced to be Jeeva in January 2014.

Soundtrack

Jeeva
Soundtrack album to Jeevaby
Released12 September 2014
Recorded2014
Genre Film soundtrack
Language Tamil
Label Sony Music
Producer D. Imman
D. Imman chronology
Sigaram Thodu
(2014)
Jeeva
(2014)
Oru Oorla Rendu Raja
(2014)

The film's score and soundtrack are composed by D. Imman under Sony Music India's label. The film notably had its songs' lyrics written by Vairamuthu and his two sons Madhan Karky and Kabilan Vairamuthu, becoming the first such album to have the trio from the same family. [11] A launch event was held on 12 September 2014. [12]

Track list

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Ovvundraai Thirudugiraai" Vairamuthu Karthik, Bhavya Pandit04:45
2."Oru Rosa" Madhan Karky Anthony Daasan, A. V. Pooja 04:09
3."Oruthi Maelae"Madhan Karky Abhay Jodhpurkar, El Fé Choir04:23
4."Sangimangi" Kabilan Vairamuthu Nivas, Malavika & Tha Mystro04:44
5."Engae Ponaai"Madhan Karky S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 03:53
6."Ovvundraai Thirudugiraai" (karaoke)  04:45
7."Oruthi Maelae" (karaoke)  04:21
8."Netru Naan" (short)Madhan Karky D. Sathyaprakash 01:40
Total length:32:01

Release

Actors Vishal Reddy's Vishal Film Factory and Arya's The Show People banner bought Tamil Nadu theatrical rights of the film in September 2014. [13] The satellite rights of the film were sold to STAR Vijay. The film was released on 27 September 2014

Reception

The film was released to positive reviews. The Times of India gave the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Suseenthiran pads up the film with the tropes that the genre needs. Though it has its heart in the right place the problem with Jeeva is that it is uneven. Cricket takes a backseat every time the director decides to focus on the love angle, taking some fizz out of the film". [14] The Hindu wrote, "A film has stayed true to its soul if it replays in your mind long after you’ve left the theatre. In most parts, Jeeva does that". [15] Indo-Asian News Service gave 3 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Jeeva is gripping with a moving second half, but not as inspiring as Nagesh Kukunoor's Bollywood film Iqbal. Suseenthiran's desperate act to portray his film as a commercial entertainer and not as a sports-drama doesn't go down too well. It somehow distracts you from the film's core subject and that's a big letdown. If only these crucial comprises were handled with care, the film would've been highly satisfying". [16] Sify wrote, "Jeeva is sure to provide inspiration to many youngsters with similar cricket dreams and aspirations...it is a nice entertaining film, and another feather on the director's cap". [17] Rated 3.25 out of 5 by Cinemalead-" Commendable cricketer!" [18]

Related Research Articles

<i>Varalaru</i> 2006 film by K. S. Ravikumar

Varalaru: History Of Godfather, or simply known as Varalaru (transl. History), is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language action-drama film written and directed by K. S. Ravikumar, and produced by S. S. Chakravarthy under the banner NIC Arts. The film stars Ajith Kumar in a triple role as a father and his two twin sons. Asin, Kanika, Ramesh Khanna, Suman Setty, Sujatha and M. S. Baskar play supporting roles. The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by A. R. Rahman. The film ran for 215 days and became a blockbuster at the box office. Prior to its release, the film was known by the title Godfather, but following the Government of Tamil Nadu's motion to exempt tax on films titled in Tamil, the film's title was reverted to Varalaru.

<i>Anantha Poongatre</i> 1999 Indian film

Anantha Poongatre is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Raj Kapoor. The film stars Ajith Kumar and Meena in the lead roles, with Malavika in a supporting role and Karthik in a guest appearance. The film is based upon how respect can be mistaken as love by circumstances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vishal (actor)</span> Indian actor and film producer (born 1977)

Vishal Krishna Reddy, professionally known as Vishal, is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Tamil cinema. Born to film producer G. K. Reddy, Vishal is known for his roles in action films. He also produces films under his production company, Vishal Film Factory. Vishal was conferred with the Kalaimamani award in 2006, for his contributions to Tamil cinema.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vikranth</span> Indian actor (born 1984)

Vikranth Santhosh is an Indian actor who has appeared in Tamil language films. He was introduced in the film Karka Kasadara (2005) directed by R. V. Udayakumar and later appeared in other romantic drama films. Following his participation in the Celebrity Cricket League, Vikranth has moved on to work in bigger film projects.

<i>Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu</i> 2009 Indian film

Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language sports drama film written and directed by newcomer Suseenthiran, starring debutant Vishnu Vishal, Kishore, and Saranya Mohan along with numerous other newcomers. The music was composed by V. Selvaganesh with cinematography by Laxman Kumar and editing by Kasi Viswanathan. The film released on 29 January 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vishnu Vishal</span> Indian actor and film producer (born 1974)

Vishal Kudawla, known professionally as Vishnu Vishal, is an Indian actor and film producer who appears in Tamil film industry. After a brief career in cricket, he started his acting career in the year 2009 playing the lead role in the sports film Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu, winning acclaim for his portrayal. Vishnu won further acclaim for his role in Neerparavai (2012), portraying a fisherman. He rose to fame with the psychological thriller film, Ratsasan (2018).

Suseenthiran is an Indian film director and screenwriter in Tamil cinema. He rose to fame with his directorial debut Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009).

<i>Naan Mahaan Alla</i> (2010 film) 2010 Indian Tamil-language action film

Naan Mahaan Alla is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by Suseenthiran and produced by Studio Green. It stars Karthi, Kajal Aggarwal, Jayaprakash and Soori. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja with cinematography handled by R. Madhi and editing by Kasi Viswanathan. Set in Chennai, Jeeva is an unemployed carefree young man whose father becomes the target of a gang of young criminals after witnessing a kidnapping.

<i>Pandiya Naadu</i> 2013 Indian Tamil action film

Pandiya Naadu is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Suseenthiran and produced by Vishal, who stars in the lead role alongside Lakshmi Menon, Bharathiraja, Soori, Vikranth, and Sharath Lohitashwa. The music was composed by D. Imman with cinematography by R. Madhi and editing by Anthony.

<i>Kaaki Sattai</i> 2015 action film by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar

Kaaki Sattai is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language action film co-written and directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar and produced by Dhanush, their second collaboration after Ethir Neechal (2013). The film stars Sivakarthikeyan and Sri Divya, Vijay Raaz and Prabhu. The film's music was composed by Anirudh Ravichander. The story revolves around police constable Mathimaran who wants to prove himself as a true, powerful cop by finding ways to solve issues of corruption in the law and order system in the department of police.

<i>Pasanga 2</i> 2015 Indian film

Pasanga 2 : Haiku is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language children's film written, co produced and directed by Pandiraj. A thematic sequel to Pasanga (2009), the film focuses on the issue of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) amongst children and is set in the city, unlike Pasanga. The film, starring debutante child actors Nishesh and Vaishnavi in lead alongside Ramdoss, Vidya Pradeep, Karthik Kumar and Bindu Madhavi. This film is produced by Suriya, who also appears in a supporting character along with Amala Paul. The film will mark Pandiraj's last of the trilogy for children, following Pasanga and Marina.

<i>Paayum Puli</i> (2015 film) 2015 film by Suseenthiran

Paayum Puli is a 2015 Indian Tamil language action thriller film written and directed by Suseenthiran starring Vishal and Kajal Aggarwal, with Soori and Samuthirakani in supporting roles. The film was produced by Vendhar Movies and distributed by Escape Artists Motion Pictures. Music for the film was composed by D. Imman. The cinematography was handled by Velraj and the editing done by Anthony.

The Show People is an Indian film production company established by Indian actor Arya. The studio has primarily been involved in the production of Arya's Tamil language films, having worked on films including Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010) and Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga (2015). Arya has also worked as a producer and distributor through the production studio August Cinema where he has worked with Prithviraj, Shaji Nadesan and Santosh Sivan on Malayalam language films.

<i>Maaveeran Kittu</i> 2016 Indian film

Maaveeran Kittu is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language period action drama film written and directed by Suseenthiran. The film stars R. Parthiepan, Vishnu Vishal and Sri Divya in the lead roles. It is the first time Yugabharathi has written film dialogues.

<i>Kathanayagan</i> (2017 film) 2017 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film by Tha. Muruganantham

Kathanayagan is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Tha. Muruganantham. Produced by Vishnu Vishal, the film also stars him alongside Catherine Tresa, Anandaraj, and Soori. Featuring music composed by Sean Roldan, the venture began production in September 2016. The film was released on 8 September 2017 and received negative reviews from film critics and the audience.

<i>Silukkuvarupatti Singam</i> 2018 film directed by [[Chella Ayyavu]]

Silukkuvarupatti Singam is a 2018 Indian Tamil language action comedy film written and directed by Chella Ayyavu. Produced by Vishnu Vishal, the film also features Vishnu in the lead role alongside Regina Cassandra. P. Ravi Shankar, Anandaraj, Yogi Babu, Karunakaran, Livingston, and Mansoor Ali Khan, among others, form an ensemble cast. The film features Leon James as composer, Ruben as editor, and Laxman Kumar as cinematographer. The venture began production in February 2017 and was released on 21 December 2018. Upon release, the film received mixed to positive reviews from the critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dushara Vijayan</span> Indian actress

Dushara Vijayan is an Indian actress who is known for her works in Tamil cinema. She made her debut in the Tamil film Bodhai Yeri Budhi Maari (2019), and gained recognition for her performances in Sarpatta Parambarai (2021), Natchathiram Nagargiradhu (2022) and Raayan (2024).

Monica Chinnakotla is an Indian actress who has appeared in Tamil films. After making her debut in the Tamil film Jeeva (2014), she has been seen in films including Jiivi (2019) and Bachelor (2021).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S. U. Arun Kumar</span> Indian film director and screenwriter

S. U. Arun Kumar is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in the Tamil film industry. He is from Paravai near Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He is known for directing the films Pannaiyarum Padminiyum (2014), Sethupathi (2016), Sindhubaadh (2019), and Chithha (2023).

Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by S. U. Arun Kumar. It is produced by Riya Shibu under HR Pictures. The film stars Vikram in the titular role, alongside S. J. Suryah, Dushara Vijayan, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Siddique. The sequel to Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 1, its predecessor has yet to begin production.

References

  1. "When KKR's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in Tamil film!". The Week. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  2. "KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in a Tamil movie Jeeva back in 2014". CricTracker. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  3. "Suseenthirans next: Veera Dheera Sooran". indiaglitz.com. Archived from the original on 25 October 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  4. "Pandiraj Does It For Vishnu And Suseenthiran - Veera Dheera Sooran - Pandiraj - Suseenthiran - Vishnu - Tamil Movie News - Behindwoods.com". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  5. "Vishnu's next titled 'Veera Dheera Sooran'". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 15 August 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  6. Menon, Vishal (4 November 2017). "'You're finished if you fail with a star,' says director Suseenthiran". The Hindu.
  7. "Actress Sri Divya signs her third project titled Veera Dheera Sooran aka Veera Deera Sooran". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  8. "Suseenthiran's new film with Vishnu Vishal has been re-titled as Jeeva". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  9. "Surbhi goes glam for her Tollywood debut". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  10. "ஜீவா விமர்சனம்". Cine Writers. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  11. Srinivasa Ramanujam (14 September 2014). "Three lyricists, one family, one movie". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  12. "Tamil Movie launch, audio release, celebrity events and function coverage". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 12 September 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  13. "VFF acquires TN theatrical rights of 'Jeeva'". Sify. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  14. M. Suganth (27 September 2014). "Jeeva Movie Review". The Times of India . Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  15. Subha J Rao (27 September 2014). "Jeeva: This willow wins". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  16. IANS (26 September 2014). "'Jeeva' - passion versus politics (IANS Tamil Movie Review)". business-standard.com. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  17. "Jeeva". Sify . Archived from the original on 8 June 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  18. "Jeeva Movie Review - Tamil Movie Review - Movie Review". cinemalead.com. Retrieved 17 September 2015.