Nandalala

Last updated

Nandalala
Nandalala.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Mysskin
Written byMysskin
Based on Kikujiro by Takeshi Kitano
by
Produced by K. Karunamoorthy
C. Arunpandian
StarringMysskin
Snigdha Akolkar
Ashwath Ram
Cinematography Mahesh Muthuswami
Edited byRavi Shankar
Music by Ilayaraaja
Production
company
Distributed byAyngaran International
Release date
  • 26 November 2010 (2010-11-26)
Running time
125 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Nandalala is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language independent drama film written and directed by Mysskin. He himself plays the lead role, alongside newcomer Ashwath Ram and Snigdha Akolkar. The film, which is produced by Ayngaran International and features a highly acclaimed musical score by Ilaiyaraaja, is based on the 1999 Japanese film Kikujiro , [1] [2] [3] and partly inspired from Mysskin's life. [4] [5] The movie was an average grosser.

Contents

The film illustrates the road journey of two people, a mentally challenged adult and an eight-year-old schoolboy, both in search of their respective mothers. Myshkin began developing Nandalala in 2006, penning the scriptment for eight months. Supposed to be filmed, after the release of Myshkin's debut film Chithiram Pesuthadi (2006), the film was shelved since no producer came forward to fund the film, and was launched only in June 2008, [6] after the release of Myshkin's second film Anjathe (2008). It was completed by December 2008, [7] but got stuck in development hell later, with no distributors willing to release the film. Following numerous preview shows and screenings at several film festivals, the film eventually released on 26 November 2010, opening to very positive reviews and garnering critical acclaim. [8] [9] [10]

Cast

Production

Development

After Myshkin had completed and released his maiden venture Chithiram Pesuthadi in 2006, he wrote the script for Nandalala for eight months, which was supposed to be his next directorial. [11] A. M. Ratnam was initially to produce the film, for which his son Ravi Krishna was to play the lead role. [12] Despite completing a photo shoot with Ravi Krishna, the film was shelved, since Ratnam opted out, after he incurred heavy losses with his previous productions. [11] Director Saran was subsequently approached by Myshkin to produce the film, but as he wasn't impressed by the storyline and suggested some changes, which Myshkin didn't agree to, he, too, dropped the film. [12] Myshkin decided to postpone the project, since "nobody was interested", [13] and instead wrote a new story and commenced a new project, which itself was a result of Myshkin's anger. [13] [14] Myshkin later revealed, that in spite of demands from the producers, he didn't make any compromises in this film, in contrast to his previous ventures, as Nandhalala was his "dream project". [15]

That film was Anjathe , which released in 2008, following which Myshkin re-commenced Nandalala, taking up the lead role himself, after several lead actors from the Tamil film industry had rejected the offer, [2] [4] fearing of "their image would get damaged". [14] The lead character, Bhaskar Mani, that Myshkin plays in the film was initially supposed to be around 20 years old; however, as no actor, including Vikram, was willing to take the role and he decide to play the character, he changed the age to 27 to make it more suitable. [14] [16] For the seven-year-old schoolboy character, newcomer Ashwath Ram was selected, after over 100 children were auditioned. [17] Snigdha Akolkar, who had performed an item number in Anjathe, was chosen to enact the lead female character, while Rohini was signed to play the mother of the lead character Bhaskar Mani. [2] Nandhalala was initially Snigdha's debut Tamil film, for which Myshkin had signed her in 2006 already, but with the film getting postponed, she made her first appearance in Anjathe that Myshkin decided to direct instead. [18] [19] Reports indicated that Arya's brother Zahir had been signed for a pivotal as well, [20] which turned out to be untrue. The film's filming began in late June 2008 eventually, [6] was completed in 81 days, with major portions being shot on highways and roads in Chennai, [21] and Gobichettipalayam. [2] After Ilaiyaraaja had completed the film score of the film, the soundtrack album was released in January 2009, while the first trailer was premiered in July 2009 alongside Sundar C.'s Ainthaam Padai . [22]

Soundtrack

Nandalala
Soundtrack album by
Ilaiyaraaja
Released14 January 2009
Recorded2008
Genre Feature film soundtrack
LengthAyngaran Music
An Ak Audio
Producer Ilaiyaraaja
Ilaiyaraaja chronology
Naan Kadavul
(2009)		Nandalala
(2009)		 Bhagyadevatha
(2009)

After working with Sundar C. Babu for both his previous films, Myshkin opted to collaborate with composer Ilaiyaraaja for Nandalala's music. The soundtrack album to this film was released on 14 January 2009, during Pongal at the Four Frames theater in Chennai. [23] The album features 6 tracks while, however, only two of them were included in the final version. [23] Ilaiyaraaja had performed three songs himself, one of which "Oru vandu Kootame" along with his grandson and Karthik Raja's eldest son Yatheeshwaran. The sixth song in the album "Elilea Elilea" was written and sung by a gypsy woman called Saroja Ammal in her mother tongue. [24] Apart from Saroja Ammal, five lyricists had penned the songs, namely Na. Muthukumar, Mu. Metha, Muthulingam, Kabilan and Palani Bharathi.

Myshkin stated that he had requested Ilaiyaraaja to come up with a music that should be "enjoyed and appreciated by the likes of a hunter in an African cave". [2] Ilaiyaraaja, hence, composed a "simple" and "minimalized" score and had written a symphonic piece, using only three instruments, a flute, an oboe and a violin, for which three specialized Hungarian artists from the Budapest Festival Orchestra were invited. [2] [25]

Tracklist
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Melle Oorndhu Oorndhu" Na. Muthukumar Ilaiyaraaja  
2."Onnukkonnu" Mu. Metha K. J. Yesudas  
3."Thalaattu Ketka Nanum" Ilaiyaraaja Ilaiyaraaja  
4."Kai Veesi"Palani Bharathi Vijay Yesudas, Swetha Mohan, Madhu Balakrishnan, Raagul, Chandrasekar 
5."Oru Vandu Koottame" Kabilan Ilaiyaraaja, Master Yatheeswaran 
6."Elilea Elilea"Saroja AmmalSaroja Ammal 

Release

Made on a budget of ₹3.5 crore, [26] Nandalala's post-production works were finished in early 2009, Nandalala was evading release dates for over a year, mainly since distributors were fearing and unwilling to distribute the film due to its offbeat theme. Finally Ayngaran International was able to release the film on 26 November 2010, one-a-half years after its completion, facing opposition from newcomer Sripathy's Kanimozhi . Nandalala took the better opening at the Chennai box office, opening at second position, ranking just behind Mynaa , while earning ₹ 20,89,502 from 146 screens. [8] The film was subsequently crowded out at the box-office by new releases, becoming an average grosser.

Reviews

Before the wide theatrical release on 26 November, the film was screened several times at film festivals and as preview shows to prominent filmmakers, actors and distributors. Following one such preview show, actor-director Kamal Haasan had described the film as an "excellent, must-watch film", recommending Sun Pictures to distribute the film. [27] At the Norway Film Festival, the film had won the Critics' as well as the People's Choice Award. [28]

After its theatrical release, the film gained mostly highly positive reviews and praise, with most critics claiming that Myshkin had made a meaningful film that marks a milestone in Tamil cinema. [29] The Hindu 's Malathi Rangarajan, too gave a very positive verdict, calling it the "real road film" that is made "for seekers of worthy cinema". Further praising the director, she cites that Myshkin "rises high above the standards he set with the earlier quality cocktails" and that "Tamil cinema needs more creators like him". [30] Pavithra Srinivasan of Rediff rated the film four out five describing Nandalala as "brilliant", [31] eventually finding a place in the list of her "Best Tamil films of 2010" article, [32] while a review from Indiaglitz labelled the film as "mindblowing and marvellous", further claiming that Myshkin "seems to have taken Tamil cinema to a new height". [33]

A Behindwoods reviewer, too, gave the film four out of five, describing the film as "Picture Perfect" that "transcends genres and even barriers of language". [10] Top10Cinema's reviewer labelled the film as Mysskin's "yet another trademark", [9] while, as per Sify.com, a "popular English daily" had given it four and a half out five, the highest rating it has given for any Tamil film. [29] Meanwhile, Sify critic Sreedhar Pillai in his review described Nandalala as "another heart wrenching story" that was "slow and melancholic", claiming it was for people "like films that explores the realms of anguish and despair". [34]

Plagiarism

The film drew criticism for its inspiration from Kikujiro . Whilst The New Indian Express review tributed Ilaiyaraaja for an "outstanding" background score, it criticised Myshkin for replicating "not just the concept, but almost the entire graph of the plot and narration" of the original, labelling it as "blatant plagiarism". The critic added that it is "not just an embarrassment to the maker, but to the viewer too". [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yuvan Shankar Raja</span> Indian composer and singer-songwriter

Yuvan Shankar Raja is an Indian film score and soundtrack composer and singer-songwriter. He mainly scores music for Tamil films along with few Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. Considered a versatile composer, he is particularly known for his use of Western music elements and often credited with having introduced hip hop to the Tamil film and music industry and started the "era of remixes" in Tamil Nadu which included mixed EDM and jazz. He is frequently referred to as the "BGM King" and the "Young Maestro" of Tamil Film Music. Yuvan has won two Filmfare Awards South, five Mirchi Music Awards South, three Vijay Awards and two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srikanth (actor, born 1979)</span> 21st century Indian actor

Srikanth is an Indian actor known for his works predominantly in Tamil and Telugu films. He is credited as Sriram in Telugu films. He debuted in K. Balachander's tele serial Jannal – Marabu Kavithaigal (1999). His film debut was in the romantic film Roja Kootam (2002) and went on to star in more such films including April Maadhathil (2002), Parthiban Kanavu (2003) and Okariki Okaru (2003). He subsequently went on to portray action roles in Drohi (2010). In 2012, he starred in Nanban, the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots, directed by S. Shankar.

<i>Naan Kadavul</i> 2009 Indian Tamil-language art film

Naan Kadavul is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Bala and produced by K. S. Sreenivasan. The film is based on the Tamil novel Yezhaam Ulagam by Jeyamohan, who also penned the dialogues for the film. The film stars Arya, Pooja Umashanker and Rajendran in the lead roles. The background score and soundtrack were composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Chithiram Pesuthadi is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language romantic action drama film written and directed by Mysskin in his directorial debut. The film stars Narain and Bhavana, both making their debuts in Tamil cinema industry. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Sundar C Babu with cinematography by Mahesh Muthuswami and editing by M. Kasi Viswanathan. Produced by Dreambridge Productions on a budget of ₹ 1.20 crores, the film faced publicity issues but later released in Chennai and the rest of Tamil Nadu. The movie became a massive hit of that year. The film was later remade in Telugu as Raju Bhai, and in Kannada as Kiccha Huccha.

<i>Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam</i> 2006 Indian film

Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by Boopathy Pandian and produced by Vimala Geetha. Dhanush and Shriya Saran play the lead roles, while Prakash Raj, Karunas and Saranya Ponvannan play other pivotal roles. The film, which had music composed by D. Imman, was released on 15 December 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karthi</span> Indian actor (born 1977)

Karthik Sivakumar, known as Karthi, is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Tamil cinema. He has won three Filmfare Awards South, an Edison Award, a SIIMA Award and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

Vinay Rai is an Indian actor who primarily appears in Tamil films. He is best known for his performance in the films Unnale Unnale (2007), Jayamkondaan (2008), Endrendrum Punnagai (2013) and Aranmanai (2014). He turned villain in Thupparivaalan (2017) and has played negative roles in several films including Doctor (2021), Etharkkum Thunindhavan (2022) and Christopher (2023).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. Lingusamy</span> Indian film director

Nammalvar Lingusamy,, is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and film producer in Tamil cinema based in Chennai. Lingusamy made his directorial debut with Aanandham in 2001 and followed by Run (2002), Sandakozhi (2005), Paiyaa (2010) and Vettai (2012). He and his brother N. Subash Chandrabose have also produced films through his production company, Thirupathi Brothers.

<i>Anjathe</i> 2008 film directed by Mysskin

Anjathe is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language action film written and directed by Mysskin and produced by V. Hitesh Jhabak. The film stars Narain, Prasanna, Ajmal Ameer, and Vijayalakshmi. The film opened to rave reviews for its technical expertise, avant-garde filmmaking, and for the performance of actor Prasanna. The film became a "blockbuster" at the box office. The composition of frames, selection of shots and its counter meaning in narration made Anjathe a perfect example of Tamil New Wave cinema. The film was remade in Kannada as Anjadiru (2009).

<i>Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy</i> 2005 Indian film

Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language satirical film directed by Thangar Bachan, who also stars with Navya Nair. It is a remake of the Malayalam film Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mysskin</span> Indian filmmaker

Shanmugha Raja, known professionally as Mysskin, is an Indian film director, screenwriter, actor, singer, producer and composer.

Rajadhi Raja is a 2009 Tamil language masala film written and directed by Sakthi Chidambaram and produced by Radha Sakthi Chidambaram. It stars Lawrence Raghavendra, Mumtaj, Snigdha Akolkar, Kamna Jethmalani, Meenakshi, and Karunas. The film was released on 15 May 2009 and received extremely negative reviews. It was later dubbed in Hindi as Kasam Paida Karnewale Ki.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ajmal Ameer</span> Indian actor

Ajmal Ameer is an Indian actor known for his works in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu language films. He has won two Filmfare Awards South for his role Anjathe (2008) and Ko (2011).

<i>Mayakkam Enna</i> 2011 film directed by Selvaraghavan

Mayakkam Enna is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language psychological drama film written and directed by Selvaraghavan and produced by Gemini Film Circuit in association with Aum Productions its own banner. It stars his brother Dhanush, along with newcomer Richa Gangopadhyay, and features music scored by G. V. Prakash Kumar while the cinematography was handled by Ramji. The film revolves around an aspiring photographer and the problems he faces, causing him to fall into distress. How he manages to achieve his goals from thereafter forms the rest of the story.

<i>Paiyaa</i> 2010 film by N. Linguswamy

Paiyaa (transl. Boy) is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language action-adventure film written, produced and directed by N. Linguswamy. It stars Karthi and Tamannaah Bhatia, with Milind Soman, Jagan and Sonia Deepti appearing in supporting roles. The film, produced by N. Subash Chandra Bose under the banner of Thirupathi Brothers and distributed by Dhayanidhi Alagiri's Cloud Nine Movies, features a film score and soundtrack composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography by Madhi and editing by Anthony Gonsalves.

<i>Mugamoodi</i> 2012 superhero film directed by Mysskin

Mugamoodi (transl. Mask) is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language superhero film directed by Mysskin and produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur. The film stars Jiiva, Narain, Pooja Hegde, Nassar, Selva and Girish Karnad. The music was composed by Krishna Kumar with cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan and editing by Gaugin.

<i>Kanimozhi</i> (film) 2010 Indian film

Kanimozhi is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language musical romance film directed and written by Sripathi Rangasamy and jointly produced by T. Siva and Sona Heiden. It stars Jai, Shazahn Padamsee, and Vijay Vasanth in the lead roles. The film features music composed by Satish Chakravarthy, cinematography by Chidamparam and editing done by duo Praveen K. L. and N. B. Srikanth.

<i>Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai</i> 2011 Indian film

Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai is a 2011 Tamil-language mystery comedy drama film directed by Suseenthiran, based on the short story of the same name penned by writer Bhaskar Sakthi. The film stars Appukutty and Saranya Mohan in lead and features music by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was initially reported to be jointly produced by Gautham Vasudev Menon's Photon Kathaas and Escape Artists Motion Pictures. but was then produced by the latter only, while Cloud Nine Movies would distribute film. The film released on 12 May 2011 to critical acclaim but commercially did average collections.

<i>Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum</i> 2013 Indian film

Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language neo-noir thriller film written, directed and produced by Mysskin. Sri of Vazhakku Enn 18/9 fame, Mysskin, and Shaji Chen play the lead roles in the film. The film score was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film had no heroine and no songs. Filming began on 11 March 2013 and the crew shot the entire film in and around Chennai city. Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum released on 27 September 2013 and got universal acclaim. This film acquired cult status in Tamil cinema and inspired similar themes.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/entertainment/kollywood/010216/not-taken-too-well.html
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Director Mysskin – Interview – Behindwoods.com – Tamil Movie Director Interviews – Nandhalala, Anjathe, Chithiram Pesudhadi". Behindwoods. 21 January 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  3. ↑ Baradwaj Rangan (11 September 2010). "Between Reviews: Meeting Mysskin « Blogical Conclusion". Baradwajrangan.wordpress.com. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  4. 1 2 Subha J Rao (20 November 2010). "Arts / Cinema : His own path". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  5. ↑ "Director Mysskin – Behindwoods.com – Interview". Behindwoods. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  6. 1 2 "'Nandhalala' starts filming – Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 6 July 2008. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  7. ↑ "Mysskin completes Nandalala". Sify . 17 December 2008. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  8. 1 2 "Nandalala - Behindwoods.com - Tamil Top Ten Movies - Mandhira punnagai Magizhchi Nagaram Endhiran Uthama Puthiran Kanimozhi Nandalala Mynaa". Archived from the original on 2 December 2010. Retrieved 29 November 2010.
  9. 1 2 "Nandhalala | Movie Review". Top 10 Cinema. Archived from the original on 26 November 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. 1 2 "Nandalala Movie Review – Tamil Movie Nandalala Movie Review". Behindwoods. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  11. 1 2 cinesouth (19 January 2007). "Dailynews – Has 'Nandalala' been forsaken?". Cinesouth. Archived from the original on 22 January 2007. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  12. 1 2 "Mysskin runs around with Nandalala — Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 22 November 2006. Archived from the original on 27 November 2006. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  13. 1 2 "Mysskin, on making Anjathe". Rediff. 24 March 2008. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  14. 1 2 3 "rediff.com: Mysskin: Shooting straight from the heart". Rediff. 15 September 2008. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  15. ↑ "rediff.com: Mysskin: Shooting straight from the heart". Rediff. 15 September 2008. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  16. ↑ "Vikram was the first choice for Mysskin's 'Nandhalala'!". Sify . Archived from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  17. ↑ "rediff.com: Mysskin: Shooting straight from the heart". Rediff. 15 September 2008. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  18. ↑ "Mysskin's next — Telugu Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 14 March 2008. Archived from the original on 27 March 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  19. ↑ V Lakshmi, TNN, 22 Nov 2010, 12.00am IST (22 November 2010). "I'm not ready to do skin shows: Snigdha". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2010.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  20. ↑ "Star brother in Mysskin's Nandhalala". Behindwoods. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  21. ↑ "'Nandhalala' going strong – Bollywood Movie News". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 13 June 2011. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  22. ↑ "Page Not Found". Sify .{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)[ dead link ]
  23. 1 2 "Nandalala Audio Launch". Behindwoods. 15 January 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  24. ↑ "Gypsies in Nandalala". Yahoo.com. 22 September 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  25. ↑ "Friday Review Bangalore / Personality : Maestro's touch". The Hindu . Chennai, India. 26 December 2008. Archived from the original on 10 January 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  26. ↑ "Mysskin - Back to the roots". Sify . Archived from the original on 17 September 2017.
  27. ↑ "Kamal recommends 'Nandalala' to Sun Pictures".
  28. ↑ "Nandalala - Tamil Movie Previews - Nandalala - Mysskin - Aswath Ram - Ilayaraja - Behindwoods.com". www.behindwoods.com.
  29. 1 2 "Mysskin goes to Mookambi!". Sify . 29 November 2010. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  30. ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (27 November 2010). "Real road film – Nandalala". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
  31. ↑ "Review: Nandhalala is brilliant".
  32. ↑ "The Best Tamil Films of 2010". Rediff. 9 December 2010. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  33. ↑ "Nandhalala Tamil Movie Review". IndiaGlitz. 26 November 2010. Archived from the original on 7 July 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  34. ↑ "Review : (2010)". Sify . Archived from the original on 28 November 2010.
  35. ↑ "Nandalala — Review". The New Indian Express. 5 December 2000. Archived from the original on 31 December 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
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.