Taramani | |
---|---|
![]() Poster | |
Directed by | Ram |
Written by | Ram |
Produced by | Dr. L. Gopinath Ram J. Satish Kumar |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Theni Eswar |
Edited by | A. Sreekar Prasad |
Music by | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
Production companies | Catamaran Productions JSK Film Corporation |
Release date |
|
Running time | 150 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Taramani is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Ram. He co-produced the film with J. Satish Kumar under his production company Catamaran Productions. The film stars Andrea Jeremiah, Vasanth Ravi and Adrian Knight Jesly, with Anjali appearing in a cameo. The venture began production in August 2013 and was released after several delays on 11 August 2017. The film was received with positive reviews and it was a sleeper hit at the box office. Eyes Wide Shut , Y tu mamá también and Knife in the Water were the inspirations for this film . [2] For his performance as a lead actor in this debut film, Vasanth Ravi received The Best Debut Actor award at the 10th Vijay Awards and at the Jio 65th South Filmfare Awards in 2018. [3]
Althea Johnson is a young, Anglo Indian single mother working for the corporate sector in Chennai. One rainy evening, she takes shelter under an abandoned bus stop alongside a rugged young man, Prabhunath. Although they appear to be suspicious of each other, they both eventually start talking and become friends.
Prabhu reveals to Althea how he worked at a call centre and hated his job. The only good thing about his workplace is that it is located opposite to his girlfriend, Sowmya's IT office. Sowmya was a highly educated but conservative, emotional young woman. When Sowmya needed money to get her visa to work in the States, Prabhu stole money from a sleeping stranger on the train and gave it to her. However, she married another man there, leaving Prabhu heartbroken. When he learnt that the man he stole from, died of a heart attack, Prabhu started to blame himself and became depressed. He almost committed suicide at the Taramani railway station, but was saved by a railway policeman, who later became his good friend.
Later on, Althea introduces Prabhu to her son, Adrian and her mother. Her mother disapproves of Althea's friendship with Prabhu and this forces Althea to leave the house. Being homeless, she is forced to spend the night at the railway station. Althea explains that she caught her husband, Jacob having an affair with a man. Understanding that he can never love her as a woman due to his sexuality, she separates from her husband unaware that she was pregnant. Althea and her son Adrian spend lot of time together. One day, Adrian asks Althea if he can call Prabhu his father. They eventually confess their feelings for each other and move in together.
Prabhu becomes possessive and overprotective, eventually suspecting Althea of having an affair with her boss. Things take a turn for the worse when Prabhu reads a crude text message from her boss. The argument leads to a breakup. Later, Prabhu visits Sowmya, who is back for a holiday. She gives him a box of chocolates as a gift but he rejects it. While her husband is out, he forces her to capture intimate photos with her, to blackmail for money. However, the chocolate box already had more money than he stole for her. Ashamed at how much he had changed, Prabhu leaves Sowmya's hotel room.
Meanwhile, Althea meets her boss who makes sexist remarks about her. She politely ignores them and takes selfies of them together supposedly as a truce and uploads the photos to social media. Fearing that his wife and daughter will see them, he begs her to delete the photos. Using this, Althea successfully blackmails him into applying for his transfer. Unaware of this, Prabhu berates her for having an affair with her boss after seeing the photos online.
With a broken heart for the second time, Prabhu decides to embrace the dark side. He flirts anonymously with lonely married women via phone and records them. Later, he blackmails them for money. One of the women turns out to be a friend of the city's assistant police commissioner. While tapping Prabhu's phone, the policeman learns that one of the women with whom he is in contact is his own wife. The policeman rushes home and beats up both Prabhu and his own wife. Seeing the policeman abuse his wife Prabhu is reminded of himself and how he treated Althea.
With the money that he received from Sowmya, Prabhu visits the family of the man from whom he stole and repays the money. The widow tells him that the postmortem revealed that her husband died hours before Prabhu stole the money and forgives him. Prabhu learns his lesson and decides to start life afresh.
Prabhu returns to Althea and asks her for forgiveness. She forgives him but asks him to leave the city since she does not want to complicate her son Adrian's life. After multiple apologies spanning over a few days, she eventually accepts his love, and they live happily ever after.
Prior to the release of Thanga Meengal (2013), Ram announced his next film named Taramani would feature actress Andrea and consequently, the first look of the movie was released in August 2013. [4] Ram picked Andrea Jeremiah to play the lead role, labelling her as a "underutilized actress" and revealing that the film would be a "lifetime role" for her. [5] In September 2013, the director held a test shoot and also filmed a song for the film. [6] The filming for the project began in late November 2013 and a video book was released shortly after featuring the lead actors. [7]
Talking about the delay of the film, Ram revealed that he had to make changes to the script as time had passed. For example, he remarked that the concept of using WhatsApp amongst Chennai folk was uncommon in 2013 but had to work it into the second half as it became more popular by the time of the film's release in 2017. He also revealed that he considered shelving the film after he noticed similarities with Mani Ratnam's O Kadhal Kanmani (2015) and Karthik Subbaraj's Iraivi (2016), which had contained similar taboo themes for audiences in Tamil Nadu. [8]
Taramani | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Soundtrack album by | ||||
Released | 30 December 2016 | |||
Genre | Feature Film Soundtrack | |||
Length | 23:45 | |||
Language | Tamil | |||
Label | JSK Audio | |||
Producer | Yuvan Shankar Raja Sunny M.R. (for Andrea Jeremiah) | |||
Yuvan Shankar Raja Andrea Jeremiah chronology | ||||
|
On 9 February 2014, a single song written, composed and sung by Andrea Jeremiah titled "The Soul of Taramani" that will not be part of the film or soundtrack album was released by actor Kamal Haasan and director Bharathiraja. The background score and soundtrack is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, with the album released on 30 December 2016. [9]
No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Yaaro Ucchikillai Meley" | Na. Muthukumar | Yuvan Shankar Raja | 2:58 |
2. | "Un Badhil Vendi" | Na. Muthukumar | Siddharth, Sruthi S | 4:23 |
3. | "Unnai Unnai Unnai" | Na. Muthukumar | Yuvan Shankar Raja, Sruthi S | 2:57 |
4. | "Kaadhal Oru Kattukkadhai" | Na. Muthukumar, SuVi | SuVi, Rita | 3:02 |
5. | "Oru Koappai" | Na. Muthukumar | Andrea Jeremiah | 3:52 |
6. | "Paavangalai" | Na. Muthukumar | Mukesh Mohamed, Senthildass Velayutham, Yuvan Shankar Raja | 4:26 |
7. | "From The Bottom Of Our Hearts" | Yuvan Shankar Raja, Ram | 2:07 | |
Total length: | 23:45 |
After four years of production works, Taramani had a theatrical release on 11 August 2017. After a slow start at the box office, the number of screens increased during the second week and the film progressed to become a big success in multiplex cinemas across Chennai. [10] Taramani also won primarily positive reviews, with the Deccan Chronicle noting "on the whole, the film is a worthy watch that will leave you intrigued", while giving Andrea Jeremiah particular praise for her portrayal of the lead character. [11] The Indian Express wrote "Despite its shortcomings, Taramani has a lot working in its favour. Andrea Jeremiah and Vasanth Ravi's remarkable performances and of course, Ram's witty, satirical interspersions in the narrative", while The New Indian Express also praised the film. [12] [13] In contrast, a critic from The Hindu wrote "the film tries to do too much" and labelled Ram's voiceovers as "preachy". [14] Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion called it "is A flawed, yet fascinating look at men, women and their circumstances" in his review. [15] The film received two nominations at the 65th Filmfare Awards South: Best Tamil Film and Best Tamil Actress for Andreah Jeremiah. [16] while Vasanth Ravi wins Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South
Kadhalan ( transl. Loverboy) is a 1994 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film directed by S. Shankar and produced by K. T. Kunjumon, who co-wrote the story. The film stars Prabhu Deva and Nagma, alongside Vadivelu, Raghuvaran, Girish Karnad and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. In the film, a college student falls in love with the daughter of the state's governor, who has plans of toppling the state government.
Kandukondain Kandukondain is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language romantic musical film directed and co-written by Rajiv Menon. Based on Jane Austen's 1811 novel Sense and Sensibility, it features an ensemble cast of Mammootty, Ajith Kumar, Tabu, Aishwarya Rai and Abbas. Veterans Manivannan, Srividya and Raghuvaran play supporting roles. The film's soundtrack was scored by A. R. Rahman and the cinematographer was Ravi K. Chandran.
Pokkiri (transl. Rogue) is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Kanagarathna Movies. It is the Tamil remake of the 2006 Telugu film Pokiri directed by story writer Puri Jagannadh. The film stars Vijay in the lead role alongside Asin, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Mukesh Tiwari, Vadivelu, Sriman, Anandaraj, Napoleon, Vincent Asokan, Subbaraju and Master Bharath. The film is about a young IPS officer who works for Police Commissioner Mohammed Maideen Khan IPS and goes undercover as a rogue to take out the anti-socials.
Andrea Maria Jeremiah, known professionally as Andrea Jeremiah, is an Indian actress and playback singer who works predominantly in Tamil and Malayalam films. She is a recipient of several awards including nominations for Filmfare Awards South.
Saroja is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language comedy thriller film written and directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by T. Siva. It stars Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Shiva, Vaibhav, Premji, S. P. Charan and Vega Tamotia as the title character, while Sampath Raj, Nikita Thukral, Bose Venkat and Kajal Aggarwal play other vital roles. Several other popular Tamil television artists and crew members make special appearances throughout the film. The score and soundtrack were composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja with cinematography by Sakthi Saravanan.
Aadukalam is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Vetrimaran, produced by S. Kathiresan and distributed by Sun Pictures. The film stars Dhanush in the lead role, alongside Taapsee Pannu, Kishore, V. I. S. Jayapalan, Naren Narayanan, and Murugadoss. G. V. Prakash Kumar composed the film score and soundtrack.
Chinna Thambi is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language romantic musical drama film written and directed by P. Vasu. The film stars Prabhu as the titular character, an uneducated village simpleton and Khushbu as Nandini, a homeschooled wealthy girl. Manorama, Radha Ravi, Uday Prakash, Rajeshkumar, and Goundamani play supporting roles. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, and the film released on 12 April 1991.
Anjali is an Indian actress who primarily works in Tamil and Telugu films. Anjali is recognised as one of the finest actors in Tamil cinema, known for her "performance-oriented roles". She is a recipient of several accolades including three Filmfare Awards South and two Nandi Awards.
Thillalangadi (transl. Defiler) is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film directed by Mohan Raja. A remake of the 2009 Telugu film Kick, it stars Raja's brother Ravi Mohan along with Tamannaah Bhatia, and Shaam, who reprises his role from Kick, and a supporting cast including Prabhu, Suhasini Maniratnam, Vadivelu, Santhanam, and Sanchita Shetty. The film features a soundtrack composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, whilst Thaman S's original score has been reused. The film, produced by Raja's father Editor Mohan and distributed by Sun Pictures, was released on 23 July 2010.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is an Indian actress who works predominantly in Telugu and Tamil films. One of South India's highest-paid actresses, Samantha is the recipient of several accolades, including four Filmfare Awards South, two Nandi Awards and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award.
Mankatha is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by Dayanidhi Azhagiri's Cloud Nine Movies. The film stars an ensemble cast of Ajith Kumar, Lakshmi Rai, Anjali, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Andrea Jeremiah, Ashwin Kakumanu, Vaibhav Reddy, Premji Amaren, Mahat Raghavendra, Jayaprakash, Aravind Akash and Subbu Panchu. It is the fiftieth film of Ajith as a lead actor and the third and penultimate film of the production studio. The film follows Vinayak, a corrupt ACP in Mumbai, who joins a gang of four who plans on a heist of cricket betting money.
Kumki is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language musical adventure romantic drama film written and directed by Prabhu Solomon. It was presented by N. Lingusamy and produced by N. Subash Chandra Bose, under the banner Thirrupathi Brothers, and distributed by K. E. Gnanavel Raja under the banner Studio Green. It features Vikram Prabhu, making his acting debut, while Lakshmi Menon, Thambi Ramaiah and Ashvin Raja appear in other prominent roles.
3 is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language romantic psychological thriller film written and directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, the former wife of the actor Dhanush, who also produced the film, thus making their debut in both the fields. He also played the lead role alongside Shruti Haasan, whilst Sivakarthikeyan and Sunder Ramu appear in prominent roles. The film follows Ram (Dhanush) and Janani, two intermediate sweethearts who eventually get married. However, When Ram commits suicide all of a sudden and she tries to find out the truth behind his death.
Neethaane En Ponvasantham is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film co written, co produced and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, starring Jiiva and Samantha. It was shot and released simultaneously in Telugu as Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu, with Nani replacing Jiiva, while the team also briefly filmed an incomplete Hindi version, Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau, with Aditya Roy Kapoor in the male lead, and Samantha playing the female lead in all the three versions. The film was based on a story written by Reshma Ghatala, who produced the film alongside Elred Kumar, Venkat Somasundaram, and Menon. The cinematography was handled by M. S. Prabhu and Om Prakash.
Vishwaroopam is the soundtrack album, composed by the music trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, for the Tamil film of the same name, directed by Kamal Haasan. The album features five tracks, with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu and Kamal Hassan himself. The soundtrack's Hindi version Vishwaroop, has lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar.
Maya is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language neo-noir horror film written and directed by Ashwin Saravanan and produced by Potential Studios. The film features Nayanthara in her 50th film along with Aari Arujunan in the lead roles, while Lakshmi Priya and Amzath Khan play supporting roles. The music was composed by Ron Ethan Yohann with cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan and editing by T. S. Suresh.
Thanga Magan is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language coming of age family drama film written and directed by Velraj. Dhanush produced and stars in the film alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson.
Vasantha Kumar Ravi, known professionally as Vasanth Ravi, is an Indian actor born in Chennai. He embarked on his artistic journey in the Indian film industry in 2017 with a debut in "Taramani." Vasanth Ravi boasts a diverse academic background, holding both MBBS and Healthcare Management (Masters) degrees. He is the son of Ravi Muthukrishnan, Chairman of the Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan chain of restaurants.
Rocky is a 2021 Indian Tamil-language neo-noir action film directed by Arun Matheswaran in his directorial debut, while it was produced by C. R. Manoj Kumar under RA Studios and distributed by Rowdy Pictures. It stars Vasanth Ravi, Bharathiraja and Raveena Ravi in the lead roles. The music was composed by Darbuka Siva, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Shreyaas Krishna and Nagooran Ramachandran.
Peranbu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is the soundtrack album to the 2019 film of the same name directed by Ram and produced by P. L. Thenappan starring Mammootty and Anjali. The film's soundtrack is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja with lyrics written by Vairamuthu, Sumathy Ram and Karunakaran. The soundtrack was released under the Saregama record label on 15 July 2018 to positive reviews from critics and Yuvan won the Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Music Director and was nominated for the SIIMA Award for Best Music Director.