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Overview:
Released on April 10, 1997, Arunachalam is a Tamil-language drama film starring the legendary Rajinikanth in the lead role. Directed by Sundar C. and produced by K. S. Nagarajan, the movie is a blend of family drama, action, and comedy, making it a wholesome entertainer. With its intriguing premise and larger-than-life performances, Arunachalam holds a special place in Tamil cinema. This article provides an in-depth review of the film, analyzing its storyline, strengths, and appeal.
Plot Summary
The story of Arunachalam revolves around the titular character, Arunachalam, an honest and kind-hearted man who discovers a shocking truth about his lineage and inheritance. The movie unfolds as Arunachalam faces several challenges to fulfill the conditions of an unusual will left by his biological father. This journey, filled with emotional turmoil, laughter, and unexpected twists, ultimately transforms Arunachalam’s life and reveals the essence of human values. The film keeps viewers engaged with its gripping narrative and dramatic turns without losing its entertainment factor.
What’s Good?
- Rajinikanth’s Stellar Performance: Rajinikanth, the “Superstar” of Tamil cinema, delivers a power-packed performance as Arunachalam. His charisma, comic timing, and emotional depth bring the character to life, making him relatable and inspiring.
- Engaging Direction: Sundar C. does a commendable job of balancing humor, drama, and action. His storytelling ensures that the movie’s pace remains steady, keeping the audience hooked throughout.
- Memorable Music: The soundtrack, composed by Deva, is one of the film’s highlights. Songs like “Oru Pen Pura” and “Athanda Ithanda” became instant hits and are still remembered fondly by fans.
- Entertaining Screenplay: The screenplay, co-written by Crazy Mohan, is packed with witty dialogues, emotional moments, and situational humor. The clever integration of humor and drama enhances the viewing experience.
- Cinematography and Visual Appeal: U. K. Senthil Kumar’s cinematography beautifully captures the vibrant visuals and high-energy action sequences. The film’s locations and production design add authenticity to the story.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The film’s unique concept and execution stand out as major positives.
- The chemistry between the lead actors and supporting cast adds depth to the story.
- The blend of comedy, drama, and action caters to a wide range of audiences.
Weaknesses:
- Certain scenes feel overly dramatized, which may not appeal to all viewers.
- The pacing slows down slightly in the second half, making it feel stretched.
- Some supporting characters are underutilized, leaving their arcs incomplete.
Target Audience
Arunachalam is a movie for everyone. Families will enjoy the emotional and comedic elements, while fans of Rajinikanth will relish his larger-than-life presence. The film also appeals to viewers who enjoy socially relevant themes wrapped in entertaining storytelling. Action lovers and comedy fans will find plenty to cheer for as well.
Box Office Details
- Budget: The total budget of Arunachalam was approximately INR 10 crore.
- Worldwide Collection: The film grossed around INR 60 crore globally, making it a significant box office success.
- First 5 Days Earnings:
- Day 1 (India): INR 5 crore
- Day 1 (Overseas): INR 1 crore
- Day 2 (India): INR 4.5 crore
- Day 2 (Overseas): INR 0.8 crore
- Day 3 (India): INR 4 crore
- Day 3 (Overseas): INR 0.7 crore
- Day 4 (India): INR 3.5 crore
- Day 4 (Overseas): INR 0.6 crore
- Day 5 (India): INR 3 crore
- Day 5 (Overseas): INR 0.5 crore
These figures highlight the film’s strong initial performance and its appeal across different markets.
Recommendation
Arunachalam is an entertaining movie that delivers a perfect mix of drama, comedy, and action. With Rajinikanth’s unmatched energy and a compelling narrative, it is a must-watch for Tamil cinema enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of emotional stories or high-octane drama, Arunachalam is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Genres:
Action, Drama, Comedy
Rating:
7.2/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Rajinikanth | Arunachalam / Vethachalam |
| Soundarya | Vedhavalli |
| Rambha | Nandhini |
| Visu | Rangachari |
| Senthil | Arunachalam’s mama |
| Raghuvaran | Vishvanath |
| Janagaraj | Kaathavaraayan |
| Ambika | Meenatshi |
| Manorama | La Grand-Mère de Vedhavalli |
| Jaishankar | Aathikesavan |
| Crazy Mohan | Ayyasaamy |
| Nizhalgal Ravi | Prathap |
| Ponnambalam | Ponnambalam |
| Vinu Chakravarthy | |
| Kitty | Kurien |
| M. R. Krishnamurthy | |
| V. K. Ramasamy | Kalaiperumal |
| Anju Aravind | Arundhati |
| Ravichandran | Ammayappa |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
