Ghilli is a 2004 Tamil-language action-packed sports drama film directed by Dharani, starring Vijay and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles. Known for its thrilling action sequences and engaging storyline, the film became a massive hit in Tamil cinema. Released on April 17, 2004, Ghilli quickly established itself as one of the most popular Tamil films of its time, resonating with audiences across age groups. The movie, a remake of the Telugu film Okkadu, blends action, romance, and drama in a way that appeals to fans of all genres. With its gripping narrative and powerful performances, Ghilli holds a special place in the hearts of Tamil film lovers even today. This review takes a closer look at the elements that made Ghilli a box-office success and a fan favorite.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story of Ghilli revolves around Velu (Vijay), a young and energetic man who is a skilled kabaddi player. One day, while traveling to a village, Velu encounters a woman named Muthulakshmi (Trisha), who is being pursued by a ruthless politician’s son, who intends to forcefully marry her. In an attempt to save her, Velu becomes entangled in a dangerous situation, where he must protect Muthulakshmi from the clutches of the villain. The story unfolds as Velu goes to great lengths, using his wit and athletic abilities, to outsmart the villain and protect the woman he loves. With intense action sequences, emotional moments, and a touch of romance, the film keeps the audience hooked until the very end.
What’s Good?
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ghilli is its lead actor, Vijay, whose performance as Velu is a perfect blend of charm, strength, and vulnerability. Vijay’s portrayal of the character is not just physical but emotional as well, making him relatable to the audience. His action sequences are some of the best in Tamil cinema, and his on-screen charisma adds a unique flavor to the film.
The direction by Dharani is another highlight. Known for his ability to create high-octane action films, Dharani brings out the best in Ghilli. The film’s pacing is fast, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. Whether it’s the intense kabaddi scenes or the chase sequences, the direction keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The screenplay is well-structured, balancing action, drama, and romance effectively.
Music plays a crucial role in Ghilli, and the soundtrack by Vidyasagar is a major contributor to the film’s success. The songs are catchy, with tracks like “Aathichudi” and “Kundakka Mandakka” becoming instant hits. The music enhances the emotional impact of key scenes, especially the romantic moments between Velu and Muthulakshmi. The background score also complements the action sequences, adding tension and excitement.
Cinematography by A. Venkatesh captures the rural landscape beautifully, contrasting it with the intense action scenes. The visuals are vibrant, and the camera work is dynamic, adding to the film’s energy. The action choreography is top-notch, with the kabaddi scenes being particularly impressive. The stunts are well-executed, and the film’s overall production quality is high.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of Ghilli are evident in its action sequences, the performances, and the overall entertainment value. Vijay’s performance as the hero is undoubtedly the film’s biggest strength. His ability to carry the film on his shoulders, especially during high-intensity action scenes, is commendable. The film’s screenplay is fast-paced, and the dialogue delivery, particularly in the confrontational scenes, adds depth to the characters. The romance between Velu and Muthulakshmi is heartwarming, providing a perfect balance to the action-packed narrative.
However, there are a few weaknesses worth mentioning. While the action scenes are exciting, some may find them exaggerated or over-the-top. The villainous character, though menacing, is somewhat predictable and lacks depth. Additionally, the film’s storyline, though engaging, is not entirely original, as it is based on a Telugu film. Despite these shortcomings, Ghilli manages to entertain due to its strong performances, fast-paced direction, and engaging screenplay.
Target Audience
Ghilli is a film that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Action lovers will enjoy the high-octane fight sequences and intense kabaddi scenes, while fans of romance will appreciate the chemistry between Vijay and Trisha. The film’s rural setting and emotional depth also make it a good choice for family viewing. Fans of Vijay, in particular, will enjoy his charismatic performance, which is one of the highlights of the film. Overall, Ghilli is perfect for anyone looking for an action-packed entertainer with a touch of romance and drama.
Box Office Details
Ghilli was a massive commercial success, both in India and overseas. The film had a total budget of approximately INR 10 crore, which was considered substantial for a Tamil film at the time of its release. The film grossed over INR 50 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2004.
In terms of day-wise earnings, Ghilli had an impressive opening, earning approximately INR 3 crore on its first day in India. The film’s earnings continued to rise over the next few days, with INR 4 crore on the second day and INR 5 crore on the third day. By the fifth day, the film had earned INR 6 crore in India, thanks to positive word-of-mouth and strong repeat viewership. Overseas, Ghilli performed exceptionally well in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia, contributing significantly to its global earnings. The film’s success at the box office solidified Vijay’s status as one of the top stars in Tamil cinema and marked Ghilli as a milestone in his career.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Ghilli is an action-packed entertainer that blends thrilling sequences with emotional depth. The film’s strong performances, particularly by Vijay, its engaging storyline, and its memorable music make it a must-watch for fans of Tamil cinema. If you enjoy high-energy action films with a touch of romance and drama, Ghilli is definitely worth watching.
Genres:
Action, Comedy, Family, Romance
Rating:
7.1/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Vijay | Saravanavelu |
| Trisha Krishnan | Dhanalakshmi |
| Prakash Raj | Muthupandi |
| Ashish Vidhyarthi | Sivasubramanian |
| Janaki Sabesh | Saravanavelu’s Mother |
| Nancy Jennifer | Bhuvana |
| Dhamu | Otteri Nari |
| Tanikella Bharani | Muthupandi’s Father |
| Vinod Raj | Dhanalakshmi’s Father |
| T. K. Kala | Muthupandi’s Mother |
| Nagendra Prasad | Prasad |
| Mayilsamy | Narayanan |
| Maran | Adhivaasi |
| Brahmanandam | Priest Ramakrishna |
| Appukutty | Priest Ramakrishna’s Assistant |
| Ponnambalam | Arivazhagan |
| Nandha Saravanan | Tiger Team Captain |
| Pandu | Police Inspector |
| Karate Raja | Muthupandi’s Henchman |
| Pandi | Roadside Seller |
| Vimal | Saravanavelu’s Teammate (Uncredited Role) |
| Aadukalam Murugadoss | |
| Pondy Ravi | |
| Scisor Manogar | |
| Suruli Manohar |
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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.
