Singam is a Tamil-language action film that hit theaters on July 23, 2010. Directed by Hari, the movie stars Suriya in the lead role, supported by a talented cast including Anushka Shetty and Prakash Raj. Known for its gripping action sequences and strong performances, Singam quickly became a hit, gaining widespread popularity not just in Tamil Nadu but also across India. The film is the first in the Singam series, which later spawned sequels that further built on its success. This review delves into the key aspects of the movie, from its plot to its box office performance, offering insights into why Singam continues to be a fan favorite.
Table of Contents
2. Plot Summary
The story of Singam revolves around Durai Singam (Suriya), a courageous and determined police officer in the town of Nallur. He is known for his no-nonsense approach to fighting crime, and his reputation precedes him. However, his peaceful life is disrupted when he faces off against a ruthless criminal mastermind, Mayil Vaaganam (Prakash Raj), who operates from the shadows. As Singam takes on this dangerous opponent, he is forced to confront the dark underworld and navigate the complex politics of law enforcement. The movie mixes action, drama, and emotion as Singam goes to great lengths to bring justice to his town, all while dealing with personal and professional challenges. What follows is a thrilling journey of justice, revenge, and triumph, filled with high-stakes action and powerful confrontations.
3. What’s Good?
Singam excels in multiple areas, making it a compelling watch for action movie lovers. The film’s standout feature is undoubtedly Suriya’s performance as Durai Singam. His portrayal of a strong, fearless cop who fights for justice is both powerful and engaging. Suriya brings a perfect balance of intensity and vulnerability to the character, making Singam a memorable hero. His screen presence is magnetic, and he effortlessly carries the film on his shoulders.
The direction by Hari deserves special mention. Known for his expertise in crafting high-energy films, Hari ensures that Singam is packed with thrilling action sequences and dramatic moments. The screenplay is tight, with just the right amount of tension and suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The action scenes, choreographed by the talented Stunt Silva, are a visual treat, with fast-paced chases, intense hand-to-hand combat, and explosions that are sure to excite fans of the genre.
Music plays a crucial role in the film’s success. The soundtrack, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, features energetic songs that perfectly complement the movie’s high-octane nature. Tracks like “Naaka Mukka” and “Singam” became instant hits and added to the overall appeal of the film. The background score also enhances the action sequences, creating a thrilling atmosphere.
Cinematography by Priyan captures the essence of the story beautifully. The camera work is dynamic, especially during the action sequences, which are shot with precision and clarity. The visuals of the town of Nallur, along with the larger-than-life action set pieces, give the film a grand feel. The film’s pacing is also commendable, with a good balance between action, drama, and light-hearted moments.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its ability to blend action and emotion effectively. While the action sequences are intense and gripping, they are balanced with emotional moments that give the film depth. The strong performances, particularly by Suriya and Prakash Raj, add a layer of realism to the otherwise larger-than-life characters. The movie also delivers a solid message about justice and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Another major strength is the film’s ability to maintain momentum throughout its runtime. Despite being a typical commercial entertainer, Singam never feels like it overstays its welcome. The film’s well-paced screenplay ensures that there is never a dull moment, and the audience is kept engaged from start to finish.
Weaknesses:
On the flip side, the film does follow a fairly predictable narrative. While the action and drama are enjoyable, the storyline itself doesn’t offer much in terms of surprises. The villain’s character, played by Prakash Raj, is well-acted but follows the typical trope of being an over-the-top antagonist. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of law enforcement may seem exaggerated to some, with Singam’s character coming across as almost invincible at times.
Another minor weakness is the lack of character development for some of the supporting cast members. While Suriya’s character is well fleshed out, others, including the love interest (played by Anushka Shetty), don’t get enough screen time or depth to leave a lasting impact.
5. Target Audience
Singam is a film that will appeal to a wide range of viewers. Fans of high-energy action films will find plenty to enjoy, as the movie offers thrilling sequences and intense confrontations. The film’s emotional core also makes it suitable for family audiences, as it explores themes of justice, honor, and duty. Comedy fans will also appreciate the light-hearted moments that break the tension, offering some relief amidst the action. Overall, Singam caters to those who enjoy commercial cinema with a mix of action, drama, and emotion.
6. Box Office Details
Singam was a massive box office success, both in India and internationally. The movie had a budget of approximately ₹30 crores, which is considered a decent investment for a Tamil film of its time. Upon release, it quickly became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2010, grossing over ₹100 crores worldwide.
In India, the film had an impressive opening, earning around ₹7 crores on its first day. The movie’s earnings continued to grow steadily over the next few days, with a total of ₹35 crores by the end of the first week. Internationally, Singam performed well, especially in regions with a large Tamil-speaking diaspora, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. The film earned around ₹20 crores from overseas markets during its initial run.
Here’s a breakdown of the day-wise earnings in India and overseas for the first five days:
- Day 1 (India): ₹7 crores
- Day 2 (India): ₹8 crores
- Day 3 (India): ₹9 crores
- Day 4 (India): ₹6 crores
- Day 5 (India): ₹5 crores
- Overseas Total (First 5 Days): ₹20 crores
The film’s impressive box office performance was a testament to its wide appeal, and it cemented Singam as a successful commercial venture.
7. Recommendation
In conclusion, Singam is an entertaining action-packed film with a strong performance by Suriya and a well-executed screenplay. It combines thrilling action with emotional depth, making it a satisfying watch for a wide audience. If you enjoy high-energy action films with a solid story, Singam is definitely worth watching.
Genres:
Action, Comedy, Crime
Rating:
6.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Suriya | Durai Singam |
| Anushka Shetty | Kavya Mahalingam |
| Prakash Raj | Mayil Vaaganam |
| Nassar | Mahalingam |
| Vivek | Yettu Erimalai |
| Manorama | Kavya’s Grandmother |
| Vijayakumar | Home Minister |
| Radha Ravi | Durai Singam’s Father |
| Nizhalgal Ravi | Asst. Commissioner |
| Janaki Sabesh | Kavya’s mother |
| Yuvarani | Durai Singam’s sister |
| Crane Manohar | Palani |
| Bose Venkat | Sub Inspector Ravi |
| Thiyagu | Harbour Shanmugam |
| Pandu | Maarisamy |
| Manobala | Mayil Vaaganam’s Lawyer |
| Ajay Rathnam | Police Commissioner |
| Delhi Kumar | Kavya’s Grandfather |
| Bharathi Kannan | |
| Kaajal Pasupathi | Police officer |
| Priya Atlee | Divya Mahalingam, Kavya’s younger sister |
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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.
