| Kalavu Thozhirchalai | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical Release Poster. | |
| Directed by | T. Krishnasamy John |
| Written by | T. Krishnasamy |
| Produced by | S. Ravishankar |
| Starring | Kathir Kushi Vamsi Krishna Kalanjiyam Renuka Senthil |
| Cinematography | V. Thyagarajan |
| Edited by | Yoga Bhaskar |
| Music by | Shyam Benjamin |
Production company | MGK Movie Makers |
| Distributed by | Venkeys Film International |
Release date |
|
Running time | 138 Minute |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Kalavu Thozhirchalai (transl. Thieving Factory) is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language heist film written and directed by T. Krishnasamy. The film stars Kathir and Kushi aka Rebecca, while Vamsi Krishna, Kalanjiyam, Senthil, and Renuka play pivotal roles. The music was composed by Shyam Benjamin with cinematography by V. Thyagarajan and editing by Yoga Bhaskar. The film began production during 2013 and was released after several delays on 22 September 2017 to mixed reviews from critics.
Plot
An idol smuggler comes to a village to steal a Shiva idol worth 600 crores. The story begins with an international criminal and idol smuggler named Ram Sanjay arriving at a village in Tanjore with the ulterior motive of smuggling the ancient Maragatha Lingam idol from Marundeeswarar Temple. He enters the temple in the pretext of a journalist who has come to do research on temples. He takes the help of a local guy named Ravi, a small-time thief who steals "Pillayar" idols. Ravi wants to make big money and settle in life with his fiancé Vani. He agrees to go hand-in-glove with Ram, and as per the latter's plan, they steal the heavily guarded Lingam from the temple. Ravi gets his share of the spoils. The ministry now knows that the idol has been missing, so they file a police complaint. The government assigns the case to Irfan, a police officer from the Special Task Force who is assigned to find the culprits. How he solves the case and brings them to books forms the rest.
Cast
- Kathir as 'Sweet' Ravi
- Vamsi Krishna as Ram Sanjay (Suresh Chandran)
- Kalanjiyam as Irfan
- Rebecca (Kushi) as 'Isai' Vani
- Senthil
- Renuka
Production
Director Krishnasamy revealed that an interview of DSP Kadhar Badsha, who was accused of antique robbery, was the inspiration for the film. The film was shot and ready for release by 2014, but went through production delays.[1] Thus it also became the last film to be shot inside temples in Tamil Nadu since the government does not allow filming inside temples any more.[2][3]
Soundtrack
The film's music was composed by Shyam Benjamin, while the audio rights of the film was acquired by Saregama. The album released on 15 May 2014 and featured three songs. Shyam Benjamin was chosen after being recommended to the producers by lyricist Muthamil.[4]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Thanjavuru Paaru" | Nandhalala | Haricharan | 4:47 |
| 2. | "Yedho Yedho" | Annamalai | Naresh Iyer, Rita | 4:34 |
| 3. | "Oru Nodiyiley" | T. Krishnasamy | Sharanya Gopinath | 5:37 |
| Total length: | 14:58 | |||
Release and reception
Kalavu Thozhirchalai had a theatrical release across Tamil Nadu alongside eight other films, which became the most crowded release date of 2017 in Chennai.[5] The film opened on 22 September 2017. A critic from The Times of India stated that "the best parts of Kalavu Thozhirchalai are the portions when Sanjay and Kathir try to steal the idol" adding that "these scenes are suspenseful and well shot, with the art direction by Murali Ram, especially, lending an authentic feel". The critic then added "however, the rest of the film is more or less a let-down, turning what should have been a thrilling heist movie into a slow-moving film filled with unnecessary sub-plots".[6] Silverscreen.in described it as an "uninspired crime thriller that does not make an effort to engage".[7] The Deccan Chronicle also stated the film moves at a "slow speed with a predictable script".[8]
References
- ↑ "Tamil movie 'Kalavu Thozhirchalai' shooting spots". Deccan Chronicle. 30 April 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ↑ "A film on idol robberies". Deccan Chronicle. 18 September 2017. Archived from the original on 24 September 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ↑ "Vijay Sethupathi all praise for Kalanjiam". Deccan Chronicle. 21 March 2016. Archived from the original on 24 September 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ↑ "Shyam Benjamin makes his debut as a composer". The Times of India. 17 June 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
- ↑ "Nine films to hit screens on September 22". The Times of India. 21 September 2017. Archived from the original on 10 January 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kalavu Thozhirchalai Movie Review". The Times of India. 23 September 2017. Archived from the original on 8 January 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kalavu Thozhirchalai Review: Uninspired Crime Thriller That Doesn't Make An Effort To Engage". Silverscreen.in. 23 September 2017. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ↑ "Kalavu Thozhirchala movie review: Travels at a slow speed with predictable script". Deccan Chronicle. 22 September 2017. Archived from the original on 24 September 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.