| Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Desingh Periyasamy |
| Written by | Desingh Periyasamy |
| Produced by | Anto Joseph Viacom 18 Studios |
| Starring | Dulquer Salmaan Ritu Varma Rakshan Niranjani Ahathian |
| Cinematography | K. M. Bhaskaran |
| Edited by | Praveen Anthony |
| Music by | Masala Coffee Harshavardhan Rameshwar |
Production companies | Anto Joseph Film Company Viacom18 Motion Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 160 minutes[2] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal (transl. If eyes steal each other) is a 2020 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy heist thriller film written and directed by Desingh Periyasamy in his directorial debut. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan, Ritu Varma, Rakshan and Niranjani Ahathian. Gautham Vasudev Menon and Uday Mahesh play supporting roles. Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal marks the debuts of Rakshan and Nirinjani. The plot is centered on two pairs of con artists who engage in various scams while juggling romantic relationships, ultimately teaming up to pull off a high-stakes heist.
Development of the film began in 2017, when Salmaan showed interest in collaborating with Periyasamy. Principal photography took place in Goa and Delhi from 18 November 2017 to 24 July 2018. The film features a score composed by Masala Coffee and Harshavardhan Rameshwar.
The film was released on 28 February 2020 and was successful at the box office.
Plot
Siddharth and Kaliswaran, two con artists who use online shopping scams to earn money, each love a beautician called Meera and a chef called Shreya, respectively, while showing themselves as software engineers. However, Meera and Shreya were hiding the fact that they were also con artists trying to scam Siddharth and Kaliswaran by pretending to love them.
DCP Pratap Chakravarthy, who is also a victim of Meera, begins looking into how a laptop he purchased through Siddharth and Kaliswaran's scam explodes, where they buy devices, swap out their original parts for older ones, and then resell them along with the computer parts. Siddharth becomes aware of this and wishes to change his plan to steal cars.
In the meantime, a thief stole Meera's bag, and she cries to Siddharth that she had lost her hard-earned money, who feels guilty and decides that he and Kaliswaran should mend their ways. They settle in Goa by starting a restaurant, but a few days later Pratap tracks down their house, and the boys are panicked that they are going to get caught. However, they are shocked when Pratap reveals that he is looking for the two women who fled just before he arrived. Siddharth and Kaliswaran are surprised by their intentions and are devastated that all of their money was stolen.
They hitchhike to Chennai and successfully track Meera and Shreya, who had forged a new identity and were ready to scam a new man. The girls are shocked that Siddharth and Kaliswaran managed to find them and return their money while asking them to leave. Siddharth proposes that they should work together and steal ₹80,000,000 (US$1.0 million) from Sooraj Methu, a rich businessman, and if the girls love them in the process, they should remain together; if not, they should separate the loot and part ways. The girls agree and reveal their names to be Madhu and Varsha.
Madhu befriends Sooraj during his yoga class, and Varsha befriends his wife, while Siddarth and Kaliswaran manage to break into the house. But Siddharth realises Sooraj is a drug lord, and while the others are scared to continue, Siddharth reassures them to continue by suggesting they flee the country after the heist to avoid Sooraj's wrath.
On the day, Varsha is to spend the day shopping with Sooraj's wife, and Madhu is to stay with Sooraj at his guest house while Siddharth and Karthik loot the house. They hijack Sooraj's car while it is parked at a hotel car park by hacking it using an app Siddharth created and using it to enter Sooraj's compound. Siddharth and Kaliswaran enter the locker room, using a 3D-printed thumbprint to open a locker and steal money, while Madhu fakes an illness to leave Sooraj's house. To avoid suspicion at the airport, they opt to travel to Thailand by road.
Pratap's vehicle checks complicate their departure, but Siddharth misdirects him, mentioning that Madhu is at the airport. Reflecting on the success of the plans, Siddharth and Kaliswaran think the girls have really started loving them, and both couples reconcile and decide to settle down.
In Chennai, Pratap is being questioned by the CBI for breaching airport security to look for two girls who are small-scale cheaters after being misled by Siddharth, and he is embarrassed to reveal that he was once a victim of Madhu's love.
Back at Sooraj's house, Sooraj watches CCTV footage of Siddharth and Kallis stealing the money, but their faces are hidden due to infrared lights. Sooraj cannot complain to the cops as it is illegal money. When Madhumita notices her name tattooed on Siddarth's forearm while they are camping on their way to Thailand, she remorsefully informs him that it is not her real name, but Siddarth tricks her by rubbing the ink off. Varsha reveals herself as Thenmozhi, and Madhumita asks Siddharth to guess her name.
Cast
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- Dulquer Salmaan as Siddharth
- Ritu Varma as Meera / Madhumitha / Ishita / Jessie
- Rakshan as Kaliswaran
- Niranjani Ahathian as Thenmozhi / Shreya / Varsha
- Gautham Vasudev Menon as DCP Prathap Chakravarthi
- Anish Yohan Kuruvilla as Sooraj Mehta
- Vikash Rajendran as Amjith; Prathap's assistant
- Tiger Garden Thangadurai as a Two wheeler mechanic
- Ameesha Chowdhary as Mrs Mehta; Sooraj's wife
- Udhayabhanu Maheshwaran as a CBI Higher Official
- Gajaraj as a house owner
- Lakshmi as Mrs Chakravarthi; Pratap's wife
- Baby Monika Siva as Prathap's daughter
- Kathir as Prathap's son
- Jacqueline Lydia as Kallis's friend
Production
Development
In 2014, Vikram Prabhu’s Sigaram Thodu dealt with a credit card scam. So, I had to tweak the script and chose the topic of product tampering,
— Periyaswamy on his inspiration for the plot, 2020[3]
Desingh Periyasamy wanted Dulquer Salmaan as the lead protagonist in his film after being impressed by Salmaan's performance in Vaayai Moodi Pesavum (2014). Salmaan agreed to do the film before committing to another proposed Tamil film by director Ra. Karthik.[4][5] Desingh revealed that the film would be a "romantic thriller", with Dulquer portraying a "happy-go-lucky" youngster in the film.[6] The film was initially scheduled to start production in July 2017, but faced a delay while the team searched for a suitable lead actress. Ritu Varma joined the team as the lead actress in September 2017.[7][8] Rakshan, a television anchor, was also selected to make his acting debut in the film.[9][10] In November 2017, the film was titled Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal, inspired by a song by A. R. Rahman in Mani Ratnam's Thiruda Thiruda (1993).[11]
Filming
Production work began in Delhi on 15 November 2017, with Salmaan joining the shoot three days later, when an official launch ceremony was held.[12] However, the shoot was briefly disrupted by the smog in Delhi at that time.[13] In early December, the second schedule began in Goa, with shoots occurring using the backdrop of the beaches.[14][15] The third and final schedule of the film began in Chennai during late January 2018, and progressed for more than a month.[16][17] By July 2018, it was revealed that the film was nearing completion, with only five days of shooting left.[18]
Soundtrack
| Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithal | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |||||
| Released | 21 February 2020 | ||||
| Genre | Soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 21:00 | ||||
| Language | Tamil | ||||
| Label | Zee Music Company | ||||
| Producer | Masala Coffee | ||||
| Masala Coffee chronology | |||||
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| Singles from Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal | |||||
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The soundtrack is composed by Masala Coffee. The background score of the film is composed by Harshavardhan Rameshwar.[19] The first single track was released on 14 February 2020, and the entire album was released on 21 February 2020.[20]
Critical response
Jyothi Prabhakar of The Times of India expressed a mixed opinion towards the soundtrack, stating that the tracks "do sound peppy and upbeat in the beginning, but by the time you’re done with the album, composed by Masala Coffee, the overload of percussion, same type of beats, tunes and lyrical treatment begin to seem overbearing."[21]
Sudhir Srinivasan of The New Indian Express stated that the soundtrack was "too awfully similar to Passenger’s Let Her Go", but she otherwise "quite enjoyed the music of this film."[22]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sirikkalam Parakkalam" | Desingh Periyasamy, Madurai Souljour | Masala Coffee | Benny Dayal, Madurai Souljour | 3:16 |
| 2. | "Ennai Vittu" | Vignesh Shivan | Masala Coffee | Ranjith | 3:53 |
| 3. | "Yelo Pullelo" | Mani Amudhavan | Masala Coffee | Anirudh Ravichander | 3:26 |
| 4. | "Kanave Nee Naan" | Hafeez Rumi, Desingh Periyasamy | Masala Coffee | Sooraj Santhosh | 2:05 |
| 5. | "Ennil Nee" | Desingh Periyasamy | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | Janani SV | 2:19 |
| 6. | "Assai Illa" | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | 1:19 |
| 7. | "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal" | Gouthami Ashok | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | Gouthami Ashok | 1:08 |
| 8. | "Maaga Maaga" | V Lakshmi Priya | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | Harshavardhan Rameshwar, Kavya Ajit, Janani SV | 3:41 |
| Total length: | 21:07 | ||||
Release and reception
The film was released on 28 February 2020 worldwide along with its Telugu dubbed version title Kanulu Kanulanu Dochayante.[23] The film opened well in multiplexes in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala, with ₹7,856,375 (US$98,000) being collected in Chennai from 192 screens in the first seven days of release.[24]
The movie was available to be purchased for $1.99 on Simply South on 19 March 2020 for all countries except India.[25] The movie was released on Netflix on 29 March 2020 for all countries.[26] The satellite rights were sold to Star Vijay which premiered the film on the evening of Tamil New Year on 14 April 2020.[27]
Critical response
The reaction from the audience was so good that I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I would do anything to relive that moment and experience it again
— Ritu Varma on the success of the film, 2020[28]
The film received highly positive reviews from critics and audiences. Writing for Times of India, M Suganth gave the film 3.5 out of 5 and said that "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal is a winsome romantic thriller with charming leads and edge-of-the-seat moments. Desingh Periyasamy displays a flair for this material both in his writing and making."[29]
Likewise, S Subhakeerthana of The Indian Express rated the 3.5 out of 5 and praised the film's comedic timing, writing that "The film rides on clever writing and performances. Some of the funniest moments of Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal are those that involve Dulquer Salmaan and Rakshan."[30]
Sify gave the film 3.5 out of 5 and noted how although the film was longer than average films, the "con angle" keeps the viewer engaged, writing that "Desingh Periyasamy has delivered an enjoyable romantic entertainer with enough brainy moments that keeps you hooked till the end."[31]
Writing for Firstpost, Sreedhar Pillai gave 3.25 stars out of five and said that "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal looks fresh, and is an enjoyable rom-com or more appropriately, a rip-roaring con ride, mainly owing to its smart writing."[32] Anupama Subramanian wrote for the Deccan Chronicle that, "Debutant director Desingh Periyasamy's Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal is a synthesis of a rom-com and a modern crime caper, without any pretence or preachiness. So it makes for a fun-filled ride."[33]
The Hindu stated "Director Desingh Periyasamy does a commendable job of putting together a film that lets the script be hero, and keeps you guessing and entertained".[34]
Based on positive feedback from audiences on Twitter, the Times of India reported that "Dulquer Salmaan and Ritu Varma's romantic thriller is doing better than what was expected by experts."[35]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) and nominee(s) | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th South Indian International Movie Awards | 18-19 September 2021 | Best Debutant | Ritu Varma | Won | [36] |
| Rakshan | Nominated | [37][38] | |||
Sequel
In an interview, Dulquer Salmaan told Firstpost that Desingh Periyasamy planned for the sequel and also narrated the opening 15 minutes to the team.[39]
References
- ↑ "Dulquer's Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithal to be out this month". The Times of India. 9 February 2020. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
- ↑ "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal". British Board of Film Classification. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
- ↑ "Desingh Periyasamy: Gautham Menon was a boon to Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal". Cinema Express. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ↑ M. K., Surendhar (9 March 2020). "Dulquer Salmaan on the success of Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal, sequel plans, turning producer and upcoming film Kurup". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- ↑ "Behindwoods Gold Medals short film winner Desingh Periyasamy to direct Dulquer Salmaan". Behindwoods.com. 1 March 2017. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ Soman, Deepa (3 July 2017). "Dulquer is a happy-go-lucky chap in his next Tamil film". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ Kavirayani, Suresh (10 September 2017). "Ritu Varma to romance Dulquer Salmaan". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ Roktim Rajpal (14 September 2017). "This popular music composer may compose tunes for Dulquer Salmaan's next Tamil film". Pinkvilla.com. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ "Rakshan gets his debut in a major star's movie!". IndiaGlitz. 24 February 2018. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
- ↑ C. R., Sharanya (3 March 2018). "Rakshan is clear that he will not quit television". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
- ↑ Prakash, Asha (16 November 2017). "Dulquer's Tamil movie gets a title - Kannum Kannum Kollai Adithaal". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ "Dulquer Salmaan, Ritu Varma movie title revealed". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ Bollywood Life (17 November 2017). "Delhi smog interrupts shooting plan of Dulquer Salmaan, Ritu Varma's film". Bollywood Life. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ "Dulquer Salmaan's 'Kannum Kannum Kollai Adithaal' crew goes to Goa". The New Indian Express. 4 December 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ "Dulquer's 'Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal' progressing in Goa!". Sify. Archived from the original on 2 December 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ "Last schedule begins for Dulquer's Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal". Sify. Archived from the original on 30 January 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ "Final schedule of Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal commences". Cinema Express. 29 January 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ↑ Cr, Sharanya. "Masala Coffee's music for Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Dulquer is back in K-town with 'Kannum Kannum Kollayadithaal'". Sify. Archived from the original on 29 July 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ↑ Adlakha, Nidhi (14 February 2020). "Jamming with Masala Coffee". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
- ↑ "Music Review: Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal". The Times of India. 29 February 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ↑ "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithal review: A clever film that subverts expectations from start to finish". The New Indian Express. 29 February 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ↑ Hooli, Shekhar H. (28 February 2020). "Kanulu Kanulanu Dochayante review: This is what audience say about Dulquer Salmaan film". IB Times.
- ↑ "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal box office collection". Behindwoods. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ↑ "Simply South". www.simplysouth.tv. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
- ↑ "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal | Netflix". www.netflix.com. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- ↑ "Dulquer Salmaan Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal Tamil New Years Day". Behindwoods. 13 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- ↑ "Ritu Varma On Being An Accidental Actress, How 'Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal' Helped Her Break The Mould And What's Next". Silverscreen India. 10 March 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ↑ "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal Movie Review : A winsome romantic thriller with charming leads and edge-of-the-seat moments".
- ↑ "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal movie review: An easy, fun watch".
- ↑ "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal review: An enjoyable fun ride!". Archived from the original on 28 February 2020.
- ↑ "Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal movie review: Dulquer Salmaan's long-delayed Tamil release is a breath of fresh air".
- ↑ "Review: Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal is long like the title but fun to watch".
- ↑ Kumar, Pradeep (28 February 2020). "'Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal' movie review: Dulquer Salmaan's latest is a pleasant and engaging tale of con artists in love". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ↑ "'Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal' Twitter Review: Dulquer Salmaan and Ritu Varma's romantic thriller gets a better response than expected". The Times of India. 28 February 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ↑ "SIIMA: Soorarai Pottru, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo win big, K Viswanath honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award". The Indian Express. 19 September 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ↑ "SIIMA 2021 Full Winners' List: Mahesh Babu - Rashmika Mandanna Win Best Actor And Actress Award". www.india.com. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ↑ "Siima Awards 2021 Nominations: When Is Siima Awards 2021? - News". Fresherslive. 30 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ↑ "Dulquer Salmaan on the success of Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal, sequel plans, turning producer and upcoming film Kurup". Firstpost. 9 March 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.