Kozhipannai Chelladurai

Kozhipannai Chelladurai is a 2024 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by Dr. D. Arulanandhu under his Vision Cinema House banner.[2] The film stars Aegan, Yogi Babu, Brigida Saga, Sathya Devi in the lead role, alongside Aishwarya Dutta, Bava Chelladurai and Manasvi Kottachi in supporting roles. Its score was composed by N. R. Raghunanthan, the cinematography handled by Ashokraj, and editing by Sreekar Prasad.[3]

Kozhipannai Chelladurai
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySeenu Ramasamy
Written bySeenu Ramasamy
Produced byD. Arulanandhu
Mathewo Arulanandhu
Starring
CinematographyAshokraj
Edited bySreekar Prasad
Music byN. R. Raghunanthan
Production
company
Vision Cinema House
Distributed bySakthi Film Factory
Release dates
  • 18 September 2024 (2024-09-18) (Oakland)
  • 20 September 2024 (2024-09-20) (India)
[a]
Running time
122 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

The film was selected at the 22nd Oakland International Film Festival, where it was screened on September 18, 2024.[4][a] It was released in theatres on 20 September 2024.[5]

Plot

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Chelladurai's life was shattered when his father, Viruman, discovered his mother, Chitra, having an affair. Catching them red-handed, Chitra abandoned her family. Viruman took his adolescent son and daughter to their grandmother's house, leaving them in her care. Tragedy struck again when their grandmother passed away, leaving young Chelladurai responsible for earning a living and caring for his younger sister, Sudha Maheshwari "Sudha". Fortunately, Periyasamy, a village man in a chicken farm helped him secure a job as a watchman in the same farm to ensure their survival.

Twelve years passed, and Chelladurai is now a butcher in Periyasamy's chicken shop in the market. In the same market, Senthamaraiselvi "Thamarai" runs a pottery shop and harbors secret feelings for Chelladurai. However, he doesn't reciprocate her love. Chelladurai takes on additional meager jobs to supplement his income to own a house, establish an independent chicken farm, and save for Sudha's marriage.

Sudha secretly falls in love with Soundar, the college librarian Mohan's son. When Chelladurai discovers their relationship, he violently confronts Soundar, who narrowly escapes. Enraged, Chelladurai lashes out at Sudha. Determined to marry her off, he searches for a suitable groom but eventually accepts Soundar after verifying his family background.

During wedding preparations, Chelladurai encounters his estranged mother, Chitra now a beggar, suffering from memory loss. Chelladurai admits her to a mental asylum and after Sudha's marriage to Soundar, Chelladurai arranges for her to meet their mother. Sudha encourages Thamarai to marry Chelladurai, stating he cannot stay single forever. Chelladurai once confides to Periyasamy that he rescued his mother solely out of mercy, not affection.

Later a young girl introduces herself as Maheshwari, his half-sister, and takes him to Viruman, his ailing father. Chelladurai though shocked to find Viruman in a pitiful state, is moved by Maheshwari's request, he rescues Viruman and even donates one of his kidneys to save his life. He finally accepts Thamarai's love and is seen caring for his mother, having forgiven her past transgressions.

Cast

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  • Aegan as Chelladurai
  • Yogi Babu as Periyasamy
  • Brigida Saga as Senthamaraiselvi "Thamarai"
  • Sathya Devi as Jaya Sudha "Sudha"
  • Kutti Puli Dinesh as Chelladurai's friend
  • Leo Sivakumar as Soundar, Mohan's son
  • Aishwarya Dutta as Chitra
  • Bava Chelladurai as Mohan, chief librarian
  • Manasvi Kottachi as Maheshwari, Chelladurai's half-sister
  • Jeeva Subramanian as a social activist
  • Seenu Ramasamy in a cameo appearance as a beggar
  • Mohan Babu as Village Man

Production

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After Maamanithan (2022), director Seenu Ramasamy announced his new project titled Kozhipannai Chelladurai on 23 November 2023 and the filming began on the same day after a formal pooja ceremony at the Periyakulam Balasubramanian temple.[6] The entire schedule was filmed around Theni and Andipatti where a market set was erected.[7][8] The entire filming was completed in 32 days on 24 December 2023.[9]

Music

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Kozhipannai Chelladurai
Soundtrack album by
Released19 September 2024
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LanguageTamil
LabelDivo Music
ProducerN. R. Raghunanthan
N. R. Raghunanthan chronology
Pogumidam Vegu Thooramillai
(2024)
Kozhipannai Chelladurai
(2024)
Pirandhal Parasakthi
(2025)
Singles from Kozhipannai Chelladurai
  1. "Kathirundhen"
    Released: 7 September 2024
  2. "Ponnana Pottapulla"
    Released: 10 September 2024
  3. "Dhevathai"
    Released: 17 September 2024
Audio Juke Box
Kozhipannai Chelladurai - Audio Juke Box on YouTube

The music and background score is composed by N. R. Raghunanthan, in his third collaboration with Seenu Ramasamy after Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010) and Neerparavai (2012).[3] The first single, "Kathirundhen" released on 7 September 2024.[10][11] The audio launch was held on 10 September 2024 in Chennai.[12] The second single track "Ponnana Pottapulla" was released, which had vocals performed by Anand Aravindakshan and Saindhavi and lyrics penned by Vairamuthu.[13] The third single, "Dhevathai" released on 17 September 2024.[14] The album featuring five songs was released on 19 September with three of them being previously released as singles.[15]

Track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Singer(s)Length
1."Kathirundhen"Gangai AmaranChinmayi Sripaada5:03
2."Ponnana Pottapulla"VairamuthuAnand Aravindakshan, Saindhavi5:18
3."Dhevathai"EkadasiSurya Zatrix3:40
4."Yelay Yelay"Pa. VijayS. P. Charan4:33
5."Kaiyenthi"Pa. VijayVijay Yesudas5:31
Total length:24:05

Release

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Kozhipannai Chelladurai had its world premiere on 18 September 2024, at the 22nd Oakland International Film Festival.[a][4][19]

Theatrical

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The film got released theatrically on 20 September 2024.[5] The film received an U-certificate from the CBFC with a runtime of 122 minutes.[1]

Home media

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Kozhipannai Chelladurai began streaming on Simply South from 24 October 2024 worldwide, excluding India.[20]

Marketing

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On 1 January 2024, the first look of the film featuring Yogi Babu and Aegan who was last seen in Joe (2023) in a supporting role was released.[21] On 11 January, Seenu Ramasamy in his social media handles said that this film is a tribute to the late actor and politician Vijayakanth.[22] Actor Soori released the film teaser on 14 August[23] and the trailer was released on 2 September which was well received.[3][24]

Reception

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Abhinav Subramanian of The Times of India rated two point five out of five and stated that "Aegan carries much of the film’s emotional weight, while Sathya Devi brings authenticity to her role as Chelladurai’s sister. Yogi Babu delivers his lines with characteristic flair, even if the comedic writing doesn’t always hit the mark."[25][26]

Akshay Kumar of Cinema Express gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Seenu Ramasamy's Kozhipannai Chelladurai is yet another story of his that breaks the facade of strength to expose a man's emotional and psychological fragility, not by any nuclear weapon but something as simple as a lack of warmth and reassurance, which are by far the most lethal weapons."[27]

Accolades

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Kozhipannai Chelladurai became the first film to be selected to screen at the Oakland International Film Festival on 18 September 2024.[a][28] Sathya Devi won the Best Actress award at the 10th Top Indie Film Awards,[b][28] while the film was nominated under two other categories namely, the Best Feature and Best Cinematography.[b]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d The 22nd Oakland International Film Festival[16][17][18]
  2. ^ a b 10th Top Indie Film Awards, Japan[29]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Seenu Ramasamy's Kozhipannai Chelladurai clears censorship formalities". Cinema Express. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Kozhipannai Chelladurai Trailer: Story of a brother who goes an extra mile for his sister's wellbeing". Cinema Express. 2 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Seenu Ramasamy's KozhiPannai Chelladurai trailer is rustic, realistic". DT Next. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  4. ^ a b "ஆக்லெண்ட் சர்வதேச திரைப்பட விழாவில் திரையிடப்படும் 'கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லத்துரை' – Kozhipannai chelladurai". ETV Bharat (in Tamil). 30 August 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Kozhipannai Chelladurai gets release date". Cinema Express. 14 August 2024. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  6. ^ "கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லதுரை - சீனு ராமசாமியின் புதிய படம்!". Dinamani (in Tamil). 23 November 2023. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  7. ^ "Seenu Ramasamy's 'Kozhipannai Chelladurai' nearing completion". The Times of India. 21 December 2023. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  8. ^ "'கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லதுரை' படத்துக்காக உழவர் சந்தை செட்". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). 24 December 2023. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023.
  9. ^ "32 நாள்களில் படப்பிடிப்பினை முடித்த சீனு ராமசாமி!". Dinamani (in Tamil). 25 December 2023. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  10. ^ "Watch: First Single Kathirundhen From Seenu Ramasamy's Kozhipannai Chelladurai Released". Times Now. 7 September 2024. Archived from the original on 8 September 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  11. ^ "First single 'Kathirundhen' from Kozhipannai Chelladurai out". Cinema Express. 7 September 2024. Archived from the original on 8 September 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  12. ^ "Seenu Ramasamy: "படத்திற்கு இடையே போடும் இன்டர்வெல்லை நீக்க வேண்டும்" - சீனு ராமசாமி சொல்வதென்ன ?". Cinema Vikatan (in Tamil). 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  13. ^ "'Ponnana Pottapulla' from Kozhipannai Chelladurai out". Cinema Express. 11 September 2024. Archived from the original on 11 September 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  14. ^ "'கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லதுரை' படத்தின் 'தேவதை' பாடல் வீடியோ வெளியானது". Dinathanthi (in Tamil). 17 September 2024. Archived from the original on 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Jukebox of Seenu Ramasamy's Kozhipannai Chelladurai out". Cinema Express. 19 September 2024. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  16. ^ "The 22nd Oakland International Film Festival Day 7" (PDF). oiff.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  17. ^ "Day 7 – Wednesday, September 18th at 8:00 p.m. at Mills College at Northeastern University". oiff.org. Archived from the original on 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  18. ^ "DAY 7 -TONIGHT – screening of feature film: CHELLARURAI ( From India) and two short films: "Change The System" and "Jano (from Spain)". oiff.org. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  19. ^ "ஆக்லெண்ட் சர்வதேச திரைப்பட விழாவில் திரையிடப்படும் 'கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லதுரை'". Dinathanthi (in Tamil). 30 August 2024. Archived from the original on 30 August 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  20. ^ தினத்தந்தி (12 October 2024). "'கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லதுரை' படத்தின் ஓ.டி.டி ரிலீஸ் தேதி அறிவிப்பு". www.dailythanthi.com (in Tamil). Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  21. ^ "First look of director Seenu Ramasamy – Yogi Babu's 'Kozhipannai Chelladurai' out". The Hindu. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  22. ^ "'கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லதுரை' படம் விஜயகாந்திற்கு சமர்ப்பணம் - சீனு ராமசாமி நெகிழ்ச்சி!". ETV Bharat (in Tamil). 13 January 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  23. ^ "Seenu Ramasamy Directorial Kozhipannai Chelladurai Gets A Release Date; Teaser Released". Times Now. 14 August 2024. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  24. ^ "கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லதுரை டிரெய்லர்". Dinamani (in Tamil). 2 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  25. ^ "Kozhipannai Chelladurai Movie Review : Kozhipannai Chelladurai is a mixed bag". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  26. ^ பர்வீன், ஷமீனா (20 September 2024). "திரைப்பட விமர்சனம் - கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லதுரை விமர்சனம்". Samayam (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  27. ^ Kumar, Akshay (21 September 2024). "Kozhipannai Chelladurai Movie Review: An emotionally unsettling second half makes up for the flaws". Cinema Express. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  28. ^ a b "OTT Films : ஓடிடியில் வெளியாகும் கோழிப்பண்ணை செல்லத்துரை மூவி... எங்கு பார்க்கலாம்?". TimesNowTamil (in Tamil). 17 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  29. ^ "Top Indie Film Awards - Summer 2024 Results". topindiefilmawards.com. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
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