Alex Pandian Explained

Alex Pandian
Director:Suraj
Producer:K. E. Gnanavel Raja
Starring:Karthi
Anushka Shetty
Santhanam
Milind Soman
Suman
Music:Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography:S. Saravanan
Editing:Praveen K. L.
N. B. Srikanth
Studio:Studio Green
Runtime:162 minutes
Country:India
Language:Tamil
Budget:35 crore[1]
Gross:20 crore[2]

Alex Pandian is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film[3] written and directed by Suraj and produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja. The film features Karthi as the titular character along with Anushka Shetty, while Santhanam, Milind Soman, and Suman, among others, play supporting roles. The music was composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The film released on 11 January 2013 to mixed-to-negative reviews from critics.

Plot

The film starts with Alex Pandian and Divya jumping off a train in an attempt to escape the goons who are seeking to kill them. Three days later, Alex enters Kaalayan's house. Alex's playful attitude and closeness with Kaalayan's three sisters irritates him, and he makes many attempts to evict Alex from his house, but it only makes the bond between Alex and the sisters stronger. Alex also comes into conflict and shaves the head of a local goon, whose brother Parthiban swears revenge on him, but later, it is revealed that like the movie Paruthiveeran, Alex and Parthiban are old friends, and they come to terms. Meanwhile, Divya is receiving treatment, whilst NRI chemist Alvin Martin and corrupt doctor GKM are in search of the two. Upon finding Alex and Divya, the goons chase them. Kaalayan demands to know who Divya is. Divya happens to be the daughter of the Chief Minister. Alex, a local thief, is asked to kidnap Divya for three days so that the CM would sign the papers which would allow Alvin and GKM to distribute fake medicines with devastating side effects. Alex brings her and keeps her as a hostage in a forest. On the third day, as Alex is driving back, Divya explains the reason for why she was asked to be kidnapped and thus requests him to take her back to her father. Alex decides to save Divya. The film shifts back to the present and by now, Divya has fallen in love with Alex. As fate would have it, the goons arrive at their hiding place. The film ends with Alex killing the villains and uniting with Divya.

Production

Development

In April 2008, director Suraj announced that he had signed on with production house Studio Green to make a film with Karthi in the lead role.[4] Early reports suggested that the film would star Anushka Shetty and Priyamani and would be a remake of the successful Telugu language film, Vikramarkudu, though Suraj claimed it would be an original script.[5] However the film was placed on the backburner, with Karthi proceeding to star in a remake of Vikramarkudu under the direction of Siva in a project titled Siruthai (2011). In March, the film was titled as Alex Pandiyan named after Rajinikanth's character from Moondru Mugam.[6] Karthi described Alex Pandian as a masala film since, like other films in the genre, it was a mixture of "entertainment, action and comedy".[7]

Casting

The film re-emerged in April 2011, where it was announced that the film would be shot and readied for an August 2011 release.[8] Anushka Shetty was signed on to play the leading female role in the film, after delivering consecutive box office successes with Singam, Vaanam and Deiva Thirumagal. Bhavana was approached to play the second heroine in the film but turned the offer stating that the character offered was too glamorous.[9] Subsequently, Nikita Thukral and Lakshmi Rai both claimed they had signed on to play the role, before Suraj later confirmed that Nikhita had edged it.[10] Suraj revealed that Meghna would play another heroine – though conflicting reports had given the role to Meghna Naidu,[11] Meghna Raj[12] and Meghna Nair of Siruthai fame.[13] The role was later given to newcomer Akanksha Puri.[14] Sanusha was roped in for another leading female role in the film, while it was confirmed that Santhanam would play brother to the three girls apart from Anushka.[15] Milind Soman and Suman were selected to play negative roles, while Prathap Pothen was selected for a pivotal role.[16] [17]

Filming

Shooting started on 11 November 2011 at Chalakudy, Kerala without a title.[18] [19] A palatial bungalow was erected inside the forest of Chalakudy area. Elephants and jumbos were passing through the way and disturbing the shoot therefore 20 security guards were appointed to protect the set.[20] The second schedule was shot at Meenambakkam where a huge set was erected for Rs. 2.5 million.[21] There were reports that Ameer Sultan had stalled the shooting of the film,[22] but Ameer refuted the allegations.[23] A song with Karthi and Anushka was shot in Chennai which is of a competition kind of song, another song which is folk was also shot with both of them with Anushka working without break.[24] [25] Shooting was wrapped at Mysore.[26] The stunt sequence on train with Karthi and Anushka with the supervision of Ganesh with six cameras under the expertise of cameraman Saravanan, a train was hired for 15 days for this daring sequence which ran for a length of 30 km from Mysore to Krishnarajasagar dam, A sum of around 20 million was spent on the stunt sequence with 50 stunt artistes flying in from Chennai for the shoot.[27] Over 300 junior artistes were involved in the sequence apart from Milind Soman and Suman.[28] [29]

Music

Alex Pandian
Type:Soundtrack
Artist:Devi Sri Prasad
Recorded:2012
Genre:Film soundtrack
Length:22:11
Language:Tamil
Label:Gemini Audios
Producer:Devi Sri Prasad
Prev Title:Sarocharu
Prev Year:2012
Next Title:Mirchi
Next Year:2013

The film's music was composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The soundtrack consists of 5 songs.[30] [31] The audio rights were secured by Gemini Audio. The album was initially set to release on 24 November,[32] but was postponed and got released on 12 December 2012 on Rajinikanth's birthday.[33] A musical night was held on 30 December.[34]

Behindwoods wrote: "Alex Pandian is yet another unpretentious effort from DSP who attempts to offer nothing but lighthearted fun set to an unfailing dance beat. DSP unabashedly sticks to his guns and fires in places".[35] The lyric "Naanthan Intha Kaattu Raja, Neeyo Oru Kanni Roja" from the chorus of "Naalu Pakkam" is inspired by "Arabian Nights" from Aladdin (1992).

Release

Alex Pandians distribution rights for Kerala had been bought by Beebah Creations for 11.5 million and was distributed together with Sayujyam Cine Release.[36]

Reception

Critical response

Alex Pandian received mixed to negative reviews from critics.[37] A critic from Sify described it as a "potpourri of commercial mass masala not mixed in the right proportion", going on to conclude: "An old-fashioned entertainer that plays to the gallery, Alex Pandian is exaggerated and formulaic".[38] Pavithra Srinivasan from Rediff stated that the film was a "masala, cliche-ridden entertainer which fails miserably", calling it a "disaster", while giving it 1.5 stars out 5.[39] The Times of India gave it 2.5 out of 5 and wrote, "Alex Pandian, while not really a bad film or a badly-made one, often feels strictly functional. Yes, the comedy sequences work and save the film to an extent, but considering its minimal ambitions, a sense of deja vu and disappointment as you leave the theatre is inescapable".[40] The Hindus reviewer Malathi Rangarajan wrote, "Karthi tries to infuse spirit and energy into the film with an ample dose of humour, but the story that's run of the mill and comedy that tires you after a point offer little help".[41] Deccan Chronicle wrote that the film "may fail to enthral even die-hard Karthi fans".[42] Newstrackindia called the film a "disappointing commercial pot-boiler" and added that director Suraj "randomly throws in five songs, plenty of action sequences and good amount of comedy, without any purpose or passion".[43]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alex Pandian, KLTA's UK-US Box Office report. 15 January 2013. 24 October 2013. 29 October 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192531/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2013/alex-pandian-klta-us-uk-box-office-report-102610.html. live.
  2. Web site: Alex pandian box office collection. 24 October 2013. 17 August 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130817225832/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/alex-pandian/alex-pandian-box-office-feb-03.html. live.
  3. Web site: Alex Pandian (2013) – Suraj. AllMovie.
  4. Web site: Karthi after Dhanush . 12 February 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 17 October 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121017230407/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/apr-08-03/karthi-16-04-08.html . live .
  5. Web site: Karthi and Priyamani unites yet again – Bollywood Movie News . https://web.archive.org/web/20140201194635/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/41393.html . dead . 1 February 2014 . 12 February 2012 . IndiaGlitz.
  6. News: 10 November 2012 . A win-win formula . The Hindu . Raghavan . Nikhil . 16 December 2019 . 23 March 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180323032147/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-winwin-formula/article4084841.ece . live .
  7. Srinivasan . Pavithra . January 2013 . Gnashing his teeth with Alex Pandian . . 8 . 19 February 2021 . 28 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230228013640/https://issuu.com/ssritzweb/docs/jan2013addtitional . live .
  8. Web site: 20 March 2011 . Karthi- Waiting for the right choice . https://web.archive.org/web/20110319212827/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-waiting-for-the-right-choice-news-tamil-ldtkAxefbaa.html . dead . 19 March 2011 . 12 February 2012 . Sify.
  9. Web site: 10 November 2011 . Bhavana Turns Down Karthi – Bhavana – Karthi – Tamil Movie News . 12 February 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 18 February 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120218174617/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-11-02/bhavana-karthi-10-11-11.html . live .
  10. News: 20 December 2011 . Everyone wants a piece of Karthi . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094839/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-20/news-interviews/30537450_1_karthi-lakshmi-rai-heroines . dead . 2 February 2014 . . 12 February 2012.
  11. Web site: 7 January 2012 . Karthi's Four Heroines – Karthi – Suraaj – Anushka – Nikitha – Sanusha – Meghna Naidu – Tamil Movie News . 12 February 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 9 February 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120209181107/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-12-01/karthi-suraaj-07-01-12.html . live .
  12. News: 28 January 2012 . Meghana opts out of Karthi's film . https://web.archive.org/web/20130115204623/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-28/news-interviews/30673203_1_anushka-film-starrer . dead . 15 January 2013 . . 12 February 2012.
  13. Web site: Four heroines for Karthi – Kannada Movie News . https://web.archive.org/web/20140201194529/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/76180.html . dead . 1 February 2014 . 12 February 2012 . IndiaGlitz.
  14. Web site: Shankaran Malini, TNN . 10 February 2012 . Akanksha Puri: Who's that gal? . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094823/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-10/news-interviews/31045478_1_film-gal-anushka . dead . 2 February 2014 . . 25 February 2013 .
  15. News: 7 January 2012 . Sanusha to romance Karthi . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094819/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-07/news-interviews/30601241_1_karthi-romance-mollywood . dead . 2 February 2014 . . 12 February 2012.
  16. Web site: 17 February 2012 . The Villains in Alex Pandian – Karthi – Milind Soman – Tamil Movie News . 18 August 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 18 April 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120418050641/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/feb-12-03/karthi-milind-soman-17-02-12.html . live .
  17. Web site: Parvathy S Nayar, TNN . 7 August 2012 . Busy days ahead for Pratap Pothen . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094844/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-07/news-and-interviews/33066739_1_mollywood-busy-days-22fk . dead . 2 February 2014 . . 7 December 2012 .
  18. Web site: palPalani . 15 November 2011 . Karthi with Anushka in Chalakuddi . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121020134737/http://www.southdreamz.com/2011/11/karthi-with-anushka-in-chalakuddi.html . 20 October 2012 . 18 August 2012 . Southdreamz.com.
  19. Web site: 12 November 2011 . Karthi-Anushka film hits the floors – Tamil Movie News . https://web.archive.org/web/20111113022141/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/73883.html . dead . 13 November 2011 . 18 August 2012 . IndiaGlitz.
  20. Web site: palPalani . 9 December 2011 . Elephants enter Karthi – Anushka film set . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120921022342/http://www.southdreamz.com/2011/12/elephants-enter-karthi-anushka-film-set.html . 21 September 2012 . 18 August 2012 . Southdreamz.com.
  21. Web site: 7 March 2012 . Betting Big on Karthi – Karthi – Suraaj – Alex Pandian – Anushka – Nikitha – Sanusha – Tamil Movie News . 18 August 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 21 June 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120621114456/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-12-01/karthi-suraaj-07-03-12.html . live .
  22. News: 14 March 2012 . Alex Pandian shoot stalled . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094834/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-14/news-interviews/31164478_1_ameer-crew-members-fefsi. dead. . 2 February 2014.
  23. Web site: 14 March 2012 . Ameer Refutes Allegations – Ameer – Karthi – Alex Pandian . 18 August 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 21 June 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120621131948/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-12-02/ameer-karthi-14-03-12.html . live .
  24. Web site: 7 May 2012 . Anushka Challenges Karthi – Karthi – Anushka – Alex Pandian – Suraj – Tamil Movie News . 18 August 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 21 June 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120621131307/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-12-01/karthi-anushka-07-05-12.html . live .
  25. Web site: 28 August 2012 . Anushka shoots sans break . https://web.archive.org/web/20120830045655/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/85315.html . dead . 30 August 2012 . 7 December 2012 . IndiaGlitz.
  26. Web site: 22 May 2012 . Karthi And Anushka Go To Kerala – Karthi – Anushka – Alex Pandian – Santhanam . 18 August 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 28 June 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120628220810/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-12-04/karthi-anushka-22-05-12.html . live .
  27. Web site: 12 June 2012 . Karthi, Anushka fight in train . https://web.archive.org/web/20120615133017/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/82833.html . dead . 15 June 2012 . 18 August 2012 . IndiaGlitz.
  28. Web site: 13 June 2012 . Karthi's costly stunt sequence for Alex Pandian . https://web.archive.org/web/20140317074214/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-s-costly-stunt-sequence-for-alex-pandian-news-tamil-mgnlvFhcieg.html?scategory=tamil . dead . 17 March 2014 . 18 August 2012 . Sify.
  29. Web site: 25 August 2012 . Anushka Cries, Alex Pandian Shooting in Trouble – Anushka – Alex Pandian – Karthi . 7 December 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 17 November 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121117172612/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-12-04/anushka-alex-pandian-25-08-12.html . live .
  30. Web site: TNN 12 Dec 2012, 11.03AM IST . 12 December 2012 . Alex Pandian's tracklist . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094826/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-12/news-interviews/35773189_1_alex-pandian-suraaj-devi-sri-prasad . dead . 2 February 2014 . . 25 February 2013 .
  31. Web site: 12 December 2012 . Alex Pandian audio gets launched, track list out – Tamil Movie News . https://web.archive.org/web/20121215041210/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/89074.html . dead . 15 December 2012 . 25 February 2013 . IndiaGlitz.com.
  32. Web site: 14 November 2012 . Alex Pandian audio launch on November 24th – Tamil Movie News . https://web.archive.org/web/20121116200354/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/88195.html . dead . 16 November 2012 . 25 February 2013 . IndiaGlitz.com.
  33. Web site: 20 November 2012 . Alex Pandian audio confirmed on 12/12/12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121121204540/http://www.sify.com/movies/Alex-Pandian-audio-confirmed-on-12-12-12-news-tamil-mlutcgcbjec.html . dead . 21 November 2012 . 21 November 2012 . Sify.
  34. Web site: Alex Pandian, Karthi, Devi Sri Prasad . 25 February 2013 . Behindwoods.com . 23 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130223175715/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/alex-pandian--karthi-devi-sri-prasad-24-12-12.html . live .
  35. Web site: 12 December 2012 . Alex pandian Music Review Alex pandian, Karthi, Santhanam . 25 February 2013 . Behindwoods.com . 19 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130219025807/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/alex-pandian/alex-pandian-songs-review.html . live .
  36. Web site: 25 August 2012 . Alex Pandian's Unique Distinction – Alex Pandian – Karthi – Anushka . 7 December 2012 . Behindwoods.com . 28 October 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121028142106/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-12-04/alex-pandian-karthi-25-08-12.html . live .
  37. Web site: Srinivasan . Pavithra . Review: Alex Pandian is a disaster . Rediff.com . 14 January 2013 . 26 May 2023 . 22 September 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190922142243/https://m.rediff.com/amp/movies/review/south-review-alex-pandian-is-a-disaster/20130114.htm . live .
  38. Web site: Movie Review:Alex Pandian . https://web.archive.org/web/20130505115346/http://www.sify.com/movies/alex-pandian-review-tamil-15017542.html . dead . 5 May 2013 . 25 February 2013 . Sify.
  39. Web site: 14 January 2013 . Review: Alex Pandian is a disaster – Rediff.com Movies . 25 February 2013 . Rediff.com . 2 March 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130302183538/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-alex-pandian-is-a-disaster/20130114.htm . live .
  40. News: Alex Pandian movie review: Wallpaper, Story, Trailer at Times of India . 25 February 2013 . The Times of India . 16 January 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130116191855/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/alex-pandian/movie-review/18006979.cms . live .
  41. News: Malathi Rangarajan . 12 January 2013 . Chennai / Cinema : Clichés of the commercial . 25 February 2013 . The Hindu . 23 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130223090128/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-cinema/clichs-of-the-commercial/article4301761.ece . live .
  42. Web site: 15 January 2013 . Review: 'Alex Pandian' . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130125175153/http://deccanchronicle.com/130115/entertainment-movie-reviews/article/review-%E2%80%98alex-pandian%E2%80%99 . 25 January 2013 . 25 February 2013 . Deccan Chronicle.
  43. Web site: 12 January 2013 . 'Alex Pandian': Gives no reason to cheer (Tamil Movie Review) . 25 February 2013 . Newstrackindia.com . 16 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130216040659/http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2013/01/12/261--Alex-Pandian-Gives-no-reason-to-cheer-Tamil-Movie-Review-.html . live .