Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu Explained

Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu
Director:Gautham Vasudev Menon
Screenplay:Gautham Vasudev Menon
B. Jeyamohan
Story:B. Jeyamohan
Producer:Ishari K. Ganesh
Starring:Silambarasan
Siddhi Idnani
Cinematography:Siddhartha Nuni
Editing:Anthony
Music:A. R. Rahman
Studio:Vels Film International
Distributor:Red Giant Movies (Tamil Nadu)
AA Films (North India)
Ahimsa Entertainment (UK & Europe)
Runtime:178 minutes
Country:India
Language:Tamil
Budget: crore[1]
Gross:85 crore [2]

Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, also known as Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu: Part I – The Kindling, is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language neo-noir gangster film directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and written by B. Jeyamohan. It is produced by Ishari K. Ganesh. The film stars Silambarasan and Siddhi Idnani, with Radhika Sarathkumar, Neeraj Madhav and Siddique in supporting roles. The film marked the Tamil debut of both Idnani and Madhav. The film revolves around Muthuveeran (Silambarasan), who departs from Thoothukudi to Mumbai to lead a better life, gets involved in the underworld.

Silambarasan and Menon initially worked on a romantic film titled Nadhigalile Neeradum Suriyan, under Ganesh's production, but upon the former's insistence of a rustic-toned script, he developed another storyline based on one of Jeyamohan's novels, and the film was officially announced with principal photography commencing on August 2021. The film, which was shot in Tiruchendur, Chennai and Mumbai, concluded its production on April 2022. The film score and soundtrack is composed by A. R. Rahman, with cinematography handled by Siddhartha Nuni and edited by Anthony.

Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu was released theatrically on 15 September 2022. It received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise towards Silambarasan's performance, direction, screenwriting, cinematography, and music, but criticized the slow pace and rushed climax. A sequel is also announced and is in development.[3]

Plot

Muthuveeran is a BSc graduate from a village in Naduvakurichi in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, who spends his days picking thorns in the sun. When the field he works at catches fire, the owner threatens to call the police on Muthu. His mother, Latchumi, learns about his aggressive and impulsive behaviour when Muthu threatens to kill the owner with a sickle. Fearing for Muthu's life, Latchumi takes Muthu and his younger sister Gomathi to their uncle Chermadurai to find him a job elsewhere. Chermadurai arranges for Muthu's job in Chembur, Mumbai. After attending a phone call, Chermadurai is panic-stricken and gives Muthu a letter to post as soon as possible.

The following morning, Chermadurai is found dead in his room, having committed suicide. Instead of posting the letter, Muthu goes to the address mentioned in it, to Mumbai, where he takes up work in a parotta store owned by Esakki and starts earning money for his struggling family. During this time, another worker named Saravanan helps Muthu adjust to Mumbai. Muthu also falls in love with an older woman Paavai, who works in a garment shop opposite the store. Muthu and a bunch of the parotta store workers go to a movie where a scuffle ends with Maasanam, one of the workers, shooting at the sky. Maasanam and Arunjunai, another worker, go to murder a man, but they end up getting killed. Muthu learns from Saravanan that Esakki works for Senthooran, who works for Karukkavel "Kaarji", a gangster from Tirunelveli.

Kaarji's main rival is a Malayali gangster named Kutty Krishnan Nair, "Kutty Bhai", whose gang is constantly at odds with Kaarji's. Muthu also learns that Chermadurai used to work for Kaarji. When Kaarji and Kutty Bhai had a fallout, Kutty Bhai arranged an attack on him at a temple, where Kaarji escaped and assumed Chermadurai to be a mole for Kutty Bhai since he had left for his hometown at the time. Unable to prove his innocence, Chermadurai took his own life. Realising this, Muthu and Sridharan, a man Kutty Bhai uses as a sex slave, decide to leave Mumbai. However, Sridharan gets caught, and Muthu becomes forced to kill Kutty Bhai's goons, who attack the parotta store at night.

Muthu and the others hit back by killing Kutty Bhai's brother, which impresses Kaarji, who appoints Muthu as his bodyguard. Muthu starts making money, which he sends to Latchumi and Gomathi. Six months later, Muthu works with Kaarji as his bodyguard and becomes one of Kaarji's most trusted men. During what was supposed to be a meeting with an actress, Kutty Bhai's men ambush Kaarji, but Muthu fends them off and saves Kaarji. Kaarji orders Muthu and his men to kill Kutty Bhai, but they fail. In a meeting between Kaarji, Kutty Bhai and Rauf Bhai, someone sets up the man controlling Mumbai where Rauf Bhai says that if either Kaarji or Kutty Bhai dies, the other one will die as well. Meanwhile, Paavai meets Muthu again. Despite learning about his profession, they agree to Muthu's marriage proposal and soon get married.

Kutty Bhai becomes angry at Kaarji. So, he hires a contract killer named Rawthar to kill Kaarji. Kutty Bhai has Rawthar kidnap and drug Paavai, and Saravanan tells Muthu that Kaarji had taken her as a mistress. Muthu goes after Kaarji, intending to kill him and finds Paavai in Kaarji's hotel room. Kaarji is shocked to see Paavai. Using the confusion to his advantage, Rawthar shoots Kaarji and plants the gun in Muthu's hand. Kaarji's bodyguards arrive. Word soon spreads that Muthu killed Kaarji. Muthu suspects Saravanan and discovers that he works for Kutty Bhai. He was the reason behind Kaarji's death. His own men kill Saravanan as they show their loyalty to Muthu. Rawthar tries to kill Muthu and Paavai but only manages to sever one of Muthu's fingers before escaping. Muthu takes Paavai to a hospital. Esakki kidnaps Paavai's family as he thinks that Muthu killed Kaarji. Muthu goes to the parotta store and explains that he did not kill Kaarji before leaving, having decided to live normally. Simultaneously, Kutty Bhai is killed by Sridharan's girlfriend as he harasses her while celebrating Kaarji's death.

Five years later, Muthu has become a highly respected crime lord in Lucknow. He had a son who had died. Except for his daily life as a crime boss, Muthu leads life happily with Paavai and their son. However, in an attack meant for Muthu, they killed his son. With the help of Iyer, Muthu arranges a meeting with the gangsters in Allahabad and manages to kill them. Following his son's loss, Muthu stumbles upon Sridharan, a married barber. The sequel will reveal Sridharan's escape from Kutty Bhai's goons and Muthu's development into a crime boss.

Production

Development

In February 2018, Gautham Vasudev Menon announced a sequel to Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010) titled Ondraga, which would focus on Karthik and his best friends from college travelling to the United States to attend a wedding ten years after the events of the first film.[4] It had Silambarasan reprising his role from the original film, and had pulled out prominent names from South Indian film fraternity, but the film did not begin production.[5] [6] Later, Silambarasan and Menon worked on the short film Karthik Dial Seytha Yenn,[7] based on the characters from the first film which was shot during the COVID-19 lockdown in India.[8]

Soon after its release, speculations arose that Silambarasan and Menon would collaborate for the sequel of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, or a fresh script written by Menon.[9] [10] In January 2021, Silambarasan announced his new project which will be directed by Menon with Ishari K. Ganesh of Vels Film International bankrolling the project,[11] [12] thus marking the third collaboration between Menon and Silambarasan.[13] A. R. Rahman was announced as the music composer in early February 2021,[14] with lyricist Thamarai also joining the technical team.[15] On Menon's birthday (25 February 2021), the makers announced the film's title as Nadhigalile Neeradum Suriyan,[16] named after a line from the song "Ondra Renda Asaigal" from Menon's Kaakha Kaakha (2003).[17] [18]

Pre-production

During the production of Nadhigalile Neeradum Suriyan, Silambarasan insisted Menon to work on a raw and rustic-toned script, leading to a change in the storyline as well as the film genre.[19] [20] Menon brought in the basic plotline of the novel Agni Kunjondru Kanden (inspired from a poem written by Subramania Bharati) by screenwriter B. Jeyamohan,[21] instead of a fresh script he planned.[22] On 6 August 2021, Menon announced the film's new title Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, also named from one of the lines from the same poem written by Bharati.[23] The first look also released on the same day, featuring Silambarasan in a rustic avatar. He had reportedly lost 15 kilos for his role in the film. Ganesh described his role as "a character he hasn't done before". In the same month, Kayadu Lohar was announced as the lead actress.[24] However, the role went to Siddhi Idnani in January 2022.

Director-cinematographer Siddhartha Nuni, who worked in the Kannada film Lucia (2013) was hired for the project, along with Anthony, who regularly collaborated with Menon in his previous ventures, handled the editing works. Silambarasan shared a picture on social media revealing his current transformation for the film, to quell rumours that the first look was "photoshopped". A report from The Times of India stated that the actor had hired a special instructor to reduce his weight for the past six months and had also trained for the stunt sequences too. The film's cast further included Malayalam actors Siddique and Neeraj Madhav, playing pivotal roles in the film.

The film revolves around the plight of migrant workers, which is Menon's first attempt on portraying the tale of marginalised section in the society.[25] Menon also stated that Silambarasan would be seen in five different looks as the film narrates his journey from teenage to adulthood.[26] Jeyamohan said the film would not be a full-fledged rural action drama like Asuran, but a portion of it would be set in a rural backdrop, and the film will also feature urban portions. He added that the film would be rustic tonally, with the style of Menon's earlier directorial ventures.[27] [28] Menon stated that the film will be on the lines of Vaaranam Aayiram, and will see Silambarasan in five different looks as the film progresses from his teenage to adulthood.[29] [30]

Filming

Principal photography began on 7 August 2021 at Tiruchendur.[31] On 23 August 2021, shooting was suspended due to the tussle between Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) and Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), as several producers filed complaints against Silambarasan in the past over his failure to commit to the projects he signed and also demanded for compensation.[32] Following Ganesh's assurance to compensate the producers, shooting resumed on 26 August,[33] with the second schedule beginning in Chennai.[34]

On 20 September 2021, the makers announced that the second schedule had been completed.[35] The team took a brief break, following Silambarasan's involvement's in the post-production of Maanaadu and on 18 October, Silambarasan went to Mumbai to begin the third schedule.[36] [37] It was reported that the team had planned to resume the shooting in Chennai and had constructed a set resembling Mumbai, in a private film studio. Hollywood-based stunt choreographer Lee Whittaker was hired for the action sequences, joined the schedule in Mumbai on mid-October.[38] The team had several complications on the film's production in Mumbai, citing the difficulties in travel due to pandemic and weather conditions, and decided to begin the final schedule in Chennai for more than 25 days. However, contrary to the earlier statements, the final schedule began on 7 December 2021 in Mumbai.[39]

On 11 December, Silambarasan was hospitalised in Chennai due to a viral infection, resulting in shooting being stalled for a few days.[40] [41] A minor shooting schedule was later held in Chennai on 3 January 2022, and took place for 10 days. By 13 January 2022, the Chennai shooting schedule has been wrapped and was informed that the team will return to Mumbai for the final schedule which involves few patchwork scenes. A source from the production team stated that the shooting in Mumbai, will be stalled for some time due to the rise in COVID-19 infections in the city, and will be planned appropriately only after the restrictions being lifted. As of mid-January, 50% of the film has been completed. The third and final schedule began in Mumbai on 9 February 2022.[42] Filming completely wrapped on 15 April 2022.[43]

Music

See main article: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu (soundtrack). The music for the film is composed by A. R. Rahman in his third collaboration with Menon after Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010) and Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (2016) and fourth collaboration with Silambarasan after the former movies and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018).[44] The audio rights were purchased by Think Music.[45] Two songs: "Kaalathukkum Nee Venum" and "Marakkuma Nenjam" were released as singles on 6 May and 15 August 2022.[46] The film's soundtrack was released on 31 August 2022.[47]

Release

Theatrical

The film was released in theatres on 15 September 2022,[48] by Red Giant Movies.[49] Ahimsa Entertainment distributed the film in the UK and Europe.[50] [51]

Home media

The satellite rights of the film are sold to Kalaignar TV.[52] Initially, there were reports suggesting that the film's digital rights were acquired by Aha Tamil,[53] but later it was acquired by Amazon Prime Video.[54] The film was digitally streamed on Amazon Prime Video from 13 October 2022.[55]

Reception

Critical response

Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu received mostly positive reviews from critics.[56]

Krishna Selvaseelan of Tamil Guardian rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, writing, “It is also definitely Menon’s best film - it is a hugely pleasant surprise to see him innovate and take risks so late in his career, which has certainly paid off.”[57] Nidhima Taneja of ThePrint rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "It is the journey of the most incomprehensible — or an underdog if you will — man in the pyramid that makes Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu worth a watch".[58] Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Gautham Vasudev Menon’s film has all the familiar material that you expect from a gangster film but also a few departures and inclusions that keep things engrossing".[59] Karthik Keramalu of Firstpost rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "The movie humanizes the lives of gangsters who’re at the bottom of the chain".[60] M. Suganth of The Times of India rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and called it "an uneven gangster saga that works in parts".[61] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu begins on a great note and keeps the momentum till the interval only to drop the ball in the climax.[62] Pinkvilla rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is an entertaining gangster drama that has some amazing performances in place".[63] Janani K. of India Today rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Vendhu Thanindhadhu Kaadu could have been Simbu’s Pudhupettai, but it falls short by a few miles. The second half could have been more nuanced".[64] Srivatsan S of The Hindu wrote "The biggest positive has got to be how well-rounded the screenplay structure is: where it begins is where the film also ends."[65]

A critic for Deccan Herald rated 3 out of 5 and wrote "The template of a small-town man getting sucked into the criminal world isn’t new. Gautham reinvents it and he has a great partner in crime in Simbu. It’s a great combination."[66] Sowndarya Athimuthu of The Quint rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Though Vendhu Thanindhadhu Kaadu might come across as a usual gangster saga, it is a unique attempt from Gautham Vasudev Menon, who submits to writer Jeyamohan’s vision".[67] Sudhir Srinivasan of Cinema Express rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "VTK shows plenty of potential, and the disappointment is that it doesn’t quite hit as many highs as you would expect".[68]

Box office

On the first day of its release, Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu grossed over 12 crore worldwide with the film collecting over 8.25 crore in Tamil Nadu.[69] Within four days of its release, the film collected a whopping crore.[70] The film grossed over crore worldwide and became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of the year.[2]

Legal issues

Before the production of the film, several producers had filed a complaint against Silambarasan at the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) for not working on the projects he had advanced before the shoot. Global Infotainment's Michael Rayappan too criticised Silambarasan, after failing to compensate the losses incurred during the production of Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan (2017). As a result, the Tamil Film Producers Council issued a red card against Silambarasan following the complaints and also insisted the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) to stop the production works on the film. However, FEFSI had supported the film because Ishari K. Ganesh had helped the association in several ways during the COVID-19 lockdown.[71] It eventually resulted in the split between TFPC and FEFSI, and the shooting was disrupted following this incident.[72] Fans of Silambarasan eventually supported the actor and condemned TFPC's actions; they started using the hashtag "#SaveTamilCinemafromTFPC" eventually being trending for two days on Twitter. Later, on 26 August 2021, Ganesh admitted to pay the requested amount on behalf of the actor in order to resume shooting; an assurance letter was submitted to the producers council.

Sequel

The complete title Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu Part I: The Kindling was unveiled in early September, confirming that a sequel was in development.[73]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 19 September 2022 . 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' box office collection day 4: Silambarasan's gangster flick earns over 50 crores on the first weekend . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220922211519/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-box-office-collection-day-4-silambarasans-gangster-flick-earns-over-50-crores-on-the-first-weekend/articleshow/94298945.cms . 22 September 2022 . 22 September 2022 . . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 30 crores..
  2. News: 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' box office collection day 6: Silambarasan's film crosses 44 crores in Tamil Nadu. The Times of India. 21 September 2022. 1 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221001002239/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-box-office-collection-day-6-silambarasans-film-crosses-44-crores-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/94350980.cms. live.
  3. Web site: 19 September 2022 . After the success of Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, Simbu calls out body-shamers . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220925071745/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/after-the-success-of-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-simbu-calls-out-body-shamers-8160463/ . 25 September 2022 . 25 September 2022 . The Indian Express.
  4. Web site: 21 February 2018 . Gautham Menon and R Madhavan team up for 'Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa' sequel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210427210536/https://scroll.in/reel/869484/gautham-menon-and-r-madhavan-team-up-for-vinnaithaandi-varuvaayaa-sequel . 27 April 2021 . 19 May 2021 . Scroll.in.
  5. Web site: Pattikonda . Gautham . 3 November 2017 . Gautham Menon's multi-lingual film to feature Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah and Puneeth Rajkumar . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200923155217/https://regional.pinkvilla.com/tamil/news/gautham-menons-multi-lingual-film-feature-anushka-shetty-tamannah-puneeth-rajkumar/ . 23 September 2020 . 18 May 2021 . Pinkvilla.
  6. Web site: Hooli . Shekhar H. . 21 February 2018 . Madhavan replaces Simbu in Gautham Menon's Ondraga . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210518165525/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/madhavan-replaces-simbu-gautham-menons-ondraga-761404 . 18 May 2021 . 18 May 2021 . International Business Times.
  7. Web site: 16 May 2020 . Simbu to join Gautham Menon for VTV 2? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200518233750/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/simbu-to-join-gautham-menon-for-vtv-2/articleshow/75773440.cms . 18 May 2020 . 18 May 2021 . The Times of India.
  8. Web site: 13 May 2020 . Kathik Dial Seytha Yenn: Simbu shoots for Trisha and Gautham Menon's short film from home . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201029134805/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kathik-dial-seytha-yenn-simbu-shoots-for-trisha-and-gautham-menon-s-short-film-from-home-1677465-2020-05-13 . 29 October 2020 . 6 August 2021 . India Today.
  9. Web site: 22 May 2020 . 'Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya 2' to be bankrolled by THIS popular producer? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519124344/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vinnaithaandi-varuvaaya-2-to-be-bankrolled-by-this-popular-producer/articleshow/75888080.cms . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . The Times of India.
  10. Web site: 16 May 2020 . Simbu to join Gautham Menon for VTV 2? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200518233750/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/simbu-to-join-gautham-menon-for-vtv-2/articleshow/75773440.cms . 18 May 2020 . 19 May 2021 . The Times of India.
  11. Web site: 28 January 2021 . Silambarasan TR to reunite with Gautham Menon . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519123413/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/silambarasan-tr-to-reunite-with-gautham-menon/articleshow/80513764.cms . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . The Times of India.
  12. Web site: 29 January 2021 . Silambarasan and Gautham Menon to join hands again for new project . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519123413/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/silambarasan-and-gautham-menon-join-hands-again-new-project-142400 . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . The News Minute.
  13. Web site: 29 January 2021 . STR reunites with Gautham Menon . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519123712/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/simbu-reunites-with-gautham-menon-7166080/ . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . The Indian Express.
  14. Web site: 3 February 2021 . AR Rahman to compose music for Silambarasan's next with Gautham Menon . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519214138/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/ar-rahman-to-compose-music-for-silambarasans-next-with-gautham-menon/articleshow/80673866.cms . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . The Times of India.
  15. Web site: K. . Janani . 4 February 2021 . Gautham Menon welcomes AR Rahman as composer in film with Simbu. See tweet . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519123413/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/gautham-menon-welcomes-ar-rahman-as-composer-in-film-with-simbu-see-tweet-1765741-2021-02-04 . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . India Today.
  16. Web site: 26 February 2021 . Silambarasan and Gautham Menon's new film titled 'Nadhigalilae Neeradum Suriyan' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519123424/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/silambarasan-and-gautham-menons-new-film-titled-nadhigalilae-neeradum-suriyan-144247 . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . The News Minute.
  17. News: 25 February 2021 . Gautham Menon-Silambarasan TR film titled Nadhigalilae Neeradhum Suriyan . . live . 19 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519123421/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/feb/25/gautham-menon-silambarasan-tr-film-titlednadhigalilae-neeradhum-suriyan-23026.html . 19 May 2021.
  18. Web site: 13 April 2021 . Did you know, Silambarasan had suggested a controversial title for his next with Gautham Menon? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519123415/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-silambarasan-had-suggested-a-controversial-title-for-his-next-with-gautham-menon/articleshow/82050325.cms . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . The Times of India.
  19. Web site: காந்தி . உ சுதர்சன் . 6 August 2021 . 'அசுரன்' மாதிரி ஒரு படம் பண்ணணும் – சிம்புவின் ஆசைக்காக உருவாகும் 'வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு'! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210806142014/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/why-simbus-nadhigalile-neeradum-suriyan-changed-into-vendhu-thanindhadhu-kaadu . 6 August 2021 . 9 August 2021 . . ta.
  20. Web site: 10 August 2021 . 'Vendhu Thanidhathu Kaadu': Gautham Menon changes the film's story to satisfy Silambarasan's wish . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211211033612/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vendhu-thanidhathu-kaadu-gautham-menon-changes-the-films-story-to-satisfy-silambarasans-wish/articleshow/85206911.cms . 11 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . The Times of India.
  21. Web site: 11 July 2021 . Jeyamohan joins Silambarasan and Gautham Menon's 'Nadhigalilae Neeradum Suriyan' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210712192620/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/jeyamohan-joins-silambarasan-and-gautham-menons-nadhigalilae-neeradum-suriyan/articleshow/84315479.cms . 12 July 2021 . 9 August 2021 . The Times of India.
  22. Web site: 8 July 2021 . Gautham ropes in Jeyamohan for 'Nadhigalilae Neeradum Suriyan' . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20210708201140/https://www.sify.com/movies/gautham-ropes-in-jeyamohan-for-nadhigalilae-neeradum-suriyan-news-tamil-vhikv1fiibcbc.html . 8 July 2021 . 9 August 2021 . Sify.
  23. Web site: 6 August 2021 . Simbu's next with Gautham Vasudev Menon titled Vendhu Thaninthathu Kaadu, see first look . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210806115026/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/simbu-next-with-gautham-vasudev-menon-titled-vendhu-thaninthathu-kaadu-see-first-look-7441527/ . 6 August 2021 . 9 August 2021 . The Indian Express.
  24. Web site: 10 August 2021 . Kayadu Lohar to play the female lead in Gautham Menon-Simbu's next? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210811050519/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2021/aug/10/kayadu-lohar-to-play-the-female-lead-in-gautham-menon-simbus-next-2342441.html . 11 August 2021 . 11 August 2021 . The New Indian Express.
  25. Web site: 10 December 2021 . Watch: Teaser of Gautham Menon-Simbu's Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is out . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211210091137/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/watch-teaser-gautham-menon-simbus-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-out-158580 . 10 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . The News Minute.
  26. Web site: 24 January 2022 . Silambarasan's 'Vendhu Thanidhathu Kaadu' will be similar to Suriya's 'Vaaranam Aayiram' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220124123431/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/silambarasans-vendhu-thanidhathu-kaadu-will-be-similar-to-suriyas-vaaranam-aayiram/articleshow/89091091.cms . 24 January 2022 . 24 January 2022 . The Times of India.
  27. News: 6 August 2021 . சிம்புவின் வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு: படத்தலைப்பில் ஏன் திடீர் மாற்றம்? . ta . . live . 9 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210810033751/https://www.bbc.com/tamil/arts-and-culture-58115111 . 10 August 2021.
  28. Web site: 6 August 2021 . சிம்பு – கெளதம் மேனன் இணையும் வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210810033800/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/701912-simbu-and-gauthem-menon-join-hands-for-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu.html . 10 August 2021 . 9 August 2021 . . ta.
  29. Web site: 21 August 2021 . Gautham Menon: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu will be nothing like anything I've done so far . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220223115239/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2021/aug/21/gautham-menon-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-will-be-nothing-like-anything-ive-done-so-far-26185.html . 23 February 2022 . 23 February 2022 . Cinema Express.
  30. Web site: 25 January 2022 . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu to be on the lines of Vaaranam Aayiram! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220127041043/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29866/vtk-release-date-simbu-gautham-menon . 27 January 2022 . 23 February 2022 . Moviecrow.
  31. Web site: 9 August 2021 . அசுரன் போன்ற கதையல்ல 'வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு' – எழுத்தாளர் ஜெயமோகன் . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210810033756/https://tamil.news18.com/nodeapi/pv-candidate . 10 August 2021 . 9 August 2021 . . ta.
  32. Web site: 23 August 2021 . Simbu's 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' shooting gets cancelled! - Know Why . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211210180245/https://www.indiaglitz.com/simbu-latest-movie-update-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-shooting-cancelled-gautham-vasudev-menon-tfpc-fefsi-split-producers-complaint-radhika-ar-rahman-tamil-news-293578 . 10 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . IndiaGlitz.
  33. Web site: 27 August 2021 . Silambarasan awes fans with the second look of 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211211033622/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/silambarasan-awes-fans-with-the-second-look-of-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu/articleshow/85681447.cms . 11 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . The Times of India.
  34. Web site: Palisetty . Ramya . 26 August 2021 . Silambarasan begins second schedule of Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, shares pic . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211210180245/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/silambarasan-begins-second-schedule-of-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-shares-pic-1845698-2021-08-26 . 10 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . India Today.
  35. Web site: 21 September 2021 . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu second schedule wrapped up . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211210185130/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-second-schedule-wrapped-up/articleshow/86396063.cms . 10 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . The Times of India.
  36. Web site: 18 October 2021 . Silambarasan jets off to Mumbai for the next schedule of 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211211033618/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/silambarasan-jets-off-to-mumbai-for-the-next-schedule-of-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu/articleshow/87100384.cms . 11 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . The Times of India.
  37. Web site: 18 October 2021 . Silambarasan TR's Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu ready to roll in Mumbai; Details Inside . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211210181738/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/silambarasan-trs-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-ready-roll-mumbai-details-inside-920335 . 10 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . Pinkvilla.
  38. Web site: 23 October 2021 . Gautham ropes in Lee Whittaker for Silambarasan TR's 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu'! . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20211210180234/https://www.sify.com/movies/gautham-ropes-in-lee-whittaker-for-silambarasan-trs-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-news-tamil-vkxkNgiceejaa.html . 10 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . Sify.
  39. Web site: 7 December 2021 . Silambarasan resumes shooting for Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu in Mumbai . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211211033614/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/silambarasan-resumes-shooting-for-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-in-mumbai/articleshow/88139865.cms . 11 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . The Times of India.
  40. Web site: K. . Janani . 11 December 2021 . Simbu hospitalised in Chennai due to viral infection . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211213200743/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/simbu-hospitalised-in-chennai-due-to-viral-infection-1886727-2021-12-11 . 13 December 2021 . 24 January 2022 . India Today.
  41. Web site: 11 December 2021 . Simbu admitted to hospital for viral infection; discharged later . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220125053558/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/simbu-admitted-to-hospital-for-viral-infection-discharged-later/articleshow/88226855.cms . 25 January 2022 . 25 January 2022 . The Times of India.
  42. Web site: 10 February 2022 . Team 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' shoots the last leg of the film; Silambarasan shares a picture . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220210053432/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/team-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-shoots-for-the-last-leg-of-the-film-silambarasan-shares-a-picture/articleshow/89470265.cms . 10 February 2022 . 23 February 2022 . The Times of India.
  43. Web site: 15 April 2022 . It's a wrap for Gautham Menon- Silambarasan's Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220415134540/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/apr/15/its-a-wrap-for-gautham-menon--silambarasans-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-30903.html . 15 April 2022 . 15 April 2022 . Cinema Express.
  44. Web site: 9 December 2021 . Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Ajith connection in Silambarasan's 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' glimpse . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211209075528/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-kamal-haasan-and-ajith-connection-in-silambarasans-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-glimpse/articleshow/88182936.cms . 9 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . The Times of India.
  45. Web site: 8 December 2021 . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu shooting resumes! Audio rights bagged! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211210180235/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29636/vtk-update-simbu-gautham-menon-ar-rahman . 10 December 2021 . 10 December 2021 . Moviecrow.
  46. Web site: 2022-05-06 . First single 'Kaalathukkum Nee Venum' from Simbu's 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' is out now! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220527162811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/first-single-kaalathukkum-nee-venum-from-simbus-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-is-out-now/articleshow/91378104.cms?from=mdr . 27 May 2022 . 2022-05-06 . The Times of India.
  47. Web site: 31 August 2022 . Audio launch of STR’s Venthu Thaninthathu Kaadu today, AR Rahman to perform live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220916044513/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/audio-launch-of-strs-venthu-thaninthathu-kaadu-today-ar-rahman-to-perform-live-8126745/ . 16 September 2022 . 22 January 2024 . The Indian Express . en.
  48. News: 29 June 2022 . Gautham Vasudev Menon's 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' to hit screens on September 15 . . . live . 29 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220629095622/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2022/jun/29/gautham-vasudev-menons-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-to-hit-screens-on-september-15-2471047.html . 29 June 2022.
  49. Web site: 9 July 2022 . Red Giant Movies to distribute Gautham Menon- Simbu's Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu in Tamil Nadu . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220715150637/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/jul/09/red-giant-movies-to-distribute-gautham-menon-simbus-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-in-tamil-nadu-32639.html . 15 July 2022 . 15 July 2022 . Cinema Express.
  50. Web site: BBFC . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu . 2023-03-14 . www.bbfc.co.uk . en . 6 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230306005845/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmda3ntq3 . live .
  51. News: 17 September 2022 . The Life of Muthu (Telugu) . E Times . 24 April 2023 . 24 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230424114908/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-details/the-life-of-muthu/movieshow/94201521.cms . live .
  52. Web site: பிரபல TV சேனலில் ஒளிபரப்பாகும் 'வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு' இசை வெளியீட்டு விழா! எப்போ? எதுல? . 8 September 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220929113038/https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/venthu-thaninthathu-kaadu-audio-launch-on-star-vijay-tv.html?ref=www.google.ae . 29 September 2022 . 25 September 2022.
  53. Web site: 21 April 2022 . Exclusive: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu OTT Rights . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220714065508/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/30346/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-ott-rights . 14 July 2022 . 14 July 2022 . Moviecrow.
  54. Web site: 28 June 2022 . போடு வெடிய.. 'வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு' படத்தின் OTT உரிமை.. கைப்பற்றிய உலகின் முன்னணி நிறுவனம்? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220729133505/https://m.behindwoods.com/ta/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/str-venthu-thaninthathu-kaadu-digital-rights-acquired-by-amazon-prime.html . 29 July 2022 . 14 July 2022 . Behindwoods . ta.
  55. Web site: Jha . Lata . 13 October 2022 . Amazon Prime Video to premiere Tamil film 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' on 13 Oct . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221013051015/http://www.livemint.com/industry/media/amazon-prime-video-to-premiere-tamil-film-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-on-13-oct-11665637076998.html . 13 October 2022 . 13 October 2022 . Mint.
  56. Web site: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu box office collection Day 1: Silambarasan-Gautham Menon's film opens to a promising start . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171921/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-box-office-collection-day-1-silambarasan-gautham-menons-film-opens-to-a-promising-start/ . 20 September 2022 . 17 September 2022 . . 16 September 2022 . As far as the critical response to the film goes, Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu has received predominantly positive reviews for its unique take on the usual gangster origin story. However, the climax of the film was criticised as hurried and confusing..
  57. Web site: Selvaseelan . Krishna . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu: Gautham Menon's finest work to date . 2023-10-24 . . 2 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231002074129/https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-gautham-menon-s-finest-work-date . live .
  58. Web site: 16 September 2022 . A power-packed tale of self-discovery, Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is among Kollywood's best . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220916081609/https://theprint.in/features/reel-take/a-power-packed-tale-of-self-discovery-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-is-among-kollywoods-best/1130773/ . 16 September 2022 . 17 September 2022 . ThePrint.
  59. Web site: Rajendran . Sowmya . Sowmya Rajendran . 15 September 2022 . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu review: Gautham Menon returns to form in Simbu gangster film . . en . 23 January 2024 . 22 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240122071913/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-review-gautham-menon-returns-form-simbu-gangster-film-167911 . live .
  60. Web site: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu movie review: Simbu is terrific as a reluctant gangster . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220916075734/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-movie-review-simbu-is-terrific-as-a-reluctant-gangster-11265331.html . 16 September 2022 . 17 September 2022 . Firstpost. 16 September 2022 .
  61. Web site: Suganth . M. . 15 September 2022 . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu Movie Review : A terrific Silambarasan shoulders an uneven gangster saga that works in parts . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220915042420/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu/movie-review/94213272.cms . 15 September 2022 . 15 September 2022 . The Times of India.
  62. Web site: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu movie review: Gautham Menon-Simbu film is done in by half measures . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220915125740/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-movie-review-gauthama-menon-simbus-film-8152208/ . 15 September 2022 . 15 September 2022 . The Indian Express. 15 September 2022 .
  63. Web site: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu Movie Review: Gautham Menon's film makes Simbu give his career-best performance . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220915130157/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-movie-review-gautham-menons-film-makes-simbu-give-his-career-best-performance-1190321?amp . 15 September 2022 . 15 September 2022 . Pinkvilla. 15 September 2022 .
  64. Web site: K. . Janani . 15 September 2022 . Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu Movie Review: Simbu's terrific acting saves GVM's gangster origin film . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220915044611/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-movie-review-simbu-s-terrific-acting-saves-gvm-s-gangster-origin-film-2000401-2022-09-15 . 15 September 2022 . 15 September 2022 . India Today.
  65. News: 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' movie review: Simbu and Gautham Menon are superb in this very ordinary gangster drama . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220929113038/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-movie-review-simbu-and-gautham-menon-are-superb-in-this-very-ordinary-gangster-drama/article65893782.ece . 29 September 2022 . 15 September 2022 . The Hindu. 15 September 2022 . S . Srivatsan .
  66. Web site: 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' review: Gautham Menon returns to form . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220915152916/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-review-gautham-menon-returns-to-form-1145417.html . 15 September 2022 . 15 September 2022 . Deccan Herald. 15 September 2022 .
  67. Web site: 'Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu' Review: Simbu, AR Rahman Shine in This Gangster Saga . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220916033826/https://www.thequint.com/amp/story/entertainment/movie-reviews/vendhu-thanindhadhu-kaadu-life-of-muthu-movie-review-silambarasan-tr-simbu-gautham-vasudev-menon-ar-rahman . 16 September 2022 . 16 September 2022 . The Quint. 15 September 2022 .
  68. Web site: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu Movie Review: Scorching promise, middling results . https://web.archive.org/web/20220929075204/https://m.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2022/sep/15/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-movie-review-scorching-promise-middling-results-34718.amp . dead . 29 September 2022 . 16 September 2022 . .
  69. Web site: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu first day box office collections; Highest opening day ever for Silambarasan . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220916071207/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-first-day-box-office-collections-highest-opening-day-ever-for-silambarasan-1190502 . 16 September 2022 . 16 September 2022 . Pinkvilla. 16 September 2022 .
  70. Web site: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu box office day 4 collection: Simbu film earns ₹55 crore worldwide. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220916071207/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-box-office-day-4-collection-simbu-film-earns-55-crore-worldwide-101663580496072.html . 16 September 2022 . 19 September 2022 . Hindustan Times. 19 September 2022 .
  71. Web site: 9 August 2021 . FEFSI in trouble for supporting Silambarasan TR's film? . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20210810033748/https://www.sify.com/movies/fefsi-in-trouble-for-supporting-silambarasan-trs-film-news-tamil-vijeXydfhgjfd.html . 10 August 2021 . 9 August 2021 . Sify.
  72. News: 9 August 2021 . TFPC, FEFSI heading for a showdown . . live . 9 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210810033748/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tfpc-fefsi-heading-for-a-showdown/article35805803.ece . 10 August 2021.
  73. Web site: 3 September 2022 . Simbu's Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu sequel confirmed: 'The story does not end with this' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220914195354/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/simbus-vendhu-thanindhathu-kaadu-sequel-confirmed-the-story-does-not-end-with-this/ . 14 September 2022 . 15 September 2022 . The Indian Express.