| Viyabari | |
| Director: | Shakti Chidambaram |
| Producer: |
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| Starring: | S. J. Suryah |
| Cinematography: | M. V. Panneerselvam |
| Editing: | S. Suraj Kavee |
| Music: | Deva |
| Studio: | Cinema Paradise |
| Runtime: | 162 minutes |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Tamil |
Viyabari is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language science fiction comedy film directed and produced by Sakthi Chidambaram. The film stars S. J. Suryah in a dual role as a businessman and his clone, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Tamannaah Bhatia, Prakash Raj, Namitha, Malavika, Vadivelu, Santhanam, Seetha, and Nassar. The musical score was composed by Deva. Cinematography was handled by M. V. Panneerselvam, and editing was done by S. Suraj Kavee. The film was released on 11 July 2007.
Suryaprakash is a businessman who wants to become richer than Bill Gates. In the process, he lose his family and social life. He tells scientist Stephen Raj to clone him so that he can keep concentrating on his business affairs whilst the clone replaces him at home. Savithri, a college girl doing a research project on Suryaprakash, falls in love with him. Suryaprakash is not interested in Savithri, but marries her because she's a good cook. After partying with two models and humiliating his brother-in-law "Digil" Paandi, Suryaprakash finally comes to understand the value of family after his mother dies.
The film's music was composed by Deva and features a total of five songs. S. J. Suryah made his singing debut in this film.[1] [2]
Indiaglitz wrote: "Sakthi Chidambaram has used the concept of cloning well to suit the commercial needs of the movie. Sakthi has narrated the tale of motherly sentiment laced with all commercial elements."[3] Sify criticized the film and asked "what the actor and his director was trying to convey through this film — a bit of sleaze and fun or steamy mother sentiments?"[4] Rediff.com wrote "At quite a few places, the movie seems like a rehash of Surya's earlier films. Its better if Mr.Surya realises that it will look better if someone else pays tribute to his work, rather doing it himself".[5] Chennai Online wrote "Shakti Chidambaram produces, scripts and directs the film. His earlier films with Sathyaraj were fairly engaging entertainers. But 'Vyabari' is just a test of patience".[6] The Hindu wrote "Director Shakthi Chidambaram is known for his works in comedy and watching `Vyabari' one feels he could have stuck to what he is best at".[7] Lajjavathi of Kalki praised the acting of Suryah and Tamannaah, Deva's music, and Panneerselvam's cinematography, and was thrilled by the innovative ideas of Tamil directors. However, she felt that Chidambaram should have provided a neater screenplay.[8]
Reports initially suggested that Malavika left the set of Viyabari and contacted the Nadigar Sangam after S. J. Suryah allegedly behaved inappropriately during a romantic scene, leading to his apology. However, Malavika has since denied these claims, stating in a press statement and an interview that no such incident occurred and affirming her positive relationship with Suryah. She also noted that the rumors aimed to damage her reputation and their friendship. Suryah supported her denial, expressing concern over the false rumors.[9] [10]