''Muthina Kathirika'' () is a 2016 Indian
Tamil
Tamil may refer to:
* Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia
** Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils
**Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia
* Tamil language, nati ...
-language
political satire
Political satire is satire that specializes in gaining entertainment from politics; it has also been used with subversive intent where Political discourse analysis, political speech and dissent are forbidden by a regime, as a method of advancing ...
film directed by Venkat and produced by
Khushbu
Khushbu Sundar (born Nakhat Khan; 29 September 1970) is an Indian actress, politician, film producer and television presenter. She is known for her works predominantly in Tamil, besides Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada films. She is a rec ...
. A remake of the successful Malayalam film ''
Vellimoonga
''Vellimoonga'' () is a 2014 Indian Malayalam-language political satire film directed by Jibu Jacob and written by Joji Thomas. It stars Biju Menon in the lead role with Aju Varghese, Nikki Galrani, Tini Tom, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Sasi Kalinga, S ...
'' (2014), the film stars
Sundar C.,
Poonam Bajwa
Poonam Bajwa is an Indian actress and model who appears in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She made her acting debut in 2005 with the Telugu film '' Modati Cinema'', after that she was featured in more Telugu film, such as ''Boss'' ( ...
. Following the completion of Sundar's directorial commitments, the film began production in February 2016.
Plot
In 1996, a 18-year Muthupandi visits the local police station in Kovilur in
Thenkasi
Tenkasi is a town and headquarters of the Tenkasi district in Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Being one of the most significant spiritual and cultural places in South Tamilnadu,Tenkasi houses The Kutraleeshwarar temple (Chitra Sabha), one of the ...
for a small issue. He gets a good respect in station as his grandfather was an MLA from ADBD party, which is a national party. Muthupandi realises the worth of politics and foolishly joins the party, without realising that ADBD has no hold in
Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu (; , TN) is a state in southern India. It is the tenth largest Indian state by area and the sixth largest by population. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu is the home of the Tamil people, whose Tamil language— ...
. He tries to woo his college senior Madhavi, but ends up in a scuffle with supr-senior Ravikumar, and drops all hopes of love.
20 years later, Muthupandi is still unmarried and is the State General Secretary of the meek party. His younger brother is married, has kids and works as Government employee and his younger sister is in college. Content from the family's income from ancestral properties, Muthupandi engages in tricks and tactics to keep his party's name alive with nil funding. His assistant Kumar also tags along with him in hopes of making it big.
Bullet Marudhupandi is the Vice-Chairman of Kovilur Municipality and has been vying for MLA seat for 10 years. Despite being an influential member of ruling MMSK party, he is upset that the seat is always given to coalition parties. He has placed a rubber stamp lady as Chairman as per women reservation, and runs the administration. Vanjinathan, the younger brother of Marudhu is a leading member of opposition MMKK party, and has twice lost from the same constituency. Despite being members of opposite groups they maintain a secret rapport and enjoy monopoly in civil contracts.
Muthupandi meets a young lady Maya and falls in love with her. He goes to meet her parents, and finds out that she is the daughter of his crush madhavi and Ravikumar. Ravikumar, now a Police
nspector vows not to marry off Maya to muthupandi. At the same time General elections are announced for the State. As a revenge for all the tricks pulled on by Muthupandi, Marudhupandi and Vanjinathan arrange for Sanjay, a rich london return NRI to marry Maya on the day of results of the election, as Ravikumar is their distant cousin.
Muthupandi meets the State President Gopi in Chennai, and they meet with Saamy, the PA of their National President Sharma. Saamy tells the duo that, Sharma wants to improve the party in the South after the General elections. He offers Muthupandi the option to become an
MP of
Rajya sabha
The Rajya Sabha, constitutionally the Council of States, is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of India. , it has a maximum membership of 245, of which 233 are elected by the legislatures of the states and union territories using si ...
from
Assam
Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...
and then a central deputy-minister, as Muthupandi knows Hindi. Muthupandi offers to get Gopi's home-seat
Tambaram
Tambaram is a southern suburb of Chennai, India. Located in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, it is governed by Tambaram City Municipal Corporation and is a part of the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
Etymology
Tambaram is an ancient town ...
from ruling MMKK party and let him become MLA. Gopi, with desire to become an MP, double-crosses Muthupandi, and meets with the
Chief Minister
A chief minister is an elected or appointed head of government of – in most instances – a sub-national entity, for instance an administrative subdivision or federal constituent entity. Examples include a state (and sometimes a union terri ...
, who is also MMKK President, and gets Kovilur allocated to their party. Muthupandi is shocked at the change, and devises a plan.
Muthupandi challenges to Gopi that he will lose the election, and then go on to become an MP. Gopi convinces a distraught Marudhupandi to work for Muthupandi, and tells him about the MP option and pays him heavily. Despite all of Muthupandi's attempts to lose, the campaign goes on well. Vanjinathan contests for the opponent MMKK party and he also campaigns strongly.
On day of election, Muthupandi wins by 2000 votes and becomes an MLA. Muthupandi reveals to Kumar that the "MP and deputy-minister" plan was a drama arranged by him, to win. At the end of the day, MMKK and MMSK win 118 and 116 seats respectively in 234 member assembly, making muthupandi the decider as he contested from his party's symbol. Meanwhile, Sanjay absconds from the wedding, and Ravikumar is cajoled by his relatives to marry off maya to MLA muthupandi. Ravi agrees without will, and Muthupandi finally marries Maya. MMKK offers Muthupandi
Khadi
Khadi (, ), derived from khaddar, is a hand-spun and woven natural fibre cloth promoted by Mahatma Gandhi as ''swadeshi'' (self-sufficiency) for the freedom struggle of the Indian subcontinent, and the term is used throughout India, Pakistan ...
Minister post in the new Cabinet, in exchange for his support to form government. Muthupandi rejects the offer to become
Khadi
Khadi (, ), derived from khaddar, is a hand-spun and woven natural fibre cloth promoted by Mahatma Gandhi as ''swadeshi'' (self-sufficiency) for the freedom struggle of the Indian subcontinent, and the term is used throughout India, Pakistan ...
Minister, and offers MMKK his support and tells a surprised Maruthupandi that he has eyes on Revenue Dept, the wealthiest one.
The next day Muthupandi, Maya and Kumar leave for Chennai. Muthupandi has arranged for his brother and sister-in-law to be transferred back to Kovilur, to be with their mother. Sanjay meets Muthupandi and maya when they are going to Madurai airport. He reveals that he was also a hoax planted by muthupandi to marry maya. Muthupandi opens up to Maya and Maya forgives Muthupandi, and they reconcile. Kumar gets a call from the CM office, informing them that Muthupandi has been the appointed as
Revenue Department Minister.
Cast
*
Sundar C. as Muthupandi
*
Poonam Bajwa
Poonam Bajwa is an Indian actress and model who appears in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She made her acting debut in 2005 with the Telugu film '' Modati Cinema'', after that she was featured in more Telugu film, such as ''Boss'' ( ...
as Maya
*
Kiran Rathod
Kiran Rathod (born 11 January 1981) is an Indian actress. She has acted in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films.
Early life
Rathod was born on 11 January 1981 in Jaipur. She is a cousin of actress Raveena Tandon. Rathod graduated ...
as Madhavi
*
Sathish
Sathish Muthukrishnan (born 23 May 1987) is an Indian actor and comedian working in the Tamil film industry. He made a breakthrough portraying a role alongside Sivakarthikeyan in '' Ethir Neechal'' (2013). He won Edison Award for Best Comedian ...
as Saravanan
*
VTV Ganesh
Ganesh Janardhanan, also known by his stage name VTV Ganesh is an Indian actor, comedian and film producer. He is best known for his hoarse voice, and his appearances in films featuring Silambarasan. He had made his debut in Tamil movie ''Red'' ...
as 'Bullet' Marudhu
*
Singampuli
Singampuli is an Indian actor and director. After making ''Red'' (2002) and ''Maayavi'' (2005), he has made a career appearing in supporting roles in films.
Career
Singampuli was born and brought up in Theni, Periyakulam and after studying eng ...
as 'Theenja Vaai' Vanjinathan
*
Ravi Mariya
S. Ravi Mariya (born August 4, 1979) is an Indian film director and actor who works primarily in Tamil cinema. He appears in villain and supporting roles.
Career
Ravi Mariya's directorial debut was meant to be ''Nee Naan Kaadhal'' starring Pras ...
as Ravikumar
*
Yogi Babu
Yogi Babu (born 22 July 1985) is an Indian actor and comedian, who appears in Tamil films. A three time Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award winner, he performed in '' Aandavan Kattalai'' (2016), ''Kolamavu Kokila'' (2018) and ''Pariyerum Perumal'' (20 ...
as "Paavi" Babu
*
Sumithra as Muthupandi's mother
*
Sriman
Sriman () is an epithet of the Hindu deity Vishnu. It refers to the deity being the possessor of Sri, both referring to his consort Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, as well as the material and non material aspects of fortune.
Literature
Sri ...
as Gopi
* Singapore Deepan as Marudhu's Assistant
*
George Vishnu
George Vishnu is an Indian actor who has worked on Tamil-language films and in television dramas.
Career
George Vishnu, the son of Tamil Malaysians, Malaysian Tamil actor Ravichandran (Tamil actor), Ravichandran and Malayalam actress Sheela, w ...
as Muthupandi's brother
* Tamilselvi as Muthupandi's sister-in-law
* Krithika Laddu as Saravanan's cousin
* Archana Harish as Valli, Saravanan's sister
*
Chitra Lakshmanan
Lakshmanan Ramasamy (born 23 January 1948), known professionally as Chitra Lakshmanan, is an Indian journalist, filmmaker and actor. He produced and directed several Tamil language films starring some of Tamil cinema's major stars during the 19 ...
as Saamy
* Sivan Srinivasan as Rathnavel
* "Hello" Kandasaamy as Astrologer
* Rahul Thatha as a beggar
*
Vaibhav
Vaibhav() is a male given name in the Sanskrit language.
People
*Vaibhav Deshpande (born 1987), Indian cricketer
*Vaibhav Kaul (born 1991), Indian photographer
*Vaibhav Madhukar Pichad (born 1974), Indian politician
*Vaibhav Mangle (born 1975), ...
as Sanjay (Guest Appearance)
Production
In February 2015, director
Sundar C
Vinayagar Sundar Vel (born 21 January 1966), known professionally as Sundar C., is an Indian film director, actor and producer. He has directed over 34 films in Tamil and acted in 17 movies as the protagonist.
His notable films include ''Ull ...
announced that he had purchased the remake rights of two Malayalam films, ''
Pandippada
''Pandippada'' () is a 2005 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film written and directed by Rafi Mecartin. The film stars Dileep in the lead role while Navya Nair, Prakash Raj, Rajan P. Dev, Harisree Asokan, Salim Kumar, Cochin Haneefa, Am ...
'' (2005) and ''
Vellimoonga
''Vellimoonga'' () is a 2014 Indian Malayalam-language political satire film directed by Jibu Jacob and written by Joji Thomas. It stars Biju Menon in the lead role with Aju Varghese, Nikki Galrani, Tini Tom, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Sasi Kalinga, S ...
'' (2014) and stated he would act in the latter venture. The project was announced to be produced by
Khushbu
Khushbu Sundar (born Nakhat Khan; 29 September 1970) is an Indian actress, politician, film producer and television presenter. She is known for her works predominantly in Tamil, besides Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada films. She is a rec ...
and directed by Venkat, Sundar C's assistant, while the team tried to bring in
Priya Anand
Priya Anand (born 17 September 1986) is an Indian actress and model who predominantly appears in Tamil films. She has also appeared in Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam films. After pursuing higher studies in the US, she began a career in ...
for the leading female role but were unsuccessful. Following the release of his directorial venture, ''
Aranmanai 2
''Aranmanai 2'' ()() is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language comedy horror film written and directed by Sundar C. The film stars Sundar himself, Trisha, Hansika Motwani, Siddharth, Poonam Bajwa, Soori, Kovai Sarala, Manobala, Chitra Lakshmanan and R ...
'' (2016), Sundar C began work on the project.
Poonam Bajwa
Poonam Bajwa is an Indian actress and model who appears in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She made her acting debut in 2005 with the Telugu film '' Modati Cinema'', after that she was featured in more Telugu film, such as ''Boss'' ( ...
was signed on to play the female lead role, while
Siddharth Vipin
Siddharth Vipin is an Indian composer, who mainly produces film scores and soundtracks in the Tamil film industry. He recently married Shriya Mohandas who is an advocate.
Early life
Siddharth was born in Salem,Tamil Nadu. Finished his schoolin ...
was announced as the film's music composer. Titled as ''Gundu Kathirikai'',
Kiran Rathod
Kiran Rathod (born 11 January 1981) is an Indian actress. She has acted in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films.
Early life
Rathod was born on 11 January 1981 in Jaipur. She is a cousin of actress Raveena Tandon. Rathod graduated ...
and
Sathish
Sathish Muthukrishnan (born 23 May 1987) is an Indian actor and comedian working in the Tamil film industry. He made a breakthrough portraying a role alongside Sivakarthikeyan in '' Ethir Neechal'' (2013). He won Edison Award for Best Comedian ...
were also added to the cast. The team began filming portions in Southern Tamil Nadu during mid-February 2016. In April 2016, the title was changed as ''Muthina Kathirika''.
Release
The satellite rights of the film were sold to
Sun TV (India)
SUN TV is an Indian Tamil-language General entertainment pay television channel owned by Sun TV Network. It was launched on 14 April 1993. It is the flagship channel of the Chennai-based media conglomerate Sun Group's Sun TV Network. It was fo ...
.
Soundtrack
Music is composed by
Siddharth Vipin
Siddharth Vipin is an Indian composer, who mainly produces film scores and soundtracks in the Tamil film industry. He recently married Shriya Mohandas who is an advocate.
Early life
Siddharth was born in Salem,Tamil Nadu. Finished his schoolin ...
and released by
Divo.
Critical reception
''Times of India'' wrote "A remake of the 2014 Malayalam film Vellimoonga, Muthina Kathirika is unapologetic about being a lowest common denominator movie. It is loud, it is crass, and it is somewhat fun, especially in the first half. Director Venkatt keeps things fairly low-key and the small-town setting helps. There is hardly anything at stake, but Venkat keeps the scenes moving, and though the comedy is hardly memorable or new, we are entertained." ''Behindwoods'' wrote "Toting up, Muthina Kathirika will appeal to all those who just want to let their hair down and have a few laughs." ''Rediff'' wrote "The Malayalam version of the film may have worked but debutant director Venkat’s Muthina Kathirikai is an ordinary attempt with lackluster performances, weak screenplay and an overly enthusiastic cast." Baradwaj Rangan of the Hindu wrote "Frankly, there isn’t much to talk about. A few scattered laughs, maybe."
Notes
References
External links
* {{IMDb title, 5833252
Tamil remakes of Malayalam films
Films scored by Siddharth Vipin
Indian comedy films
2010s Tamil-language films
2016 films
2016 directorial debut films
2016 comedy films