Siruthai

''Siruthai'' () is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film directed by Siva, who is also one of its co-writers. It is a remake of the 2006 Telugu film '' Vikramarkudu'', directed by S. S. Rajamouli. It stars Karthi playing dual roles, alongside Tamannaah Bhatia and comedian Santhanam. The film was produced by K. E. Gnanavelraja and features music by Vidyasagar. The story revolves around "Rocket" Raja, a petty thief who comes across a little girl says that he's her father. When he learns the truth about his lookalike Rathnavel Pandian, who's an honest cop, he decides to turn a new leaf and help get rid of a crime gang.

It was released during Pongal on 14 January 2011. Generally the film got positive responses, and was a success at the box office. In 2024, the film made its official debut on Blu-ray in the United Kingdom. The success of the film led to the director Siva being known as "Siruthai Siva" from then on.‘Even those who are not will become Ajith's fans’
The Hindu (7 November 2015). Retrieved 31 December 2017.

Plot

Rocket Raja, a small-time thief, indulges in pickpocketing and robberies with his partner Kaatu Poochi in Chennai. While attending a wedding, Raja encounters Swetha, a charming woman. He playfully flirts with her and even teases her, which she pretends to dislike. Raja openly admits his thieving lifestyle but promises to change, though he resolves to execute one final heist to secure a large sum of money.

At a railway station, Raja and Poochi deceive a woman into entrusting them with a trunk, which they flee with. However, when a police officer inspects the stolen trunk, he finds a young girl, Divya, inside. The child believes Raja to be her father, and when the officer discovers a photograph of her with Raja’s doppelgänger, he forces Raja to take responsibility for her while keeping a close watch. Raja, attempting to get rid of Divya, struggles to keep Swetha from discovering the child’s presence.

Over time, Raja grows fond of Divya and begins to care for her. However, Swetha and her family overhear Divya calling Raja her father, leading Swetha to believe that Raja has been lying about his past. Heartbroken, she leaves him. Meanwhile, a group of goons attacks Raja and Divya, mistaking Raja for Rathnavel Pandian IPS, Divya’s real father and Raja’s lookalike. Though the police attempt to intervene, they are overpowered. Eventually, Rathnavel Pandian himself arrives, saving Raja and Divya but sustaining severe injuries in the process. In the hospital, Rathnavel Pandian’s past is revealed.

In a flashback, Rathnavel Pandian is assigned to Devipur, where he arrives with his motherless daughter, Divya. He is introduced to his colleagues, including officer Rathnavel Pandian. The town suffers under the tyranny of a ruthless MLA, Bhavuji, who engages in corruption, extortion, and numerous illegal activities. Bhavuji’s son, Munna, kidnaps and molests a police officer’s wife, prompting Rathnavel to intervene. He arrests Munna, unaware of Bhavani’s vast political influence.

The corrupt Home Minister and the DGP, bowing to political pressure, force Rathnavel to release Munna, declaring him mentally unstable. At a celebratory party for Munna’s release, Rathnavel tricks him into accidentally hanging himself with a belt, leading to his death. Furious, Bhavuji seeks revenge. On Holi, Bhavuji’s brother Bhadra disguises himself as an idol and stabs Rathnavel before shooting him. Though presumed dead, he survives with a brain injury. The villagers secretly protect him and send him to Chennai for treatment. To keep Divya from knowing the truth, the police officials decide to leave her in the care of Raja, who resembles Rathnavel.

In the present, Rathnavel Pandian succumbs to his injuries. To avenge his death, Raja impersonates him and returns to Devipur, setting his sights on Bhavuji. As Raja battles Bhavuji’s forces, Poochi and the others reveal the truth to Swetha, who reconciles with Raja and agrees to raise Divya with him. Raja burns down Bhavuji’s liquor factory and encourages the villagers to seize his food supplies. After defeating Bhavuji’s men, Raja personally thrashes Bhavuji. Meanwhile, Bhadra kidnaps Swetha and Divya, but Raja overpowers and kills him.

With revenge fulfilled, Raja starts a new life with Swetha, Divya, and Poochi, leaving his past behind.

Cast

Production

In 2008, reports emerged that '' Vikramarkudu'' would be remade in Tamil with Karthi. Anushka, who acted in original, was considered for the female lead. Suraj of '' Thalai Nagaram'' was said to be the director. V. V. Kathir who directed Jiiva starrer '' Thenavattu'' was also announced as director but Sivakumar advised Karthi to do strong characters before making a mark as action hero thus the project was dropped. The project was revived in 2010 and Siva, who directed films like ''Souryam'' and '' Sankham'', was selected as director making his debut in Tamil. Tamannaah Bhatia was chosen as heroine after ''Paiyaa''.

Music

The soundtrack album to the film was composed by Vidyasagar and features five songs. It was described as "bland" by Rediff.com, while Sify called it "catchy and youthful".

Reception

Critical response

''Sify'' claimed that ''Siruthai'' had "come out as a festival bonanza for Tamil film goers. It is an unpretentious commercial pot boiler with ample doses of romance, comedy, action and emotion". N. Venkateswaran from ''The Times of India'' deemed a score of 2.5/5, citing that it "does not do anything for Karthi as an actor; what it does is to cement his position in the Tamil film industry as an actor who is a big draw at the box office". Malathi Rangarajan from ''The Hindu'' noted: "Generally, well-told cop stories don't bite the dust. Nor do dual role bonanzas. Going by the norm, this Siruthai should charge ahead!"

References

External links

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{{Vikramarkudu

2011 films
Indian action films
2011 action films
2011 masala films
Tamil remakes of Telugu films
Films shot in Andhra Pradesh
2010s Tamil-language films
Films set in Chennai
Films scored by Vidyasagar (composer)
Films directed by Siva (director)
Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police
Indian police films
Films about lookalikes
2010s police films
Action film remakes
Tamil-language Indian films