Kadal (2013 film)

During a press meet in December 2009, actor Karthik revealed that his son, Gautham Karthik would make his debut in Mani Ratnam's next venture post completion of Ratnam's bilingual films Raavan and Raavanan.[10] In July 2010, reports emerged that the film was titled as Pookkadai.[11] Mani Ratnam stopped pre-production work on the film in late 2010 and moved on to plan a big-budget historical project titled Ponniyin Selvan, but months later was forced to shelve it due to financial issues. Later, owing to the speculated title of the former project, the team was unable to name the film Pookkadai as an aspiring director had already registered the name in 2007. Finally the working project was renamed as Kadal in February 2012.[12] When Mani Ratnam had finished Raavanan (2010), Jeyamohan started writing a 200-page novel for Kadal, which was later transformed by Mani Ratnam into a screenplay.[13] Jeyamohan was signed to be a part of the script-writing team for the film in August 2011, while Rajiv Menon was also confirmed as cinematographer for the film, reuniting with Mani Ratnam after the successes of Bombay and Guru.[14][15] As the film portrays Christianity, Rajiv Menon explored the way artistes capture biblical themes. For this he and Ratnam went through Simon Schama's documentary called Power of Art on Caravaggio. For the outdoor shootings they stuck to the contemporary way. Mani Ratnam's reconnaissance for the film, the process of designing the look was done when his assistants brought back hundreds of pictures after jaunting through the entire coastline of the state Tamil Nadu, including Rameswaram.[16]

Akshara Haasan, daughter of actor Kamal Haasan and actress Sarika was heavily linked to play the female lead role in August 2011 but was not signed.[17] In December 2011, reports emerged that Hindi film actress Sonam Kapoor was signed on to play the role after being convinced by her father but the news was untrue.[18] Jhanvi, daughter of producer Boney Kapoor and actress Sridevi, was also considered to play the role.[19] Finally in January 2012, it was revealed that Samantha was confirmed to portray the lead female role, making film Kadal her most high-profile project till date.[20] After production had begun, Samantha was forced to opt out of the film in June 2012 due to her PMLE ailments.[21] The ace director replaced the lead female by signing Thulasi Nair, the second daughter of actress Radha. Though Thulasi was auditioned for the role during the casting process, she was not selected as Ratnam opined that she was too young for the role. Post Samantha's exit, she was roped in.[22][23][24] The child actress in Mani Ratnam's 2002 film Kannathil Muthamittal, Keerthana was approached for a role but she chose to join the film's team as an assistant director, instead.[25][26]

In November 2011, actor Arjun was signed to play a pivotal role in the film, denying reports that he would play the villain,[27][28] though this was later revealed to be misdirection.[29] Lakshmi Manchu would be playing a village belle in a negative shade,[30] making her debut in Tamil films.[31] Actors Pasupathy and Lal were opted for supporting roles in the film,[32] but Lal dropped the film due to his commitments to Malayalam film Ozhimuri.[33] Arvind Swamy who returned to films post twelve years, was signed to play a full-fledged role.[34] Thambi Ramiah was also confirmed to be a part of the cast.[35] Child artiste Saran, earlier seen in films such as Mudhal Idam and Mye, would be seen playing Gautham Karthik's childhood role.[36] Theater artiste Devi would be playing the role actor Gautham's mother.[37] Baby Rakshana would be playing the role of childhood Thulasi. Mani Ratnam roped in Nayantara for a special role in the film which was confirmed in early July 2012.[38] However, the actress opted out claiming unavailability of dates and meager scope of her character in the film.[39][40] Malayalam comedian Baiju was selected to play a supporting role.[41]

Keeping principal photography under wraps, the director made the leading duo to undertake a 20-day acting workshop that was conducted by his crew.[22] Later, a two-month acting workshop under the mentorship of actress Kalairani was also attended by them.[43] The shooting of the film started on 1 March 2012 at Manapad, a sea village in Thoothukudi district. Scenes involving Arvind Swamy and Lakshmi Manchu were shot first.[44] In March 2012, in a schedule of five days, certain scenes were shot at Kottayam, Muhamma, backwaters and forts of Kochi in Kerala. The filming continued in Kerala throughout April 2012.[45][46] A scene featuring the lead actors was shot at a church, created as a set in Tuticorin.[47] Scenes were also canned in longest Indian lake Vembanad, Alappuzha.[48] In the scenic interiors of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, twenty days filming schedule was completed by end of July 2012.[49] In an interview with Times of India in October 2012, Suhasini Mani Ratnam revealed that filming was in its final stages.[50] On 31 October 2012, the crew shot the climax of the film in coastal suburbs of Chennai under the weather contrived by Cyclone Nilam.[51] On 5 November 2012, the shooting of the film was completed except for a song to be canned in Alappuzha.[52] This song schedule and patchwork for the film kicked off on 13 January 2013.[53] By second last week of the same month the patch work and re-recording of the background score was completed.[54][55] Post release of theatrical trailer, it was revealed that the filming of ten second osculating scene between lead actors took four hours to complete after several re-takes. The director had devoided the technicians and crew from the location to ease the situation for the actors.[56][57] Post filming completions, the cinematographer stated that the film was set in a hard landscape. For initial portions of the film the crew created the barren look by emphasising sand colours and muffling vibrancy of costumes. Apparently, this was achieved to create an hostile environment in which the lead male character grows.[16] Writer Jeyamohan told The Hindu, that the script was "deeply philosophical and spiritual", "but it has been narrated in an entertaining way, complete with songs and captivating frames. It is a grand saga..", he added.[13]

Kadal received mixed reviews from critics. At DNA India, critic Mahalakshmi Prabhakaran quoted, "A poignant film", further adding, "The only drawback of the movie might be the fact that it drags towards the end. Else, go and watch Kadal. It is a beautifully made film.".[74] On the contrary, Indiaglitz stated, "Too obvious to be an entertainer, too downplayed to be a classic" and added (that the film was) "overly commercial and no real Mani Ratnam effect".[75][76] However, the Telugu version was reviewed contrary by the same source stating, "With a beautiful story and an imaginative screenplay, Kadal is a breathtaking film topped with fine performances which convey a range of emotions; the film weaves a number of immensely watchable scenes."[77] Radhika Rajamani of Rediff quoted, "Kadal has all the elements of a regular entertainer but has nothing new in terms of a story" thereby summarising, "Kadal has nothing new to offer".[78] Shekhar of OneIndia said, "Kadali is a beautiful romance drama with some commercial ingredients like action and punch dialogues."[79] T.S. Sudhir at Firstpost stated, "Mani Ratnam's Kadal leaves viewers at sea".[80] Nandini Ramnath at Livemint noted, "Kadal is not a perfect storm, but it's far from a sinking proposition. It floats comfortably midstream, coasting along on the strength of attractive actors and visuals." However, she added more by stating, "A predictable story layered with strong performances"[81] At Deccan Chronicle, Khalid Mohamed wrote, "Well, Mani still matters".[82]

Simon Foster of Special Broadcasting Service noted: "Though lovingly cinematic in parts, it’s a dramatically shallow exploration of exploitable themes; a visual feast that will leave audiences intellectually under-nourished."[83] M. Suganth of The Times of India noted, "Kadal's flaws are even more glaring. It is a failure for Mani Ratnam the storyteller, saved only to a certain extent by his visual flair."[84] The critical review board at Behindwoods quoted, "Technically brilliant, but wanting in Mani Ratnam's magic".[85] Sify reviewed, "Straight off the bat, Mani Ratnam's Kadal is nowhere in the league of his earlier films." However, applauded other aspects stating, "Rajiv Menon's striking camerawork, AR Rahman's music is one of the major plus of the film".[86] Sahara Samay attributed the film title stating, "Confusion lasts like a sea. At the end the, movies seems like a tussle between fishing net and church." However, they added, "The music by A.R. Rahman is good and cinematography is at its best."[87] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu who reviewed the Telugu version said, "Kadali is a visual and musical treat but content wise, the sailing isn't smooth."[88] Vivek Ramz of In noted, "Kadal is a tiring watch and recommended only for die-hard Mani Ratnam fans."[89]

The film began receding occupancy post 20 days of its release and was declared as disaster[90] by Box Office India.

Domestic

The film had a poor opening in Chennai. During the weekend of release, the number of shows in Chennai were 303 where as the average theatre occupancy was 60% and the filmed grossed ₹6.7 million (US$94,000).[91] However, certain section of media reported incorrect box office collection leading to contradiction to the actual verdicts.[92][93]

International

In the US the film grossed ₹1.9 million (US$27,000) on the opening day.[94] In UK and Ireland box office, the film collected £1,189 on 4 screens, with the per screen average working out to £297 summing up to £35,737.[95] The film cllected ₹20.54 lakh (US$29,000) in Britain and ₹38.19 lakh (US$54,000) in United States in first weekend.[96]