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'''''Annamalai''''' is a 1992 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil-language]] [[action drama]] film directed by [[Suresh Krissna]] and produced by Rajam Balachander and Pushpa Kandasamy under Kavithalaya Productions. A loose remake of the 1987 the [[Hindi]] film ''[[Khudgarz]]'', it stars [[Rajinikanth]], [[Kushboo]] and [[Sarath Babu]] in the lead roles with [[Radha Ravi]], [[Nizhalgal Ravi]] and [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]] playing supporting roles. The film revolves around a poor milkman who befriends the son of the businessman. The latter's father who hates their friendship drives a wedge between them by bulldozing the house. Annamalai challenges his friend that he will become a successful businessman. Rest of the film shows whether they are united or not.
'''''Annamalai''''' is a 1992 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil-language]] [[action drama]] film directed by [[Suresh Krissna]] and produced by Rajam Balachander and Pushpa Kandasamy under Kavithalaya Productions. A loose remake of the 1987 the [[Hindi]] film ''[[Khudgarz]]'', it stars [[Rajinikanth]], [[Khushbu Sundar|Khushbu]] and [[Sarath Babu]] in the lead roles with [[Radha Ravi]], [[Nizhalgal Ravi]] and [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]] playing supporting roles. The film revolves around Annamalai, a poor milkman, and Ashok, the son of a rich businessman, who have been friends since childhood. However Ashok's father disapproves of their friendship and attempts to create a rift between the two.


The production began with [[Vasanth]] being selected as director who later opted out due to personal reasons. Suresh Krissna replaced him to direct thus marked his first collaboration with Rajinikanth. [[Principal photography]] of the film began at AVM Studios and the filming held at various places. The score and soundtrack was composed by Deva and lyrics for all songs were written by Vairamuthu. The cinematography was handled by P. S. Prakash and editing was handled by the duo Ganesh Kumar. The dialogues for the film were written by Shanmugasundaram.
The production began with [[Vasanth]] being selected as director who later opted out due to personal reasons. Suresh Krissna replaced him to direct thus marked his first collaboration with Rajinikanth. [[Principal photography]] of the film began at AVM Studios and the filming held at various places. The score and soundtrack was composed by Deva and lyrics for all songs were written by Vairamuthu. The cinematography was handled by P. S. Prakash and editing was handled by the duo Ganesh Kumar. The dialogues for the film were written by Shanmugasundaram.


''Annamalai'' was released on 27 June 1992 became a blockbuster at box-office and was the highest-grossing film in Rajinikanth's career until 1995 when the record was broken by ''[[Baashha]]''. It was remade into [[Telugu language|Telugu]] in 1993 as ''[[Kondapalli Raja]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_ravirajapinishetty2010_3.php |title=Interview: Ravi Raja Pinisetty |last=Sri |date=15 July 2010 |website=Telugucinema.com |page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231093534/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_ravirajapinishetty2010_3.php |archive-date=31 December 2010 |dead-url=bot: unknown |access-date=8 March 2012}}</ref> and into [[Kannada]] in 2003 as ''[[Gokarna (film)|Gokarna]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/04/stories/2004010408720500.htm |title=2003, a flop for Kannada cinema |last=Venkatasubba Rao |first=K. N. |date=4 January 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=28 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228162004/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/04/stories/2004010408720500.htm |archive-date=28 February 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref>
''Annamalai'' was released on 27 June 1992 became a blockbuster at box-office and was the highest-grossing film in Rajinikanth's career until 1995 when the record was broken by ''[[Baashha]]''. It was remade into [[Telugu language|Telugu]] in 1993 as ''[[Kondapalli Raja]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_ravirajapinishetty2010_3.php|title=Interview: Ravi Raja Pinisetty|last=Sri|first=|date=15 July 2010|website=Telugucinema.com|page=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231093534/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_ravirajapinishetty2010_3.php|archive-date=31 December 2010|dead-url=yes|access-date=8 March 2012}}</ref> and into [[Kannada]] in 2003 as ''[[Gokarna (film)|Gokarna]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/04/stories/2004010408720500.htm |title=2003, a flop for Kannada cinema |last=Venkatasubba Rao |first=K. N. |date=4 January 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=28 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228162004/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/04/stories/2004010408720500.htm |archive-date=28 February 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref>


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
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The star hotel is constructed and Gangadharan plans to demolish Annamalai's home which is located next to the hotel. Also, Gangadharan and Ashok's cousin Sarkunam forge documents and take control of Annamalai's empty land. Annamalai learns of this plan and picks up quarrel with Gangadharan. Ashok interrupts and he misunderstands Annamalai without knowing the truth for fighting with Ashok's father. Ashok gets angry and demolishes Annamalai's home which is in the remembrance of Annamalai's father. Annamalai gets shocked seeing Ashok's activities and challenges that he will also become rich and take revenge on Ashok.
The star hotel is constructed and Gangadharan plans to demolish Annamalai's home which is located next to the hotel. Also, Gangadharan and Ashok's cousin Sarkunam forge documents and take control of Annamalai's empty land. Annamalai learns of this plan and picks up quarrel with Gangadharan. Ashok interrupts and he misunderstands Annamalai without knowing the truth for fighting with Ashok's father. Ashok gets angry and demolishes Annamalai's home which is in the remembrance of Annamalai's father. Annamalai gets shocked seeing Ashok's activities and challenges that he will also become rich and take revenge on Ashok.


Ekambaram helps Annamalai to secure funds and he starts a small sweets business and, over the course of some years, he becomes so rich and he also builds a star hotel in Chennai which becomes more popular than Ashok's hotel. Sarkunam steals money from Ashok and knowing this, Ashok asks him to leave. Sarkunam joins Annamalai's hotel and also gets married to Annamalai's sister, Vaishnavi. Annamalai wins Ashok and become the president of hotels association and Ashok also faces financial troubles. Annamalai and Subbulakshmi's daughter and Ashok's son are college-mates and love each other, much to Annamalai's anger. Ashok and Annamalai appear for a public auction and the auction price keeps increasing. Ashok wins the auction for Rs. 120&nbsp;million despite Gangadharan asking him not to quote such a huge amount as this was a trick played by Annamalai to increase the price.
Ekambaram helps Annamalai to secure funds and he starts a small sweets business and, over the course of years, he becomes so rich and he also builds a star hotel in Chennai which becomes more popular than Ashok's hotel. Sarkunam steals money from Ashok and knowing this, Ashok asks him to leave. Sarkunam joins Annamalai's hotel and also gets married to Annamalai's sister, Vaishnavi. Annamalai wins Ashok and become the president of hotels association and Ashok also faces financial troubles. Annamalai and Subbulakshmi's daughter and Ashok's son are college-mates and love each other, much to Annamalai's anger. Ashok and Annamalai appear for a public auction and the auction price keeps increasing. Ashok wins the auction for Rs. 120&nbsp;million despite Gangadharan asking him not to quote such a huge amount as this was a trick played by Annamalai to increase the price.


Ashok has no money to pay for the auction and is forced to sell his bungalow to get money. Annamalai purchases Ashok's bungalow thereby winning the challenge made years ago. But Annamalai gives the registration document to his mother Sivagami and asks her to handover to Ashok itself as he does not want to punish his friend. Ashok and Gangadharan realise their mistake and apologise to Sivagami knowing Annamalai's kind heart. Annamalai also gets to know that it was only Gangadharan and Sarkunam who forged the documents and Ashok was unaware of his father's plans. In the meantime Sarkunam tries to kill both Ashok and Annamalai and try to take Annamalai's properties. But Ashok and Annamalai fight together and Sarkunam realises his mistake. Annamalai and Ashok finally join together and become best friends again.
Ashok has no money to pay for the auction and is forced to sell his bungalow to get money. Annamalai purchases Ashok's bungalow thereby winning the challenge made years ago. But Annamalai gives the registration document to his mother Sivagami and asks her to handover to Ashok itself as he does not want to punish his friend. Ashok and Gangadharan realise their mistake and apologise to Sivagami knowing Annamalai's kind heart. Annamalai also gets to know that it was only Gangadharan and Sarkunam who forged the documents and Ashok was unaware of his father's plans. In the meantime Sarkunam tries to kill both Ashok and Annamalai and try to take Annamalai's properties. But Ashok and Annamalai fight together and Sarkunam realises his mistake. Annamalai and Ashok finally join together and become best friends again.
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{{colbegin}}
{{colbegin}}
*[[Rajinikanth]] as Annamalai{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=149}}
*[[Rajinikanth]] as Annamalai{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=149}}
*[[Kushboo]] as Subbalakshmi{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=40}}
*[[Khushbu Sundar|Khushbu]] as Subbalakshmi{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=40}}
*[[Sarath Babu]] as Ashok{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=149}}
*[[Sarath Babu]] as Ashok{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=149}}
*[[Janagaraj]] as Panchachari (Panchu)
*[[Janagaraj]] as Panchachari (Panchu)
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Originally, [[Kavithalayaa Productions]] had chosen [[Visu]] as the director of the film that would later become ''Annamalai''. But due to some contradiction with lead actor [[Rajinikanth]], he opted out and they hired [[Vasanth]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yb192cswUI |title=Rajini is very intelligent and grasps things quickly says Visu {{!}} Heartist |last=Bosskey |authorlink=Bosskey |date=17 June 2016 |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=Bosskey TV |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> Due to "personal reasons", Vasanth too left, and [[Suresh Krissna]] was later finalised for the director's part, after [[K. Balachander]] had requested him to do so.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=145}}<ref name="NoAnnamalaiNoBaashha" />
Originally, [[Kavithalayaa Productions]] had chosen [[Visu]] as the director of the film that would later become ''Annamalai''. But due to some contradiction with lead actor [[Rajinikanth]], he opted out and they hired [[Vasanth]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yb192cswUI |title=Rajini is very intelligent and grasps things quickly says Visu {{!}} Heartist |last=Bosskey |authorlink=Bosskey |date=17 June 2016 |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=Bosskey TV |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> Due to "personal reasons", Vasanth too left, and [[Suresh Krissna]] was later finalised for the director's part, after [[K. Balachander]] had requested him to do so.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=145}}<ref name="NoAnnamalaiNoBaashha" />


When Suresh Krissna came on board the script was not complete and the shooting started in a hurry as the film release date had already been fixed as on 27 June 1992.<ref name="SureshKrissnaBehindwoods" /> Suresh recalled that Shanmugasundaram, the film's dialogue writer narrated him the one liner of the plot, Suresh felt that detailing should be done to the script to which Shanmugasundaram assured that it can be done during the shoot.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=17}} The film was a remake of the 1987 the [[Hindi]] film ''[[Khudgarz]]'', but the script was rewritten to make Rajinikanth's character the protagonist.<ref name="NoAnnamalaiNoBaashha" /> [[Radha Ravi]] revealed that he was not interested to play elderly characters but agreed to appear in ''Annamalai'' after Rajini requested him to act.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/refrains-old-and-new/article2973933.ece |title=Refrains, old and new |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=8 March 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=17 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417115209/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/refrains-old-and-new/article2973933.ece |archive-date=17 April 2014 |dead-url=no}}</ref>
When Suresh Krissna came on board the script was not complete and the shooting started in a hurry as the film release date had already been fixed as on 27 June 1992.<ref name="SureshKrissnaBehindwoods" /> Suresh recalled that Shanmugasundaram, the film's dialogue writer narrated him the one liner of the plot, Suresh felt that detailing should be done to the script to which Shanmugasundaram assured that it can be done during the shoot.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=17}} The film was a remake of the 1987 the [[Hindi]] film ''[[Khudgarz]]'', but the script was rewritten to make Rajinikanth's character the protagonist.<ref name="NoAnnamalaiNoBaashha" /> [[Radha Ravi]] revealed that he was not interested to play elderly characters but agreed to appear in ''Annamalai'' after Rajinikanth requested him to act.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/refrains-old-and-new/article2973933.ece |title=Refrains, old and new |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=8 March 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=17 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417115209/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/refrains-old-and-new/article2973933.ece |archive-date=17 April 2014 |dead-url=no}}</ref>


When the title of the film was announced as ''Annamalai'', few people has misgivings about the title as it would create a negative connation. Balachander and Rajinikanth had decided on the title and refused to change it.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=15}}
When the title of the film was announced as ''Annamalai'', few people has misgivings about the title as it would create a negative connation. Balachander and Rajinikanth had decided on the title and refused to change it.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=15}}
Line 73: Line 73:
Suresh wanted the picturisation of "Vanthenda Paalkaaran" to be vibrant and colourful stating that he got inspired from the Hindi songs of Amitabh Bachchan. The scene where Rajini shows his face to the camera was extended in slowmotion by Suresh as fans will feel as if he looks towards the audience. The song was choreographed by Prabhu Deva.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=27}} The title song "Annamalai" where Rajini and Kushboo appeared in periodic costumes was shot at Fern Hill Palace Hotel while the matching shots were shot at Sivaji Gardens. Suresh shot the song sequence in a technique where the lip sync is perfect while the dance movements being fast revealing that he got inspired from the song "Mamavukku Koduma" from ''[[Punnagai Mannan]]'' (1986).{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|pp=35–37}}
Suresh wanted the picturisation of "Vanthenda Paalkaaran" to be vibrant and colourful stating that he got inspired from the Hindi songs of Amitabh Bachchan. The scene where Rajini shows his face to the camera was extended in slowmotion by Suresh as fans will feel as if he looks towards the audience. The song was choreographed by Prabhu Deva.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=27}} The title song "Annamalai" where Rajini and Kushboo appeared in periodic costumes was shot at Fern Hill Palace Hotel while the matching shots were shot at Sivaji Gardens. Suresh shot the song sequence in a technique where the lip sync is perfect while the dance movements being fast revealing that he got inspired from the song "Mamavukku Koduma" from ''[[Punnagai Mannan]]'' (1986).{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|pp=35–37}}


Suresh Krissna was responsible for the words 'SUPER' and 'STAR' forming in blue dots on the screen followed by the words 'RAJNI' in yellow, which became set standard for all future Rajini films.{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=148}} ''Annamalai'' set another trend in Tamil cinema: a "mass introduction song for a hero".<ref name="SureshKrissnaBehindwoods" />
Suresh Krissna was responsible for the words 'SUPER' and 'STAR' forming in blue dots on the screen followed by the words 'RAJNI' in yellow.{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=148}} This became a staple for all future Rajinikanth films.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/a-superstar-career-through-titles-rajinikanth-aboorva-raagangal-to-2-0/|title=A Superstar Career Through Titles|last=Shivakumar|first=Vivek|date=2018-12-11|website=Film Companion|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-15}}</ref> ''Annamalai'' set another trend in Tamil cinema: a "mass introduction song for a hero".<ref name="SureshKrissnaBehindwoods" />


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
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}}
}}


The music of the film has been composed by [[Deva (music director)|Deva]], with the lyrics penned by [[Vairamuthu]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0001968 |title=Annamalai (1992) |website=[[Raaga.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117024856/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0001968 |archive-date=17 January 2012 |dead-url=bot: unknown |access-date=8 March 2012}}</ref> ''Annamalai'' marked Deva's first collaboration with Rajinikanth. Balachander chose him as composer due to a misunderstanding with Ilaiyaraaja. Rajinikanth and Suresh were initially worried with the choice of Deva.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=26}} When Suresh met Deva, he had already composed the song "Annamalai Annamalai" when Vasanth was initially the director of the film.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=27}} The song is based on the [[carnatic raga]] known as [[Mohanam]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/music-composer-deva-talks-about-tweaking-ragas-and-understanding-film-music-in-his-journey-from-composer-to-singer/article19316698.ece |title=Composer Deva: the monarch of Gaana music |last=Saravanan |first=T. |date=20 July 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=6 June 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181030035929/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/music-composer-deva-talks-about-tweaking-ragas-and-understanding-film-music-in-his-journey-from-composer-to-singer/article19316698.ece |archive-date=30 October 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref>
The music of the film was composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], and the lyrics penned by [[Vairamuthu]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0001968 |title=Annamalai (1992) |website=[[Raaga.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117024856/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0001968 |archive-date=17 January 2012 |dead-url=bot: unknown |access-date=8 March 2012}}</ref> ''Annamalai'' marked Deva's first collaboration with Rajinikanth. Balachander chose him as composer due to a misunderstanding with [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. Rajinikanth and Suresh were initially worried with the choice of Deva.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=26}} When Suresh met Deva, he had already composed the song "Annamalai Annamalai" when Vasanth was initially the director of the film.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=27}} The song is based on the [[carnatic raga]] known as [[Mohanam]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/music-composer-deva-talks-about-tweaking-ragas-and-understanding-film-music-in-his-journey-from-composer-to-singer/article19316698.ece |title=Composer Deva: the monarch of Gaana music |last=Saravanan |first=T. |date=20 July 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=6 June 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181030035929/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/music-composer-deva-talks-about-tweaking-ragas-and-understanding-film-music-in-his-journey-from-composer-to-singer/article19316698.ece |archive-date=30 October 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref>


The song "Vanthenda Paalkaaran" is said to be inspired from a Kannada poem about cow which Rajini had suggested, the poem talked about the cow which is a deity and useful to the human. Vairamuthu grasped the core of the poem and added the details of cow being helpful and also added image boosting lyrics in the song to cater his fans.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=27}} The song's tune is based on the [[Marathi language|Marathi]] folk song "Mee Dolkar Dolkar Daryacha Raja" (1969).<ref name="filmcompanion">{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/the-kannada-and-marathi-roots-of-rajinikanths-first-hero-introduction-song/ |title=The Kannada And Marathi Roots Of Rajinikanth's First Hero Introduction Song |last=Srinivasan |first=Karthik |date=20 November 2018 |website=[[Film Companion]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120104341/https://www.filmcompanion.in/the-kannada-and-marathi-roots-of-rajinikanths-first-hero-introduction-song/# |archive-date=20 November 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref>
"Vanthenda Paalkaaran" is said to be inspired from a Kannada poem about cow which Rajinikanth had suggested, the poem talked about the cow which is a deity and useful to the human. Vairamuthu grasped the core of the poem and added the details of cow being helpful and also added image boosting lyrics in the song to cater his fans.{{Sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=27}} The song's tune is based on the [[Marathi language|Marathi]] folk song "Mee Dolkar Dolkar Daryacha Raja" (1969).<ref name="filmcompanion">{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/the-kannada-and-marathi-roots-of-rajinikanths-first-hero-introduction-song/ |title=The Kannada And Marathi Roots Of Rajinikanth's First Hero Introduction Song |last=Srinivasan |first=Karthik |date=20 November 2018 |website=[[Film Companion]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120104341/https://www.filmcompanion.in/the-kannada-and-marathi-roots-of-rajinikanths-first-hero-introduction-song/# |archive-date=20 November 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 104: Line 104:
! No. !! Song !! Singers !! Duration
! No. !! Song !! Singers !! Duration
|-
|-
| 1|| "Annamalai Annamalai" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[K.S. Chitra]] || 03:54
| 1|| "Annamalai Annamalai" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[K. S. Chithra]]|| 03:54
|-
|-
| 2|| "Kondayil Thaazham Poo" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K.S. Chitra || 04:46
| 2|| "Kondayil Thaazham Poo" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra || 04:46
|-
|-
| 3|| "Oru Pen Pura" || [[K.J. Yesudas]] || 04:50
| 3|| "Oru Pen Pura" ||[[K. J. Yesudas]]|| 04:50
|-
|-
| 4|| "Rekkai Katti Parakudhu" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K.S. Chitra || 04:53
| 4|| "Rekkai Katti Parakudhu" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra || 04:53
|-
|-
| 5|| "Vanthenda Paalkaran" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam || 04:23
| 5|| "Vanthenda Paalkaran" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam || 04:23

Revision as of 11:34, 15 July 2019

Annamalai
File:Annamalai rajini.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySuresh Krissna
Screenplay bySuresh Krissna
Shanmugasundaram
Story byRakesh Roshan
Produced byPuspha Kandasamy
StarringRajinikanth
Kushboo
Sarath Babu
CinematographyP. S. Prakash
Edited byGanesh Kumar
Music byDeva
Production
company
Release date
  • 27 June 1992 (1992-06-27)
Running time
164 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Annamalai is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Suresh Krissna and produced by Rajam Balachander and Pushpa Kandasamy under Kavithalaya Productions. A loose remake of the 1987 the Hindi film Khudgarz, it stars Rajinikanth, Khushbu and Sarath Babu in the lead roles with Radha Ravi, Nizhalgal Ravi and Manorama playing supporting roles. The film revolves around Annamalai, a poor milkman, and Ashok, the son of a rich businessman, who have been friends since childhood. However Ashok's father disapproves of their friendship and attempts to create a rift between the two.

The production began with Vasanth being selected as director who later opted out due to personal reasons. Suresh Krissna replaced him to direct thus marked his first collaboration with Rajinikanth. Principal photography of the film began at AVM Studios and the filming held at various places. The score and soundtrack was composed by Deva and lyrics for all songs were written by Vairamuthu. The cinematography was handled by P. S. Prakash and editing was handled by the duo Ganesh Kumar. The dialogues for the film were written by Shanmugasundaram.

Annamalai was released on 27 June 1992 became a blockbuster at box-office and was the highest-grossing film in Rajinikanth's career until 1995 when the record was broken by Baashha. It was remade into Telugu in 1993 as Kondapalli Raja,[1] and into Kannada in 2003 as Gokarna.[2]

Plot

Annamalai is a milkman, while Ashok is the owner of a five-star hotel in Chennai. They have been very close friends since their childhood. Ashok's father Gangadharan never liked his son's friendship with a poor milkman. Annamalai is kind-hearted and innocent, and falls in love with Subbulakshmi, a college girl. Ashok too falls in love with a poor girl, Shanthi. Annamalai arranges Ashok and Shanthi's wedding which angers Gangadharan as he thinks Shanthi does not have the status to become his daughter-in-law.

Annamalai encounters a problem with a politician named Ekambaram following which Ekambaram understands Annamalai's good nature. Annamalai's small home along with a few cents of empty land is located in prime location, to which Annamalai held sentimental values to, made Gangadharan pressurise Ashok to buy so that they can construct a more star hotel. Ashok is initially hesitant as he does not want to mix business and friendship, but later agrees. Annamalai happily accepts and also agrees to give the land for free of cost emulating pure friendship. Ashok feels proud of Annamalai and informs his father that Annamalai has to be made a shareholder in the new hotel. Gangadharan agrees but decides to cheat Annamalai and gets signature in empty papers.

The star hotel is constructed and Gangadharan plans to demolish Annamalai's home which is located next to the hotel. Also, Gangadharan and Ashok's cousin Sarkunam forge documents and take control of Annamalai's empty land. Annamalai learns of this plan and picks up quarrel with Gangadharan. Ashok interrupts and he misunderstands Annamalai without knowing the truth for fighting with Ashok's father. Ashok gets angry and demolishes Annamalai's home which is in the remembrance of Annamalai's father. Annamalai gets shocked seeing Ashok's activities and challenges that he will also become rich and take revenge on Ashok.

Ekambaram helps Annamalai to secure funds and he starts a small sweets business and, over the course of years, he becomes so rich and he also builds a star hotel in Chennai which becomes more popular than Ashok's hotel. Sarkunam steals money from Ashok and knowing this, Ashok asks him to leave. Sarkunam joins Annamalai's hotel and also gets married to Annamalai's sister, Vaishnavi. Annamalai wins Ashok and become the president of hotels association and Ashok also faces financial troubles. Annamalai and Subbulakshmi's daughter and Ashok's son are college-mates and love each other, much to Annamalai's anger. Ashok and Annamalai appear for a public auction and the auction price keeps increasing. Ashok wins the auction for Rs. 120 million despite Gangadharan asking him not to quote such a huge amount as this was a trick played by Annamalai to increase the price.

Ashok has no money to pay for the auction and is forced to sell his bungalow to get money. Annamalai purchases Ashok's bungalow thereby winning the challenge made years ago. But Annamalai gives the registration document to his mother Sivagami and asks her to handover to Ashok itself as he does not want to punish his friend. Ashok and Gangadharan realise their mistake and apologise to Sivagami knowing Annamalai's kind heart. Annamalai also gets to know that it was only Gangadharan and Sarkunam who forged the documents and Ashok was unaware of his father's plans. In the meantime Sarkunam tries to kill both Ashok and Annamalai and try to take Annamalai's properties. But Ashok and Annamalai fight together and Sarkunam realises his mistake. Annamalai and Ashok finally join together and become best friends again.

Cast

Production

Development

Originally, Kavithalayaa Productions had chosen Visu as the director of the film that would later become Annamalai. But due to some contradiction with lead actor Rajinikanth, he opted out and they hired Vasanth.[7] Due to "personal reasons", Vasanth too left, and Suresh Krissna was later finalised for the director's part, after K. Balachander had requested him to do so.[8][6]

When Suresh Krissna came on board the script was not complete and the shooting started in a hurry as the film release date had already been fixed as on 27 June 1992.[9] Suresh recalled that Shanmugasundaram, the film's dialogue writer narrated him the one liner of the plot, Suresh felt that detailing should be done to the script to which Shanmugasundaram assured that it can be done during the shoot.[10] The film was a remake of the 1987 the Hindi film Khudgarz, but the script was rewritten to make Rajinikanth's character the protagonist.[6] Radha Ravi revealed that he was not interested to play elderly characters but agreed to appear in Annamalai after Rajinikanth requested him to act.[11]

When the title of the film was announced as Annamalai, few people has misgivings about the title as it would create a negative connation. Balachander and Rajinikanth had decided on the title and refused to change it.[12]

Filming

Annamalai was launched at AVM Studios at the venue of Pillaiyar temple.[12] Principal photography began on 11 March 1992.[6] The film's muhurat shot was held in a set of a court room, it was a comedy scene where Rajini would save Sarathbabu from a criminal offence. Suresh removed the scene from the film as he felt that it had no bearing on the script.[13]

The scene where Rajini enters into a ladies hostel and gets terrified by a snake was shot at Chakra House, Alwarpet. A snake was brought specially for the scene. Owner of the snake earlier worked in previous films of Rajini. Suresh asked his assistants Nagappan and K. Natraj to check the details about snake charmer. Suresh recalled that he covered his nervousness with his smile.[14] Suresh told Prakash, the film's cinematographer to use zoom lens so that he could adjust a camera according to the situation.[14] After the scene was finished, the members of the crew enjoyed the shot. Suresh congratulated Rajini and asked him "How did he perform so well and was it planned?", For which Rajini answered it was not planned and expressions in the scene were a result of his fear.[15] In the same scene, Shanmugasundaram came with initial dialogues to convey the fear of Rajini. Suresh felt that dialogues were redundant in such situation.[16] Rajini insisted to keep Kadavule Kadavule (Oh God! Oh God!) as the dialogue. Suresh agreed to keep the dialogue as it went well into the situation of the scene.[17] Several years later, Suresh Krissna revealed that nobody on set realised that the snake's mouth was not stitched. It was only after filming ended for that day that the director came to realise that Rajinikanth's life was at risk the entire time.[18]

Suresh wanted the picturisation of "Vanthenda Paalkaaran" to be vibrant and colourful stating that he got inspired from the Hindi songs of Amitabh Bachchan. The scene where Rajini shows his face to the camera was extended in slowmotion by Suresh as fans will feel as if he looks towards the audience. The song was choreographed by Prabhu Deva.[19] The title song "Annamalai" where Rajini and Kushboo appeared in periodic costumes was shot at Fern Hill Palace Hotel while the matching shots were shot at Sivaji Gardens. Suresh shot the song sequence in a technique where the lip sync is perfect while the dance movements being fast revealing that he got inspired from the song "Mamavukku Koduma" from Punnagai Mannan (1986).[20]

Suresh Krissna was responsible for the words 'SUPER' and 'STAR' forming in blue dots on the screen followed by the words 'RAJNI' in yellow.[21] This became a staple for all future Rajinikanth films.[22] Annamalai set another trend in Tamil cinema: a "mass introduction song for a hero".[9]

Soundtrack

Annamalai
Soundtrack album by
Deva
Released1992
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelLahari Music
ProducerDeva
Deva chronology
Vaigasi Poranthachu
(1991) 		Annamalai
(1992) 		Suriyan
(1992)

The music of the film was composed by Deva, and the lyrics penned by Vairamuthu.[23] Annamalai marked Deva's first collaboration with Rajinikanth. Balachander chose him as composer due to a misunderstanding with Ilaiyaraaja. Rajinikanth and Suresh were initially worried with the choice of Deva.[24] When Suresh met Deva, he had already composed the song "Annamalai Annamalai" when Vasanth was initially the director of the film.[19] The song is based on the carnatic raga known as Mohanam.[25]

"Vanthenda Paalkaaran" is said to be inspired from a Kannada poem about cow which Rajinikanth had suggested, the poem talked about the cow which is a deity and useful to the human. Vairamuthu grasped the core of the poem and added the details of cow being helpful and also added image boosting lyrics in the song to cater his fans.[19] The song's tune is based on the Marathi folk song "Mee Dolkar Dolkar Daryacha Raja" (1969).[26]

No. Song Singers Duration
1 "Annamalai Annamalai" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra 03:54
2 "Kondayil Thaazham Poo" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra 04:46
3 "Oru Pen Pura" K. J. Yesudas 04:50
4 "Rekkai Katti Parakudhu" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra 04:53
5 "Vanthenda Paalkaran" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 04:23
6 "Vetri Nichayam" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 01:44

Reception

Annamalai was released on 27 June 1992.[6] Its opening was threatened since the new government of Jayalalithaa implemented a new rule where posters of films were prohibited in the city. Nevertheless, according to Suresh, the lack of promos only increased the hype and worked to the film's advantage.[27] The Indian Express said on 3 July 1992, "Annamalai is enjoyable and touching."[5] K. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote on 11 July 1992, "Annamalai will be hit with Rajni's admirers but a disappointment for Balachander's discerning fans who are looking for a story with a difference".[28]

Annamalai completed a 175-day run at the box office.[29] It was the highest-grossing film in Rajinikanth's career until 1995 when the record was broken by Baashha.[30] The collections of Annamalai sent tremors everywhere. Annamalai exceeded normal regional collections making the film producers all over India sit up and take notice. With Annamalai, Rajini's range increased and made him the highest-paid actor in India till now. Tamil Manila Congress and DMK ally prioritised 'Annamalai Cycle', and won the 1996 elections by a huge margin.[31]

Legacy

Jai stated that his character from Engeyum Eppodhum (2011) "was almost modelled on the lines of Rajini Sir in the first half of Annamalai".[32] Suresh Krishna directed Aarumugam in 2009 which critics compared with Annamalai due to its similar plot and characterisations.[33]

The dialogue "Naan Solradaiyum Seiven, Soladadeiyum Seiven" (lit. 'I'll do what I say, I'll also do what I don't say') attained popularity.[34]

The scenes from the film were parodied in Parthale Paravasam (2001),[35] Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010),[36] Karuppasamy Kuthagaithaarar (2007) and Thamizh Padam (2010).[37]

References

  1. ^ Sri (15 July 2010). "Interview: Ravi Raja Pinisetty". Telugucinema.com. p. 3. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ Venkatasubba Rao, K. N. (4 January 2004). "2003, a flop for Kannada cinema". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 28 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Ramachandran 2014, p. 149.
  4. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 40.
  5. ^ a b c d Dileep, Lalitha (3 July 1992). "Soul-mates forever". The Indian Express. p. 7.
  6. ^ a b c d e Krissna, Suresh; Suganth, M. (27 June 2017). "Without Annamalai, there wouldn't be Baashha". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Bosskey (17 June 2016). "Rajini is very intelligent and grasps things quickly says Visu | Heartist". YouTube. Bosskey TV. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  8. ^ Ramachandran 2014, p. 145.
  9. ^ a b Bhavanishankar, Jyothsna (27 June 2017). "Rajini was stopped at the entrance of Poes Garden". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 28 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 17.
  11. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (8 March 2012). "Refrains, old and new". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 April 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2015. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 15.
  13. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, pp. 17–18.
  14. ^ a b Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 18.
  15. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 21.
  16. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 23.
  17. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 24.
  18. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, pp. 25–26.
  19. ^ a b c Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 27.
  20. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, pp. 35–37.
  21. ^ Ramachandran 2014, p. 148.
  22. ^ Shivakumar, Vivek (11 December 2018). "A Superstar Career Through Titles". Film Companion. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  23. ^ "Annamalai (1992)". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 26.
  25. ^ Saravanan, T. (20 July 2017). "Composer Deva: the monarch of Gaana music". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ Srinivasan, Karthik (20 November 2018). "The Kannada And Marathi Roots Of Rajinikanth's First Hero Introduction Song". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 76.
  28. ^ Vijiyan, K. (11 July 1992). "Revenge storyline getting too stale". New Straits Times. p. 13.
  29. ^ Krissna & Rangarajan 2012, p. 69.
  30. ^ Goyal, Divya (22 July 2016). "Will Kabali be Rajinikanth's Most Revered Film? Here Are His Top 10 Roles". NDTV. Archived from the original on 3 March 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ Kolappan, B. (30 November 2014). "Vasan's new party to retain TMC as 'brand name'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2015. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ Rao, Subha J (27 October 2013). "Hit-man". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 August 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2015. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (2 October 2009). "True to formula". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2015. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ Mishra, Nivedita (12 December 2014). "WATCH: All the Rajini fans... Thalaiva's five iconic dialogues". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 28 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ Paarthale Paravasam (motion picture) (in Tamil). Kavithalayaa Productions. 2001. From 6:30 to 7:14.
  36. ^ "Boss Engira Bhaskaran Movie Review". The Times of India. 2010. Archived from the original on 31 July 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ "Tamil Padam". Sify. 29 January 2010. Archived from the original on 28 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

Bibliography

External links

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