Santosh Subramaniam
Encyclopedia
Santosh Subramaniam is a 2008 Tamil
musical
and romantic
film which was directed and co-written by Raja Mohan
while Kalaprathi S. Agoram produced the film. While Jayam Ravi
and Genelia D'Souza
played the lead roles, Prakash Raj
and Geetha, prominent actors from the south Indian film industry, played the significant roles of one of the lead character's parents in the movie. The film is a remake of the successful Telugu language
film, Bommarillu
, which post-release sparked off a battle in Tamil film industry
for the remake rights. Apart from Tamil, efforts to remake this film in Hindi
with Amitabh Bachchan
and Abhishek Bachchan
, popular actors from the Bollywood
, were unsuccessful, but Anees Bazmee
has recently announced the remake, It's My Life
, with Harman Baweja
playing the role opposite D'Souza, who plays the character for the third time.
The film primarily revolves around a father and son relationship with the father's dote on his son ironically leaving a bitter taste with the latter. The son's choices and his wants to achieve something in life are always subdued by his father's. The father has a justification in the form of his dream, that is to build a dream house. When it comes to his son's marriage, the son breaks his shackles of respect only to experience the newly found independence. The film concludes with the father's repentance on his foolishness and the happy marriage of the protagonists.
The film opened to the Indian audiences on April 11, 2008 coinciding with Tamil New Year. On its way to winning accolades and rave reviews, the film became a trendsetter in Tamil cinema
along with Yaaradi Nee Mohini
, starting a trend for family orientated films.
) states that, it is right for a father to support his child in his infancy, but questions whether the father should continue to hold the child’s hand even after he is 24 years old. As the credits roll, a visibly angry Santhosh (Jayam Ravi
) begins uttering abuses at all the fathers in the world. When inquired about his disgust, he says that his father, Subramaniam (Prakash Raj
), gives him more than what he asks for. He cites instances where his choices of dressing, hairdo and many others are stashed away by his father’s. However, he vows that the two things that will be of his choice would be, his career and the woman he would marry .
Post-credits, Muthu (Sathyan) the Subramaniam dutiful household’s servant wakes up Santhosh in the morning. In the background, we see Santhosh’s mother, Lakshmi (Geetha) singing a devotional song while cooking. At the dining table, Subramanium, Managing Director of their construction company, inquires if Santhosh will join their office for managing their business. When Santhosh deliberates, his father doesn’t stand any longer and instead plans for his marriage despite Santhosh's silent protest. The next week, he returns home to realize that he is going to get engaged to Rajeswari (Kirat Bhattal
) against his wishes. He speaks with her only to realize that she is a daddy’s girl (Badu Vijayakumar being the father) and she not being to his liking. However, with Subramaniam’s final say, they eventually get engaged.
While contemplating on his options in a temple, Santhosh accidentally meets Hasini (Genelia D'Souza
), an engineering student. Seeing her chirpy nature and vibrance, Santhosh begins to like her. He makes attempts to know her by meeting her on a regular basis. In the process, he starts liking her cherubic and ever-friendly nature and as someone who does what she loves. As days go by, he realizes about so many small things in her company that gave him happiness. He realizes that he has fallen in love with her.
Alongside this, Santhosh applies for a bank loan to start out on his dream of building his career. When his love for Hasini deepens, he wishes to propose to her. He confesses to her that he is engaged to get married to Rajeswari against his wishes, but what he really wants is her. On knowing of him being engaged, Hasini gets dejected, but comes back a day later and asks him to do what he wishes for and accepts his proposal. At this juncture, the ecstatic Santhosh is seen by a furious Subramanium. Santhosh is admonished back home and he expresses his disinterest in marriage with Rajeswari. When asked for his reason to like Hasini, Santhosh replies saying that if Hasini can stay with their family for a week, then all their questions shall be answered. He convinces Hasini to stay at his house after seeking permission from her father (played by Sayaji Shinde
).
When Hasini is introduced to Santhosh’s family, she gets a lukewarm welcome. As she settles down in the house, one after the other begins to like her. Even though getting used to the living habits of the authoritarian Subramaniam's household was difficult, Hasini stayed put for Santhosh's sake. In the meanwhile, Subramaniam reprimands Santhosh when he knows of his bank loan and his plans, only to further enrage Santhosh. One day the entire family along with Hasini attends a marriage ceremony. A cheerful Hasini cheers up the ceremony with her playful nature. Coincidentally, Sayaji who happens to be around, recognizes Santhosh as the drunken young man whom he encountered on an earlier occasion. Hasini realizes her father's presence and quickly exits to avoid his attention. After saving their grace, Santhosh admonishes Hasini for her antics at the marriage. A sad and angry Hasini moves out of the house saying that she does not find Santhosh the same and that she cannot put on an act if she stays in their house. After getting back to her house, she rebuilds the trust her father has in her while Santhosh is left forlorn. Lakshmi confronts Subramaniam on Santhosh’s choices and wants. In the process, Santhosh opens up his heart and leaving Subramaniam to repent on his foolishness. Santhosh requests Rajeswari and her parents to call off the impending marriage. While they relent, Subramaniam manages to convince Sayaji about Santhosh and Hasini's marriage. In return, Sayaji wants to know more about Santhosh by having him live in house for a week. Subramaniam agrees with this and as the story returns to the pre-credits scene, the viewers are left to assume about the happy marriage of the protagonists. The happy marriage of the protagonists must be assumed, but at the end of the movie there is a phrase "Love makes life beautiful".
, involving Bhaskar
and Dil Raju
would remake the film in Tamil
, the pair cited they were not interested. Dil Raju
, willing to sell the remake rights held twenty previews in Chennai
for potential buyers. Veteran editor, Mohan, under his home company - Jayam Combines, outbidded Prakash Raj
who wanted to remake the film with Vinay Rai
in the lead role. Furthermore others beaten included Vijay
under Appachan Films, Vishal Krishna
under GV Films, Bhagyaraj
for his daughter, Saranya, and Ravi Krishna
under the banner of A. M. Rathnam
. Mohan handed the director's role to his son, Raja Mohan
, whom was a classmate of Bhaskar, and the lead role to his second son, Jayam Ravi
. The film would become the trio's fourth consecutive Telugu film
remake, following their previous ventures. Soon afterwards, the production house announced an ensemble cast, which included Prakash Raj
, Geetha, Sayaji Shinde
, Kirat Bhattal
and Kausalya
in prominent roles. Other actors were added later including Santhanam, Premji Amaren
, Srinath
, Sathyan, Vijayakumar
, M. S. Baskar
former cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh
and Sathyaraj
as a narrator.
The entire production of the movie took about nine months to be completed. The technical crew for the project, was predominantly the same in comparison to the company's previous venture, Something Something Unnakum Ennakum. The film had its launch on July 16, 2007 with the attendance of all the lead actors in the film, including guests such as Dhanush
, Sibiraj
and Jeevan
. The invitation card for the launch was highly appreciated, with images of prominent fathers and sons from India, ranging from cinema
to politics
.
was because of the fact that his father owned the production rights and his brother directed the project. The choice of Genelia
was due to her performance in the original, for which she was critically praised and gained stardom with. Despite experiencing flops in her previous some of her previous Tamil
films like Sachein
and Chennai Kadhal
- she felt that the film would change her status in the industry. The camaraderie that the lead actors shared during the filming, added on to their good performances. The choice of Prakash Raj
was easy as he befitted the character he portrayed while as well as starring the original, Geetha was persuaded to play the role of the lead actor's mother.
The palatial house where the entire family stayed in the film is part of Ramanaidu Studios at Nanakramguda, Hyderabad. Several modifications were done by the art director, Prakash. A couple of the songs were shot in a montage, another couple in Wellington
and other places in New Zealand and one song each in this house set and at a temple in Kakinada
.
For the film's music and soundtrack, Raja renewed his previous association (Something Something Unnakum Ennakum) with Devi Sri Prasad
, who predominantly used his tracks from the original. A feature of this film is that the lead actor in the original, Siddharth Narayan
, sung one of the tracks from the film.
of India, with the censors claiming the film to be "family-orientated". After opening at number one, the film has garnered over 2.5 crore
s in Chennai
alone by the end of the seventh week.
The reception in the United Kingdom was equally successful, entering the United Kingdom Box-office at number 40. Released in four major metropolis
es, the film collected £10,067 in its first week of opening. The film received a cumulative gross of £24,962 in the United Kingdom playing for three weeks.
, Genelia D'Souza
and Prakash Raj
, garnered praise for their portrayals. With The Hindu
signalling that the trio have come up with "nuanced performances". Sify
Entertainment describes D'Souza's portrayal as "the soul of the film" and the film's "biggest strength", whilst calling Ravi "mature" and Prakash Raj "outstanding". Rediff, however described D'Souza's character as "appears a little too good to be true", whilst praising Prakash Raj claiming that the role "was a cakewalk" for him. Behindwoods gave three out of five stars and said that the film was a "Well made family entertainer-conditions apply" further citing that "Watch Santosh Subramaniam for that ‘feel good’ feeling, overlook minor glitches." and praising Prakash Raj
stating "But the real master is (though it may sound repetitive) is Prakash Raj, he proves his class yet again."
with the lyrics primarily penned by Na. Muthukumar
and Yugabharathi. The audio of the film released nationwide on March 23, 2008, three weeks prior to the film's release.
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
musical
Musical film
The musical film is a film genre in which songs sung by the characters are interwoven into the narrative, sometimes accompanied by dancing. The songs usually advance the plot or develop the film's characters, though in some cases they serve merely as breaks in the storyline, often as elaborate...
and romantic
Romance film
Romance films are love stories that focus on passion, emotion, and the affectionate involvement of the main characters and the journey that their love takes through courtship or marriage. Romance films make the love story or the search for love the main plot focus...
film which was directed and co-written by Raja Mohan
M. Raja
Raja Mohan is an Indian film director, primarily working in the Tamil film industry. As of 2011, he has directed seven films, all of them being a remake even velayutham. Notably all his five directorials in Tamil starred his brother Jayam Ravi and were produced by his father, editor Mohan under his...
while Kalaprathi S. Agoram produced the film. While Jayam Ravi
Jayam Ravi
Jayam Ravi is an Indian film actor. Ravi has appeared in films including Jayam, M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi, Unakkum Enakkum, Santhosh Subramaniam and Thillalangadi all of which have been directed by his brother, M...
and Genelia D'Souza
Genelia D'Souza
Genelia D'Souza is an Indian actress, model, and host. She has appeared in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam language films. After gaining wide attention in a Parker Pen commercial with Amitabh Bachchan, D'Souza began her acting career with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003...
played the lead roles, Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj , better known by his stage name Prakash Raj, is a National Award winning actor, director and producer who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam films. Though he was born in a Tulu family he achieved fame through Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. He got introduced to...
and Geetha, prominent actors from the south Indian film industry, played the significant roles of one of the lead character's parents in the movie. The film is a remake of the successful Telugu language
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
film, Bommarillu
Bommarillu
Bommarillu is a 2006 Telugu romantic comedy film directed and co-written by Bhaskar, and produced by Dil Raju. The two leading roles were played by Siddharth Narayan and Genelia D'Souza. The other two significant parts, the parents of one of the leading characters, were played by Prakash Raj and...
, which post-release sparked off a battle in Tamil film industry
Tamil cinema
Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered...
for the remake rights. Apart from Tamil, efforts to remake this film in Hindi
Hindi
Standard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi...
with Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan is an Indian film actor. He first gained popularity in the early 1970s as the "angry young man" of Hindi cinema, and has since appeared in over 180 Indian films in a career spanning more than four decades...
and Abhishek Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan is an Indian actor and producer. He is the son of Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and is married to actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai....
, popular actors from the Bollywood
Bollywood
Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
, were unsuccessful, but Anees Bazmee
Anees Bazmee
Anees Bazmee is an Indian film director, film writer, Screenplay writer who works in the Bollywood film industry.-Career:Bazmee started his career in 1988, as a dialogue writer for the film Hum Farishte Nahin. He then took a year break, and returned in 1990 as a writer for the film Swarg, which was...
has recently announced the remake, It's My Life
It's My Life (film)
It's My Life is an upcoming Hindi film directed by Anees Bazmee. It stars Harman Baweja and Genelia D'Souza in lead roles. The movie is a remake of the successful Telugu movie Bommarillu which was already remade in several Indian languages. The film is set to release on 13 January...
, with Harman Baweja
Harman Baweja
Harman Baweja is an Indian actor. He debuted in Bollywood with Love Story 2050. His next films were Victory and What's Your Raashee? in which he performed opposite his Love Story 2050 co-star Priyanka Chopra....
playing the role opposite D'Souza, who plays the character for the third time.
The film primarily revolves around a father and son relationship with the father's dote on his son ironically leaving a bitter taste with the latter. The son's choices and his wants to achieve something in life are always subdued by his father's. The father has a justification in the form of his dream, that is to build a dream house. When it comes to his son's marriage, the son breaks his shackles of respect only to experience the newly found independence. The film concludes with the father's repentance on his foolishness and the happy marriage of the protagonists.
The film opened to the Indian audiences on April 11, 2008 coinciding with Tamil New Year. On its way to winning accolades and rave reviews, the film became a trendsetter in Tamil cinema
Tamil cinema
Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered...
along with Yaaradi Nee Mohini
Yaaradi Nee Mohini
Yaaradi Nee Mohini is a 2008 Tamil family drama film directed by Mithran Jawahar. The film, remake of the 2007 Telugu hit film Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule, directed by Selvaraghavan that starred Venkatesh and Trisha Krishnan, stars Dhanush, Selvaraghavan's brother, and Nayantara in lead roles,...
, starting a trend for family orientated films.
Plot
The film begins with a baby taking his initial steps on a beach while the father is supporting him. The narrator in the background (SathyarajSathyaraj
Sathyaraj is a Tamil film actor and media personality in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A Tamil activist and a political influence, he has acted in over 150 films, ranging from action and drama to comedy. In 2007, he played the role of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy in the Tamil Nadu government-sponsored...
) states that, it is right for a father to support his child in his infancy, but questions whether the father should continue to hold the child’s hand even after he is 24 years old. As the credits roll, a visibly angry Santhosh (Jayam Ravi
Jayam Ravi
Jayam Ravi is an Indian film actor. Ravi has appeared in films including Jayam, M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi, Unakkum Enakkum, Santhosh Subramaniam and Thillalangadi all of which have been directed by his brother, M...
) begins uttering abuses at all the fathers in the world. When inquired about his disgust, he says that his father, Subramaniam (Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj , better known by his stage name Prakash Raj, is a National Award winning actor, director and producer who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam films. Though he was born in a Tulu family he achieved fame through Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. He got introduced to...
), gives him more than what he asks for. He cites instances where his choices of dressing, hairdo and many others are stashed away by his father’s. However, he vows that the two things that will be of his choice would be, his career and the woman he would marry .
Post-credits, Muthu (Sathyan) the Subramaniam dutiful household’s servant wakes up Santhosh in the morning. In the background, we see Santhosh’s mother, Lakshmi (Geetha) singing a devotional song while cooking. At the dining table, Subramanium, Managing Director of their construction company, inquires if Santhosh will join their office for managing their business. When Santhosh deliberates, his father doesn’t stand any longer and instead plans for his marriage despite Santhosh's silent protest. The next week, he returns home to realize that he is going to get engaged to Rajeswari (Kirat Bhattal
Kirat Bhattal
Kirat Bhattal professionally known as Kirat or Keerath in South India is an Indian film actress...
) against his wishes. He speaks with her only to realize that she is a daddy’s girl (Badu Vijayakumar being the father) and she not being to his liking. However, with Subramaniam’s final say, they eventually get engaged.
While contemplating on his options in a temple, Santhosh accidentally meets Hasini (Genelia D'Souza
Genelia D'Souza
Genelia D'Souza is an Indian actress, model, and host. She has appeared in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam language films. After gaining wide attention in a Parker Pen commercial with Amitabh Bachchan, D'Souza began her acting career with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003...
), an engineering student. Seeing her chirpy nature and vibrance, Santhosh begins to like her. He makes attempts to know her by meeting her on a regular basis. In the process, he starts liking her cherubic and ever-friendly nature and as someone who does what she loves. As days go by, he realizes about so many small things in her company that gave him happiness. He realizes that he has fallen in love with her.
Alongside this, Santhosh applies for a bank loan to start out on his dream of building his career. When his love for Hasini deepens, he wishes to propose to her. He confesses to her that he is engaged to get married to Rajeswari against his wishes, but what he really wants is her. On knowing of him being engaged, Hasini gets dejected, but comes back a day later and asks him to do what he wishes for and accepts his proposal. At this juncture, the ecstatic Santhosh is seen by a furious Subramanium. Santhosh is admonished back home and he expresses his disinterest in marriage with Rajeswari. When asked for his reason to like Hasini, Santhosh replies saying that if Hasini can stay with their family for a week, then all their questions shall be answered. He convinces Hasini to stay at his house after seeking permission from her father (played by Sayaji Shinde
Sayaji Shinde
Sayaji Shinde is a Marathi film and multilingual actor from India who has acted in Bollywood, Tollywood and Kollywood. He was born in a small village near Satara, Maharashtra.-Career:...
).
When Hasini is introduced to Santhosh’s family, she gets a lukewarm welcome. As she settles down in the house, one after the other begins to like her. Even though getting used to the living habits of the authoritarian Subramaniam's household was difficult, Hasini stayed put for Santhosh's sake. In the meanwhile, Subramaniam reprimands Santhosh when he knows of his bank loan and his plans, only to further enrage Santhosh. One day the entire family along with Hasini attends a marriage ceremony. A cheerful Hasini cheers up the ceremony with her playful nature. Coincidentally, Sayaji who happens to be around, recognizes Santhosh as the drunken young man whom he encountered on an earlier occasion. Hasini realizes her father's presence and quickly exits to avoid his attention. After saving their grace, Santhosh admonishes Hasini for her antics at the marriage. A sad and angry Hasini moves out of the house saying that she does not find Santhosh the same and that she cannot put on an act if she stays in their house. After getting back to her house, she rebuilds the trust her father has in her while Santhosh is left forlorn. Lakshmi confronts Subramaniam on Santhosh’s choices and wants. In the process, Santhosh opens up his heart and leaving Subramaniam to repent on his foolishness. Santhosh requests Rajeswari and her parents to call off the impending marriage. While they relent, Subramaniam manages to convince Sayaji about Santhosh and Hasini's marriage. In return, Sayaji wants to know more about Santhosh by having him live in house for a week. Subramaniam agrees with this and as the story returns to the pre-credits scene, the viewers are left to assume about the happy marriage of the protagonists. The happy marriage of the protagonists must be assumed, but at the end of the movie there is a phrase "Love makes life beautiful".
Cast
- Jayam RaviJayam RaviJayam Ravi is an Indian film actor. Ravi has appeared in films including Jayam, M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi, Unakkum Enakkum, Santhosh Subramaniam and Thillalangadi all of which have been directed by his brother, M...
as Santosh. A well-disciplined young man with dreams of achieving something big of his own without the interference of his father. The child in his heart is released when he gets to know Hasini. - Genelia D'SouzaGenelia D'SouzaGenelia D'Souza is an Indian actress, model, and host. She has appeared in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam language films. After gaining wide attention in a Parker Pen commercial with Amitabh Bachchan, D'Souza began her acting career with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003...
as Hasini. A very vibrant, effervescent and a happy-go-lucky young woman who loves to live life to the fullest. Her infectious vivacity presents Santosh with a whole new world of liveliness and independence. - Prakash RajPrakash RajPrakash Raj , better known by his stage name Prakash Raj, is a National Award winning actor, director and producer who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam films. Though he was born in a Tulu family he achieved fame through Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. He got introduced to...
as Subramaniam (Santosh's dad). A father who visions of a happy and dream house after several years of toil. Everything for him should be like a picture that fills the jigsaw. This steals the house members, especially Santosh, of their individual persona and sheen. - Sayaji ShindeSayaji ShindeSayaji Shinde is a Marathi film and multilingual actor from India who has acted in Bollywood, Tollywood and Kollywood. He was born in a small village near Satara, Maharashtra.-Career:...
as Govindan (Hasini's dad). A loving father to Hasini with a severe habit of drinking. - Geetha as Lakshmi (Santosh's mom). A loving mother to Santosh who is instrumental in making her husband realize of his folly.
- Sadagoppan RameshSadagoppan RameshSadagoppan Ramesh is an Indian cricketer. He is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm offbreak bowler. On debut, facing Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, he made a solid 44 off 41 balls...
as Sanjay (Elder brother of Santosh). A disciplined man who takes care of Subramaniam's office. - Kirat BhattalKirat BhattalKirat Bhattal professionally known as Kirat or Keerath in South India is an Indian film actress...
as Rajeswari. Plays the fiancé of Santosh until he breaks the engagement after he decides to marry Hasini. - VijayakumarVijayakumarVijayakumar is a Tamil actor and politician. Along with predominant work in Tamil cinema since 1973, he has acted in a few Hindi and Telugu movies. As of 2009, he is acting in the television serial, Thangam, aired on Sun TV.-Early life:...
as Shankarakumaran. Plays the father of Rajeswari. - Santhanam as Srinivasan. A comic character who plays the friend of Santosh, along with SrinathSrinath (actor)For Malayali actor see SreenathSrinath is an Indian actor and director. He starting in drama troupes, and has transitioned to the film industry. After appearing in various television serials such as Kadhalikka Neramillai, he started to play supporting roles in films such as Ullam Ketkumae and...
and Premji AmarenPremji AmarenPremji Amaren is a Tamil playback singer, film composer, songwriter and actor. Son of veteran film composer and singer Gangai Amaran, he often composes rap songs in Tamil cinema and is known for his comical performances in the Venkat Prabhu films Chennai 28, Saroja and Goa...
. - Premji AmarenPremji AmarenPremji Amaren is a Tamil playback singer, film composer, songwriter and actor. Son of veteran film composer and singer Gangai Amaran, he often composes rap songs in Tamil cinema and is known for his comical performances in the Venkat Prabhu films Chennai 28, Saroja and Goa...
as Shekar. Plays the friend of Santosh.
The key elements
Despite early indications that the same team that had worked in the original, BommarilluBommarillu
Bommarillu is a 2006 Telugu romantic comedy film directed and co-written by Bhaskar, and produced by Dil Raju. The two leading roles were played by Siddharth Narayan and Genelia D'Souza. The other two significant parts, the parents of one of the leading characters, were played by Prakash Raj and...
, involving Bhaskar
K. Vijaya Bhaskar
K. Vijaya Bhaskar is a film director in the Telugu film industry, Most of the films he directed were blockbusters.- Filmography as Director :* Prema Kavali * Bhale Dongalu * Classmates * Jai Chiranjeeva...
and Dil Raju
Dil Raju
Dil Raju |Dil]], Arya,Bhadra, Bommarillu,Kotha Bangaru Lokam and Brindavanam . His recent film Mr.Perfect.-Biography:...
would remake the film in Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
, the pair cited they were not interested. Dil Raju
Dil Raju
Dil Raju |Dil]], Arya,Bhadra, Bommarillu,Kotha Bangaru Lokam and Brindavanam . His recent film Mr.Perfect.-Biography:...
, willing to sell the remake rights held twenty previews in Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
for potential buyers. Veteran editor, Mohan, under his home company - Jayam Combines, outbidded Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj , better known by his stage name Prakash Raj, is a National Award winning actor, director and producer who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam films. Though he was born in a Tulu family he achieved fame through Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. He got introduced to...
who wanted to remake the film with Vinay Rai
Vinay Rai
Vinay Rai is an Indian film actor, commonly appearing in Tamil films, as well as modelling and catwalking in noted fashion shows. His mother tongue is Tulu.- Career :...
in the lead role. Furthermore others beaten included Vijay
Joseph Vijay
Vijay is an Indian film actor and playback singer, who is based in the cinema of Tamil Nadu. He is the son of film producer and director S. A. Chandrasekhar. After performing uncredited roles as a child actor in films produced by his father, he made his debut in a lead role in the 1992 film...
under Appachan Films, Vishal Krishna
Vishal Krishna
Vishal Krishna is an Indian film actor who has appeared in primarily Tamil cinema. Often starring in his home productions, Vishal became an actor after a stint as an assistant director in films....
under GV Films, Bhagyaraj
Bhagyaraj
K. Bhagyaraj is a Tamil film director, actor, writer and producer. He has directed and produced several Tamil films, along with a few Telugu and Hindi films. He is well known for his mastery in screenplay. He has won a Filmfare Best Actor Award for Mundhanai Mudichu, a film he wrote, directed and...
for his daughter, Saranya, and Ravi Krishna
Ravi Krishna
Ravi Krishna is an Indian actor who works in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Son of noted producer A. M. Rathnam, he made his acting debut in Selvaraghavan's critically acclaimed 7G Rainbow Colony.-Early life:...
under the banner of A. M. Rathnam
A. M. Rathnam
A. M. Rathnam is a film producer of South Indian cinema from the town Buchi Reddy Palem of nellore Dt, Andhra Pradesh. He has produced several blockbusters under Sri Surya Movies, such as Indian, Kushi, Run, Boys, Enakku 20 Unakku 18, Dhool, Ghilli and 7/G Rainbow Colony, Bangaram. He also...
. Mohan handed the director's role to his son, Raja Mohan
M. Raja
Raja Mohan is an Indian film director, primarily working in the Tamil film industry. As of 2011, he has directed seven films, all of them being a remake even velayutham. Notably all his five directorials in Tamil starred his brother Jayam Ravi and were produced by his father, editor Mohan under his...
, whom was a classmate of Bhaskar, and the lead role to his second son, Jayam Ravi
Jayam Ravi
Jayam Ravi is an Indian film actor. Ravi has appeared in films including Jayam, M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi, Unakkum Enakkum, Santhosh Subramaniam and Thillalangadi all of which have been directed by his brother, M...
. The film would become the trio's fourth consecutive Telugu film
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
remake, following their previous ventures. Soon afterwards, the production house announced an ensemble cast, which included Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj , better known by his stage name Prakash Raj, is a National Award winning actor, director and producer who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam films. Though he was born in a Tulu family he achieved fame through Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. He got introduced to...
, Geetha, Sayaji Shinde
Sayaji Shinde
Sayaji Shinde is a Marathi film and multilingual actor from India who has acted in Bollywood, Tollywood and Kollywood. He was born in a small village near Satara, Maharashtra.-Career:...
, Kirat Bhattal
Kirat Bhattal
Kirat Bhattal professionally known as Kirat or Keerath in South India is an Indian film actress...
and Kausalya
Kausalya (actress)
Kausalya , also known as Nandini, is an Indian film actress and model, who has starred mainly in Tamil and Malayalam films. She was purusing a modelling career, before she debuted in the 1996 Malayalam film April 16 by Balachandra Menon...
in prominent roles. Other actors were added later including Santhanam, Premji Amaren
Premji Amaren
Premji Amaren is a Tamil playback singer, film composer, songwriter and actor. Son of veteran film composer and singer Gangai Amaran, he often composes rap songs in Tamil cinema and is known for his comical performances in the Venkat Prabhu films Chennai 28, Saroja and Goa...
, Srinath
Srinath (actor)
For Malayali actor see SreenathSrinath is an Indian actor and director. He starting in drama troupes, and has transitioned to the film industry. After appearing in various television serials such as Kadhalikka Neramillai, he started to play supporting roles in films such as Ullam Ketkumae and...
, Sathyan, Vijayakumar
Vijayakumar
Vijayakumar is a Tamil actor and politician. Along with predominant work in Tamil cinema since 1973, he has acted in a few Hindi and Telugu movies. As of 2009, he is acting in the television serial, Thangam, aired on Sun TV.-Early life:...
, M. S. Baskar
M. S. Baskar
M. S. Bhaskar is an Indian actor. A former theatre artiste, he has appeared in supporting roles and as a comedian in Tamil TV series and more recently in Tamil films. He is probably best known for his performances in the series Chinna Papa Periya Papa and Selvi and in the films Sivakasi and Mozhi...
former cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh
Sadagoppan Ramesh
Sadagoppan Ramesh is an Indian cricketer. He is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm offbreak bowler. On debut, facing Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, he made a solid 44 off 41 balls...
and Sathyaraj
Sathyaraj
Sathyaraj is a Tamil film actor and media personality in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A Tamil activist and a political influence, he has acted in over 150 films, ranging from action and drama to comedy. In 2007, he played the role of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy in the Tamil Nadu government-sponsored...
as a narrator.
The entire production of the movie took about nine months to be completed. The technical crew for the project, was predominantly the same in comparison to the company's previous venture, Something Something Unnakum Ennakum. The film had its launch on July 16, 2007 with the attendance of all the lead actors in the film, including guests such as Dhanush
Dhanush
Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja , better known by his stage name Dhanush , is an Indian film actor, occasional playback singer and lyricist, working in the Tamil film industry...
, Sibiraj
Sibiraj
Sibiraj is an actor and the son of famous Tamil film actor Sathyaraj . He did his schooling in Don Bosco, Egmore and went to Loyola College, Chennai.- Film career :...
and Jeevan
Jeevan
Jeevan is a Tamil film actor.-Biography:He graduated from the St. Bede's School in Chennai. One of his classmates was actor Surya Sivakumar.-Career:...
. The invitation card for the launch was highly appreciated, with images of prominent fathers and sons from India, ranging from cinema
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
to politics
Politics
Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...
.
Casting, location and music
The choice of Jayam RaviJayam Ravi
Jayam Ravi is an Indian film actor. Ravi has appeared in films including Jayam, M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi, Unakkum Enakkum, Santhosh Subramaniam and Thillalangadi all of which have been directed by his brother, M...
was because of the fact that his father owned the production rights and his brother directed the project. The choice of Genelia
Genelia D'Souza
Genelia D'Souza is an Indian actress, model, and host. She has appeared in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam language films. After gaining wide attention in a Parker Pen commercial with Amitabh Bachchan, D'Souza began her acting career with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003...
was due to her performance in the original, for which she was critically praised and gained stardom with. Despite experiencing flops in her previous some of her previous Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
films like Sachein
Sachein
Sachein is a 2005 Tamil romance film directed by John Mahendran, starring Vijay and Genelia D'Souza. It also features Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, in her Tamil cinema debut, Vadivelu and Raghuvaran. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The film released along with...
and Chennai Kadhal
Chennai Kadhal
Chennai Kadhal is a Tamil film directed by Vikraman. The film stars Bharath and Genelia. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Joshua Sridhar. The film released on 8 December 2006.-Plot:...
- she felt that the film would change her status in the industry. The camaraderie that the lead actors shared during the filming, added on to their good performances. The choice of Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj , better known by his stage name Prakash Raj, is a National Award winning actor, director and producer who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam films. Though he was born in a Tulu family he achieved fame through Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. He got introduced to...
was easy as he befitted the character he portrayed while as well as starring the original, Geetha was persuaded to play the role of the lead actor's mother.
The palatial house where the entire family stayed in the film is part of Ramanaidu Studios at Nanakramguda, Hyderabad. Several modifications were done by the art director, Prakash. A couple of the songs were shot in a montage, another couple in Wellington
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range...
and other places in New Zealand and one song each in this house set and at a temple in Kakinada
Kakinada
Kakinada is a city and a municipal corporation in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located east of the state capital, Hyderabad. It is also the headquarters of East Godavari district. It is nicknamed "Fertilizer City" , "Pensioner's Paradise" and "Second Madras"...
.
For the film's music and soundtrack, Raja renewed his previous association (Something Something Unnakum Ennakum) with Devi Sri Prasad
Devi Sri Prasad
Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :...
, who predominantly used his tracks from the original. A feature of this film is that the lead actor in the original, Siddharth Narayan
Siddharth Narayan
Siddharth Suryanaraynan , popularly known and credited as Siddharth, is an Indian film actor, playback singer and screenplay writer. After his business management studies, Siddharth chose to work in film making and worked as an assistant director before making his acting debut in the 2003 Tamil...
, sung one of the tracks from the film.
Reception
Santosh Subramaniam was released worldwide with 72 reels of the film's print. Owing to the success of the film, the number of reels grew to about hundred. The film was released with a "U" (Universal: Suitable for all ages) certification by the Central Board of Film CertificationCentral Board of Film Certification
The Central Board of Film Certification is a Government of India regulatory body and censorship board of India controlled by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It reviews, rates and censors motion pictures, television shows, television ads, and promotional material...
of India, with the censors claiming the film to be "family-orientated". After opening at number one, the film has garnered over 2.5 crore
Crore
A crore is a unit in the Indian number system equal to ten million , or 100 lakhs. It is widely used in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan....
s in Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
alone by the end of the seventh week.
The reception in the United Kingdom was equally successful, entering the United Kingdom Box-office at number 40. Released in four major metropolis
Metropolis
A metropolis is a very large city or urban area which is a significant economic, political and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections and communications...
es, the film collected £10,067 in its first week of opening. The film received a cumulative gross of £24,962 in the United Kingdom playing for three weeks.
Critical acclaim
The film received rave reviews right from the story to the performances of the actors. Rediff entertainment portal gave the film a rating of two and a half out of five tagging the film's review that it fails to live up to the original, whilst suggesting the movie to the entire family. The three lead actors, Jayam RaviJayam Ravi
Jayam Ravi is an Indian film actor. Ravi has appeared in films including Jayam, M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi, Unakkum Enakkum, Santhosh Subramaniam and Thillalangadi all of which have been directed by his brother, M...
, Genelia D'Souza
Genelia D'Souza
Genelia D'Souza is an Indian actress, model, and host. She has appeared in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam language films. After gaining wide attention in a Parker Pen commercial with Amitabh Bachchan, D'Souza began her acting career with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003...
and Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj , better known by his stage name Prakash Raj, is a National Award winning actor, director and producer who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam films. Though he was born in a Tulu family he achieved fame through Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. He got introduced to...
, garnered praise for their portrayals. With The Hindu
The Hindu
The Hindu is an Indian English-language daily newspaper founded and continuously published in Chennai since 1878. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, it has a circulation of 1.46 million copies as of December 2009. The enterprise employed over 1,600 workers and gross income reached $40...
signalling that the trio have come up with "nuanced performances". Sify
Sify
Sify Technologies Limited is an Internet service provider established in 1998, based in Chennai, India.-Company profile:...
Entertainment describes D'Souza's portrayal as "the soul of the film" and the film's "biggest strength", whilst calling Ravi "mature" and Prakash Raj "outstanding". Rediff, however described D'Souza's character as "appears a little too good to be true", whilst praising Prakash Raj claiming that the role "was a cakewalk" for him. Behindwoods gave three out of five stars and said that the film was a "Well made family entertainer-conditions apply" further citing that "Watch Santosh Subramaniam for that ‘feel good’ feeling, overlook minor glitches." and praising Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj , better known by his stage name Prakash Raj, is a National Award winning actor, director and producer who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam films. Though he was born in a Tulu family he achieved fame through Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. He got introduced to...
stating "But the real master is (though it may sound repetitive) is Prakash Raj, he proves his class yet again."
Soundtrack
The film has six songs composed by Devi Sri PrasadDevi Sri Prasad
Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :...
with the lyrics primarily penned by Na. Muthukumar
Na. Muthukumar
Na. Muthukumar is a Tamil poet and lyricist, who writes lyrics for Tamil film songs.-Career:Muthukumar began his career wanting to be a director and worked under Balu Mahendra for four years. But then he became a lyricist, beginning with the lyrics for the songs of the Tamil film Veera Nadai,...
and Yugabharathi. The audio of the film released nationwide on March 23, 2008, three weeks prior to the film's release.
| Song title | Singers | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Senthamizh Pesum Azhagu Juliet | Andrea Andrea Jeremiah Andrea Jeremiah is an Tamil playback singer, voice actor and a film and theatre actress. Beginning her career singing playback, Andrea has gone on to appear in critically acclaimed films such as Pachaikili Muthucharam and Aayirathil Oruvan, winning praise for her portrayals.-Career:Andrea was born... and Ranjit |
A peppy and youthful song where Santosh and his friends are searching for Santosh's Juliet Juliet Capulet Juliet is one of the title characters in William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet, the other being Romeo. She is the daughter of old Capulet, head of the house of Capulet. The story has a long history that precedes Shakespeare himself.... . |
| Adada Adada Adada | Siddharth Narayan Siddharth Narayan Siddharth Suryanaraynan , popularly known and credited as Siddharth, is an Indian film actor, playback singer and screenplay writer. After his business management studies, Siddharth chose to work in film making and worked as an assistant director before making his acting debut in the 2003 Tamil... |
Another youthful song where the lead actor expressing his exuberance. |
| Kadhaluku Kanngal Illai | Devi Sri Prasad Devi Sri Prasad Devi Sri Prasad is a music composer and playback singer in Telugu and Tamil films. His soundtracks have been dubbed or remade in several other languages as well.- Awards :... |
A fun song which talks about the lead characters falling in love for the first time. |
| America Yendralum Aandipatti Yendralum | Pushpavanam Kandasaamy, Manicka Vinayagam, Priya, Naveen and Premji Amaren Premji Amaren Premji Amaren is a Tamil playback singer, film composer, songwriter and actor. Son of veteran film composer and singer Gangai Amaran, he often composes rap songs in Tamil cinema and is known for his comical performances in the Venkat Prabhu films Chennai 28, Saroja and Goa... |
A high energy song sung by the entire Subramaniam family at a marriage function. It contains the film's tagline in the lyrics as well. |
| Uyire Uyire Piriyadhey | Sagar | A romantic track which is both energetic and melancholy. It speaks of the estranged love between the lead characters. |
| Yeppadi Irundha Yem Manasu | Tippu Tippu (singer) Tippu is a South Indian playback singer who has performed in Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu languages. Tippu's original name, as told by him in Koffee with Anu, is Ekambaresh. He is married to playback singers Harini. Tippu did his schooling at St. John's Matriculation Higher Secondary School... and Gopika Poornima |
A romantic musical interlude between the lead characters. |