7Aum Arivu

7Aum Arivu, a Tamil science fiction action-thriller, was released on October 25, 2011, during the festive season of Diwali. Directed by A. R. Murugadoss, the film stars Suriya and Shruti Haasan in pivotal roles. This ambitious movie blends ancient history with modern science, delivering a unique cinematic experience. With music composed by Harris Jayaraj and stunning visuals, 7Aum Arivu tries to explore themes of identity, knowledge, and survival. This review discusses the movie’s plot, highlights its strengths, and evaluates its overall impact.

2. Plot Summary

The story of 7Aum Arivu begins with a flashback to the life of Bodhidharma, a 6th-century Tamil prince who became a monk and is credited with spreading martial arts and medicine to China. Fast forward to the present day, the narrative focuses on Aravind (played by Suriya), a descendant of Bodhidharma, who is unknowingly linked to a dangerous mission that threatens the safety of India. A biological warfare expert from China is sent to unleash chaos, and the responsibility falls on Aravind and genetic engineering student Subha Srinivasan (played by Shruti Haasan) to stop it. With a mix of historical references and scientific innovation, the movie unfolds as a gripping battle between good and evil.

3. What’s Good?

Captivating Performance by Suriya

Suriya delivers a power-packed performance in dual roles as Bodhidharma and Aravind. His transformation into the monk is mesmerizing, showcasing his dedication to the character. His charisma keeps the audience engaged, especially during the intense action sequences.

Unique Concept and Direction

The director, A. R. Murugadoss, deserves applause for attempting a story that merges ancient history with modern-day science. The way he intertwines Bodhidharma’s legacy with a contemporary issue makes the plot unique and intriguing. The movie’s premise, though ambitious, is executed with creativity.

Stunning Visuals and Action Sequences

The cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran enhances the grandeur of the movie. The flashback scenes depicting Bodhidharma’s journey are visually stunning, transporting the audience to another era. The action choreography, particularly the martial arts sequences, is brilliantly executed and adds authenticity to the narrative.

Harris Jayaraj’s Music

The soundtrack and background score by Harris Jayaraj elevate the movie’s emotional and dramatic moments. Songs like “Oh Ringa Ringa” and “Mun Andhi” became instant hits, adding to the film’s popularity.

Social Relevance

The movie sheds light on biological warfare, a critical issue that resonates with modern concerns about global security. It also emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s heritage and cultural identity, making it a thought-provoking watch.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Ambitious Narrative: The blend of history and science makes the story stand out.
• Engaging Performances: Suriya’s acting and Shruti Haasan’s earnest portrayal bring depth to the characters.
• Visual Appeal: The cinematography and art direction are top-notch.
• Powerful Message: The film’s core theme of knowledge and awareness is inspiring.

Weaknesses

• Pacing Issues: The second half feels dragged, with some scenes overstaying their welcome.
• Simplistic Villain: The antagonist lacks depth, which diminishes the overall tension.
• Scientific Flaws: Some of the scientific elements, particularly related to genetic memory, feel far-fetched and lack credibility.

Despite these shortcomings, 7Aum Arivu remains an ambitious and commendable effort.

5. Target Audience

7Aum Arivu caters to fans of historical dramas and science fiction. It’s an ideal watch for those who enjoy movies with socially relevant themes and action-packed sequences. Families, history enthusiasts, and admirers of Suriya’s work will find this film engaging. However, viewers looking for light-hearted entertainment may find its serious tone less appealing.

6. Box Office Details

Budget and Earnings

The estimated budget of 7Aum Arivu was around INR 84 crores, making it one of the costliest Tamil films of its time. The film managed to recover its investment and more, thanks to its strong opening and widespread appeal.

Worldwide Box Office Collection

The film grossed approximately INR 100 crores worldwide, marking it as a commercial success. Its unique storyline and festive release contributed to its impressive box office performance.

Day-Wise Earnings (First 5 Days)

• Day 1 (India): INR 15 crores
• Day 2 (India): INR 12.5 crores
• Day 3 (India): INR 10.8 crores
• Day 4 (Overseas): INR 6 crores
• Day 5 (India and Overseas): INR 8.2 crores

The strong initial numbers reflect the anticipation and excitement surrounding the film’s release. Despite mixed reviews, the movie’s unique concept and star power drove its box office success.

7. Recommendation

7Aum Arivu is an ambitious film that combines history, science, and action to deliver an engaging cinematic experience. While it has its flaws, the movie’s strengths make it worth watching. If you’re a fan of Suriya or enjoy films with a unique premise, this is a must-watch.

Genres:

Action, Science Fiction, Thriller

Rating:

6.4/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Suriya	Bodhidharma / Aravind
Shruti Haasan	Subha Srinivasan
Johnny Nguyen	Dong Lee
Ashwin Kakumanu	Ashwin
Guinness Pakru	Aravind’s friend
Dhanya Balakrishna	Malathi
Misha Ghoshal	Nisha
N. Azhagamperumal	Museum Officer
Ilavarasu	Aravind’s Cousin
Abhinaya	Bodhidharma’s wife

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