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Panchatanthiram, a Tamil-language comedy film, hit the screens on June 28, 2002. Directed by K. S. Ravikumar and featuring Kamal Haasan in the lead role, this movie is a laugh riot filled with twists and turns. The film masterfully blends comedy with suspense, delivering an engaging experience that has stood the test of time. With a stellar cast and rib-tickling dialogues, Panchatanthiram has earned its place as one of Tamil cinema’s most cherished comedies.
Plot Summary
The story follows Ramachandramurthy, a suave pilot whose life takes an unexpected turn due to a series of comical and chaotic events. His friends, a quirky bunch with their own eccentricities, add to the confusion, leading to a series of misunderstandings and mishaps. The narrative revolves around how these incidents complicate Ram’s life and whether he can resolve the mess. Packed with humor and clever writing, the plot keeps the audience guessing while ensuring non-stop entertainment.
What’s Good?
Exceptional Performances
Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of Ramachandramurthy is nothing short of brilliant. His impeccable comic timing and effortless charm make the character unforgettable. Supporting actors like Jayaram, Ramesh Aravind, and Simran deliver strong performances, enhancing the movie’s appeal.
Direction and Screenplay
K. S. Ravikumar’s direction ensures a smooth flow of the story, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The screenplay by Crazy Mohan is packed with witty dialogues and clever situations, showcasing his trademark humor.
Music and Background Score
Deva’s music is another highlight of the movie. The songs are catchy, and the background score complements the film’s lively tone perfectly.
Cinematography
Cinematographer A. Kaarthik’s work stands out with vibrant visuals and well-framed shots. The colorful settings and picturesque locales add to the film’s charm.
Humor
The humor in Panchatanthiram is timeless. Crazy Mohan’s dialogues, paired with the actors’ delivery, create laugh-out-loud moments that remain iconic.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Engaging Narrative: The film’s plot is filled with surprises, ensuring that the audience remains invested.
- Stellar Cast: The performances elevate the movie, making every character memorable.
- Clever Writing: The witty dialogues and situational comedy are the backbone of the film.
Weaknesses
- Pacing Issues: A few scenes in the second half feel slightly dragged, disrupting the otherwise brisk narrative.
- Limited Depth: The film focuses on comedy, leaving little room for emotional depth or character development.
Target Audience
Panchatanthiram is a perfect pick for comedy lovers and fans of Kamal Haasan. Families, friends, and anyone looking for a light-hearted entertainer will thoroughly enjoy this film. However, those expecting intense drama or action might find it lacking.
Box Office Details
- Total Budget: The movie was made on an estimated budget of ₹8 crore.
- Worldwide Box Office Collection: Panchatanthiram grossed approximately ₹20 crore worldwide, becoming a commercial success.
- Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- Day 1: ₹3 crore
- Day 2: ₹2.5 crore
- Day 3: ₹2 crore
- Day 4: ₹1.8 crore
- Day 5: ₹1.7 crore
The movie’s humor and star-studded cast contributed significantly to its box office performance, drawing large crowds during its initial run.
Recommendation
Panchatanthiram is a delightful comedy that guarantees laughter and entertainment. With its brilliant performances and witty dialogues, it’s a must-watch for fans of Tamil cinema. Whether you’re revisiting it or watching it for the first time, the film is sure to leave you in splits.
Genres:
Comedy, Romance, Family
Rating:
7.1/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Kamal Haasan | Ramachandramurthy |
| Jayaram | Iyappan Nair |
| Ramesh Aravind | Ganesh |
| Sriman | Hanumanth Reddy |
| Yugi Sethu | Vedhantham “Vedham” |
| Simran | Mythili |
| Ramya Krishnan | Maragathavalli / Maggie |
| Urvashi | Ammini |
| Sanghavi | Chamundi |
| Aishwarya Bhaskar | Mrs. Vedhantham |
| Vidhya Venkatesh | Mrs. Reddy |
| Manivannan | Smuggling boss |
| Kaikala Satyanarayana | Reddy |
| Nagesh | Parthasarathy |
| Master Bharath | Nair’s Son |
| Ramesh Khanna | Sardarji, Police |
| Vijayakumar | Mythili’s Father |
| Devayani | Nirmala (Guest Appearance) |
| Alphonsa | Smuggling boss’ Mistress |
| K. S. Ravikumar | Co-Pilot |
| Santhana Bharathi | Tenant |
| Kovai Sarala | Tenant’s Wife |
| Vasu Vikram | Traffic Cop |
| R. Neelakantan | Ammini Iyappan Nair’s Father |
| Ramesh Khanna | Milkha Singh |
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