Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam

Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam
Poster
Directed by	Boopathy Pandian
Written by	Boopathy Pandian
Produced by	Vimala Geetha
Starring	Dhanush Shriya Saran
Cinematography	Vaidy S.
Edited by	G. Sasikumar
Music by	D. Imman
Production company	R. K. Productions
Release date	17 December 2006 (2006-12-17)
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam (transl. The Divine Game Begins) is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Boopathy Pandian. The film stars Dhanush and Shriya Saran, while Prakash Raj, Karunas and Saranya Ponvannan play supporting roles. The film, which had music composed by D. Imman, was released on 17 December 2006. It was remade in Telugu as Takkari (2007), and in Kannada as Dhool (2011). It was also remade in Bengali as Idiot and in Bangladeshi as Daring Lover.

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Thirukumaran is a carefree, laid-back man. He falls in love with Priya, the sister of Guru, a wealthy business tycoon. The story is about a cat-and-mouse game between Thiru and Guru, who is against Thiru and Priya's love. Thiru wins the game at the end.

The film was announced in late August 2005 with Boopathy Pandian and Dhanush coming together after a previous collaboration in Devathaiyai Kanden (2005). Pandian had previously discussed the role with Bharath, but the actor's refusal meant that Dhanush was chosen.^[1][2] Shriya Saran, who rose to fame in Tamil films after her role in Mazhai, was signed as the heroine and the film was titled Naveena Thiruvilayadal, though the prefix was later dropped.^[3] The following September, actor Sivaji Ganesan's fan club requested the producer, Vimala Geetha, to retitle the film. They felt the title Thiruvilayadal was reminiscent of Ganesan's 1965 film, and felt that the new venture would defame the old film.^[4] The director said the film's title was a reference to the games played by Dhanush's character Thiru to achieve his goals; nevertheless it was retitled Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam.^[5]

K. Bhagyaraj was initially pencilled in to play Dhanush's father,^[6] but was later replaced by Mouli.^[5] Saran was forced to opt out of the film in October 2005 owing to her commitment to work in Sivaji: The Boss.^[7] Reports suggested that either Tamannaah Bhatia or Ileana D'Cruz may be approached to replace her, while the film's inactivity led to rumours that the film was cancelled. However, in January 2006, Boopathy Pandian confirmed that the film would continue and the remaining portions would be swiftly completed.^[8] Saran however returned to work on the film after she was able to allot dates.^[9] One of the film's two fight sequences was shot on a set created at Binny Mills.^[5]

The soundtrack was composed by D. Imman and was released on 13 October 2006.^[10] It includes a remixed version of the song "Ennama Kannu" composed by Ilaiyaraaja for the film Mr. Bharath (1986).^[11]

Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam was released on 17 December 2006,^[12] and grossed ₹100 million (US$1.2 million) in Tamil Nadu – the highest grosser for Dhanush at that time.^[13] Post-release, the Bank of Baroda contemplated taking action against the film for trolling their name as "Bank of Buruda", feeling it spoils their bank's name.^[14]

Shwetha Bhaskar of Rediff.com noted that "Director Boopathy Pandian has a looser hold on pacing, ensuring that the interest never flags", adding that "the real reason to watch Thiruvilaiyadal Aarambam is Dhanush, who epitomises the new age hero: he is no superman, he is not even close to perfect, and he is thoroughly unapologetic about it all."^[15] A critic from IndiaGlitz mentioned that "Bhoopathy Pandian has a fair grasp of what makes an entertainer click with the comedy. His simple handling of an easy subject sees it through."^[16] Sify said, "Dhanush as the hyperactive Thiru is simply superb and his ability to deliver funny lines casually is uncommendable. Prakash Raj does his role to perfection, while Shriya looks good and her costumes are fabulous."^[17]

Lajjavathi of Kalki praised Bhoopathi Pandian for narrating a simple plot in an interesting and humorous manner within three hours while praising the performances of Dhanush and Prakash Raj and the clashes between them, dialogues and music.^[18] Malini Mannath of Chennai Online wrote the film "is a wholesome, light-hearted family entertainer sans scenes that make you squirm for it's [sic] overt glamour or violence. You can [forget] your blues and laugh through this one".^[19] Behindwoods wrote, "It has been well crafted with all the ingredients of a commercial potboiler. All in all an ‘enjoy yourself’ movie".^[20]

In 2007, the film was remade in Telugu as Takkari.^[21] It was also remade in Kannada as Dhool in 2011, with Prakash Raj reprising his role.^[22][23] It was also remade in Bengali as Idiot and in Bangladeshi as Daring Lover.

• Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam at IMDb