Aadukalam (2011) User Reviews

Tamil movie of the season

[sathya30588 · 8/10 · 22 January 2011]

I was pleasantly surprised and full of emotions after watching Aadukalam. Initially centered around rooster fights and a love story, I wondered what this movie could tell. But masterful direction by Vetrimaran and a wonderful performance from Dhanush and other actors puts this movie alongside the best in Tamil.

Dhanush has displayed a myriad of emotions in this movie and has proved to be a great actor. The story seems to be long but it stays in your mind. The darkness of the Pettaikaran character may irk you a bit. Aadukalam has trust, betrayal, angst, happiness, sorrow and what not? The Behind-the-screen departments have performed a tremendous job. The rooster-fight graphics was awesome.

Overall I'd say, it's one of a kind movie! Go for Aadukalam at once!!

One of the best movies of Tamil cinema

[suriyaj · 8/10 · 30 July 2011]

Once we know, Tamil cinema is filled with actors and directors, who concentrate on movies, which concentrated on unbelievable fight scenes and songs in unusual circumstances. But i can see that it is slowly moving into the other side of the cinema, which touches the heart of normal people and in the mean time giving what they need. The movie must have been a complete drama or power packed actions, but the director he brilliantly made this movie in neither of the genre but mixes several genre like action, drama, romance, thriller etc in a single movie but concentrating more on the thrill in the drama, which is very rare in world movies. The songs are beautiful and he used it at right times. Brilliant performance by dhanush, haven't seen him doing a believable performance in many of his movies. In this movie, he was perfect in most of the scenes with his dialogues. But the best part is the movie is not just concentrated on a single character of the movie(99% of Tamil movies will have a story centers around a single character) but it focuses on multiple characters. The other actors performed equally and some better than dhanush. the movie deserves many awards and for sure it is a path breaking movie in Tamil cinema.

Blend of entertainment and artistic

[lenin7787 · 8/10 · 28 January 2011]

I am stun after watching the movie. The first half of the movie is a very well made entertainer set on a different backdrop (rooster fights). The second half of the movie is totally new for Tamil cinema industry. It deals with the dark side of a man who once used to be good and a governess. Humiliated by his wrong decisions and greediness, how a good man turns self centered and egotistic is what Aadukalam deals with.

Dhanush as an actor is at his best after Pudupettai. He has done a lot of hard work for this movie. Topsee the female lead has shown good performance for a new comer. Vetrimaran, this man is really clever and he knows how to make a splendid entertainer which will be considered a good movie even after many years. The characterization of the movie is so fine, that they stay in our hearts for a longtime. Some very important events that happen in the movie are not filmed as part of the movie, but the way they are been conveyed it to the audience, it is wonderful, for example the Pettaikaran getting beaten by the policemen and when Karupus's (Dhanush) mother dies.

With regards to the graphics used in the movie, it is very well made and has come out natural that does not make you feel that its graphics but there is a notice in the upfront very beginning of the movie, that the rooster fights shown in this movie are graphics. The interval sequence, WOW it is an edge of the seat thriller. I nearly wondered what could be there in a movie after such a wonderful interval sequence. But there is really something thoughtful even after the interval.

Finally the climax of the movie, which made me think for at least two weeks, whether I have seen a similar climax in any other movies so far. My answer was NO, I haven't come across this kind of climax. But to make clear the climax is not so huge or entertaining it is very soft, subtle and accepted, which makes the film more appealing.

There is everything in the movie rage, egocentric, humor, love, warmth, and passion. This is definitely a must watch!!!

Thanush owns this all the way

[bala08 · 10/10 · 16 January 2017]

Let me try to break down my scoring criteria.....

1) Casting is nothing short of perfection. Not a character out of place and every character is perfectly suited for the movie. No one tries to stand out or any over the top heroism or villain.

2) Dialog is exactly how it needs to be. Again not a word out of place. No "punch" dialogues as such.

3) Songs - Too good. No silly duets in some eye candy place. Songs are placed at the exact moments it needs to be in the movie.

4) Theme - Not often we see such themes on movies and its very hard to make a movie that is interesting and gripping out of such themes. Very well done.

5) Last but not the least - Thanush had made a killer of a performance here. Doesn't try to overact or try to be a "mass" hero. He fits in exactly how the movie needs him to be. My respect for him as a actor has grown many folds after I watched this movie.

Im 100% satisfied with this movie. Top class stuff in every department.

Amores perros of India

[GokeD · 10/10 · 3 September 2015]

I wanted to watch Amores perros for a long time and thanks to vetrimaran for giving credits at the end of this film. Innaritu's one deals with the human emotions with the Dog fighting in the background while vetrimaran's is Rooster fight. But they are totally different. Only thing which bugs me is why they had to reprise a particular soundtrack from the film. Except for that it isn't a rip off. The director's research about Rooster fight,Madurai(location where the film takes place) and the people are all sure for a great applause keeping in mind that the director hails from northern part of Tamilnadu. CG part involving the rooster fight were mediocre. But they killed it with an amazing screenplay.

This is how world class movies are like

[ryder-prem · 22 August 2013]

In the league of Devar Magan, Paruthiveeran yet another movie that portrays the life of people as it is in the reality. Aadukalam is a movie based on the life of rooster-fighters, their passion, love, emotions and everything.

After success of Polladhavan, Dhanush and Vetrimaaran have tagged again for this classical venture and have succeeded too, making it both commercial and critically acclaimed movie.

Plot: Pettaikaran and Rathnasamy are the rivals in the rooster fight. Karuppu, the jockey of Pettaikaran team, goes to win the best rooster award and a ransom price money in a tournament despite Pettaikaran denial to compete with his rooster. Rest of the movie depicts how situations go bad as people change after Karuppu gaining popularity.

Yet another brilliant acting from the lead, Dhanush and excellent acting from the support casts Jayabalan, Kishore, and Narien. Tapsee who does the love interest of Dhanush, has done a recent job as well.

Music is done by G.V Prakash Kumar has delivered exactly what it is supposed to.

Full credits to Vetrimaaran for this excellent direction and superlative screenplay.

No wonder that this movie has bagged six National awards including best actor, best director and best screenplay.

For those who are looking for an honest and a quality movie, I would highly recommend this.

Vetrimaaran's all time best cult classic " Vaazhviyal"

[harishkirans · 10/10 · 12 February 2019]

Vetrimaaran is a Gem of Tamil Cinema .. This one is a cult classic film.. It reflects the life of Rural Madurai .. Their slang .. their lifestyle.. If you involve in the movie , you experience a beautiful lifestyle... Emotional... Pain last for days after watching movies

GREAT CHARACTERIZATION

[sunilaas · 10/10 · 12 February 2020]

Another masterpiece from Vetrimaaran... great characterization.. stunning dialogues, marvelous acting, again dhanush is just an character every one is important characters in this movie...music is also awesome.. climax little disappointed at that time but now it's need for that movie

a must see for all!!

[swami1234 · 8/10 · 18 June 2011]

i was really impressed with the level of sophistication in the movie's plot. this is definitely among the better performances dhanush has given in his career, and he really captures the imagination of the audience. he really gels with his character, giving a realistic feel that stayed in my mind long enough to give this movie a review.

the integrated songs are also a welcome change from the typical cut and migrate to different country kind of songs that tamil viewers are so used to. and viewers will certainly enjoy the dance sequences:)

the masterful capture of emotions in the second part of the movie and the parallels drawn to rooster fighting are a treat to movie fans who expect more from their movie experience. all in all, a must see for all, for the casual entertainment seeker, or the serious movie buff.

Different halves!

[gauthamhits08 · 6/10 · 30 January 2011]

Well, this movie is very new to the audience. I would say that technically the movie was great except for the editing and bgm during the rooster fight sequence. Dhanush's acting was marvelous. Casting was apt. The movie was nice up till the interval other than the scene in which Dhanush cuts his hand to prove his love, and the song followed by that! I think that wasn't much realistic. Second half is actually the beginning where Director Vetrimaran got mixed up with the steadiness of characterization and logic which is proved when both Karuppu and Durai doesn't listen Pettaikaran during the rooster fight but in the second half they(karuppu & Durai)simply follow whatever Pettaikaran tells. And nowadays Tamil heroines are always in love with a person who doesn't have a job, who has no idea about his future or even don't think about it. It's now has become a cliché. Come on directors, girls aren't like that,they're wise too. This movie is not even close to this team's previous work polladhavan. Anyway since this movie is first of it's kind for the Tamil audience and for Dhanush's acting,it's worth a watch!!!

Raw film

[Kadher_mohideen · 8/10 · 9 July 2020]

This was the masterpiece by the director vetrimaaran. It portrays how a sense of jealousy can turn a good man. Acting and the slang they speak was realistic.

Good, but should have remained far from the National Award scene.

[durgadada001 · 7/10 · 1 June 2011]

alright, the reason that compelled me to review Adukalam(2010) is the fact that it won 6 national awards this season. Whilst the movie speaks for itself in the departments of entertainment and dialog, one glance at the list of previous winners is sufficient to put a frown on your face.

Vetrimaran, the director and Dhanush, the actor are good at what they do but DO NOT deserve nationwide recognition, oh, and definitely not for this movie. But i guess, there is another way to look at this result - Indian movies in the year 2010 (specifically) were only as good as Aadukalam or lesser...?? Is that the answer ? Hmmm, by all means possible...but not very likely.

Anyway, I am, in a sense happy that a Tamil actor, director and film have been recognized as being competitive, but on the other hand, i feel sad that the appreciation has gone overboard. Now, about the movie - it deals with the novel subject of rooster fights and related issues in Madurai. Once again Tamil's madness for Madurai is out in the open - what with typical accents, suggestive language, behavior, etc etc. Phew ! Enough of the temple town and its people ! But what catches the viewer is the interesting human sub-plot that is well woven into the rooster battle. It flows with ease and poise, surprising us and delighting us at the same time. Dhanush's expressions are honest and true which in turn makes Tapsee's seem all the more fake. Nice ensemble of capable actors. GV Prakash's music may not be too bad but seems a tad inspired (uh..the real word should be copied) from Raaja and Rahman, the latter being his uncle.

Personally, i thought Leader (2010) should have won for original screenplay, but nonetheless Aadukalam's screenplay deserves mention. We have seen many unbearable "Entertainers" and "Adhiradi Movies", we have cried in agony and bankruptcy afterward. We have seen movies that insult our intelligence and twist the laws of human existence, we have seen some of the most irritating actors and actresses to have ever come on film, and we have survived. Aadukalam causes no such trouble, survival at the end of the film is guaranteed, if not natural. But the National Awards Panel needs to get its act together.

Awesome

[hamsavardhanom · 9/10 · 17 August 2021]

Great movie deserves a 10 for dhanush acting and another 10 for other character importantance. A 9 for vetrimaaran's screenplay and direction and another 9 for music and songs.

Overral 9.5/10.

greatest work in Tamil cinema about an rooster fights

[vickyvj-51310 · 8/10 · 9 December 2016]

very raw and stunning screenplay by the director..actors and technicians supports the mood of the film...climax of the movie is criticized among the people but other than that nothing would have shown the loyalty of K.P.karupu..editing of the movie is a big strength specially in the interval sequence. G.v.prakash does a good job.. fight sequence between dhanush and kishore conveys the rooster fight superbly and it is well conceived by the people ..the slang of madurai Tamil is worked without any flaws or artificial .. highlights of the movie are dhanush(k.p.karupu ) kishore , pettai karan and DOP, editing ,story line ,and the dialogues during the rooster fight makes the situation more real.

A sheer brilliance of Vetrimaaran in a classic drama of traditional pride, ego, friendship, betrayal, jealousy and sacrifice.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 8/10 · 11 June 2021]

Aadukalam (2011) : Brief Review -

A sheer brilliance of Vetrimaaran in a classic drama of traditional pride, ego, friendship, betrayal, jealousy and sacrifice. Aadukalam may feel over the top for non-india audience because it uses the regional topic like cockfight as the main vitamin of the body. But Indian audience who are aware of such traditions especially Tamil audience will find convincing and far more connective. In a village in South India, rearing roosters, maintaining them and using them for fights are a way of life and a matter of honor and lifeline to many people and Aadukalam revolves around this thing. Aadulalam is not an extraordinary story to look from neutral point of view but the way Vetrimaan has directed it and made us believe in whenever he shows is simply remarkable. Like i said, a sheer brilliance of Vettimaaran. Why? Because just look how he has shot those scenes of cockfights and how gripping, tensed and engaging he made all the situations. It was far more superior than human fights we see in films. Keeping the suspense intact even with inhuman elements is a rare thing and that's what Vetrimaaran has done and that too without using artificial elements like sci-fi stuff we see in Hollywood films. Dhanush and Jayapalan's chemistry is fantastic in both positive and negative ways. One more speciality of Aadukalam comes with Jayapalan's character because till the intermission point we are fooled that the negative character is the main villian but in the second half this positive and respected character of Jayapalan turns into negative which is the best trick played by the writer. The Supporting cast, cinematography, dialogues, music everything is well balanced in this terrific film. In a nutshell, Aadukalam is a big nice break from typical films with great use of regional traditions and pride. A rich cock-tail of multiple contents.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

India In A Nutshell!

[avisheksahu99 · 9/10 · 16 March 2022]

Indians are highly competitive and often yearn to become champions in their art, but then envy strikes, and in the guise of critical appreciation of your talents, someone threatens to take away from you your reason for competitive hunger, hoping you could fill your belly with just the honors and the booty but nothing to show the world, you earned your time in the Sun!

Inspiration

[lovealigarh · 7/10 · 17 June 2016]

Movie reminds me about the "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight" written by anthropologist Clifford Geertz. "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight" is an essay included in the book The Interpretation of Cultures by anthropologist Clifford Geertz. Considered the most seminal work of Geertz, the essay addresses the meaning of cockfighting in Balinese culture. Cockfights were generally illegal in Indonesia when Geertz was doing his fieldwork there in the 1950s. The first cockfight that he and his wife viewed was broken up by the police. The experience of hiding from the police in the courtyard of a local couple allowed Geertz to break the tension between himself and the villagers, and perform all of the interviews and observation which make up The Interpretation of Cultures. The essay describes how cocks are taken to stand in for powerful men in the villages, and notes that even the double-entendre sense of the word "cock" exists in the Balinese language as much as in English.[1] The last half of the essay describes the rituals of betting and concludes that the cockfight is the Balinese comment on themselves, as it embodies the network of social relationships in kin and village that govern traditional Balinese life. The title of the essay is explained as a concept of British philosopher Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), who defines "deep play" as a game with stakes so high that no rational person would engage in it. The amounts of money and status involved in the very brief cockfights make Balinese cockfighting "deep play." The problem of explaining why the activity prevails is what Geertz sets out to solve in the essay.

Aadukalam (2011)

[santhosh-10290 · 7/10 · 22 March 2018]

The movie was very good. Songs and BGM in the movie was good. Dhanush acted very well in the movie. But the 2nd half in the movie lagged very much.