Aaranya Kaandam (Jungle chapter) is a 2011 Indian Tamil action film, written and directed by newcomer Thiagarajan Kumararaja. Produced by S.P.B. Charan's Capital Film Works, the film features musical score by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography by P.S.Vinod and editing handled by the duo Praveen K.L. and N.B.Srikanth.
The film has Jackie Shroff, Ravi Krishna, Sampath Raj and newcomers Yasmin Ponnappa, Somasundaram and Master Vasanth in prominent roles.
The film ran into difficulties as the regional censor board in Chennai raised objection against the film, giving it an adult rating besides demanding 52 cuts. After screening at and becoming approved by the Tribunal in Delhi, the film was released worldwide on 10 June 2011.
Says the director, "It is no ordinary film. There are elements that are hard-hitting and real in Aaranya Kaandam. It was a great experience shooting for the movie. My thanks to producer Charan for his support."
The film was selected for screening at the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) and a couple of other prestigious events. Charan says, "Thiyagarajan Kumararaja has given his best. The film is a gangster story narrated by the director in a hard hitting and realistic manner."
Yes, it's a gangster flick. And yes, it's set against the brutal and largely rubbish-filled background of the dirtiest parts of Chennai.
Yes, it's a gangster flick. And yes, it's set against the brutal and largely rubbish-filled background of the dirtiest parts of Chennai. Capital Film Works' Aaranya Kaandam, directed by debutant Thiagarajan Kumara Raja, bypasses all the gangster clichés and delivers a movie that is entertaining even if the pace does dip and rise at places.
The best part of Aaranya Kaandam is that there are villains aplenty but no one shrieks, rants or rages. In fact, in almost Mani Ratnam fashion, they rasp and speak in low, measured tones. Most of them aren't stupid either; just careless or arrogant, as their situation places them.
Thiagarajan Kumara Raja's quirky, zany characters take a life of their own, and appeal to you with their freshness. They're not cardboard cut-outs and appear fairly fleshed out, and the razor sharp dialogues help. Enjoy this day in the life of Chennai's underworld.
S.P. Charan deserves to be lauded for opting for a story that's dark in the darkest sense, going with a new director and breaking away from formula.
The background score (Yuvan) is a plus, though the stretching silences in certain scenes are quite trying.
From Kill Bill and Kaminey to Bheema and Yogi, several vengeful sprees and sanguineous sagas have come your way. AK is the latest in the league.
Here it's evil against evil all through.
Bottomline: If you can stomach blood and bestiality at a slow pace, fine.
Aaranya Kaandam by debutant director Thiyagarajan Kumararaja is a novel attempt that breaks all barriers of methodical film-making.
Strikingly different from frame one, 'Aaranya Kaandam' is a film not for weak-hearted. Though it may present scenes as they are from the real life, it may put the viewers in jolt at the first instance.
It is more a character-driven story where the events in the lives of various characters make up the script.
All said, 'Aaranya Kaandam' is a movie that doesn't belong to the regular genre of Tamil cinema. It is different and unique. Watch it if you love bloodshed and violence. And credits go to SPB Charan for coming forward to fund such a novel attempt.
The film ran into difficulties as the regional censor board in Chennai raised objection against the film, giving it an adult rating besides demanding 52 cuts. After screening at and becoming approved by the Tribunal in Delhi, the film was released worldwide on 10 June 2011.
Says the director, "It is no ordinary film. There are elements that are hard-hitting and real in Aaranya Kaandam. It was a great experience shooting for the movie. My thanks to producer Charan for his support."
The film was selected for screening at the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) and a couple of other prestigious events. Charan says, "Thiyagarajan Kumararaja has given his best. The film is a gangster story narrated by the director in a hard hitting and realistic manner."
Rediff review
Yes, it's a gangster flick. And yes, it's set against the brutal and largely rubbish-filled background of the dirtiest parts of Chennai.
Yes, it's a gangster flick. And yes, it's set against the brutal and largely rubbish-filled background of the dirtiest parts of Chennai. Capital Film Works' Aaranya Kaandam, directed by debutant Thiagarajan Kumara Raja, bypasses all the gangster clichés and delivers a movie that is entertaining even if the pace does dip and rise at places.
The best part of Aaranya Kaandam is that there are villains aplenty but no one shrieks, rants or rages. In fact, in almost Mani Ratnam fashion, they rasp and speak in low, measured tones. Most of them aren't stupid either; just careless or arrogant, as their situation places them.
Thiagarajan Kumara Raja's quirky, zany characters take a life of their own, and appeal to you with their freshness. They're not cardboard cut-outs and appear fairly fleshed out, and the razor sharp dialogues help. Enjoy this day in the life of Chennai's underworld.
The Hindu review
S.P. Charan deserves to be lauded for opting for a story that's dark in the darkest sense, going with a new director and breaking away from formula.
The background score (Yuvan) is a plus, though the stretching silences in certain scenes are quite trying.
From Kill Bill and Kaminey to Bheema and Yogi, several vengeful sprees and sanguineous sagas have come your way. AK is the latest in the league.
Here it's evil against evil all through.
Bottomline: If you can stomach blood and bestiality at a slow pace, fine.
Indiaglitz review
Aaranya Kaandam by debutant director Thiyagarajan Kumararaja is a novel attempt that breaks all barriers of methodical film-making.
Strikingly different from frame one, 'Aaranya Kaandam' is a film not for weak-hearted. Though it may present scenes as they are from the real life, it may put the viewers in jolt at the first instance.
It is more a character-driven story where the events in the lives of various characters make up the script.
All said, 'Aaranya Kaandam' is a movie that doesn't belong to the regular genre of Tamil cinema. It is different and unique. Watch it if you love bloodshed and violence. And credits go to SPB Charan for coming forward to fund such a novel attempt.
