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Vada Chennai  official poster

Vada Chennai (2018)

8.0/10
Tamil164 mins

Vada Chennai is a 2018 Tamil-language action crime drama film directed by Vetrimaaran. It stars Dhanush, Ameer Sultan, Samuthirakani, and Andrea Jeremiah in lead roles. The story follows Anbu, a carrom player from North Chennai, who becomes entangled in a violent gang war between two rival leaders, Rajan and Guna. The film is set in the 1980s and 1990s and explores themes of power, loyalty, and loss. It received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the local culture, strong performances, and non-linear screenplay. The film won several awards, including the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film. It was released on October 17, 2018, and is available for streaming on Hotstar.

Director:Vetrimaaran
Mood:
darkemotionalsuspenseful
Where to watch:

Quick Facts

Streaming on
VI Movies and TV, Hotstar
Theatrical Release
17 October 2018
Director
Vetrimaaran
Language
Tamil
Runtime
2h 44m
Rating
8.0/10

Storyline

Anbu is a young carrom player who wants a peaceful life. But when his friend is killed in a gang war, he is forced to take sides. He goes to prison and meets a powerful gang leader. Now he must choose between staying safe or seeking revenge. His choice will change his life forever.

Power comes at a price.

Film Details

8.0Rating
164Minutes
TamilLanguage
ACertificate
Release Date17 October 2018
Also Known AsVadachennai · Chennai Central

Parental Guide

Violence
Moderate
Language
Moderate
Sex / Nudity
Moderate
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Moderate

Where to Watch

Vibe & Tags

Mood
darkemotionalsuspenseful
Themes
survivalcorruptionidentityjustice
Tonegritty
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitycomplex
Audiencemultiplex
Best Withfriends
Violence4
Emotion4
Humor2
Rewatchability4

Cast & Crew

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Vada Chennai

Cast reunions in this film: Karunas & Dhanush (9 films together), Kishore & Vetrimaaran (6 films together), Samuthirakani & Dhanush (6 films together), Samuthirakani & Santhosh Narayanan (4 films together), Kishore & Santhosh Narayanan (3 films together), and Samuthirakani & Karunas (3 films together).

Trivia

  • The film was shot in real locations in North Chennai, including the slums, to capture authentic local life.
  • Director Vetrimaaran spent nearly 10 years researching and developing the script for this movie.
  • Actor Dhanush learned to play carrom professionally for his role, practicing for several months.
  • The movie is the first part of a planned trilogy, with the second part already announced.
  • The film's background score uses traditional folk music styles native to the North Chennai region.
  • Many local residents from the area were cast as extras to add realism to the crowd scenes.
  • The title 'Vada Chennai' translates to 'North Chennai,' highlighting the film's specific setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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