Kaatru Veliyidai(2017)
Kaatru Veliyidai is a 2017 Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by Mani Ratnam. It stars Karthi as Varun Chakrapani, a fighter pilot, and Aditi Rao Hydari as Dr. Leela Abraham. The story follows Varun's memories of his tumultuous relationship with Leela while he is held as a prisoner of war in Pakistan during the Kargil War. The film explores themes of toxic love, personal change, and forgiveness. It features cinematography by Ravi Varman and a soundtrack by A.R. Rahman. The film won two National Film Awards, including Best Choreography. It was released worldwide on 7 April 2017 and also dubbed in Telugu as Cheliyaa.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, ManoramaMax
- OTT Release Date
- 7 June 2017
- Theatrical Release
- 7 April 2017
- Director
- Mani Ratnam
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 26m
- Rating
- 6.1/10
Storyline
A hot-headed fighter pilot named Varun is captured by the enemy during the Kargil War. While in prison, he remembers his intense and abusive love affair with a gentle doctor named Leela. Can he change his ways and win her back?
“Love that flies through storms.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Kaatru Veliyidai
Cast reunions in this film: Mani Ratnam & A. R. Rahman (20 films together), Delhi Ganesh & A. R. Rahman (5 films together), A. R. Rahman & Aditi Rao Hydari (3 films together), Karthi & Mani Ratnam (2 films together), and Karthi & A. R. Rahman (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Kaatru Veliyidai' translates to 'In the Wind Outside', hinting at the lead character's restless nature.
- Mani Ratnam shot the Kashmir scenes in Ladakh and Kashmir despite security concerns after the 2016 unrest.
- Actor Aditi Rao Hydari learned to play the piano for her role as Dr. Leela, performing her own scenes.
- The film's soundtrack by A.R. Rahman includes a song 'Nallai Allai' that reuses a tune from his earlier rejected composition.
- Karthi, who played Varun, spent time with Indian Air Force pilots to understand their mannerisms and lifestyle.
- The movie was a box office disappointment, ending Mani Ratnam's streak of commercial successes in Tamil cinema.
- Some aerial shots used footage from documentaries as getting permission for fighter jet filming was difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
News & Stories
It’s quite a tougher task to get into the school of Mani Ratnam and once done, it’s furthermore challenging to meet his demands. But once when it happens, the results are always splendiferous for the …
