Padikathavan(2009)
Padikathavan is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film directed by Suraj. It stars Dhanush and Tamannaah Bhatia in lead roles, with Vivek, Atul Kulkarni, Suman, and Sayaji Shinde in supporting roles. The story follows Radhakrishnan, a 10th-grade dropout who is disrespected by his educated father. He decides to make a well-educated girl fall in love with him to gain respect through her degree. The film was released on 14 January 2009 during the Pongal festival. It grossed ₹15 crore in Tamil Nadu and became a commercial success. The music was composed by Mani Sharma.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT
- Theatrical Release
- 14 January 2009
- Director
- Suraj
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 40m
- Rating
- 4.8/10
Storyline
Radhakrishnan, a school dropout, is tired of being called an illiterate by his father. His friends suggest he marry a highly educated girl to gain respect. He falls in love with Gayathri, but her father is a dangerous don. To win her love and earn respect, Rocky must fight gangsters and a rival rowdy who wants him dead.
“The dropout who fought for respect.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Padikathavan
Cast reunions in this film: Tamannaah Bhatia & Mani Sharma (4 films together), Aarthi & Mani Sharma (4 films together), and Dhanush & Aarthi (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Padikathavan' is a Tamil slang term meaning 'a street-smart guy', which fits the main character's personality.
- Actor Dhanush, who played Rocky, performed many of his own stunts in the action sequences without a body double.
- This was the first Tamil film directed by Suraj, who had previously worked as an assistant director on several other projects.
- The movie's soundtrack by debutant composer Ganesh Raghavendra became popular, especially the song 'Adada Mazhaida'.
- A subplot involving a local gang conflict was partly inspired by real-life youth issues reported in Chennai at the time.
- The film's climax was shot in a single schedule at a specially constructed set to maintain continuity and intensity.
- Despite mixed reviews, the movie performed well in rural areas, resonating with audiences for its local flavour and themes.