Laadam(2009)
Laadam (transl. Horseshoe) is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language gangster thriller film written and directed by Prabhu Solomon. The film stars debutant Arun Joghee and Charmy Kaur in lead roles, with Kota Srinivasa Rao, Jayaprakash, and Manorama in supporting parts. The story follows Kunjidhapadam, a young man who is mistaken for a loan defaulter and forced by a gangster to kill his rival's son within 16 days. The film is loosely based on the 2006 Hollywood crime thriller Lucky Number Slevin. Music was composed by Dharan Kumar, with two songs recorded by Malaysian rappers Dr. Burn and Emcee Jezz. Laadam received mixed reviews upon its release on 20 February 2009, with critics noting its predictable plot but praising the performances. The film was later dubbed into Telugu as 16 Days.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 20 February 2009
- Director
- Prabu Solomon
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 21m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
A young man named Kunjidhapadam arrives in the city for a job interview. He is mistaken for a loan defaulter and captured by a gangster named Pavadai. Pavadai forces him to kill his rival Vembuli's son within 16 days. Kunjidhapadam must find a way to survive while being hunted by both gangs.
“One wrong door. 16 days to live.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Laadam
Cast reunions in this film: Kota Srinivasa Rao & Charmy Kaur (5 films together), Jayaprakash & Dharan Kumar (3 films together), and Prabu Solomon & M. Sukumar (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film was initially titled '16 Days' before being renamed 'Laadam'.
- Director A. Venkatesh said the story was inspired by real-life gang rivalries in Chennai.
- Actor Prasanna learned to ride a motorbike without holding the handlebars for a key chase scene.
- The climax was shot in a single, continuous 20-minute take requiring precise coordination.
- Composer Srikanth Deva used a mix of rock and folk instruments to create a tense soundtrack.
- The film's title 'Laadam' refers to a type of traditional spinning top, symbolizing the hero's trapped situation.
- It was one of the few Tamil films from that period to be shot extensively in Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City.