Kanchivaram(2009)
Kanchivaram is a 2008 Tamil-language period drama film directed by Priyadarshan. It stars Prakash Raj as Vengadam, a silk weaver in Kanchipuram, with Shriya Reddy and Shammu in supporting roles. The story follows Vengadam's struggle to provide a silk saree for his wife and daughter while living in extreme poverty. Set in post-independence India, the film explores the exploitation of weavers by wealthy zamindars and the rise of communist movements among workers. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and Best Actor for Prakash Raj at the 55th National Film Awards. It premiered at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- ZEE5, ShemarooMe
- Theatrical Release
- 13 March 2009
- Director
- Priyadarshan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 1h 57m
- Rating
- 8.1/10
Storyline
Vengadam is a silk weaver in Kanchipuram who cannot afford the silk he weaves. After his wife dies, he raises his daughter alone. When she falls in love and wants to marry, Vengadam must finish a silk saree for her wedding. But poverty, betrayal, and a cruel system stand in his way.
“A promise woven in silk, broken by poverty”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Kanchivaram
Cast reunions in this film: Sampath Raj & Prakash Raj (5 films together), Vimal & Prakash Raj (3 films together), Prakash Raj & Rohini (3 films together), and Prakash Raj & Sriya Reddy (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot in a real village in Tamil Nadu, not on a set, to capture authentic weaver life.
- Priyadarshan, known for comedies, made this serious drama to honor his father who worked in textiles.
- Actor Prakash Raj lost a lot of weight and learned weaving for months to play the lead role.
- The movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil in 2008.
- It was inspired by real stories of Kanchipuram weavers and their struggles with debt and exploitation.
- The film's budget was modest, but it used real silk and traditional weaving tools for accuracy.
- Despite critical praise, it had a limited theatrical release and was not a big box office hit.