Thenavattu(2008)
Thenavattu is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by V.V. Kathir. The film stars Jiiva as Kottai and Poonam Bajwa as Gayathri, with Ganja Karuppu, Ravi Kale, Shafi, Saikumar, and Rajan P. Dev in supporting roles. The story follows Kottai, a village blacksmith who moves to Chennai for work, only to discover his employer Kailasam uses his sickles for murder. Kottai falls in love with a music teacher and is forced to confront the violent criminal underworld when her honor is threatened. The music was composed by Srikanth Deva. The film was notable for being the first Tamil film to portray transgender characters with dignity and respect. Thenavattu was released on 21 November 2008 to negative reviews from critics, but it performed well in B and C centers. The film is not currently available on major streaming platforms.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT, Amazon Prime Video, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 21 November 2008
- Director
- V. V. Kathir
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 20m 0
Storyline
A simple village blacksmith named Kottai moves to Chennai for a job. He discovers his new boss uses his handmade sickles to murder people. When the boss's son harasses the woman Kottai loves, Kottai must choose between staying silent or fighting back with courage.
“One man's courage can change everything”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thenavattu
Cast reunions in this film: Ganja Karuppu & Saranya Ponvannan (7 films together), Saranya Ponvannan & Anal Arasu (3 films together), Srikanth Deva & Anal Arasu (3 films together), Ganja Karuppu & Delhi Ganesh (2 films together), Ganja Karuppu & Srikanth Deva (2 films together), and Jiiva & Saranya Ponvannan (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Thenavattu' translates to 'honey bee swarm', symbolising the hero's chaotic yet united village community.
- Director V. V. Kathir was an assistant to director Bala, which influenced the film's raw, gritty aesthetic.
- Actor Jeeva performed many of his own stunts, including scenes on the Veeranam water pipeline, without a body double.
- The Koovagam festival sequence was shot on location during the actual event, capturing real crowds and rituals.
- The film's soundtrack by Vidyasagar included a folk-inspired song 'Kattu Kuyilu' that became popular in rural areas.
- It was one of the early Tamil films to prominently feature the Veeranam water project as a key plot location.
- Despite mixed reviews, the movie developed a cult following for its unique mix of rural drama and intense action scenes.