Chanakya(2005)
Chanakya is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by A. Venkatesh. The film stars R. Sarathkumar, Namitha, and Laya in lead roles. It follows Ganesh, an auto driver who stages crimes to gain media attention while secretly planning revenge against corrupt officials who killed his family. The music was composed by Srikanth Deva with cinematography by Madhu Ambat. The film received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for Sarathkumar's performance and Vadivelu's comedy. It was released on 23 September 2005.
Chanakya (2005) OTT release date is not officially announced yet — GudVibe tracks its streaming availability daily.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 23 September 2005
- Director
- A. Venkatesh
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
An auto driver named Ganesh loves being in the news. He kidnaps people and confesses to crimes he did not commit. The police chase him while the media makes him a star. But his fame hides a dark secret. He is actually planning revenge against three powerful men who destroyed his family.
“The master strategist takes revenge”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Chanakya
Cast reunions in this film: Vadivelu & Ilavarasu (11 films together), Sarath Kumar & Vadivelu (10 films together), Vadivelu & Namitha (8 films together), Namitha & Srikanth Deva (6 films together), Sarath Kumar & Srikanth Deva (5 films together), and Vadivelu & Srikanth Deva (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Chanakya' references the ancient Indian strategist, but the character is a modern-day auto driver who manipulates media.
- Director A. Venkatesh is known for mass action films, and this was one of his few 2000s projects not starring Vijayakanth or Prashanth.
- Sarath Kumar performed many of his own stunts, including a risky sequence where the auto is shown jumping over a small bridge.
- The movie's plot of a 'Publicity Ganesh' was seen as a satirical take on the growing influence of television media in the mid-2000s.
- Despite the action genre, the film featured a comedy track led by actor Vivek, who was a top comedian in Tamil cinema at the time.
- The soundtrack by Srikanth Deva included a popular romantic song 'Kannil Paarvai' filmed on Sarath Kumar and actress Namitha.
- The film's release clashed with another major action movie, which affected its initial box office performance in some regions.