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Varnajalam official poster

Varnajalam(2004)

Tamil minstheatrical

Varnajalam is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language crime thriller film written and directed by Nagulan Ponnusamy in his directorial debut. The film stars Srikanth, Sadha, and Kutti Radhika in lead roles, with Nassar, Riyaz Khan, and Karunas in supporting roles. The story follows a retired police commissioner whose past corruption leads to a calculated revenge plot by a mysterious young man. The film was shot across Sri Lanka, Ooty, and Chennai, with music composed by Vidyasagar. Critical reception was mixed, with praise for its second-half pacing and twist, but criticism for its slow first half and predictable screenplay. Varnajalam was released on 13 February 2004.

Filmed In:Sri Lanka, Ooty, Chennai
Mood:
darkemotionalsuspenseful
Where to watch:
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Quick Facts

Theatrical Release
13 February 2004
Director
Nakulan Ponnusamy
Language
Tamil
0

Storyline

A retired police commissioner moves his family to a tea estate in Ooty. A charming stranger named Daniel enters their lives and wins their trust. But Daniel has a hidden past and a burning desire for revenge. He will stop at nothing to destroy the man who ruined his life.

The magic of colour hides dark secrets

Film Details

Minutes
TamilLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date13 February 2004
Release Typetheatrical
Filmed InSri Lanka, Ooty, Chennai

Parental Guide

Violence
Mild
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Mild

Vibe & Tags

Mood
darkemotionalsuspenseful
Themes
identityfamilysurvivaldisturbing
Toneintense
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audienceniche
Best Withwith-partner
Violence4
Emotion4
Humor1
Rewatchability2

Cast & Crew

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Varnajalam

Cast reunions in this film: Nassar & Vidyasagar (16 films together), Nassar & Srikanth (6 films together), Srikanth & Vidyasagar (5 films together), Nassar & Riyaz Khan (4 films together), Nassar & Sadha (2 films together), and Nassar & T. Muthuraj (2 films together).

Trivia

  • The film's director, S. P. Jananathan, was a former assistant to acclaimed director Balu Mahendra.
  • The movie was shot in and around Chennai, including the scenic East Coast Road, to create a tense, isolated atmosphere.
  • Actor Daniel Balaji, who plays the antagonist, was relatively unknown at the time and this role showcased his intensity.
  • The film's title 'Varnajalam' translates to 'Color Net', symbolizing the web of deceit and hidden pasts in the story.
  • It features a background score by composer Vidyasagar, known for his work in many successful Tamil films of that era.
  • The movie had a limited theatrical run and is considered a lesser-known thriller from the mid-2000s.
  • Some scenes, like the ritual sequences, drew inspiration from Tamil cultural depictions of obsession and black magic.

Frequently Asked Questions