Friends(2001)
Friends is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language buddy drama film directed by Siddique and produced by Appachan. The film stars Vijay, Suriya, and Ramesh Khanna as three inseparable friends, with Devayani, Vijayalakshmi, Abhinayashree, Sriman, Vadivelu, Charle, and Radha Ravi in supporting roles. The story follows Aravindan, Chandru, and Krishnamoorthy, who have been best friends since childhood and value their bond above all else. Their friendship is tested when a dark secret from the past is revealed, leading to a bitter fallout and a dramatic reunion years later. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, and the film was a commercial success, running for over 175 days in theatres. It was released on 14 January 2001, on Pongal day, and was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 14 January 2001
- Director
- Siddique
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 46m
- Rating
- 6.4/10
Storyline
Three childhood friends — Aravindan, Chandru, and Krishnamoorthy — live and work together as painters in Chennai. Their unbreakable bond is tested when Aravindan falls in love and a jealous cousin plots to destroy their friendship. A buried secret about a tragic accident threatens to tear them apart forever.
“Friendship is forever, no matter what”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Friends
Cast reunions in this film: Charlie & Charle (102 films together), Ilayaraja & Charlie (59 films together), Ilayaraja & Radha Ravi (37 films together), Ilayaraja & Charle (26 films together), Vadivelu & Ilayaraja (23 films together), and Charlie & Radha Ravi (17 films together).
Trivia
- The film is a remake of the Malayalam movie 'Kalyana Unnikal' (1997), also directed by Siddique.
- Vijay and Suriya were both considered for the lead role before it went to Vijay.
- The song 'Vaadi Vaadi' was shot in Switzerland, a rare foreign location for Tamil films at the time.
- Actress Devayani made a special appearance in the song 'Vaadi Vaadi' as a favor to the director.
- The film's plot explores the theme of friendship tested by a secret, a common motif in Siddique's films.
- It was one of the early Tamil films to blend family drama with comedy in a story centered on male friendship.
- The movie had a moderate box office run but later gained a cult following on television.