Cast
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Vijay
as Velayudham
Genelia D'Souza
as Bharathi
Hansika Motwani
as Vaidhyalakshmi (Vaidehi)
Saranya Mohan
as Kaveri
Santhanam
as Speed
Abhimanyu Singh
as Muzamin Ibrahim
Raaghav
as Jai
M. S. Bhaskar
as Vaidehi's Father
Vincent Asokan
as Ulaganathan's Brother
Pandiarajan
as Pandi
Manivannan
as Rathnavelu
Ilavarasu
as Chit Fund Victim
Veera Samar
as Hari
Sayaji Shinde
as Asst.Commissioner Mhd. Feroz Khan
Vineet Kumar
as Ulaganathan
Crew
Director
- Mohan Raja
Producer
- V. Ravichandran
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Velayudham distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Mohan Raja brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Velayudham took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $7.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 160 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 193 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 827 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Velayudham shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Last Boy Scout, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Velayudham subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Avengers and The Mask of Zorro explore similar territory, Velayudham stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 26, 2011
- Runtime: 2h 40m
- Budget: $7,000,000
Where to Watch
