Cast
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Kamal Haasan
as Nandu / Vijay kumar
Raveena Tandon
as Tejaswini
Anu Hasan
as Priya
Milind Gunaji
as Lt. Col. Santhosh Kumar
Kitu Gidwani
as Jayanthi
Manisha Koirala
as Sharmilee
Gollapudi Maruti Rao
as Psychiatrist
Shri Vallabh Vyas
as Dr. Srinivasa Rao (Hindi)
Sarath Babu
as Tejaswini's Father
Navin Nischol
as Ravinder (Hindi)
Fathima Babu
as Tejaswini's mother
Smita Jaykar
as Geeta (Hindi)
Riyaz Khan
as Sulthan
Vikram Gokhale
as Ranganath
Poovilangu Mohan
as Headmaster
Crew
Director
- Suresh Krishna
Producer
- S. Thanu
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Aalavandhan represents a fascinating example of Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Suresh Krishna 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 2001, 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 Aalavandhan took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 178 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 236 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2001, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Aalavandhan 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 Silence of the Lambs, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Aalavandhan offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Strange Days explore similar territory, Aalavandhan stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 14, 2001
- Runtime: 2h 58m
- Budget: $300,000
Where to Watch
