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Perazhagan

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Wikipedia article




'Perazhagan' is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film directed by Sasi Shanker, starring Suriya and Jyothika with both playing dual roles. The supporting cast includes Vivek, Manorama and Manobala. The movie's score and soundtrack were composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The film, which is a remake of the 2002 Malayalam film 'Kunjikoonan', released on 7 May 2004. Suriya garnered acclaim for his portrayal of a hunchback in the film.

Plot



The story revolves around Chinna (Suriya), a kindhearted village youth with a hunchback and is lauded for selfless service to others. He covers up his handicap with humor and optimism. Unmindful of his looks, Chinna goes around looking for a suitable bride with the help of his friend Kuzhandhaisamy (Vivek), a marriage assembler. Brushing aside many insults hurled at him, he carries on with his life.

In contrast is Karthik (also Surya), a violent college student who madly loves his classmate Priya (Jyothika). She meets Chinna, who assures her that he would get her married to the man of her dreams. Priya and Karthik plan to elope with Chinna's help as her father rejects Karthik. However, she is killed in a frac by Varadhan (Bobby), a gangster, as revenge against Priya's father DCP Nair (Devan), who arrested and asaulted him. She dies in Karthik's arms with Nair watching and he arrests him thinking he's responsible for Priya's murder. Chinna saw Varadhan killing Priya, but Varadhan tells that he will be killed if he tells anyone what he saw. After Karthik is jailed as Priya's killer, Chinna pleads Nair and tells the truth behind Priya's murder. Meanwhile, Chinna comes across an orphaned, poor, blind girl Shenbagam (Jyothika). He wins over her heart by helping her out when her brother (Thalaivasal Vijay) died.

After his efforts, she gains her vision (Priya's eyes are transplanted to her). This results in a tussle between Chinna and Karthik as to whom Shenbagam now belongs. However, fearing his looks, Chinna decides to give way to Karthik and ends up staying in a temple where Kuzhandhaisamy finds him and brings him to Shenbagam. Shenbagam does not care of looks and accepts him. Before their marriage, Varadhan returns to avenge Chinna. Karthik remembers Priya and avenges her death by brutally killing Varadhan. Karthik approves Chinna and Shenbagam's wedding before being sent to jail. The film ends with the couple spending their honeymoon in Ooty.

Cast



* Suriya as Chinna (Prem Kumar) / Karthik (dual role)

* Jyothika as Priya Nair / Shenbagam (dual role; voices dubbed by Savitha Reddy and Praveena respectively)

* Vivek as Marriage assembler Kuzhandhaisamy "Kuzhandha", Chinna's best friend

* Ramji as Rajesh

* Manicka Vinayagam as Karthik's father

* Kalairani as Karthik's mother

* Devan as DSP Nair, Priya's father

* Bobby as Varadhan

* Manorama as Pattamma, Chinna's grandmother

* Sukumari as Priya's grandmother

* Thalaivasal Vijay as Shenbagam's brother

* Manobala as Tea Shop Owner

* Venu Arvind as Balu

* Muthukaalai

* Malavika in a cameo role as Chinna's dream wife in the song "Ambuli Mama"

* Chaams as Groom (uncredited)

Soundtrack



The soundtrack, released on 15 April 2004, has six songs composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja with Palani Bharathi, Kabilan, Pa. Vijay, Thamarai and Snehan writing the lyrics of each one song. The film also marked Suriya's debut at playback singing, albeit a chorus one; he made his official debut 10 years later with 'Anjaan'.

Release



The satellite rights of the film were sold to Sun TV. Upon release, NP Films bought the Telugu remake rights of the film. However, the remake did not undergo production and the film was dubbed and released in Telugu as 'Sundarangadu'.

Critical reception



Sify wrote, "The film makes you laugh and cry at the same time. However the highlight of the film is Surya as Chinna and he is extraordinary. Here is one of his most lovable performances as the handicap, though as the morose Karthik, he just passes muster. Jyothika is a revelation (also in her first dual role) as the bubbly Priya and the blind Shenbagham. In her first de-glamorised role as Shenbagham she has proved her histrionics. Vivek for a change has a full length role and he brings the house down with his one-liners. Music by Yuvan is average but the background score is good. Director Sasi Sankar has to be applauded for making a feel-good film without any violence, vulgarity or even bad words.".'Indiaglitz' wrote, "Surya deserves appreciation for his astounding performance. He is at his best, be it humor or action. The actor has scored a hat trick with Perazhagan now following his Kaakha Kaakha and Pithamagan last year. After a long gap, Vivek has succeeded in evoking laughter. A tailor-made role for Vivek in which he really excels. Actress Malavika appear for a number. Also in the cast includes Manorama, Devan, T P Gajendran, a debutant Bobby and Muthukalai."[https://archive.org/details/kalki2004-05-16/page/72/mode/2up 'Kalki' review]

Awards and honours



Legacy



Suriya reprises his role as Chinna in the song "Palla Palla" in 'Ayan'.'Ayan'. (DVD). Character shown at 17.51 to 17.52.

References




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