Tenaliraman (previously titled Jagajala Pujabala Tenaliraman) is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language historical comedy film directed by Yuvaraj Dhayalan. Vadivelu stars in this film in dual roles. Meenakshi Dixit plays the pivotal role in the film. The film released to negative reviews.
Plot Tenaliraman is an intelligent guy and a rebel leader who is fighting a battle against Maamannar Krishnadevarayar the King who has no time for his people and is controlled by his corrupt ministers. The king with 36 wives and 52 children believes his nine ministers are Navarathnams (nine jewels) of his court. Soon Tenaliraman is able to infiltrate into the court as he is able to charm the king with his all-round talents including singing, dancing, sharp wit and amazing sense of humor. Meanwhile, other ministers in the court sell out to the Chinese who want to take over the kingdom and expand their market. Tenaliraman comes to the king's rescue and whether he does it single-handedly forms the rest of the story.
Cast
Vadivelu as Tenali Raman/Maamannar (The King of Vikata Nagaram) Meenakshi Dixit as Princess Maadhulai (voice-over by Deepa Venkat) Radha Ravi as Parasbaram, ruler of a rival kingdom Manobala as Education Minister Rajesh as Eating Joint Owner Santhana Bharathi as Ex Chettiar/Man carrying bags of rice on cart Bose Venkat as Kaaliappa, Tenaliraman's comrade Joe Malloori as Nandivarma Rayar G. M. Kumar as Chief Minister, the head of the navarathnams (nine jewels) Bala Singh as Naganadha, One of the ministers Namo Narayana as Environmental Minister Krishnamoorthy as Health Minister Chelladurai as One of the Ministers King Kong as Street dancer/Beggar Muthukaalai as Vendor in the street George Maryan as Eating Joint worker Besant Ravi as Leader of the thief gang Bava Lakshmanan as One of the Ministers Nellai Siva as Maamannar's soldier Jangiri Madhumitha as Kongana Valli, one of the 36 queens Devadarshini as Eating Joint Owner's Sister Amritha Aiyer as Maadhulai's friend Baby Neha as one of Maadhulai's Sisters Uncredited Shanmugarajan as One of the Ministers Mansoor Ali Khan as Cannibal tribe leader Scissor Manohar as Beggar who acts like a blind person Halwa Vasu as Candidate for Nandivarma Rayar's post Pei Krishnan as Whipper Nickson Cheng as Chao Gong Gong, leader of the Chinese traders Vivienne Tseng as Courtesan Hong Wilson Ng as General Wang Minnale Ravi as Royal Barber Sumathi as Villager
Production Principal photography began on 20 May 2013 under the working title Jagajala Pujabala Thenaliraman. Meenakshi Dixit was selected to play the female lead in this film. The film's first look was shown via stills in October 2013, much to the delight of Vadivelu's fans, confirming that the shooting of the film was underway. Portions of the film were also shot in China and Hyderabad, but the news of shooting the film in China was however clarified by Vadivelu as untrue, "We had plans to go to China and shoot. But that didn't materialize because of time constraints. We, however, overcame that issue by getting Chinese actors from Singapore to come down here and shoot." The scenes in the film have extensive CGI (computer-generated imagery) work. The work is about 95 minutes of the running time of the film.
Music
D. Imman composed the music for the film and singer Shreya Ghoshal had sung a track penned by Viveka. The song was one of the high points in the film.Shreya Ghosal sings for `Thenaliraman` Apparently, Vadivelu himself had crooned a number as well and that he had done a terrific job in singing the song. Singer Krishnaraj had also delivered a song. Singer and actress Andrea Jeremiah had sung a Middle Eastern flavoured number and furthermore, Imman had confirmed that the soundtrack of the film will consist of 5 songs and 3 theme songs and that a 70's kind of feel would be present in each track. Talking about the music of the film Imman posted on his Twitter page "Tenaliraman audio is designed to achieve the sound of early 60's and 70's. Melody making and orchestration is set to the period with the mix and master of today's digital sound. This film's music did take me for a time travel and hope it does with the listeners too." The audio of the film was launched on April Fool's Day. Imman had tweeted, "The background score is in full swing, and nearing completion. I'm sure u guys gonna love Vadivelu sir back on screen! Audio on April 1".`Jagajala Pujabala Thenaliraman` audio on April 1 In addition to Viveka, Puthumaipithan's lyrics were also used.`Jagajala Pujabala Tenaliraman` gets a U certificate
The album received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom felt that the songs would look better on screen. Behindwoods gave 2/5 saying, "Imman's usual magic is missing". Only Kollywood gave it 2.75/5 praising Imman's experimental songs, particularly "Aanazhagu", but finally stating that the songs overall were mediocre by Imman's standards. Therarefield gave a mixed review stating, "Tenaliraman captures the yesteryear ambience in its sounds to mixed results". Cinemagrind gave 2.5/5 saying, "Staying true to the script, Imman has no freedom to experiment. Average vintage album!"Tenaliraman Music Review – cinemagrind Nevertheless, songs like "Aanazhagu" and "Rampappa" became instant hits among the masses. Indiaglitz wrote, "The usual Imman touch is missing".Tenaliraman – Jagajala Pujabala Thenaliraman – Music Review
Release The film, initially set for release on 11 April 2014, was postponed to release a week later on 18 April 2014. The film released across 16 countries worldwide. It released in 19 screens in the US and 12 in the United Kingdom.Tenaliraman will have a wide release overseas The satellite rights of the film were secured by Sun TV.
Promotion The official 3-minute trailer for the film was released on 27 March 2014.NSM & Tenali Raman trailers out today In its trailer review, Behindwoods wrote "However, for now, Vadivelu is back. Dum.".
Marketing In an interview with Sun TV on 14 April 2014, Vadivelu mentioned that the idea of the King having 36 wives and 52 children was based on Ziona Chana, who lives in Baktawang village of the Mizoram state of India and who holds the world record for the world's biggest family with 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters-in-law and 33 grandchildren, 181 in total. Commenting on the film, the film's director Yuvaraj spoke of how much faith Vadivelu has put in him and he efforts he made in the film, "There are several reasons for viewers to watch this film. The first is Vadivelu sir. My film will mark his return to cinema after a two-year break. He will be seen in dual roles and both roles will make you smile. To differentiate between the two characters he plays in the film, Vadivelu sir created a different body language for one of the characters. For instance, he created a different walking and talking style for a particular character. In fact, he would blink several times more while playing this character. It was amazing to see the way he transformed himself. Vadivelu sir received several offers, but he chose my film to mark his comeback and gave me the opportunity to work with him. I am just 27 years old. When some top heroes are scared to trust youngsters, he has shown that he has immense faith in the youth of this country." he said Actress Meenakshi Dixit was aware of the fact that the film did not feature a regular hero, yet she agreed to work in the film because she didn't want to miss an opportunity to work with Vadivelu, "I was told by many people not to do this film but my heart was all for it. I was sure about one thing that maybe I'm not working with a regular hero but I will not get an opportunity to work with a legendary comedian. Moreover, the movie concentrates more on the content rather than just the hero. I'm very proud to be a part of such a prestigious project by a great production house. Working with him was an experience of a lifetime. I have learnt a lot from him. He is the most humble and grounded person I have ever met in my life. It was a challenge to match the comic timing of Vadivelu because he would improvise randomly on sets. I would have practiced my lines for hours and then when we do the scene, everything would have been improvised by Vadivelu. So, catching up with him was a challenge." she said Furthermore, Vadivelu stated, "This is a very good film, one people must watch," he said and added, "I am sure they will like it. I wanted to mark my return with a film that would stand out. And I chose this script after listening to several others. We have added some imaginary events to short stories we know and have shot the film in a manner that will not hurt anybody's feelings or sentiments," he said. Pointing out to him that his director Yuvaraj was grateful that he had been entrusted with the task of directing a film that marked his return to cinema and he replied, "Today's youngsters are full of passion. This youngster was like camphor. If I began narrating a scene, he would complete it for me. He is sharp and has a bright future. He might be 26, but has the wisdom of a 62-year-old. I've realized that one must never dismiss or underestimate anybody just because they are young. In fact, I have worked as an assistant director to him in this film. My producer has placed a lot of faith in me. Despite several people trying to dissuade him from making this film, he has backed me. I am grateful for the support he has extended." he said.Vadivelu thanks producer for backing him
Allegations of depiction of historical figures