Jump to content

Gemini (2002 film)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Vensatry (talk | contribs) at 18:56, 9 July 2014 (add FA star). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Gemini
DVD Cover
Directed bySaran
Written bySaran
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyA. Venkatesh
Edited bySuresh Urs
Music byBharathwaj
Production
company
Release date
12 April 2002
Running time
157 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget₹35–40 million[a]
Box office₹210 million[3]

Gemini is a 2002 Indian Tamil masala film written and directed by Saran. It features Vikram in the title role and Kiran Rathod as his love interest, with Kalabhavan Mani portraying the main antagonist. Murali, Vinu Chakravarthy, Manorama, Thennavan, Rani and Ilavarasu play supporting roles. The film was produced by M. Saravanan, M. Balasubramaniam, M. S. Guhan and B. Gurunath. Its narrative, themed on gang wars in Chennai, is loosely inspired by the true stories of real-life criminals "Vellai" Ravi and Chera. When Gemini, an outlaw and aspiring don, falls in love, he decides to change himself for the better. While his attempts at reform are backed by an inspirational police officer, another officer tries to thwart them.

Early in its production, the film was entitled Erumugham, with Ajith intended to play the lead role. However, when Ajith lost interest and left, the project was temporarily shelved. Saran rewrote the script, retitled the production Gemini and cast the new leads. Production began shortly afterwards in December 2001 and was wrapped up in March 2002. Apart from two song sequences which were shot in Switzerland, the film was shot at AVM Studios, Chennai. Cinematography was by A. Venkatesh and the film was edited by Suresh Urs. The soundtrack was composed by Bharathwaj and the lyrics were written by Vairamuthu.

Gemini was released on 12 April 2002—two days prior to the Tamil New Year. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, it became the most commercially successful Tamil film of the year, riding on the popularity of the song "O Podu". Gemini resurrected the Tamil film industry, which was experiencing difficulties after a string of box office failures. It won three South Filmfare Awards, three International Tamil Film Awards and four Cinema Express Awards. Encouraged by its success, Saran remade the film in Telugu as Gemeni, which was released later the same year.

Plot

Teja (Kalabhavan Mani), an influential gangster, arrives with his gang at a magistrates' court to attend a hearing. He retaliates when his animal antics are mocked at by "Chintai" Jeeva, another accused. A fight ensues, resulting in the death of Jeeva. Jeeva was a member of the rival gang, which is headed by Gemini (Vikram), an up-and-coming goon from Chintadripet who aspires to become a big don. To avenge Jeeva's death, Gemini and his gang hunt down the murderer, Pandian. Isaac, one of Gemini's men, kills Pandian, beginning a feud between Gemini and Teja. Pandian's mother Annamma (Manorama) becomes the gang's cook, posing as an old woman who must work to pay for an eye operation, and plots to poison them.

Gemini meets and falls in love with Manisha Natwarlal (Kiran Rathod), a Marwari woman. To pursue her, he joins an evening class at the college that she attends and she falls in love with him, unaware of his true identity. Two businessmen approach Gemini to evict traders from a market so that a shopping complex can be built in its place. As the market is in his control, Gemini refuses the offer and the businessmen approach Teja to carry out the job. Feigning an altercation with Gemini, his sidekick Kai (Thennavan) joins Teja's gang, acts as the inside man and foils the plan. Teja is enraged at being outsmarted by Gemini.

Singaperumal (Murali), an astute police officer, is promoted to the position of Director General of Police (DGP). Keen on eradicating crime, he arrests both Gemini and Teja. Owing to their political influence, the arrests are made "off the record". Understanding their rivalry, Singaperumal puts them in a private cell so they can beat each other to death. While Teja tries to exact revenge for the market issue, Gemini does not fight back but persuades Teja to trick Singaperumal by pleading guilty and requesting a chance to reform. Gemini's trick works and they are released.

Because Gemini was arrested at the college, Manisha discovers his identity and starts ignoring him. To regain her attention, Gemini reforms his ways. Though his gang initially disapprove of it, they relent. As Gemini and his gang regret their actions, Annamma reveals her true identity and forgives them. Singaperumal helps Gemini to get back into college and reunite with Manisha. Teja returns to his gang and continues his illegal activities. He pesters Gemini to help him in his business. Gemini informs Singaperumal of Teja's activities; Teja is caught smuggling narcotics, is prosecuted and serves a term in prison.

A few months later, Singaperumal is transferred to the transport department and a corrupt officer (Vinu Chakravarthy) takes his place. The new DGP releases Teja and together they urge Gemini to help them in their business. Gemini refuses; to force him to return to his old ways, Teja persuades Isaac to conspire against Gemini. With Isaac's help, Teja plots and kills Kai. Gemini is infuriated and decides to settle the issue, confronting Teja. During the fight, Gemini beats up Teja and swaps their clothes, leaving Teja bound and gagged. The DGP arrives and shoots Teja, disguised as Gemini, dead. While the DGP grieves over Teja's death, he receives news that he has been transferred to the Sewage Control Board.

Cast

  • Vikram as Gemini, an aspiring don who reforms later
  • Kiran Rathod as Manisha Natwarlal, a free-spirited Marwari girl
  • Kalabhavan Mani as Teja, a don who mimics animals
  • Vinu Chakravarthy as a power-obsessed and corrupt police officer
  • Murali as Singaperumal, a sincere and dignified police officer
  • Charle as Chinna Salem, a pimp operating a mobile brothel
  • Ramesh Khanna as Gopal M.A., a professor at the evening college
  • Dhamu as the owner of an auto mechanic shed, Auto Hospital, from where the gang operates
  • Vaiyapuri as Oberoi, Dawood's sidekick
  • Rani as Kamini, a divorcee and Gemini's classmate who lusts for him
  • Thennavan as Kai, Gemini's loyal deputy
  • Isaac as Isaac, Gemini's gang member who betrays him later
  • Thyagu as Sammandham, a police officer
  • Madhan Bob as R. Anilwal I.P.S, a police officer trying to eradicate prostitution
  • Ilavarasu as Commissioner of Police
  • Omakuchi Narasimhan as Bombay Dawood, a butcher
  • Gemini Ganesan in a cameo as himself
  • Manorama as Annamma, an orphaned woman who seeks to avenge her son's murder

Production

Development

During the making of the film Alli Arjuna (2002) in early 2001, its director Saran announced his next venture. The film would mark his third collaboration with Ajith in the lead after the success of Kaadhal Mannan (1998) and Amarkalam (1999). According to the director, it was a "modern day rags to riches story" in which the protagonist rises from humble origins to an enviable position. The film was titled Erumugham ("Upward mobility") and was to be produced by A. Purnachandra Rao for Lakshmi Productions.[4] As with most of Saran's films, Erumugham was a gangster film.[5] Laila Mehdin and Richa Pallod, who played the heroine in Saran's Parthen Rasithen (2000) and Alli Arjuna respectively, were to play the female lead roles. It was reported that the song recording began on 16 March 2001; shooting was to start in mid-June and continue until August that year, followed by post-production work in September.[4] The project was planned for a Diwali release,[4] but after a week of shooting Ajith found a more engaging story in Red and lost interest in the project; Ajith left and the project was shelved.[5] After this incident, Saran stated that he would never do another film with Ajith.[5] The pair would later reconcile their differences and collaborate on Attahasam (2004) and Aasal (2010).[6][7]

"Yes. It happened a year ago in Chennai. Two rowdies wanted to reform themselves and return to the society. A police officer helped them do so. I was fascinated by the incident."

 — Saran, when asked whether the film was inspired by a real life incident.[8]

Saran rewrote the script and began the project again. The film, as yet untitled, was announced in August 2001.[9] The plot, which was based on gang wars in Chennai, was loosely inspired by a real life incident involving North Madras gangsters "Vellai" Ravi and Chera.[1] The film was the 162nd production of AVM Productions,[10] and their first film after a five-year hiatus. Their last production before the hiatus was Minsara Kanavu (1997), the release of which marked fifty years since its first production Naam Iruvar (1947).[b] By producing Gemini, AVM became one of the four film studios that had been producing films for over fifty years.[13] While titling the film, producer M. Saravanan chose Gemini among the many titles suggested to him, but because Gemini Studios was the name of a major production house, Saravanan wrote to S. Balasubramanian, editor of Ananda Vikatan and son of Gemini Studios founder S. S. Vasan, requesting permission to use the title. In response, Balasubramanian gave his consent.[14]

Cast and crew

"In Gemini, I have tried to do something new. The character I'm playing is a rowdy, but a bit refined. I study in an evening college and I've presented it as natural and realistically. Just as you expect a Sethu again, I've changed the style a bit."

 — Vikram about the preparation for his role[15]

With Vikram cast in the title role, Saran was searching for a newcomer to play the female lead role of a Marwari woman.[6] Speculations that Sneha would be playing the heroine were proven untrue.[9] Kiran Rathod is a native of Rajasthan, the place where the Marwaris originate from.[16][17] She is a relative of actress Raveena Tandon, whose manager brought Rathod the offer to act in Gemini.[18] Saran was convinced after seeing a photograph of Rathod and added her to the cast; Gemini thus became her debut Tamil film.[19]

Malayalam actors Kalabhavan Mani and Murali were approached to play significant roles.[5] Gemini is widely believed to be Mani's first Tamil film,[20][21] though he had already starred in Vaanchinathan (2001).[22][23] There have been multiple theories on how he was cast: while Vikram claims to have suggested Mani for the role of Teja,[24] Saran said in one interview that casting Mani was his idea,[8] and contradicted this in another interview, saying that Mani was chosen on his wife's recommendation.[5] While searching for an unfamiliar face for the DGP's role, Saran saw Murali in Dumm Dumm Dumm (2001) and found him "very dignified". He chose Murali as he wanted that dignity for the role. Though he had planned to make Murali a villain at the end of the film, Saran decided against it because he was "amazed to see awe in everyone's eyes when Murali entered the sets and performed".[8]

Thennavan, Vinu Chakravarthy, Ilavarasu, Charle, Dhamu, Ramesh Khanna, Vaiyapuri, Madhan Bob, Thyagu and Manorama form the supporting cast.[13][25] A cameo appearance by Gemini Ganesan was his last film appearance before his death in March 2005.[26] The technical departments were handled by Saran's regular crew, which consisted of cinematographer A. Venkatesh, editor Suresh Urs, production designer Thotta Tharani and costume designers Sai and Nalini Sriram.[10] The choreography was by Super Subbarayan (action) and Suchitra, Brinda and Ashok Raja (dance). The music was composed by Bharathwaj and the lyrics were written by Vairamuthu.[13]

Filming

Gemini was formally launched on 21 November 2001 at the Hotel Connemara, Chennai in the presence of celebrities including Rajinikanth (through video conferencing)[27] and Kamal Haasan.[10] The launch function was marked by the submission of the script, songs and lyrics. Principal photography was scheduled to begin in mid-December that year,[28] but commenced a little early.[12] Vikram shot for the film simultaneously with Samurai (2002).[29] When Kalabhavan Mani was hesitant in accepting the film due to other commitments in Malayalam, shooting was re-scheduled to film Mani's scenes first. Saran persuaded Mani to allot dates for twelve days to complete his scenes. Since Mani was a mimicry artist, Saran asked him to exhibit his talents; Mani aped the behaviour of a few animals and Saran chose among them, which were added to the film.[8]

Gemini, with the exception of two songs which were filmed in Switzerland, was shot at AVM Studios.[30] One of the songs, "Penn Oruthi", was shot at Jungfraujoch, the highest point in Europe. Travel Masters, a Chennai-based company owned by former actor N. Ramji, arranged the overseas shoots.[31] Part of the song sequence was filmed on a sledge in Switzerland, making it the second Indian film to have done so after the Bollywood film Sangam (1964). Though there were problems in acquiring permission, executive producer M. S. Guhan persisted.[32] Gemini was completed on schedule and M. Saravanan praised the director, saying, "... we felt like we were working with S. P. Muthuraman himself, such was Saran's efficiency".[33]

Inspiration

The characters of Gemini and Teja were modelled on "Vellai" Ravi and Chera respectively—Tamil-Burma repatriates who settled in Bhaktavatsalam colony (B.V. Colony) in Vyasarpadi, North Madras.[1][34] They were members of rival gangs headed by Benjamin and Subbhaiah respectively. Their rivalry began when Benjamin, a DYFI member, questioned the illegal activities of Subbhaiah who, apart from running a plastics and iron ore business, held kangaroo courts. When their feud developed into a Christian-Hindu conflict, they recruited jobless men and formed gangs to wage wars against each other. While Subbhaih's nephew Chera became his right-hand man, "Vellai" Ravi became Benjamin's aide. Benjamin and Ravi's gang killed Subbaiah in 1991. A year later, Chera's gang retaliated by killing Benjamin with the help of another gang member, Asaithambi. Another gangster, Kabilan, joined Chera's gang and they killed more than fourteen people to avenge Subbaiah's murder. One of the murders took place inside the Egmore court in early 2000 when Chera's gang killed Ravi's aide Vijayakumar, leading to a police crackdown on the gangsters.[35] Fearing an encounter, both "Vellai" Ravi and Chera decided to give up their lives of crime and reform.[36] The then-DCP of Flower Bazaar, Shakeel Akhter, held the "transition ceremony" in February 2001.[37] "Vellai" Ravi and Chera were re-arrested under Goondas Act during the film's pre-production.[38]

When asked about his fascination for "rowdy themes", Saran said:

I come from a lower middle class background and have lived all my life in 'Singara Chennai'. I used to go to college from my house in Aminjikkarai by bus and many of the incidents that you see in my films are inspired by those days. Chennai city and its newspapers have been my source material.[5]

The characters of DGP Singaperumal and "Chintai" Jeeva were based on Shakeel Akhter and Vijayakumar respectively. Since the criminals were re-arrested after being given a chance, the initial script had Singaperumal turning villainous during the climax. When Saran felt that the audience would not be kind to him and that it would damage the film, he added another corrupt police officer to do the job while maintaining Singaperumal as a "very strong, good police officer".[8]

Soundtrack

The soundtrack album and film score were composed by Bharathwaj. Since making his entry into Tamil films with Saran's directorial debut Kaadhal Mannan,[39] he has scored the music for most films directed by Saran.[40][41] The lyrics were written by poet-lyricist Vairamuthu.

"O Podu" was a popular expression among college students in Tamil Nadu.[42] When Saran wanted a catchphrase for a song, Vairamuthu suggested using this term and building on it. On Saran's insistence, the term was then incorporated into and mixed with the title song,[43] resulting in the track "O Podu", an item number.[44] It was sung by Anuradha Sriram,[45] choreographed by Ashok Raja[46] and picturised on Rani and Vikram.[13] For the song, Vikram did the "Savu Koothu" dance, which is commonly performed in Tamil Nadu while accompanying the dead.[24] The lyrics of "Deewana", sung by Sadhana Sargam, had some Hindi words as it was picturised on the heroine, a typical Marwari woman from Sowcarpet for whom Hindi comes naturally.[43] In an interview to The Hindu, Vairamuthu revealed that the track "Naattu Katta" was based on a folk song.[c]

Untitled
Original Tracklist[48]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Thala Keezha"Manikka Vinayagam04:10
2."Kaadhal Enbatha"Timothy02:56
3."Penn Oruthi"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam05:11
4."Deewana"Sadhana Sargam04:26
5."Kaadhal Enbatha – Sad"Bharathwaj01:16
6."O Podu"Anuradha Sriram, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam04:03
7."Naattu Katta"Shankar Mahadevan, Swarnalatha04:52
Bonus Track
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
8."O Podu"Anuradha Sriram, Vikram04:00


The music received positive reviews from critics. Sify wrote that Bharadwaj's music was "the only saving grace in the otherwise utterly lamebrain film".[30] Writing for Rediff, Pearl stated that the music director was "impressive".[49] The songs were well received by the audience and the track "O Podu", in particular, was a hit.[33][50][51] Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu said that the song by Anuradha Sriram has given the term "O! Podu!", which has been part of the "local lingo" for years, a "new, crazy dimension".[25] It earned Rani—on whom the song was picturised—the moniker "O Podu Rani".[52] The song enjoyed anthem-like popularity[53][54] and according to V. Paramesh, a dealer of film music for 23 years, sold like "hot cakes".[55] In 2009, Mid Day wrote, "O podu is still considered the cornerstone of the rambunctious koothu dance".[56] "O Podu" belongs to only a small collection of South Indian songs, including "Appadi Podu", "Nakka Mukka", "Why This Kolaveri Di" and "Ringa Ringa", that are considered a "national rage" in India.[57][58] Despite rampant piracy, the album sold more than 100,000 cassettes before the film's release.[43][59][60] It was one of the biggest hits in Bharathwaj's career[42] and earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Tamil.[61][62]

"We sold out a lakh copies in one month. Only Rahman's music has got this kind of an opening before. Now, with the new song, it will sell another lakh before the release of the film."

 — S. Kalyan of Five Star Audio about the album sales.[33]

Following the song's success, Vikram was greeted everywhere with screams of "O Podu".[63][64] He was overwhelmed by the response and, having already worked as a voice artist and singer, offered to sing his version of the song.[8] According to Vikram, the song was recorded and filmed the same morning, and was added to the soundtrack album a month after its initial release. The film had been completed by then and the additional track was featured during the closing credits.[33] Dissatisfied with the shortened version of the song provided initially, the audience forced theatre owners to rewind the song and play it again. After receiving calls from distributors and theatre owners, the makers eventually sent the entire song.[8]

The music also received some unexpected reactions. The high-energy track "O Podu" drove people mad; some resorting to violence, enraging villagers in Tamil Nadu and leading to public property damage in Malaysia.[65] Vairamuthu's lyrics, which are typically in pure Tamil,[47] contained slang terms and words from other languages such as "Deewana" (Hindi).[43] This departure was criticised by film journalist Sreedhar Pillai, who derided the lyrics of "O Podu" as "pure gibberish".[47]

Release and reception

The film, which was supposed to be released on 14 April 2002 coinciding with the Tamil New Year, was released two days early on 12 April, apparently to capitalise on weekend collections.[64] Gemini was released alongside Vijay's Thamizhan, Prashanth's Thamizh and Vijayakanth's Raajjiyam.[66] The film released across Tamil Nadu with 104 prints, the most for a Vikram film at the time of release.[67] On the day of release, the film premiered in Singapore with the hero, heroine, director and producer in attendance.[32] AVM sold the film to distributors for a "reasonable profit"[2] and marketed it aggressively.[5] They organised promotional events at Music World in Chennai's Spencer Plaza, Landmark and Sankara Hall, where Vikram publicised the film and signed autographs.[33] Since "O Podu" was such a hit among children, AVM invited young children to write reviews,[68] and gave away prizes.[69] In 2006, Saran revealed in a conversation with director S. P. Jananathan that his nervousness rendered him sleepless for four days until the film was released.[70]

Critical response

Gemini received mixed reviews from critics. Malathi Rangarajan praised Vikram and stated, "Be it action or sensitive enactment, Vikram lends a natural touch. Thus even though the credibility level of Saran's storyline is low, Vikram helps Gemini score."[25] Kalabhavan Mani received unanimous critical acclaim for his mimicry and portrayal of a villain with a comic sense.[71] Rediff wrote, "The highlight in Gemini is undoubtedly Kalabhavan Mani's performance ... As the paan-chewing Gemini, Vikram too delivers a convincing performance" and that "Gemini is your typical 'masala' potboiler. And it works."[49] In contrast, Sify said, "Saran should be blamed for this inept movie, which has no storyline and has scant regard for logic or sense ... Vikram as Gemini is unimpressive ... Top character actor Murali is also wasted in the film".[30]

Following the film's success, Vikram was compared with actor Rajinikanth. D. Govardan of The Economic Times wrote, "The film's success has catapulted its hero, Vikram as the most sought after hero after Rajinikanth in the Tamil film industry today".[2] Rajinikanth, who saw the film, met Vikram and praised his performance.[63] Saran told in an interview that Rajinikanth was so impressed with the songs, he predicted the film's success in addition to considering Rathod for a role in his film Baba (2002).[5][72] The film's premise of an outlaw reforming his ways was appreciated. D. Ramanaidu of Suresh Productions—the co-producer of the Telugu remake—said, "The story of a rowdy sheeter turning into a good man is a good theme".[73]

In an article discussing the rise of the gangster-based film becoming a genre in itself, Sreedhar Pillai wrote in a reference to Gemini:

The hero is an all out villain, who is daringly different but the director makes him dream of those lush Switzerland songs (our hero then is clad in designer wear). The rowdies in the film have very highly educated girls from affluent family lusting after them ... Bachchan of "Deewar" or Shah Rukh of "Baazigar" took to crime because they were wronged. Nowadays the Geminis and Nandas of Tamil cinema indulge in crime for the heck of it.[1]

Box office

Gemini was a box office success and became the biggest hit of the year in Tamil.[74] Becomes most films that were released on Diwali and Pongal were not successful, Gemini helped the industry recover. Made on a budget of ₹40 million (equivalent to ₹150 million or US$1.8 million in 2023), the film grossed more than ₹200 million (equivalent to ₹760 million or US$9.1 million in 2023).[2][3] The film's success was largely attributed to the popularity of the song "O Podu".[44] D. Govardan stated, "A neatly made 'masala' (spice) film, with the song O Podu.. as its USP, it took off from day one and has since then not looked back".[2] Vikram, who was a struggling actor for almost a decade, credited Gemini as his first real blockbuster.[24] Sreedhar Pillai said that a good story, presentation and peppy music made it a winning formula[75] and said that "Gemini has been the biggest hit among Tamil films in the last two years".[1]

The film ran successfully in theatres for more than 125 days.[73] The box office collections revived the fortunes of theatres that were on the verge of closure. AVM received a letter from the owner of New Cinema, a theatre in Cuddalore, who repaid his debts with the revenue the film generated.[5] Abirami Ramanathan, owner of the multiplex Abhirami Mega Mall, said that Gemini's success would slow down the rapid closure of theatres from 2,500 to 2,000.[69] Following the success of the film, Saran named his production house "Gemini Productions", under which name he produced films including Aaru (2005), Vattaram (2006) and Muni (2007).[76]

Accolades

Award Ceremony Category Nominee(s) Outcome
Filmfare Awards South 50th Filmfare Awards South[77] Best Music Director Bharathwaj Won
Best Female Playback Singer Anuradha Sriram Won
Best Villain Kalabhavan Mani Won
International Tamil Film Awards 1st International Tamil Film Awards[78][79] Best Actor Vikram Won
Best Villain Kalabhavan Mani Won
Best Singer Female Anuradha Sriram Won
Cinema Express Awards 22nd Cinema Express Awards[80][81] Best New Face Actress Kiran Rathod Won
Best Music Director Bharathwaj Won
Best Dialogue Writer Saran Won
Best Singer Female Anuradha Sriram Won

Remakes

Following the success and popularity of Gemini, Saran remade the film in Telugu as Gemeni.[82][83] It is the only film Saran made in a language other than Tamil.[d] The remake starred Venkatesh and Namitha in the lead roles,[85] while Kalabhavan Mani and Murali reprised their roles from the Tamil version.[86] Most of the crew members were retained.[6] Posani Krishna Murali translated the dialogues to Telugu.[87] The soundtrack was composed by R. P. Patnaik, who reused most of the tunes from the original film.[86] Released in October 2002,[86] the film received lukewarm response and failed to repeat the success of the original.[88][89] In 2013, a Kannada remake was reported to have been planned with Upendra in the lead, but he dismissed the reports as rumours.[90]

In September 2002, Gemini was screened as part of a six-day workshop conducted jointly by the Department of Journalism and Communication, and the Mass Communication Alumni Association, of the University of Madras; it focussed on the impact of cinema on society.[91] In a comical sequence, Dhamu's character says that he knows about a martial art named "Maan Karate" (Maan means "Deer"), which is actually the art of running away like a deer when in danger.[92] The phrase became famous and was used to name the 2014 action comedy film Maan Karate because whenever there is a problem in his life, the hero (played by Sivakarthikeyan) fails to face them and instead runs for cover.[93][94]

A game-based reality show for children was titled "O Podu". AVM was involved in the show, which was produced by Vikatan Televistas and directed by Gerald. The show was broadcast for 26 weeks on Sun TV on Sundays with Raaghav as its anchor.[95][96] During the run-up to the 2006 assembly election, Chennai-based journalist Gnani Sankaran began a social awareness movement to prevent electoral fraud and named it "O Podu" as a short form of "Oatu Podu" meaning "cast your vote".[97][98] The movement urged the electorate to exercise the right to reject candidates under Section 49-O of The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, wherein a voter, who has decided not to vote for anyone, can record the fact.[99][100] For this purpose, the people behind "O Podu" also urged the election commission to facilitate a separate button on the electronic voting machine.[101] In July 2011, Vikram inaugurated an initiative called "Liver 4 Life", which was launched by MIOT Hospitals to create awareness of the Hepatitis B virus. As the campaign was targeted at schoolchildren and college-going youth, the organisers tweaked the term "O Podu" into "B Podu" and made it the event's tagline to capitalise on the song's immense appeal.[53][102]

Explanatory notes

  1. ^ Writing for The Hindu, film journalist Sreedhar Pillai claimed that the budget was ₹35 million (equivalent to ₹130 million or US$1.6 million in 2023)[1] while D. Govardan, writing for The Economic Times, claimed it to be ₹40 million (equivalent to ₹150 million or US$1.8 million in 2023).[2]
  2. ^ While AVM have been producing films since 1931 under different names such as Saraswathi Sound Productions, Saraswathi Talkies Producing Company and Pragati Pictures,[11] Naam Iruvar (1947) was the first film produced under the name AVM Productions.[12]
  3. ^ The claim does not mention the name of the song on which "Naattu Katta" is based.[47]
  4. ^ Saran had planned to remake Amarkalam in Hindi after the completion of the former, with Vivek Oberoi in the lead. The project however failed to take off.[5][84]

Further reading

  • C. K. Gandhirajan (2004). Organised Crime. A. P. H. Publishing Corporation. pp. 124–128. ISBN 9788176484817.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Sreedhar Pillai (31 May 2002). "The age of rage". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e D Govardan (3 May 2002). "April brings cheer to Tamil film industry". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 9 June 2014.
  3. ^ a b Krishna Gopalan (29 July 2007). "The boss, no doubt". Business Today. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Ramya Kannan (17 March 2001). "In the land of the Yuppies". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Sreedhar Pillai (28 May 2002). "Mean Street mogul". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  6. ^ a b c Malathi Rangarajan (17 December 2004). "Cinema, success, Saran". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  7. ^ Malathi Rangarajan (1 January 2010). "Ajith goes Asal". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 January 2010. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Shobha Warrier (18 May 2002). "All my films are my dreams – Saran". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  9. ^ a b Feroze Ahmed, T. Ramakrishnan, K.T. Sangameswaran, Sudhish Kamath, Ramya Kannan (24 August 2001). "Talk of the Town". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ a b c Sudhish Kamath (22 November 2001). "Waiting with bated breath". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  11. ^ S. Muthiah (30 January 2006). "The innovative film-maker". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  12. ^ a b S. Muthiah (3 December 2001). "Banners on screen and stage again". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  13. ^ a b c d S.R. Ashok Kumar (12 April 2002). "Ushering in the new year". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  14. ^ "ஏவி.எம். பொன் விழா ஆண்டு: "மின்சார கனவு" மகத்தான சாதனை (AVM Golden Jubilee Year: Minsara Kanavu Grand Success)". Maalai Malar (in Tamil). 15 October 2009. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013.
  15. ^ Sudhish Kamath (13 April 2002). "Vikram spells success with an 'O'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  16. ^ "On a career revival". The Hindu. 23 February 2004. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  17. ^ Malathi Rangarajan (19 April 2002). "From Jaipur to Chennai". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  18. ^ "'Gemini' girl in 'Thandavam". The Hindu. 22 July 2002. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  19. ^ S. R. Ashok Kumar (6 November 2004). "Your photograph said it all". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  20. ^ "Mani is back". The Hindu. 9 July 2003. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  21. ^ Malathi Rangarajan (31 July 2009). "Modhi Vilaiyaadu: Game of Fortune". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  22. ^ Rajitha (25 January 2001). "Vanchinathan: Pure unadulterated timepass!". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  23. ^ Moviebiz. "Interview: Kalabhavan Mani". Sify. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  24. ^ a b c Sreedhar Pillai (30 April 2002). "Hat-trick hero". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  25. ^ a b c Malathi Rangarajan (19 April 2002). "The Hindu : Gemini". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  26. ^ "Birthday Remembrance: Gemini Ganesan". Deccan Chronicle. 17 November 2013. p. 8. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  27. ^ Superstar Rajinikanth speaks at the Gemini Launch (YouTube). AVM Productions. 13 October 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2013.
  28. ^ Suresh Nambath, K.T. Sangameswaran, T.S. Shankar, Feroze Ahmed (16 November 2001). "Talk of the Town". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ "Dhil to Dhool". The Hindu. 1 February 2002. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  30. ^ a b c "Movie Review : Gemini". Sify. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  31. ^ S. R. Ashok Kumar (21 March 2003). "Jaunts abroad with a purpose". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  32. ^ a b S. R. Ashok Kumar, Malathi Rangarajan (12 April 2002). "A lesson or two". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  33. ^ a b c d e Sudhish Kamath (31 March 2002). "'Gemini' already a hit!". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  34. ^ Petlee Peter (23 August 2013). "Madras' crime gangs: low in number, high on terror". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  35. ^ A. Selvaraj (21 November 2012). "Vyasarpadi was home to goons for decades". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  36. ^ Arun Ram (6 August 2007). "Gangster Vellai Ravi killed in police encounter". DNA India. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014.
  37. ^ "Two gangsters turn a new leaf". The Hindu. 24 February 2001. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  38. ^ S. Shivakumar (5 September 2001). "Row over rearrest of gang leaders". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  39. ^ Nikhil Raghavan (11 January 2010). "In tune with the times". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  40. ^ Nikhil Raghavan (25 February 2013). "Bharadwaj is back". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  41. ^ "Saran teams up with Vinay again". The Times of India. TNN. 14 December 2012. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  42. ^ a b Shobha Warrier (16 January 2003). "People started calling me 'O Podu' Bharadwaj". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  43. ^ a b c d Sreedhar Pillai (16 April 2002). "Tuned to success". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  44. ^ a b Sreedhar Pillai (10 January 2003). "It is the package that ultimately matters". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  45. ^ Malathi Rangarajan (25 November 2005). "Overseas stint". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  46. ^ S. R. Ashok Kumar (10 October 2008). "Grill mill". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  47. ^ a b c Sreedhar Pillai (18 June 2002). "In love with lyrics". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  48. ^ "Gemini — Tracklist". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  49. ^ a b Pearl (26 April 2002). "Vikram chews paan, excels". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  50. ^ AR. Meyyammai (26 June 2002). "June Dhamaka". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  51. ^ Vijay Kumar S (2 July 2002). "A fair musical treat". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  52. ^ S. R. Ashok Kumar (1 November 2002). "Adding glamour to Deepavali: Karthik's Game". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014.
  53. ^ a b "Campaign to create awareness of Hepatitis B virus launched". The Hindu. 31 July 2011. Archived from the original on 1 July 2014.
  54. ^ Malathi Rangarajan, S. R. Ashok Kumar (31 May 2002). "Quite a challenge". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  55. ^ K Jeshi (10 September 2005). "So, what's your kind of music?". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  56. ^ "Vikram turns crooner for Kandhasamy". Mid Day. 9 February 2009. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014.
  57. ^ M Suganth (24 November 2011). "Why south songs are a national rage..." The Times of India. TNN. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014.
  58. ^ M Suganth (25 November 2011). "Very, Very Kolaveri!". The Times of India. p. 23. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014.
  59. ^ Shobha Warrier (22 April 2002). "Gemini strikes gold at the Tamil marquee". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  60. ^ Malathi Rangarajan, S. R. Ashok Kumar (3 May 2002). "In a new arena: Piracy". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  61. ^ "Time for awards". The Hindu. 21 May 2003. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  62. ^ "Manikchand Filmfare Awards in Hyderabad". The Times of India. 19 May 2003. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  63. ^ a b Malathi Rangarajan, S. R. Ashok Kumar (17 May 2002). "A shot in the arm". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  64. ^ a b Chitra Mahesh (31 May 2002). "I want to strike a balance". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  65. ^ "'O Podu' ripples". The Hindu. 24 May 2002. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  66. ^ Tulika (11 April 2002). "What the marquee looks like this New Year". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  67. ^ Sreedhar Pillai (12 April 2002). "Awaiting superhits – Gemini". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  68. ^ Malathi Rangarajan, S. R. Ashok Kumar (3 May 2002). "Entertainment: Gift that is gold". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  69. ^ a b Akila Dinakar (20 May 2002). "Children's day". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  70. ^ Sudhish Kamath (23 November 2006). "The public is hungry for trend-setting films". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 23 February 2014 suggested (help)
  71. ^ Shobha Warrier (11 January 2003). "The Pongal test". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014.
  72. ^ Malathi Rangarajan, S. R. Ashok Kumar (31 May 2002). "Secrecy robs the charm". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014.
  73. ^ a b Sudhish Kamath (24 September 2002). "Gemini's big day". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  74. ^ Sudhish Kamath (11 October 2003). "Kollywood crackers". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  75. ^ Sreedhar Pillai (8 November 2002). "As star power wanes..." The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  76. ^ "'Gemini Productions' launched!". Sify. 16 July 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  77. ^ "Manikchand Filmfare Awards: Sizzling at 50". The Economic Times. 25 May 2003. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  78. ^ S.R. Ashok Kumar (31 October 2003). "ITFA ceremony in Malaysia". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  79. ^ "International Tamil Film Awards 2003 (Malaysia)". The Hindu. 31 October 2003. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  80. ^ "'Kannathil Muthamittal' bags 6 Cinema Express awards". The Hindu. 22 December 2002. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  81. ^ Sudhish Kamath (23 December 2002). "A sombre starry night". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  82. ^ Suresh Krishnamoorthy (17 September 2002). "Show with a difference". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 June 2014.
  83. ^ "Telugu remake of 'Gemini'". The Hindu. 29 May 2002. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  84. ^ "Bollywood lures Saran". Rediff.com. 22 June 2002. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  85. ^ "Working Hard". The Hindu. 12 July 2002. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  86. ^ a b c Gudipoodi Srihari (14 October 2002). "Gemini: Web of crime and love". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  87. ^ Gudipoondi Srihari (19 June 2002). "The making of Gemini". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  88. ^ G. Manjula Kumar (29 April 2003). "Hoping for a hit". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 June 2014.
  89. ^ G. Manjula Kumar (1 July 2003). "Time for remakes". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 June 2014.
  90. ^ Sharanya CR (8 March 2013). "No Gemini remake for Uppi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2014.
  91. ^ "The impact of cinema". The Hindu. 2 September 2002. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  92. ^ "'Maan Karate' - Most anticipated films of 2014". MSN . 3 January 2014. Archived from the original on 23 June 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  93. ^ V Lakshmi (30 June 2013). "Kollywood movie titles based on popular dialogues". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 3 July 2013 suggested (help)
  94. ^ "Maan Karate updates". Ayngaran International. 24 July 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  95. ^ "O... Podu". The Hindu. 1 August 2003. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  96. ^ Malathi Rangarajan (31 January 2004). "Here, there, everywhere". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  97. ^ K Raghu (18 April 2006). "Serious! You can really reject a candidate". DNA India. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  98. ^ "'O Podu' is a social awareness movement". Gnani Sankaran. 1 October 2010. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014.
  99. ^ "Rule 49-O of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961" (PDF). Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 June 2014.
  100. ^ "The Conduct of Election Rules 1961". Ministry of Law and Justice. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014.
  101. ^ G. C. Shekhar (8 May 2006). "Wanna reject all candidates? Press O button". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013.
  102. ^ "ஓ போட்ட விக்ரம் பி போட சொல்கிறார்!! (O Podu Vikram calls for B Podu!!)". Dinamalar (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gemini_(2002_film)&oldid=616263930"