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===Development===
===Development===
In early 2007, it was reported that director [[Boopathy Pandian]] would direct a film written by his assistant, Seenu Vasan, with [[Ajith Kumar]] expected to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/30328.html |title=Ajith on the move – Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=5 April 2007 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> The film was briefly postponed as Ajith had to complete his remaining projects and soon Boopathy Pandian confirmed otherwise and revealed that the film would actually be made by Rajakaliamman Films with [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] and [[Nayantara]] in the lead roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/33489.html |title=Nayantara opposite Vikram – Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=10 September 2007 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/videos-q1-09/director-interview/suseendiran-22-12-2011.html |title=Suseendiran - Tamil Cinema Director Interview - Suseendiran &#124; Rajapattai &#124; Vikram &#124; Deeksha Seth |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> However Vikram's commitment to ''[[Kanthaswamy]]'' and ''[[Raavanan]]'' resulted in the film eventually becoming shelved. In late 2010, Vikram was forced to pull out of his film with director [[Selvaraghavan]] after the project was shelved too and gave dates to a new venture produced by the same studio, for a film to be directed by [[Suseenthiran]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-drops-selva-grabs-suseendran-news-tamil-km5l6Xbbfie.html |title=Vikram drops Selva, grabs Suseendran |publisher=Sify.com |date=31 December 2010 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Reports emerged that the film would be titled ''Vendhan'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/66564.html |title=Yuvan to score Chiyaan's ''Vendhan'' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> but this was dismissed by the director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/66822.html |title=Not ''Vendhan''... |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=18 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> The director initially wanted to experiment with a new script but to make use of the actor's tight schedules he chose to use Seenu's original script. The new title of the film, "''Rajapattai''" was eventually released in May 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67266.html |title=Vikram walks on ''Raja Pattai'' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-02/news-interviews/29612443_1_vikram-film-chennai |title=Vikram to shoot in Chennai |work=The Times of India |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> with the first schedule planned to begin in early June.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-04/news-interviews/29620490_1_vikram-mani-ratnam-s-raavan-raavanan |title=Vikram goes back to romance |work=The Times of India|date=4 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> A first press meet was held on 6 June 2011 with the entire crew being present. Kanakaratna Ramesh was to produce the film,<ref name="autogenerated1"/> however his teenage sons Pratish and Santosh were eventually revealed to be producers, launching their own banner named SP Creations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/raja-pattai-team-meets-the-press-news-tamil-lghlnWajcag.html |title=Raja Pattai team meets the press |publisher=Sify.com |date=20 June 2007 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Suseenthiran disclosed that the film would be a "full-fledged commercial" [[masala (film genre)|masala film]], with action, comedy and romance,<ref name="indiaglitz1">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67416.html |title=FIR on Vikram's ''Rajapattai'' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-11-01/rajapattai-vikram-07-06-11.html |title=Vikram On Rajapaattai |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> further adding that the dialogues would be penned by Bhaskar Sakthi.<ref name="indiaglitz1"/> By September 2011, reports confirmed that the film had been taken over by Prasad V. Potluri's PVP Cinemas, after Ramesh faced financial restraints.<ref name="autogenerated2"/>
In early 2007, it was reported that director [[Boopathy Pandian]] would direct a film written by his assistant, Seenu Vasan, with [[Ajith Kumar]] expected to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/30328.html |title=Ajith on the move – Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=5 April 2007 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> The film was briefly postponed as Ajith had to complete his remaining projects and soon Boopathy Pandian confirmed otherwise and revealed that the film would actually be made by Rajakaliamman Films with [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] and [[Nayantara]] in the lead roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/33489.html |title=Nayantara opposite Vikram – Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=10 September 2007 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/videos-q1-09/director-interview/suseendiran-22-12-2011.html |title=Suseendiran - Tamil Cinema Director Interview - Suseendiran &#124; Rajapattai &#124; Vikram &#124; Deeksha Seth |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> However Vikram's commitment to ''[[Kanthaswamy]]'' and ''[[Raavanan]]'' resulted in the film eventually becoming shelved. In late 2010, Vikram was forced to pull out of his film with director [[Selvaraghavan]] after the project was shelved too and gave dates to a new venture produced by the same studio, for a film to be directed by [[Suseenthiran]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-drops-selva-grabs-suseendran-news-tamil-km5l6Xbbfie.html |title=Vikram drops Selva, grabs Suseendran |publisher=Sify.com |date=31 December 2010 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Reports emerged that the film would be titled ''Vendhan'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/66564.html |title=Yuvan to score Chiyaan's ''Vendhan'' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> but this was dismissed by the director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/66822.html |title=Not ''Vendhan''... |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=18 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> The director initially wanted to experiment with a new script but to make use of the actor's tight schedules he chose to use Seenu's original script. The new title of the film, "''Rajapattai''" was eventually released in May 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67266.html |title=Vikram walks on ''Raja Pattai'' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-02/news-interviews/29612443_1_vikram-film-chennai |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418040551/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-02/news-interviews/29612443_1_vikram-film-chennai |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2013 |title=Vikram to shoot in Chennai |date=2 June 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> with the first schedule planned to begin in early June.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-04/news-interviews/29620490_1_vikram-mani-ratnam-s-raavan-raavanan |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716040857/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-04/news-interviews/29620490_1_vikram-mani-ratnam-s-raavan-raavanan |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |title=Vikram goes back to romance |date=4 June 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> A first press meet was held on 6 June 2011 with the entire crew being present. Kanakaratna Ramesh was to produce the film,<ref name="autogenerated1"/> however his teenage sons Pratish and Santosh were eventually revealed to be producers, launching their own banner named SP Creations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/raja-pattai-team-meets-the-press-news-tamil-lghlnWajcag.html |title=Raja Pattai team meets the press |publisher=Sify.com |date=20 June 2007 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Suseenthiran disclosed that the film would be a "full-fledged commercial" [[masala (film genre)|masala film]], with action, comedy and romance,<ref name="indiaglitz1">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67416.html |title=FIR on Vikram's ''Rajapattai'' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-11-01/rajapattai-vikram-07-06-11.html |title=Vikram On Rajapaattai |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> further adding that the dialogues would be penned by Bhaskar Sakthi.<ref name="indiaglitz1"/> By September 2011, reports confirmed that the film had been taken over by Prasad V. Potluri's PVP Cinemas, after Ramesh faced financial restraints.<ref name="autogenerated2"/>


===Casting===
===Casting===
Reports suggested that the film would depict the relationship between a grandfather, played by [[K. Vishwanath]] and his grandson played by Vikram. Furthermore, the film was supposed to feature Vikram in dual roles as father and son,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-11-05/vikram-dheeksha-seth-31-05-11.html |title=Vikram's Latest Gimmick! |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=31 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67181.html |title=Vikram to don dual roles in Suseendran's next |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=31 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> however the news was denied by sources, which confirmed that Vikram was to essay dual roles initially, but since the script had been reworked, he would play only one character.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/news-interviews/29607973_1_vikram-dual-role-honorary-doctorate |title=No dual role for Vikram |work=The Times of India |date=1 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.in.88db.com/index.php/movie/movie-news/10135-vikrams-vendhan-is-now-raja-pattai |title=Vikram's ''Vendhan'' is now 'Raja Pattai' |publisher=Reviews.in.88db.com |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Vikram was revealed to play a [[stunt man]] who aspires to become a noted [[villain]] in the film industry,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-11-03/vikram-rajapattai-17-09-11.html |title=The Other Side Of Vikram Revealed! |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> with the makers adding that his character had negative shades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-11-04/vikram-suseenthiran-26-09-11.html |title=The Latest On Vikram Film |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama |last=Subramanian |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/vikram-aspiring-villain-924 |title=Vikram is an aspiring villain |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=29 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/73384.html |title=Latest on Vikram's 'Rajapattai' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In March 2011, [[Deeksha Seth]] confirmed her presence in the film,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-01/news-interviews/28642965_1_kollywood-deeksha-seth-film |title=Deeksha to begin Kollywood career |work=The Times of India |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> citing that she would portray the leading female role of an [[IT professional]].<ref name="thehindu1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2082863.ece |title=Off-beat film maker Suseendran changes tack |work=The Hindu|date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> For a parallel lead female role, [[Amala Paul]] was signed on, but was forced to pull out due to schedule problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/an-ace-up-amala-s-sleeve-news-tamil-lbzrJLahjih.html |title=An ace up Amala's sleeve! |publisher=Sify.com |date=25 January 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Sources reported that [[Mithra Kurian]] was then signed on for the film for her second big Tamil venture after ''[[Kaavalan]]'',<ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama |last=Subramanian |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/others/mithra-kurien-team-chiyaan-vikram-324 |title=Mithra Kurien to team up with Chiyaan Vikram |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=7 April 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> after discussions with [[Abhinaya (actress)|Abhinaya]] were unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinefundas.com/2011/01/11/vikram-trilingual-flick-with-singanamala-ramesh |title=Vikram Trilingual flick with Singanamala Ramesh |publisher=Cinefundas.com |date=11 January 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> However, the reports turned out to be false. [[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]], best known for his performance in ''[[Ghajini (2005 film)|Ghajini]]'', was selected to play the main [[antagonist]] in the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-27/news-interviews/30207703_1_dual-role-films-kollywood |title=Action all the way for Pradeep Rawat |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> Actresses [[Shriya Saran]] and [[Reemma Sen]], who had both worked together with Vikram earlier, were roped in to perform an [[item number]] together,<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-to-sizzle-with-reema-shriya-news-tamil-ljtqJXeigah.html |title=Vikram to sizzle with Reema & Shriya! |publisher=[[Sify]] |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> after attempts to sign [[Hansika Motwani]], who was reportedly offered {{INR}} 12&nbsp;million for the role,<ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama|last=Subramanian|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/hansika-motwani-offered-rs-12cr-item-song-102 |title=Hansika Motwani offered Rs 1.2cr for item song |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> had failed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-18/news-interviews/30169511_1_song-hansika-meher-ramesh |title=Hansika turns down '1cr for item song |work=[[The Times of India]] |date= 18 September 2011|access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In late October, [[National Film Award (India)|National Film Award]]-winner [[Thambi Ramaiah]] as well as cinematographer-turned-actor Aruldass, who had also played a pivotal role in the director's ''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (2010 film)|Naan Mahaan Alla]]'', were roped in for other supporting roles.<ref name="thehindu1"/> Suseenthiran also confirmed that he would rejoin with the ''Naan Mahaan Alla'' crew, with [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], [[R. Madhi]] and Mu. Kasi Viswanathan taking care of the music, cinematography and editing, respectively.
Reports suggested that the film would depict the relationship between a grandfather, played by [[K. Vishwanath]] and his grandson played by Vikram. Furthermore, the film was supposed to feature Vikram in dual roles as father and son,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-11-05/vikram-dheeksha-seth-31-05-11.html |title=Vikram's Latest Gimmick! |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=31 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67181.html |title=Vikram to don dual roles in Suseendran's next |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=31 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> however the news was denied by sources, which confirmed that Vikram was to essay dual roles initially, but since the script had been reworked, he would play only one character.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/news-interviews/29607973_1_vikram-dual-role-honorary-doctorate |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120726092545/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/news-interviews/29607973_1_vikram-dual-role-honorary-doctorate |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 July 2012 |title=No dual role for Vikram |date=1 June 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.in.88db.com/index.php/movie/movie-news/10135-vikrams-vendhan-is-now-raja-pattai |title=Vikram's ''Vendhan'' is now 'Raja Pattai' |publisher=Reviews.in.88db.com |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Vikram was revealed to play a [[stunt man]] who aspires to become a noted [[villain]] in the film industry,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-11-03/vikram-rajapattai-17-09-11.html |title=The Other Side Of Vikram Revealed! |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> with the makers adding that his character had negative shades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-11-04/vikram-suseenthiran-26-09-11.html |title=The Latest On Vikram Film |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama |last=Subramanian |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/vikram-aspiring-villain-924 |title=Vikram is an aspiring villain |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=29 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/73384.html |title=Latest on Vikram's 'Rajapattai' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In March 2011, [[Deeksha Seth]] confirmed her presence in the film,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-01/news-interviews/28642965_1_kollywood-deeksha-seth-film |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612050052/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-01/news-interviews/28642965_1_kollywood-deeksha-seth-film |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 June 2012 |title=Deeksha to begin Kollywood career |date=1 March 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> citing that she would portray the leading female role of an [[IT professional]].<ref name="thehindu1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2082863.ece |title=Off-beat film maker Suseendran changes tack |work=The Hindu|date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> For a parallel lead female role, [[Amala Paul]] was signed on, but was forced to pull out due to schedule problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/an-ace-up-amala-s-sleeve-news-tamil-lbzrJLahjih.html |title=An ace up Amala's sleeve! |publisher=Sify.com |date=25 January 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Sources reported that [[Mithra Kurian]] was then signed on for the film for her second big Tamil venture after ''[[Kaavalan]]'',<ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama |last=Subramanian |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/others/mithra-kurien-team-chiyaan-vikram-324 |title=Mithra Kurien to team up with Chiyaan Vikram |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=7 April 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> after discussions with [[Abhinaya (actress)|Abhinaya]] were unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinefundas.com/2011/01/11/vikram-trilingual-flick-with-singanamala-ramesh |title=Vikram Trilingual flick with Singanamala Ramesh |publisher=Cinefundas.com |date=11 January 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> However, the reports turned out to be false. [[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]], best known for his performance in ''[[Ghajini (2005 film)|Ghajini]]'', was selected to play the main [[antagonist]] in the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-27/news-interviews/30207703_1_dual-role-films-kollywood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220011753/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-27/news-interviews/30207703_1_dual-role-films-kollywood |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 December 2011 |title=Action all the way for Pradeep Rawat |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> Actresses [[Shriya Saran]] and [[Reemma Sen]], who had both worked together with Vikram earlier, were roped in to perform an [[item number]] together,<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-to-sizzle-with-reema-shriya-news-tamil-ljtqJXeigah.html |title=Vikram to sizzle with Reema & Shriya! |publisher=[[Sify]] |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> after attempts to sign [[Hansika Motwani]], who was reportedly offered {{INR}} 12&nbsp;million for the role,<ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama|last=Subramanian|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/hansika-motwani-offered-rs-12cr-item-song-102 |title=Hansika Motwani offered Rs 1.2cr for item song |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> had failed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-18/news-interviews/30169511_1_song-hansika-meher-ramesh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011010402/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-18/news-interviews/30169511_1_song-hansika-meher-ramesh |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2011 |title=Hansika turns down '1cr for item song |work=[[The Times of India]] |date= 18 September 2011|access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In late October, [[National Film Award (India)|National Film Award]]-winner [[Thambi Ramaiah]] as well as cinematographer-turned-actor Aruldass, who had also played a pivotal role in the director's ''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (2010 film)|Naan Mahaan Alla]]'', were roped in for other supporting roles.<ref name="thehindu1"/> Suseenthiran also confirmed that he would rejoin with the ''Naan Mahaan Alla'' crew, with [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], [[R. Madhi]] and Mu. Kasi Viswanathan taking care of the music, cinematography and editing, respectively.


===Filming===
===Filming===
Filming began in June 2011, with the first schedule, during which filming was held in and around Chennai, lasting for 60 days.<ref name="indiaglitz2">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67266.html |title=Vikram walks on 'Raja Pattai' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In August 2011, the first song was shot for five days in [[Mahabalipuram]], with Vikram, Deeksha Seth and fifty back-up dancers participating.<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-30/news-interviews/29944904_1_deeksha-seth-vikram-gym-instructor |title=Deeksha, Vikram hit the beach! |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=30 August 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> The team subsequently shot scenes in a set worth {{INR}} 4&nbsp;million that was erected at Senthil Studios in Saligramam, Chennai,<ref name="indiatimes1"/> while the next schedule was to be shot in [[Thiruvannaamalai]] and [[Pondicherry (city)|Pondicherry]].<ref name="indiatimes1"/> In October 2011, filming was held near the [[Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute|Ramachandra Medical College]] in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-11-02/vikram-11-10-11.html |title=Raja Pattai Team Spotted! |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=11 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> Few days later, the crew was shooting a song and several stunt sequences near [[Karaikudi]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-15/news-interviews/30283443_1_vikram-and-deeksha-seth-film-music |title=Vikram & Suseenthiran shoot near Karaikudi |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> and later in [[Kumbakonam]].<ref name="indiatimes2">{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Rs-3-crore-climax-for-Rajapattai/articleshow/10399193.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Rs 3 crore climax for Rajapattai}}</ref> The [[wikt:climax#Noun|climax]] scene that was canned for eight days at the Binny Mills in Chennai,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-s-rajapattai-nears-completion-news-tamil-lkvj7dffefd.html |title=Vikram's Rajapattai nears completion! |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> had reportedly cost approximately {{INR}} 30&nbsp;million.<ref name="indiatimes2"/><ref>{{cite web|first= Nidhi R.|last= Daiya|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/chennai/kollywoods-urge-splurge-111 |title=Kollywood's urge to splurge |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=1 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> During the last week of October and early November, [[Saloni Aswani]], who had previously starred in ''[[Madurai Veeran]]'', was shooting for the song "Villadhi Villain" along with Vikram at the [[AVM Studios]], Chennai.<ref>http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/saloni's-back-tamil-films-item-number-323</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/saloni-shakes-a-leg-with-vikram-for-rajapattai-news-tamil-llbrgkdeeeb.html |title=Saloni shakes a leg with Vikram for Rajapattai |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> The [[item number]], featuring [[Shriya Saran]] and [[Reemma Sen]], was initially to be filmed in Japan,<ref name="autogenerated3"/> however, since Suseenthiran was not satisfied with the locations, he decided to can it in [[Lucca]], Italy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-01/news-interviews/30350709_1_vikram-italian-job-director-suseenthiran |title=Suseenthiran's Italian job |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=1 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-11-03/rajapattai-vikram-19-11-11.html|title=Shriya, Reemma shoot for the special song with Vikram|publisher=Behindwoods|access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118047607 | work=Variety | first=Nick | last=Vivarelli | title=Tuscany welcomes Chinese soap opera | date=17 December 2011}}</ref> Other locations in Italy where filming was held include [[Volterra]], [[Monteriggioni]] and [[Montecatini Terme]].<ref>http://archivio-radiocor.ilsole24ore.com/articolo-1004990/toscana-set-cinematografici-due-mega/ {{in lang|it}}</ref>
Filming began in June 2011, with the first schedule, during which filming was held in and around Chennai, lasting for 60 days.<ref name="indiaglitz2">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67266.html |title=Vikram walks on 'Raja Pattai' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In August 2011, the first song was shot for five days in [[Mahabalipuram]], with Vikram, Deeksha Seth and fifty back-up dancers participating.<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-30/news-interviews/29944904_1_deeksha-seth-vikram-gym-instructor |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104114844/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-30/news-interviews/29944904_1_deeksha-seth-vikram-gym-instructor |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Deeksha, Vikram hit the beach! |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=30 August 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> The team subsequently shot scenes in a set worth {{INR}} 4&nbsp;million that was erected at Senthil Studios in Saligramam, Chennai,<ref name="indiatimes1"/> while the next schedule was to be shot in [[Thiruvannaamalai]] and [[Pondicherry (city)|Pondicherry]].<ref name="indiatimes1"/> In October 2011, filming was held near the [[Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute|Ramachandra Medical College]] in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-11-02/vikram-11-10-11.html |title=Raja Pattai Team Spotted! |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=11 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> Few days later, the crew was shooting a song and several stunt sequences near [[Karaikudi]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-15/news-interviews/30283443_1_vikram-and-deeksha-seth-film-music |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714093616/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-15/news-interviews/30283443_1_vikram-and-deeksha-seth-film-music |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2012 |title=Vikram & Suseenthiran shoot near Karaikudi |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> and later in [[Kumbakonam]].<ref name="indiatimes2">{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Rs-3-crore-climax-for-Rajapattai/articleshow/10399193.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Rs 3 crore climax for Rajapattai}}</ref> The [[wikt:climax#Noun|climax]] scene that was canned for eight days at the Binny Mills in Chennai,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-s-rajapattai-nears-completion-news-tamil-lkvj7dffefd.html |title=Vikram's Rajapattai nears completion! |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> had reportedly cost approximately {{INR}} 30&nbsp;million.<ref name="indiatimes2"/><ref>{{cite web|first= Nidhi R.|last= Daiya|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/chennai/kollywoods-urge-splurge-111 |title=Kollywood's urge to splurge |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=1 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> During the last week of October and early November, [[Saloni Aswani]], who had previously starred in ''[[Madurai Veeran]]'', was shooting for the song "Villadhi Villain" along with Vikram at the [[AVM Studios]], Chennai.<ref>http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/saloni's-back-tamil-films-item-number-323</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/saloni-shakes-a-leg-with-vikram-for-rajapattai-news-tamil-llbrgkdeeeb.html |title=Saloni shakes a leg with Vikram for Rajapattai |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> The [[item number]], featuring [[Shriya Saran]] and [[Reemma Sen]], was initially to be filmed in Japan,<ref name="autogenerated3"/> however, since Suseenthiran was not satisfied with the locations, he decided to can it in [[Lucca]], Italy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-01/news-interviews/30350709_1_vikram-italian-job-director-suseenthiran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418040625/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-01/news-interviews/30350709_1_vikram-italian-job-director-suseenthiran |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2013 |title=Suseenthiran's Italian job |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=1 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-11-03/rajapattai-vikram-19-11-11.html|title=Shriya, Reemma shoot for the special song with Vikram|publisher=Behindwoods|access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118047607 | work=Variety | first=Nick | last=Vivarelli | title=Tuscany welcomes Chinese soap opera | date=17 December 2011}}</ref> Other locations in Italy where filming was held include [[Volterra]], [[Monteriggioni]] and [[Montecatini Terme]].<ref>http://archivio-radiocor.ilsole24ore.com/articolo-1004990/toscana-set-cinematografici-due-mega/ {{in lang|it}}</ref>


==Music==
==Music==
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}}
}}


''Rajapattai''{{'s}} score and soundtrack are composed by [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], becoming his first work for a [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]]-starrer.<ref name="indiaglitz2"/> Since Yuvan Shankar Raja's previous single tracks from ''[[Vaanam]]'' and ''[[Mankatha]]'' had met with success,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-11-01/yuvan-vikram-07-10-11.html |title=Yuvan On A Hat – Trick? |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=7 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> the team planned to release a single track from ''Rajapattai'', too, by late October.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yuvan on a hat – trick?|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-11-01/yuvan-vikram-07-10-11.html|date=7 October 2011|publisher=Behindwoods.com|access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> However, the plan did not materialize. The final mixing of the songs was planned to be held in [[London]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-20/news-interviews/30302357_1_composers-music-audio-labels |title=Kollywood: Not on track |work=[[Times of India]] |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref>
''Rajapattai''{{'s}} score and soundtrack are composed by [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], becoming his first work for a [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]]-starrer.<ref name="indiaglitz2"/> Since Yuvan Shankar Raja's previous single tracks from ''[[Vaanam]]'' and ''[[Mankatha]]'' had met with success,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-11-01/yuvan-vikram-07-10-11.html |title=Yuvan On A Hat – Trick? |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=7 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> the team planned to release a single track from ''Rajapattai'', too, by late October.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yuvan on a hat – trick?|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-11-01/yuvan-vikram-07-10-11.html|date=7 October 2011|publisher=Behindwoods.com|access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> However, the plan did not materialize. The final mixing of the songs was planned to be held in [[London]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-20/news-interviews/30302357_1_composers-music-audio-labels |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206100902/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-20/news-interviews/30302357_1_composers-music-audio-labels |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 December 2013 |title=Kollywood: Not on track |date=20 October 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref>


The album's Telugu version was launched first on 7 December 2011 at Taj Deccan in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], [[Andhra Pradesh]] by director [[V. V. Vinayak]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/veedinthe-music-launched-news-news-lmim54cebia.html?scategory=telugu |title=Veedinthe music launched |publisher=Sify.com |date=8 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> with other noted Telugu film directors [[S. S. Rajamouli]], [[Krish (director)|Krish]] and badminton player [[Jwala Gutta]] being present along with the cast and crew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-veedinthe.html |title=Veedinthe (by birth) music launch – Telugu cinema |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=7 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-15/hyderabad/30516482_1_jwala-gutta-shuttler-vip-treatment | work=The Times of India | title=Jwala Gutta becomes a regular at filmi events | date=15 December 2011}}</ref> The original Tamil version was released two days later at the [[Anna Centenary Library|Anna Centenary Auditorium]] in [[Kotturpuram]], [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-audio-launched-news-tamil-lmkjFzgbggf.html?scategory=tamil |title=Rajapattai audio launched |publisher=Sify.com |date=11 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/75291.html |title=Vikram's 'Rajapattai' audio launched! – Bollywood Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=10 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
The album's Telugu version was launched first on 7 December 2011 at Taj Deccan in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], [[Andhra Pradesh]] by director [[V. V. Vinayak]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/veedinthe-music-launched-news-news-lmim54cebia.html?scategory=telugu |title=Veedinthe music launched |publisher=Sify.com |date=8 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> with other noted Telugu film directors [[S. S. Rajamouli]], [[Krish (director)|Krish]] and badminton player [[Jwala Gutta]] being present along with the cast and crew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-veedinthe.html |title=Veedinthe (by birth) music launch – Telugu cinema |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=7 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-15/hyderabad/30516482_1_jwala-gutta-shuttler-vip-treatment | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715132918/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-15/hyderabad/30516482_1_jwala-gutta-shuttler-vip-treatment | url-status=dead | archive-date=15 July 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Jwala Gutta becomes a regular at filmi events | date=15 December 2011}}</ref> The original Tamil version was released two days later at the [[Anna Centenary Library|Anna Centenary Auditorium]] in [[Kotturpuram]], [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-audio-launched-news-tamil-lmkjFzgbggf.html?scategory=tamil |title=Rajapattai audio launched |publisher=Sify.com |date=11 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/75291.html |title=Vikram's 'Rajapattai' audio launched! – Bollywood Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=10 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>


The soundtrack album features five tracks, with the first song ("Podi Paiyan Polave") being repeated at the end. As reported earlier,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/71621.html |title=Vikram's 'Rajapattai' joins the single bandwagon |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-11-04/vikram-yuvan-27-09-11.html |title=Yuvan To Make Vikram Sing Again? |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> Vikram had performed the song "Laddu Laddu" in both languages. The song "Paniye Pani Poove" was co-sung by Renu Kannan, one of the finalists of the [[Airtel Super Singer 2008|second season]] of the [[reality|reality-based]] singing competition ''[[Airtel Super Singer]]''.
The soundtrack album features five tracks, with the first song ("Podi Paiyan Polave") being repeated at the end. As reported earlier,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/71621.html |title=Vikram's 'Rajapattai' joins the single bandwagon |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-11-04/vikram-yuvan-27-09-11.html |title=Yuvan To Make Vikram Sing Again? |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> Vikram had performed the song "Laddu Laddu" in both languages. The song "Paniye Pani Poove" was co-sung by Renu Kannan, one of the finalists of the [[Airtel Super Singer 2008|second season]] of the [[reality|reality-based]] singing competition ''[[Airtel Super Singer]]''.
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===Critical response===
===Critical response===
''Behindwoods'' gave the film 2.5 out of 5 and wrote that it was "only for Vikram's fans and action lovers" and also stated 'Rajapattai is popcorn in its flavor'.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAJAPATTAI MOVIE REVIEW|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/dec-11-04/rajapattai-review.html}}</ref> Pavithra Srinivasan from ''[[Rediff]]'' described the film as bland, adding that it was "just an actor's quest for superstardom, and is a disappointing fare", giving it 2 out of 5.<ref>{{cite web|title=Movie Review: Rajapattai|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-rajapattai/20111223.htm}}</ref> ''[[Sify]]'' wrote: "This old-fashioned masala entertainer is enjoyable in parts. It is vintage Vikram coupled with rich production values that makes ''Rajapattai'' watchable, despite its obvious flaws".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-review-tamil-14986546.html |title=Movie Review:Rajapattai |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://archive.is/mgiZP|archive-date=28 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rohit Ramachandran of Nowrunning.com rated Rajapattai 1/5 calling it "a trashy commercial".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/9577/tamil/rajapattai/3491/review.htm |title=Rajapattai Review – Tamil Movie Review by Rohit Ramachandran |publisher=Nowrunning.com |date=23 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> CNN-IBN rated 2 out of 5 and wrote that it was a "road unfit to travel".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120107195322/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-review-rajapattai--a-road-unfit-for-travel/214771-8-68.html</ref> Chennaionline noted: "Had Suseenthiran managed to keep an element of suspense somewhere in the script, the film could have been more watchable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chennaionline.com/movies/movie-reviews/20114224024221/Movie-Review--Rajapattai.col |title=Movie Review : 'Rajapattai' &#124; Movie Review – Movies |publisher=ChennaiOnline |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
''Behindwoods'' gave the film 2.5 out of 5 and wrote that it was "only for Vikram's fans and action lovers" and also stated 'Rajapattai is popcorn in its flavor'.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAJAPATTAI MOVIE REVIEW|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/dec-11-04/rajapattai-review.html}}</ref> Pavithra Srinivasan from ''[[Rediff]]'' described the film as bland, adding that it was "just an actor's quest for superstardom, and is a disappointing fare", giving it 2 out of 5.<ref>{{cite web|title=Movie Review: Rajapattai|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-rajapattai/20111223.htm}}</ref> ''[[Sify]]'' wrote: "This old-fashioned masala entertainer is enjoyable in parts. It is vintage Vikram coupled with rich production values that makes ''Rajapattai'' watchable, despite its obvious flaws".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-review-tamil-14986546.html |title=Movie Review:Rajapattai |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628032228/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-review-tamil-14986546.html|archive-date=28 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rohit Ramachandran of Nowrunning.com rated Rajapattai 1/5 calling it "a trashy commercial".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/9577/tamil/rajapattai/3491/review.htm |title=Rajapattai Review – Tamil Movie Review by Rohit Ramachandran |publisher=Nowrunning.com |date=23 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> CNN-IBN rated 2 out of 5 and wrote that it was a "road unfit to travel".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120107195322/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-review-rajapattai--a-road-unfit-for-travel/214771-8-68.html</ref> Chennaionline noted: "Had Suseenthiran managed to keep an element of suspense somewhere in the script, the film could have been more watchable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chennaionline.com/movies/movie-reviews/20114224024221/Movie-Review--Rajapattai.col |title=Movie Review : 'Rajapattai' &#124; Movie Review – Movies |publisher=ChennaiOnline |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 17:00, 16 April 2021

Rajapattai
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySuseenthiran
Written byBhaskar Sakthi (Dialogues)
Screenplay bySuseenthiran
Story byAasim Tiger
Produced byPrasad V. Potluri
Starring
CinematographyR. Madhi
Edited byKasi Viswanathan
Music byYuvan Shankar Raja
Production
company
Distributed byGemini Film Circuit[1]
Release date
  • 23 December 2011 (2011-12-23) (India)
[1]
Running time
133 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget₹390 million[2]
Box office₹27 million

Rajapattai (transl. King's path) is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film co-written and directed by Suseenthiran based on a story by Seenu Vasan.[3] The film stars Vikram and Deeksha Seth. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, the film is produced by Prasad V. Potluri's newly launched PVP Cinema on a budget of ₹390 million (US$4.7 million).[2] The story revolves around the issue of land grabbing and how the protagonist becomes involved in it.[4] The film was also dubbed into Telugu and was released as Veedinthe on 30 December 2011 and into Hindi as Main Hoon Dada No.1 in 2013.[5]

Synopsis

'Anal' Murugan (Vikram), a gym boy who dreams of becoming a successful villain in films, lives along with Shanmugham (Thambi Ramaiah) and his gym co-boys. He bumps into an old man Dakshinamoorthy (K. Viswanath), who is under pressure from his son Chidambaram (Avinash) to sell his orphanage to a scheming lady politician Ranganayaki (Shanoor Sana), who is majorly into land grabbing along with her hatchet man 'Vaappa' Abdul Kadhir (Pradeep Rawat). Murugan eventually falls in love with Dharshini (Deeksha Seth). Murugan becomes Dakshinamoorthy's savior as Ranganayaki and her men are after them. How Murugan single-handedly fights Ranganayaki and brings her to light forms the rest of the story.

Cast

Production

Development

In early 2007, it was reported that director Boopathy Pandian would direct a film written by his assistant, Seenu Vasan, with Ajith Kumar expected to play the lead role.[6] The film was briefly postponed as Ajith had to complete his remaining projects and soon Boopathy Pandian confirmed otherwise and revealed that the film would actually be made by Rajakaliamman Films with Vikram and Nayantara in the lead roles.[7][8] However Vikram's commitment to Kanthaswamy and Raavanan resulted in the film eventually becoming shelved. In late 2010, Vikram was forced to pull out of his film with director Selvaraghavan after the project was shelved too and gave dates to a new venture produced by the same studio, for a film to be directed by Suseenthiran.[9] Reports emerged that the film would be titled Vendhan,[10] but this was dismissed by the director.[11] The director initially wanted to experiment with a new script but to make use of the actor's tight schedules he chose to use Seenu's original script. The new title of the film, "Rajapattai" was eventually released in May 2011,[12][13] with the first schedule planned to begin in early June.[14] A first press meet was held on 6 June 2011 with the entire crew being present. Kanakaratna Ramesh was to produce the film,[9] however his teenage sons Pratish and Santosh were eventually revealed to be producers, launching their own banner named SP Creations.[15] Suseenthiran disclosed that the film would be a "full-fledged commercial" masala film, with action, comedy and romance,[16][17] further adding that the dialogues would be penned by Bhaskar Sakthi.[16] By September 2011, reports confirmed that the film had been taken over by Prasad V. Potluri's PVP Cinemas, after Ramesh faced financial restraints.[2]

Casting

Reports suggested that the film would depict the relationship between a grandfather, played by K. Vishwanath and his grandson played by Vikram. Furthermore, the film was supposed to feature Vikram in dual roles as father and son,[18][19] however the news was denied by sources, which confirmed that Vikram was to essay dual roles initially, but since the script had been reworked, he would play only one character.[20][21] Vikram was revealed to play a stunt man who aspires to become a noted villain in the film industry,[22] with the makers adding that his character had negative shades.[23][24][25] In March 2011, Deeksha Seth confirmed her presence in the film,[26] citing that she would portray the leading female role of an IT professional.[27] For a parallel lead female role, Amala Paul was signed on, but was forced to pull out due to schedule problems.[28] Sources reported that Mithra Kurian was then signed on for the film for her second big Tamil venture after Kaavalan,[29] after discussions with Abhinaya were unsuccessful.[30] However, the reports turned out to be false. Pradeep Rawat, best known for his performance in Ghajini, was selected to play the main antagonist in the film.[31] Actresses Shriya Saran and Reemma Sen, who had both worked together with Vikram earlier, were roped in to perform an item number together,[32] after attempts to sign Hansika Motwani, who was reportedly offered ₹ 12 million for the role,[33] had failed.[34] In late October, National Film Award-winner Thambi Ramaiah as well as cinematographer-turned-actor Aruldass, who had also played a pivotal role in the director's Naan Mahaan Alla, were roped in for other supporting roles.[27] Suseenthiran also confirmed that he would rejoin with the Naan Mahaan Alla crew, with Yuvan Shankar Raja, R. Madhi and Mu. Kasi Viswanathan taking care of the music, cinematography and editing, respectively.

Filming

Filming began in June 2011, with the first schedule, during which filming was held in and around Chennai, lasting for 60 days.[35] In August 2011, the first song was shot for five days in Mahabalipuram, with Vikram, Deeksha Seth and fifty back-up dancers participating.[36] The team subsequently shot scenes in a set worth ₹ 4 million that was erected at Senthil Studios in Saligramam, Chennai,[36] while the next schedule was to be shot in Thiruvannaamalai and Pondicherry.[36] In October 2011, filming was held near the Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai.[37] Few days later, the crew was shooting a song and several stunt sequences near Karaikudi,[38] and later in Kumbakonam.[39] The climax scene that was canned for eight days at the Binny Mills in Chennai,[40] had reportedly cost approximately ₹ 30 million.[39][41] During the last week of October and early November, Saloni Aswani, who had previously starred in Madurai Veeran, was shooting for the song "Villadhi Villain" along with Vikram at the AVM Studios, Chennai.[42][43] The item number, featuring Shriya Saran and Reemma Sen, was initially to be filmed in Japan,[32] however, since Suseenthiran was not satisfied with the locations, he decided to can it in Lucca, Italy.[44][45][46] Other locations in Italy where filming was held include Volterra, Monteriggioni and Montecatini Terme.[47]

Music

Rajapattai
Soundtrack album by
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Released
  • 7 December 2011 (Telugu version)
  • 9 December 2011 (Tamil version)
Recorded2011
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length23:10
LanguageTamil
LabelGemini Audio
ProducerYuvan Shankar Raja
Yuvan Shankar Raja chronology
Kazhugu
(2012) 		Rajapattai
(00000043) 		Vettai
(2012)

Rajapattai's score and soundtrack are composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, becoming his first work for a Vikram-starrer.[35] Since Yuvan Shankar Raja's previous single tracks from Vaanam and Mankatha had met with success,[48] the team planned to release a single track from Rajapattai, too, by late October.[49] However, the plan did not materialize. The final mixing of the songs was planned to be held in London.[50]

The album's Telugu version was launched first on 7 December 2011 at Taj Deccan in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh by director V. V. Vinayak,[51] with other noted Telugu film directors S. S. Rajamouli, Krish and badminton player Jwala Gutta being present along with the cast and crew.[52][53] The original Tamil version was released two days later at the Anna Centenary Auditorium in Kotturpuram, Chennai.[54][55]

The soundtrack album features five tracks, with the first song ("Podi Paiyan Polave") being repeated at the end. As reported earlier,[56][57] Vikram had performed the song "Laddu Laddu" in both languages. The song "Paniye Pani Poove" was co-sung by Renu Kannan, one of the finalists of the second season of the reality-based singing competition Airtel Super Singer.

All tracks are written by Yugabharathi

Track list
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Podi Paiyan Polave (I)"Haricharan04:36
2."Villathi Villain"Mano, Malathi04:34
3."Paniye Panipoove"Javed Ali, Renu Kannan04:51
4."Laddu Laddu Rendu Laddu"Vikram, Suchitra, Priyadarshini04:37
5."Podi Paiyan Polave (II)"Haricharan04:36
Total length:23:10

Release

In early November 2011, reports confirmed that Sun Pictures had bought the domestical distribution rights of the film.[58] However two weeks later, Sun Pictures cancelled the deal and opted out.[59] Subsequently, Gemini Film Circuit acquired the theatrical release rights, confirming the film' release for the Christmas weekend on 23 December 2011.[60][61] The Telugu version would be released one week later, distributed by Suresh Movies.[62] The film released about 500+ screens worldwide.

The film accounted for 64% of the takings in Chennai box office in its second weekend.[63]

Reception

Critical response

Behindwoods gave the film 2.5 out of 5 and wrote that it was "only for Vikram's fans and action lovers" and also stated 'Rajapattai is popcorn in its flavor'.[64] Pavithra Srinivasan from Rediff described the film as bland, adding that it was "just an actor's quest for superstardom, and is a disappointing fare", giving it 2 out of 5.[65] Sify wrote: "This old-fashioned masala entertainer is enjoyable in parts. It is vintage Vikram coupled with rich production values that makes Rajapattai watchable, despite its obvious flaws".[66] Rohit Ramachandran of Nowrunning.com rated Rajapattai 1/5 calling it "a trashy commercial".[67] CNN-IBN rated 2 out of 5 and wrote that it was a "road unfit to travel".[68] Chennaionline noted: "Had Suseenthiran managed to keep an element of suspense somewhere in the script, the film could have been more watchable".[69]

References

  1. ^ a b "'Rajapattai': Under Gemini Film Circuit".
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  3. ^ "FIR on Vikram's 'Rajapattai'". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  4. ^ "Tough guy, Vikram!". Daily News and Analysis. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
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  33. ^ Subramanian, Anupama (17 September 2011). "Hansika Motwani offered Rs 1.2cr for item song". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
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  42. ^ http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/saloni's-back-tamil-films-item-number-323
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  46. ^ Vivarelli, Nick (17 December 2011). "Tuscany welcomes Chinese soap opera". Variety.
  47. ^ http://archivio-radiocor.ilsole24ore.com/articolo-1004990/toscana-set-cinematografici-due-mega/ (in Italian)
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  50. ^ "Kollywood: Not on track". The Times of India. 20 October 2011. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
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  53. ^ "Jwala Gutta becomes a regular at filmi events". The Times of India. 15 December 2011. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012.
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  55. ^ "Vikram's 'Rajapattai' audio launched! – Bollywood Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  56. ^ "Vikram's 'Rajapattai' joins the single bandwagon". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
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  63. ^ Rajapattai remains No.1 in Chennai box office for second weekend
  64. ^ "RAJAPATTAI MOVIE REVIEW".
  65. ^ "Movie Review: Rajapattai".
  66. ^ "Movie Review:Rajapattai". Sify.com. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
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  68. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20120107195322/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-review-rajapattai--a-road-unfit-for-travel/214771-8-68.html
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