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Bheemaa

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For the Mahabharata character, see Bhima.

Bheemaa
Theatrical release poster
Directed byN. Linguswamy
Written byS. Ramakrishnan
N. Linguswamy
Produced byA. M. Rathnam
StarringVikram
Trisha
Prakash Raj
Raghuvaran
Ashish Vidyarthi
CinematographyR. D. Rajasekhar
Edited byAnthony
Music byHarris Jayaraj
Distributed bySri Surya Movies
Release date
  • 15 January 2008 (2008-01-15)
Running time
167 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Bheemaa is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language crime action film written and directed by N. Linguswamy, and produced by A. M. Rathnam. It stars Vikram, Trisha, Prakash Raj, Raghuvaran, and Ashish Vidyarthi. The film score and soundtrack was composed by Harris Jayaraj; whilst the cinematography was handled R. D. Rajasekhar, and edited by Anthony. After two years of production delays, the film was released on 15 January 2008,[1] to mixed reviews.[2]

Plot

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The movie revolves around two powerful gangs in Chennai, one led by Chinna and the other by Periyavar. Enmity prevails between both gangs, with frequent clashes happening as one gang tries to overpower the other. One day, when Periyavar's gang tries to kill Chinna, he is saved by Sekar. Chinna meets Sekar on a few more occasions and is impressed by his courage. Chinna feels Sekar to be his resemblance as he too possesses similar characteristics. Sekar reveals that he follows Chinna right from his childhood and adores him as a role model. Sekar joins Chinna's gang, and with his help, Chinna overpowers Periyavar in the city. Sekar wins Chinna's trust, and both get close to each other. This brings up jealousy to one of Chinna's gang men, and he hates Sekar. Sekar arranges Chinna's wedding with Padma, knowing that both were in love for each other. Chinna decided not to express his love after becoming a don, but they still get married. Meanwhile, Sekar befriends Shalini, and love blossoms between them

A new police commissioner is appointed to control violence in the city, and his first targets are Chinna and Periyavar. Sekar gives the necessary courage to Chinna and asks him not to fear the commissioner as he will always be there for protection. One day, Sekar and Shalu decide to get married. Shalu's parents will not agree for this wedding, so Shalu decides to elope with Sekar. Meanwhile, the police department secretly plans to encounter both Chinna's and Periyavar's gangs. Shalu requests Sekar to come with her and lead a peaceful life, and he agrees. Sekar informs this decision to Chinna, to which he agrees immediately. Chinna gives money to Sekar and blesses him to start a new life. Sekar and Shalu get married and move to a new apartment. However, Chinna misses Sekar very much and keeps worrying, unable to bear his departure. Saamy, an ally of Chinna, suggests calling Sekar so that Chinna might feel better. Chinna gets cold feet at first but later decides to call Sekar.

Chinna, Saamy and Shafi go to Sekar's apartment where Sekar stays with Shalu. Chinna feels bad calling Sekar back and sends Shafi to talk to him. Shafi, who already has a misunderstanding with Sekar, lies to him by saying that Chinna wanted him to join his gang again. Sekar does not believe this and refuses to go with Shafi. Suddenly, Shafi shoots and kills Shalu. Sekar kills Shafi and runs down to meet Chinna and Saamy. Sekar believes it was Chinna who had sent Shafi to bring him back. Suddenly, Chinna takes a gun and shoots Sekar, which shocks him. Sekar shoots Chinna dead, thinking Chinna has tried killing him. When Saamy tells Sekar to look back, he was shocked because he saw a policeman behind him being hit by the bullet fired from Chinna's gun. Sekar understands that Chinna has shot the policeman who tried to shoot Sekar. Sekar cries inconsolably, as he has killed Chinna. Also, Saamy is shot by someone. Police has surrounded them for encounter, and the commissioner instructs his team to catch Sekar. Sekar does not want to live, so he draws an empty gun on the police, who then shoot him. As the police leaves, Sekar remembers memorable moments with Chinna and then dies.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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After Vikram had created an identity for himself by portraying performance oriented offbeat roles, he began alternating between commercial cinema and arthouse films. After playing heavy roles in Arul and Anniyan, Vikram wanted to make a light hearted comedy film. Upon seeing the Malayalam film Thommanum Makkalum starring Mammootty, Vikram approached the director of the film Shafi and expressed interest in remaking it in Tamil.[3] The film was titled Majaa and the film shooting began. During the production of Majaa, Vikram met with actor Dileep who was then working on his film Chanthupottu. Chanthupottu had Dileep playing an effeminate character. When it was released, it was commercially successful and brought critical acclaim for Dileep's portrayal.

Vikram, who saw the movie, was impressed and wanted to remake it in Tamil. Vikram approached producer Mohan Natarajan to buy the remake rights of the film. The remake was tentatively titled Bheemaa. When his film Majaa hit the screens, it had only average success, and Vikram was skeptical about remaking Chanthupottu.[4] The film was first postponed but later shelved.[5][6] The producer of the film, A. M. Rathnam, approached director Lingusamy to come up with a new script.[4]

After Ji, Lingusamy announced his next project, Bheemaa, in 2005.[7] Vikram trained his body for three months with the help of former Mr. Tamil Nadu bodybuilding champion Rajendran for the part of Sekar so that he would look more like the physically strong character of Bheemaa.[8][9] Vikram stated that he approached the film like an actor even though the film's script was written "for a star"[10] and furthermore he said that it is one of the most powerful roles.[11]

Casting

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Katrina Kaif,[12] and Deepika Padukone[13] were considered to play heroine but replaced by Trisha.[14] Simran was considered for the second lead opposite to Prakash Raj.[15] There were rumours that Mammootty would act in the film but reports proved untrue.[16] Nana Patekar was replaced by Prakash Raj to play villain.[17] Raghuvaran was selected to play an important role.[18] Sherin was selected to perform item number.[19]

Filming

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A song was shot with 3000 junior artistes flown in from Mumbai.[20] The duet song was shot at Madurai Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal.[21] The scenes were shot in Rameshwaram and Tuticorin. A song sequence with Vikram and Trisha was picturised for the last few days on a huge ship located in mid sea.[22] A song was shot in Australia.[23] Re-recording was completed in 30 days and the song "Oru Mugamo" was shot with 30 scenes.[24]

Since the film was in production for such a long time, Vikram had no releases in 2006 and 2007. The filming was finally completed in 2007.

Controversy

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Vijaykanth has lodged a formal complaint at the Producers' Council and the Nadigar Sangam against producer A. M. Rathnam for settlement of dues amounting to ₹85 lakh (US$99,000). According to Vijayakanth's sources, the producer had promised the actor to pay the amount after the release of the movie Dharmapuri in which he had acted. However, the producer moved on to his next project, Bheemaa, starring Vikram, without keeping his promise. Perturbed by this, the actor has sought action against the producer and has requested Rama Narayanan, president of the Producers' Council, to intervene and stop the release of Bheemaa until his dues are settled.[25]

A petition was filed by a travels company alleging that Sri Surya Movies, who had produced Bheemaa, had card dues for air tickets bought from them to go abroad and shoot Bheemaa. Hence, the petitioners sought a stay on the movie's release. When the petition came up for hearing at the Madras High Court on Friday, the judges declined to grant the stay and they rather insisted the production house to pay dues from their property security amount.[26]

Music

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Bheemaa
Soundtrack album by
Harris Jayaraj
Released23 December 2007
Recorded2007
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length33:09
LanguageTamil
LabelFive Star Audio
ProducerHarris Jayaraj
Harris Jayaraj chronology
Munna
(2007) 		Bheemaa
(2007) 		Sathyam
(2008)

The music of the film is composed by Harris Jayaraj, which is his first and only collaboration with director N. Linguswamy.[27] The lyrics are penned by Na. Muthukumar, Pa.Vijay, Thamarai and Yugabharathi.[28] The soundtrack of the film features six tracks, which released on 23 December 2007.

Track-List
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Ragasiya Kanavugal"YugabharathiHariharan, Madhushree06:05
2."Mudhal Mazhai"Na. MuthukumarHariharan, Mahathi, R. Prasanna05:48
3."Rangu Rangamma"Pa. VijayVijay Yesudas, Kailash Kher, Swarnalatha06:11
4."Siru Paaravaiyaale"ThamaraiKarthik, Harini05:01
5."Oru Mugamo"Pa. VijayKrish, Naresh Iyer05:19
6."Enadhuyire"YugabharathiNikhil Mathew, Sadhana Sargam, Sowmya Raoh, Chinmayi (Humming only)04:45
Total length:33:09
Bheemaa
Soundtrack album by
Harris Jayaraj
Released10 January 2008
Recorded2007
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length32:34
LanguageTelugu
LabelAditya Music
ProducerHarris Jayaraj

The album of the Telugu version was released on 10 January 2008. This soundtrack reuses the same set of singers, as the original Tamil version.

All lyrics are written by A. M. Rathnam

Telugu Track-List
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Rahasyapu Kalale"Hariharan, Madhushree5:58
2."Paruvapu Vaana"Hariharan, Mahathi, R. Prasanna5:42
3."Rangu Rangamma"Vijay Yesudas, Kailash Kher, Swarnalatha6:05
4."Kanu Choopula"Karthik, Harini4:55
5."Oka Mukhamu"Krish, Naresh Iyer5:14
6."O Manasa"Nikhil Mathew, Sadhana Sargam, Chinmayi (Humming only)4:40
Total length:32:34

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Behindwoods*[29]
Rediff*[30]

The soundtrack received tremendous response, both critically and commercially. Behindwoods rated the soundtrack 4 out of 5 and mentioned, "Overall the music is good and Harris has once again proved his mettle with six numbers which are sure to be lapped up by all the music lovers in the coming months."[29] Rediff rated the album 3 out of 5, with a statement: "Harris Jayaraj has created an enjoyable fare deploying an assortment of youthful vocals and a slew of instruments including sarangi, santoor and dilruba predominantly used in Hindustani music. Pa Vijay-Muthukumar-Yugabharathi-Thamarai team's evocative wordscape heightens the lilting quality of the numbers. All in all Harris Jayaraj offers a good fare despite adopting an orthodox style."[30]

Release

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After three years of production, Bheemaa was finally released on 15 January 2008,[1] the week of Pongal,[31] alongside other releases like Pazhani, Kaalai, Vaazhthugal, Pidichirukku and Pirivom Santhippom. The film was dubbed and released in Telugu under the same name, and later in Hindi as Vachanbadh in 2012.

Reception

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Critical response

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Nowrunning wrote: "Bheema is a mix of action, romance, thrill and sentiment, but fails to impress. The shoddy screenplay and jerky narration are more to blame than the lack of ingenuity on the part of the director, Bheema is a one-man show of Vikram".[32] Sify wrote: "The film lacks a solid story with no twists, and instead it tests the patience of the viewers as it turns out to be a mix of fight followed by a song, and again breaking out into another well choreographed action scene that dissolves into yet another song in Switzerland and followed by more stunt scenes".[33] Behindwoods wrote: "For pure lovers of action, Bheema might just be the Pongal movie they are looking for, but those expecting an action movie with a strong story will be disappointed".[34] Rediff wrote: "A M Rathnam's flashy Tamil venture, produced with state-of-the-art techniques and freeze frames that promise to dazzle you. That promise, at least, they manage to deliver".[35] Deccan Herald wrote "Director Linguswamy gives a not-so-unconventional theme that has always bombarded the audience. Unfortunately, the director’s effort to depict the precarious lives of underworld dons lacks punch. It is the performance of the actors that gives solace to the audience and makes the movie watchable".[36] Similarly, the review from The Hindu was critical of the excessive violence and mentioned that "as narration gives way after a point, Vikram can only appear helpless".[37] However Sundari of Kalki gave a positive review praising the performances of cast, music, cinematography, editing, dialogues, fights and the unexpected end and concluded praising Linguswamy for narrating the age old plot for giving importance to feelings in an realistic way since technicians also supported him gently, this Bheema is a cute entry despite delay.[38] Malini Mannath of Chennai Online wrote "The film does begin promisingly, and manages to keep viewer's attention engaged for the earlier part. However, as the narration proceeds, the scenes turn repetitive, and the script takes a downslide from which it never recovers".[39]

Box office

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The film debuted in the number one position at the Chennai box office and grossed ₹58 lakh (US$68,000) in the first four days of release,[40][41] eventually grossing ₹3 crore (US$350,000) there.[42] In the overseas market, the film grossed US$637,779 in United Kingdom and Malaysia.[43][44] The film was considered above average and Business wise good collection in Pongal Weekend.[45]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Bheema / பீமா". Screen 4 Screen. Archived from the original on 4 February 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  2. ^ "300 prints for 'Bheema'". IndiaGlitz.com. Archived from the original on 13 January 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  3. ^ "Vikram grabs 'Thommanum Makkalum'!". Sify. 18 April 2005. Archived from the original on 22 June 2015.
  4. ^ a b "Vikram in Dilemma". 8 October 2005. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013.
  5. ^ "Vikram postpones Chanthupottu". BizHat.com. Archived from the original on 26 August 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
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  7. ^ "Tamil movies : Lingusamy will direct Vikram in Bheema". Behindwoods. 24 October 2005. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  8. ^ "Vikram trimming his body". 17 February 2007. Archived from the original on 5 June 2009. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
  9. ^ "Muscle man Vikram – Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. 17 February 2007. Archived from the original on 4 June 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  10. ^ Kamath, Sudhish (7 September 2007). "Vikram versus Kenny". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 September 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
  11. ^ "Tamil movies : Vikram: "Bheema, one of the most powerful roles"". Behindwoods. 4 January 2006. Archived from the original on 3 January 2010. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  12. ^ "Vikram to team up with Katrina Kaif for Bheema". Behindwoods. 25 November 2005. Archived from the original on 23 November 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  13. ^ "Bheema – A new contender for Trisha!!". Behindwoods. 1 March 2006. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  14. ^ "Trisha confirms her cast in Bheema". Behindwoods. 17 March 2006. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  15. ^ "Vikram plays a tough cop in Bheema". Behindwoods. 6 March 2006. Archived from the original on 19 March 2006. Retrieved 15 March 2006.
  16. ^ "Bheema – Harris and Mamooty to come in". Behindwoods. 1 February 2006. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  17. ^ "Tamil movies : Bheema: Prakashraj to replace Nana?". Behindwoods. 3 June 2006. Archived from the original on 20 November 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  18. ^ "Raghuvaran in Bheema!!". Behindwoods. 24 July 2006. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  19. ^ "Sherin Bheema". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  20. ^ "Bheema song: 3000 dancers and the Vikram party". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 10 February 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  21. ^ "Tamil movies bheema vikram tuticorn madurai thirumalai nayakkar mahal". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  22. ^ "Bheema – Shooting at mid sea". IndiaGlitz. 24 March 2007. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  23. ^ "Vikram, Trisha to fly to Australia". IndiaGlitz. 3 March 2007. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  24. ^ "Bheemaa: A special treat". IndiaGlitz. 25 December 2007. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  25. ^ "VIJAYAKANTH BHEEMA Kollywood Ameer Sivakumar Vijayakanth Nadigar Sangam A M Rathnam Dharmapuri Vikram Rama Narayanan". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 18 December 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  26. ^ "'Bheemaa' gets a reprieve". IndiaGlitz. 3 November 2007. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  27. ^ "Bheema (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  28. ^ "Bheema Tamil Audio Cassette By Harris Jayaraj". Banumass. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  29. ^ a b "BHEEMA MUSIC REVIEW – Behindwoods.com". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Bheema's music is enjoyable". Rediff.com. 20 August 2007. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  31. ^ "'Bheemaa' confirmed for Pongal". IndiaGlitz. 11 January 2008. Archived from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  32. ^ "Bheema Review – Tamil Movie Bheema nowrunning review". Archived from the original on 29 June 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  33. ^ "Bheema". Sify. Archived from the original on 18 December 2013.
  34. ^ "TAMIL MOVIE REVIEW BHEEMA VIKRAM TRISHA PRAKASH RAJ SHERIN RAGUVARAN VIKRAM TRISHA LINKGUSAMY TAMIL MOVIE NEWS hot stills picture image gallery". Archived from the original on 30 April 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  35. ^ "South review: Bheema". Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  36. ^ "Deccan Herald - Bheema". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 8 January 2009. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  37. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (15 January 2008). "A bloodbath almost – Bheema". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
  38. ^ சுந்தரி (3 February 2008). "பீமா". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 1. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  39. ^ Mannath, Malini (18 January 2008). "Bheema". Chennai Online. Archived from the original on 2 February 2008.
  40. ^ "IndiaGlitz – Bheemaa: thundering opening – Kannada Movie News". Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
  41. ^ "Bheema collection Vikram Trisha Lingusamy A M Ratham S P N Moorthy 19 crores Tamil Nadu first week Andhra rights hot stills picture image gallery". Archived from the original on 17 August 2009. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  42. ^ "BHEEMA – TOP TEN MOVIES BOX OFFICE CHENNAI COLLECTIONS – Behindwoods.com INDIRALOGATHIL NAA AZHAGAPPAN THANGAM ASHOKA VAZHTHUKKAL BILLA PIRIVOM SANDHIPOM PIDICHIRUKKU KALLOORI BHEEMA PAZHANI KAALAI hot picture gallery images". Archived from the original on 23 May 2010. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
  43. ^ "United Kingdom Box Office, February 1–3, 2008". Archived from the original on 17 December 2008. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  44. ^ "Malaysia Box Office, February 28–March 2, 2008". Archived from the original on 20 December 2008. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  45. ^ "Best of Bollywood, South Cinema, TV and Celebs – MSN India". Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
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