Tamil Movie Review Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya - Cast & Crew

Thamarai was born in Tamil Nadu, India on 10th November 1975. She is a lyricist by profession and also writes poems, essays and is also a former journalist. She is a renowned lyricist and mostly writes in Tamil. She received her primary education from Coimbatore and graduated from Government College of Technology in Coimbatore. After her graduation, she continued to work there and later moved to Chennai and devoted her time for a company as an independent journalist, where she used to write essays, poems and short stories for them.

Shreya Ghoshal, one of the most famous singers in Bollywood today, was born on March 12th, 1984, in Berhampore, West Bengal. Her father Biswajit Ghoshal is an electrical engineer and mother Sharmistha Ghoshal is a postgraduate in literature. She started singing since the age of 4 when her mother taught her. She started her formal training in Hindustani classical Gharana of music when she was only six years old. She was trained for 18 months after which she continued her training in Mumbai with Late Mukta Bhideji. She completed her graduation in Arts with majors in English. Her first on-stage performance was at their club’s annual function. Her first studio album was in Bengali in 19998 and was named Bendhechhi Beena, and her first onscreen performance was in Awaz Nayi Andaaz Wohi. In 1995, she became the winner of All India Light Vocal Music Competition. Her fame and career began with her winning a television singing reality show named Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

Born on 4th May, 1983 in Palakkad by Krishnan and Uma Krishnan as her parents. Before starting her carrer in modelling and acting, she did her schooling from Sacred Heart Matriculation school in Church Park and then BBA from Ethiraj College for Women (Chennai). She entered into film industry after making a mark as a model and winning several beauty pageants like Miss Salem and Miss Madras in the same year. In 2001, she won Miss India Pageant “Beautiful Smile” award. She got her first acting break in Tamil film Jodie. After that, she got her first lead role in Mounam Pesiyadhe (2002) opposite Surya and won critical acclaim.

With her beautiful eyes and charismatic onscreen presence Janani Iyer is indeed a future promise of Southern film industry. Born on March 31, 1989 in Chennai, she did her schooling also in the same city. Later she pursued a Computer Science course in an Engineering Institution. During this juncture she got into modeling thinking it would be helpful with her studies. 

In order to earn more she performed in several advertisements in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. She has over 150 TV advertisements to her credit. She did advertisements for money but was mainly interested in acting; she even confessed her love for acting once. Janani did a couple of films, Thiru Thiru and Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa while she was a busy model. The roles were small in these movies but she was noticed for her unique performance. 

Tamil director A. L. Vijay introduced Janani to director Bala and eventually the latter called her for audition, and Janani came out in flying colors. This is how she got her offer in Avan Evan and that film proved to be box office success. Thegidi, Kazhugu and Paagan are some of the other Tamil films that Janani acted. Thegidi was well received both critically and commercially. 

Later she experimented with Malayalam film industry. Janani Iyer gradually entered into Malayalam films and managed to get some acting assignments during 2013. She debuted in Malayalam film industry with ‘3 Dots’. She shared screen space with Kunchacko Boban, Biju Menon, Prathap K Pothan and Narain in this film. The film was a big box office success. Her success in Malayalam film industry provided her with four assignments there. The nickname of Janani Iyer is Jaanu. Janani,who is a Tamilian, does not dub for her voice and that is an strength for her. Her childlike face is also an added strength.

In 2014, Janani played an important role in the critically and box-office acclaimed film, Thegidi. She then appeared in few more Malayalam films like 7th Day, Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal, Koothara, Ithu Thaanda Police, and Ma Chu Ka. She later returned in Kollywood in appeared in films like Adhe Kangal, Mupparimanam, Balloon, Vidhi Madhi Ultaa, and she’s currently filming the upcoming romantic comedy film, Thollaikatchi, alongside Ashwin Kakumanu in lead roles. Just a few days ago, Janani joined the second edition of the Bigg Boss Tamil and has become the house captain in Week 1.

The shift from acting to direction is becoming more popular today – with actresses jumping the fence at an increasing rate. Lakshmy Ramakrishna’s first attempt as a director was noticed in ‘Aarohanam’ in 2012 which was lauded by audiences as well as by the critics. The apparent ease with which actor becomes directors is not very popular amongst actresses. Hence, she caught the media attention in India and her second film "Ammini" was based on a 79-year-old woman rag-picker, whom she met in a TV show. When she got this idea, she did not waste her time and narrated the story to producer Ven Govind and felt that the rag-picker woman will remain as a theme of her film. In this film, she also plays a very important role.

Earlier, in 2014, she made another attempt in her directorial venture. She made ‘Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe’ which was based on a journey to Trichy and Karaikal and had dealt with petrol issues witnessed in the society. The film was low budgeted and the film was also appreciated by critics, and could not capture the minds of viewers.

Before making her debut as a director, she had acted in TV serials (Aval in STAR Vijay) and was seen in the reality show ‘Solvathellam Unmai’ in Zee Tamil. She has tried a couple of Tamil films as a supporting actress and even performed extremely well in a film Yuddham Sei, where this noted actress had shaved her head for her lifetime role
Interestingly, the first film that came her way was also by a chance. It was director A. K. Lohithadas, who wanted to use Ramakrishnan's house for shooting his Malayalam film ‘Chakkara Muthu’ (2006). This film gave her first break in a supporting role. Later, she also played Sneha’s mother role in another film and after acting in supporting actress’ role, she stepped behind the camera to direct actors now.

Born on April 28 1987 Samantha is a model and actress, who has acted in Telugu and Tamil films. Samantha was brought up in Chennai and she was involved in modeling in her teens. The Telugu film Ye Maya Chesave was her first film and she was instantly successful; she got the Filmfare award for Best Debut. She also has a Nandi award to her credit, for this film.

Uma Padmanabhan is among the first Television host, who worked for Sun TV. In 1993, she got associated with the channel when it was a new channel, trying to earn viewer ship gradually. She read news for the channel, then was shifted to one morning breakfast program called ‘Vanakkam Tamizhakam’. She was praised a lot for her very engaging host skills by the viewers.  She hosted a few other programs like’Chellame Chellam’ and ‘Oru Thaayin Sabatham’. She hosted almost all live shows of Sun TV. She also has acted in Tamil serial ‘Veetukku Veedu Looty’ which added another feather on her hat. She has a long list of movies as well, mostly in Tollywood.

Gautham Vasudev Menon is known for his directional capabilities and bringing his intense films to life in the Tamil Industry. He was born on 25th February and has established himself as a heroic director. He is most known for his work where he, portrayed the life of real men on screen. One of such work named Vaaranam Aayiram was a blockbuster and won him the prestigious National Film Award for the category of Best Feature Film in the Tamil Language. And since then, he started his try to produce such films in multiple languages. He got much acclaim when another of his film Thanga Meengal, brought him another very prestigious and devoured National Film Award for Best Feature Film in the Tamil Language.

However Gautham Menon, has not always been a film personality, he has completed Mechanical Engineering from Trichy, where he was highly influenced by English movies to bring the characters to celluloid that he has dreamt of. He has been an avid movie buff and has celebrated the growth of his cinema from one genre to another. He has been at the helm of Tamil direction for much longer now. He is married to Preethi Menon and is also known by a short form GVM. He is loved for his work not just in Tamil Cinema, but his work is appreciated by throughout the country.

Elred Kumar is a film producer by profession, who predominantly works in the Tamil cinema industry. He made his debut in the year 2012 with the movie "Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal." This romantic story saw Atharva and Amala Paul in the lead role. In 2009, it was first announced that he is”a businessman passionate about the film industry.” It was also said that he would be collaborating with R. Jayaraman for producing his debut movie. The movie received a positive response from critics and the audiences and was given “modern classical” status.

Manoj Paramahamsa is a renowned cinematographer for the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam film industries. He is bestowed with many awards and accolades for his mind-blowing work. Born to UV Babu, a director by profession, on 15th April 1981, this 34-year-old cinematographer has set milestones by his work. Manoj has stated in an interview that his father was the one who wanted him to become a cinematographer”. UV Babu himself has directed many movies in the Telugu film industry. Manoj usually accompanied his father to his shoots and cinematography was all he could think of doing. He often referred cinematography as “the magic of the camera.” He has graduated from Film and Television Institute at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Unlike foreign countries, India has produced a very few good rappers. Among them, very few have managed to achieve critical as well as commercial success. 'Blaaze' is one of them. Born on October 15, 1975, his birth name is Lakshmi Narasimha Vijaya Rajagopala Sheshadri Sharma Rajesh Raman and originally belongs from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Alphons Joseph is an Indian playback singer and music composer. The movie Vellithira was a turning point in his music career. The song Aaromale from the Tamil movie Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya (composed by A R Rehman) was sung by Alphons, and he got an appreciation for singing that song. 
Alphons entered the film industry with the help of his friend Leo Thadavus, who introduced him to director Bhadran. At that juncture, Bhadran was looking for a fresh music composer for his film Vellithira. During the audio release function of the movie A R Rehman complimented Alphons for the distinct beauty in the songs. The songs Nee Manimukiladakal and Hridayasakhi of this movie deserve special mention. 
Jalotsavam was the next movie of Alphons, and the number Kera Nirakal rocked the charts, and Alphons was appreciated. Big B was the next rocking number by Alphons. This movie was directed by Amal Neerad and the numbers Vida Parayukano and Muthu Mazhai were highly appreciated. 
Born on 8th July 1973, Alphons hails from Thrissur. His family was musically inclined, and Alphons had imbibed Carnatic Music, Classical Guitar, and Western Music. From 2000, Alphons was associated with Asia-net Radio 657AM. This is a radio station based in Dubai. Even after Vellithira was released Alphons worked with this radio station; he gave music for several title tracks and jingles. 
Alphons was one of the founders of a gospel music band named Rexband. This band had produced few albums. This band mixed Western music with Carnatic and Hindustani music. This band is popular globally, and it has the credit of being the only band in Asia to get an opportunity to associate with World Youth Day. 
Alphons has given his voice for his Rexband band and also few film numbers for which he composed the music. The song Aaromale from the Tamil movie Vinnaithandi Varuvaya was not only a hit in Tamil Nadu and Kerala but also overseas. The song Nee Eppa Pulla Solla Pora from the Tamil movie Kumki s had his beautiful rendition. The Tamil songs Yarukkum Thozhanillai and Enge Odugindrai are also sung by Alphons. The Malayalam version of the song Chellena Oru Mazhai Thuli from the Tamil movie Raja Rani was sung by Alphons, who had also written the Malayalam lyrics. 
Alphons is pursuing M.A in music. Alphons is working as a permanent jury in Amrita TV Superstar 2, which is a reality show. Moreover, he got himself associated with Jai Ho Concert-The Journey Home of A R Rehman. 

Benny Dayal is an Indian Pop-Singer. Born in Kollam, Kerala, India on May 13, 1984. He was a member of the S5 Pop Band in India. He started as a playback singer and known to have work with various reputable composers.

He finished his studies from Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) and took Journalism in Madras Christian College. His Indian-Pop-Electro-Rap-Reggae infused songs made him so famous and with unique quality compared to any singers. This made him one of the most loved singers by doing such mix-ups of traditional Indian music to a new-era’s songs. You’ll be so moved in listening to any of his songs.

He worked before as an Event Coordinator for RR Donnelley Printing. He also worked as an HR Executive for a BPO when he received a call and inviting him to audition for ARR Studio. He first thought that it was just a prank and ignored it for some time. He tried to call again the phone left for him to contact if he need anything and he found out that it is for real. He also reminisced that he couldn’t even create and prepare his own demo since he doesn’t even have money to produce it. He took his chances and decided to quit his job from the BPO Company and started to work as a singer. His songs were widely used different Indian Films since 2007. He received the award “RD Burman Award for New Music Talent” and “Max Stardust Awards for New Musical Sensation” in 2009. He performed stunning and applauded performances in Gima Awards and many more.

Devan is a famous singer, actor, and film composer, who has acted in American and Indian movies. Devan had released his songs first in the Tamil language and later he spread through various South Indian films like Kannada, Telugu, etc. Devan was born on 25th December in New Jersey, Freehold Township. Besides singing Devan is also a famous guitarist. Approximately till now, Devan has sung over 500 songs in different languages. It is very appreciable to sing that many songs when compared to his age, and it is the biggest achievement for him.

Naresh Iyer is once again a popular face, but mainly due to his singing talent. This 34 year old singer hails from Mumbai. There is no end the number of hit songs he has produced over the years. Likewise, he owns a series of awards that have been rightfully given to him. His contribution to Bollywood has been tremendous.

In spite of having a degree in Commerce, Iyer decided to study Carnatic music and Hindustani classical music. His career has just looked forward from then on.

He got recognition from A.R. Rahman in the reality talent show which was called Channel V’s Super Singer.  His beautiful rendition of Roobaroo, which was an A.R.Rahman composition for the movie, Rang De Basanti, won his a lot of accolade. He went on to win the national award for the Best Male Playback.

He then worked on a number of projects including Raanjhaana and Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and a number of praiseworthy Tamil projects.  The former is a story about a boy who fell in love with a girl since his school days whereas the latter is a love story again between two friends who realise that they actually love each other towards the climax of the movie. He has been appreciated for his work with the R.D. Burman award for Best Male Debut which is a very prestigious honour in the country.

He is also the vocalist in Mumbai based fusion band that goes by the name of Dhvani.

Vijay Prakash is an Indian playback singer and film composer. He was born in Mysore and moved to Mumbai in 1996. He worked in so many Hindi films including Blue, Yuvraaj, Swades, Kaal, Lakshya, Matrubhoomi, Tere Naam, Cheeni Kum, Raavan, and Force.

Stunt Silva was born in Tuticorin, TamilNadu. He started his career as a male nurse after getting trained in Stanley Medical College. Silva worked as a Ward boy in Tuticorin hospital. Later he joined in Vijaya Health Center in Chennai by the year 1990. To maintain his family’s financial status, he worked in several sectors such as Peon in offices and dabbled in transport sector business offices. He then joined in the background dancer of the film under the guidance and advice of the Dance

When Babu Antony (real name Bob Anthony) holds up his report card it looks to be a very impressive one and more than his 175 plus movies in 6 different languages, what stand out are his other attributes in the nonfilm and academic domains. Apart from a degree in English Literature and a Masters in HRM, he was also captaining the University Volleyball and Athletic teams, justifying all of his six ft. Plus height and 185 lbs build and teaching martial arts as well in college days. It was Bharatan, one of the successful directors of that time who got him into films in 1986, launching him with “Chilampu” on an impressive career with several hits and critically acclaimed films, including some that got recognition in international forums. Being basically from Kerala his prime focus has obviously been Malyalam films, and he has an impressive record to boot. Out of the 31 movies chosen to showcase 75 years of Malayalam movies, two of Babu’s movies (“Vaishali” and “Sayahnam”) were also chosen alongside so many other big names in the industry. Coincidentally both the films had a mythological basis, the former being based on the Mahabharata, while the latter is in the Old Testament. He has had several hits to his name and that too in several languages, including action movies like “Chanda”; “Hathya” etc. and multi-lingual versions like “Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal” made in Hindi as well as 4 Southern languages. He had a brief respite from films in between, but soon made a comeback through the 2012 film “Grandmaster” featuring the famous Mohanlal as his co-star. However, in his own estimation it was “Aparahnam” which gave him maximum satisfaction. Here he portrays the role of a terrorist who is suffering from a dilemma about his purpose in life. Some of his later hits include the double version “Kanchana” in Tamil and Telugu, as well as “Ek Deewana Tha” in Hindi, amongst many others. And finally, he is also giving free rein to his versatility by taking up the direction of a Malayalam film entitled “Piano”.

Naga Chaitanya is a Telugu actor and he is into the film industry since 2009. His debut film Josh fetched him several awards, though he didn’t get the expected positive reviews for it. Naga Chaitanya was born in Hyderabad on 23rd November 1986. His parents are Telugu superstar Akkineni Nagarjuna and Lakshmi Daggubati. His granddads Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Daggubati Naidu were both prominent faces in Telugu film industry. Film celebrities Daggubati Venkatesh, Rana Daggubati, Sushanth and Sumant Yerlagada are also relatives to him.

When his parents parted ways Chaitanya came to Chennai. Amala Akkineni is the stepmother of this star. Though Chaitanya stayed with Lakshmi, he used to visit Hyderabad to see Nagarjuna. He did his schooling in Chennai. He performed drums and guitar while at school. Since Chaitanya was from a film family, everyone expected him to enter the industry, but he was not initially inclined. Eventually he nodded in the affirmative and pursued acting training in Mumbai. Later, in order to be trained in fight and dance, he journeyed to Hollywood Studios.

Gautham Menon’s “Em Maya Chesave” (Tamil film Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya) is the second venture of Chaitanya and he was lauded by critics for his performance in the film. Autonagar Surya, 100 percent love, Dada, Bejawada, Tadaka, Manam, Oka Laila Kosam are some of the films in which this star acted. Tadakha, which is the remake of Tamil flick Vettai, starring Arya, gave the much-needed appreciation for Chaitanya (the film set the cash registers ringing at the box office) since his previous venture Bejawada was lashed at by the critics for his poor performance. The 2014 flick Manam in which Chaitanya shared screen space with his father and grandfather saw a great transformation in this actor. Some of the other films of Chaitanya were also highly appreciated.

Akkineni Nagarjuna Family Tree (Infographic Family Tree)

A. R. Rahman is a Legendary Music Composer, prominently known for his rocking music for the movie “The Slumdog Millionaire”. He had won a couple of Oscars for this album and made India proud.  Allah-Rakha Rahman’s birth name is A.S.Dileep Kumar. He was born on January 6th, 1967 in Chennai. His music journey had begun at the age of 4 when he learned piano. At the age of 11, he joined the Maestro Ilayaraja's troupe as a Keyboard player. He made his debut as a composer with the legendary film-maker G.R.Maniratnam’s film “Roja” which came out in 1992. Some of his popular music albums were for the movies like Rangeela, Bombay, Dil Se and Lagaan: Once upon a time in India.

He was born in 1983 in Chennai, Tamilnadu. He is a Director as well as Actor, Screenwriter, Playback Singer, Voice Actor and Lyricist. His father name is T. Rajendar. His mother name is Usha Rajendar. He completed his study at the Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School. He completed his Matriculation from Shrine Vailankanni Matriculation Higher Secondary School. He also studied at St. John’s International Residential School as well as Santhome Higher Secondary School in Chennai. After these all, he was going to The Ashram School for study in Chennai. By playing roles as a child artist, he started his career. Films directed by his father. In Kadhal Azhivathillai, he played a lead role. His father was director of this film, and his mother was the producer of this movie.

Director KS Ravikumar(KSR), started his career in Tamil cinema as an assistant director to Bharathiraja for sometime before becoming an independent director. He has made 40 movies, out of which six films are re-makes. 

KSR has made the most number of movies with actor Sarath Kumar (10) and actresses Simran and Ramya Krishnan. Interestingly enough to know that his stunt choreographer Kanal Kannan had collaborated with KSR in 16 films so far. 

His first project in Tamil film world was in the year 1990, when he made a genre-breaking film Puriyaadha Pudhir which was a re-make of the Kannada movie Tarka. The Kannada versions was itself an adaptation of an Agastha Christie novel called ‘The Unexpected Guest’. After success of Puriyaadha Pudhir, he had never looked back. 

He has directed Rajinikanth and Sivaji Ganesan too in his career. He also had directed Sanjay Dutt in Police Giri (2014) with Prachi Desai and Lingaa(2014) with Rajinikanth, Anushka Shetty and Sonakshi Sinha. Both the films did not fare well in the box office. He also has appeared in a small role in the movies he directs which added to his popularity, as a cameo actor(21 films). 

He is well known for bringing Rajinikanth and Sivaji Ganesan in Padayappa (1999), the film was a success in box-office. He also directed Kamal Haasan in Avvai Shanmugi (1996), which was a straight adaptation of the American comedy film, Mrs. Doubtfire. Kamal Haasan’s performance in the film was truly appreciated and the film was made in Hindi too as Chachi 420(1997) by Kamal Haasan ( director and producer). Although both the Hindi and Tamil versions are considered to be Indian remake of Mrs. Doubtfire, there are many plot differences between the original and the Indian version. 

Many of his assistant directors went to make a big name for themselves in Tamil cinema in their own right, one example is Director Cheran. The latest is director Gaurav to join the feat. 

KSR will be remembered for his punctuality and dedication to his works, he used to concentrate a lot on the budget of his movie and tried to complete the film as early as possible.

Rajeevan is a prominent Indian Art Director. He was born as Rajeevan Nambiar on December 31, 1969, in Chennai, India. He completed his studies at Loyola College in Chennai. He was the only child of his parents. His father, who is an educationist, wanted him to follow his path. But when Rajeevan chooses to enter the filmdom, his father got so angry that he did not speak with him for six long years. During college, Rajeevan got involved in stage theaters, sketching, and painting. Later, he worked in some agencies and subsequently works in animation and graphics.

Kalyani Menon, the famous Tamil playback singer acquired her knowledge of classical music from the well-known classical master and guru ‘Sangeethabhooshanam' M.R. Sivaraman Nair. Her merit as a classical vocalist soon blossomed under the guardianship of M.R. Sivanaraman Nair, developing and making a mark as a playback singer for South Indian films as well. In Madras in the year 1977, she was able to make her first debut through the renowned dance drama of Dhananjayan's Malayalam, ‘Magdalana Mariyam', which was choreographed for the Madras Doordarshan as part of the Vallathol Centenary celebrations. The lines that Kalyani sang of Vallathol Narayana Menon's were set into tune and composed by the Dhananjayans.

Raja Krishnamoorthy or famously known as Kitty, is a prominent actor, screenwriter and director. He debuted in large screen with the Tamil crime film, Nayakan (1987). Unlike other cine members, he has a huge corporate background. He did his Master of Management in Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, Bombay. He started his corporate career as a Management Trainee and a Personnel Officer with Mukund Iron and Steel.
He was also the Personnel Manager in ITC Welcome Group. And later, he became the General Manager in Enfield India Limited. From June 2000 to March 2002, he worked in Polaris Software Lab Ltd. And from 2002 to 2005, he works as a Principal Consultant in ProLease India Pvt. Ltd in Consulting and Training Division. At present, he was leading the HRD function and the Consulting and Training Division in Maximus.
He acted in more than 30 films and directed two films like the critically acclaimed Dasarathan and Krishna. He also lends his voice for Girish Karand in the movie, Minsara Kanavu. He debuted in small screen with Dharmayutham; a story that revolves on two rival groups of lawyers. He plays a senior lawyer supported by his children, Abbas and Anuja Iyer.
Apart from that, he co-published a book called Rajini’s Punchtantra: Business and Life Management along with P C Balasubramaniam. The book contains all the valuable one liners of Rajini. Kitty took the life management part of that book.
He performed in Tamil TV serials, Dharmayutham and Rajakumari in 2012 and films like Nayagan, Thalapathi, Bombay, Baasha, Singham 2 and Ramanujan.

Kaithpram Damodaran Namboothiri is a famous Malayalam Lyrist, Actor, Singer, Writer and Music Director. Born on January 1^st, 1950 in village Kaithpram, he is also a famous performer of Carnatic music. His father is Keshavan Namboothiri who is widely known as Kannadi Bhagavatar, known as the disciple of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar. His mother is Anjali Antharjanam. His preferred language of performance remains to be Malayalam. He has completed music and acting at the school of Natyagruha. His wife is Devi Antharjanam who is the daughter of actor Unnikrishnan Namboothiri. His kids are Deepankuran and Devadarshan. Deepankuran has also sung for Desadanam and many more songs for various films.

P Madan is an Indian film producer, who established the production banner, Escape Artists Motion Pictures. In 2010, he was debuted as a producer in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s musical romantic drama film, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa. The following year, he has produced the critically acclaimed Tamil mystery dramedy film, Azhagarsamiyin Kudhirai, which was screened at the 2011 Toronto International film Festival and bagged a National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Though this film was a hit, P Madan considered his next film, Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga (2013), as his major breakthrough and a turning point in his film career.

Bio coming soon...