Thadaiyara Thaakka () is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Magizh Thirumeni and stars Arun Vijay, Mamta Mohandas and Rakul Preet Singh. The title is derived from a devotional song titled Kanda Shasti Kavasam.
Thadaiyara Thaakka was released theatrically on 1 June 2012 to critical acclaim from critics, but underperformed at the box office, which Thirumeni attributed to the low-key promotions and publicity. The film slowly gained praise from viewers after the end of its theatrical run. During an interview for Yennai Arindhaal, Arun Vijay would go on to call it as the best film in his career.
Plot
Selva is a self-built man who owns a small travel agency in Chennai, and works hard to achieve something in life. He is all set to marry his lover Priya. The city is under the grip of dreaded loan shark brothers Maha and Kumar who would go to any extent to wield their clout in the city. During a rainy night, Selva comes across a drunk Maha, and within minutes, Maha is killed in mysterious circumstances. The blame falls on Selva. Kumar and his men want to bump off Selva. A perplexed Selva runs for cover. He sets out to find the real killer.
Past: Maha had abducted Gayathri Ramakrishnan, the only daughter of a wealthy Delhi-based businessman and has been using her solely as his personal slave for 9 months, revolting on the thought that even the richest and most powerful men in the country can't touch her. One rainy night, Gayathri escapes captivity and comes across the intoxicated Maha sitting on the road. She uses the chance to exact vengeance and kills him. Her helper at home discreetly (but unintentionally) places the murder weapon in Selva's car, so Selva is framed.
Present: Selva's two friends are taken captive and one of them is killed off brutally by Kumar and the other is set to be killed if Selva doesn't surrender to Kumar that night. Selva's travel agency are also destroyed by Kumar's men, and Priya's family escapes the city to save themselves. With his entire life turned around by a crime he did not commit, Selva takes a new avatar as he decides to wage a bloody war with the gangsters where he kills Kumar and the 8 members of his gang. To dispose of the bodies, he uses a meat grinder overnight and feeds the flesh to the pigs. Though Selva and Priya take care of Gayathri, she discovers that she is pregnant with Maha's child. At the same time, Selva and Priya learns of Gayathri's origins from the TV news. Unfortunately, Gayathri commits suicide.
Cast
Arun Vijay as Selva
Mamta Mohandas as Priya
Maha Gandhi as Maha
Vamsi Krishna as Kumar
Rakul Preet Singh as Gayathri Ramakrishnan
Aruldoss as Karikkadai Sekar
Murugadoss as Velu
Kaali Venkat as Alphonse
M. G. Lohanathan as Senthil
Aarthi as Priya's friend
Vishwanath as Bala
Ramya as Ramya
Debi Dutta in a special appearance in song "Naan Poonthamalli" Sunitha as cameo appearance
Production
Development
Magizh Thirumeni conceived of the film when he was bedridden with viral fever and took 7 years to develop the story and characters. Thirumeni initially discussed the title with the director Gautham Vasudev Menon while working with him as an assistant on Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, but it eventually stayed with him. Once the story was completed, Thirumeni wanted an actor apt for this kind of action film; a protagonist with the boy next door looks and demeanor. Arun Vijay was chosen for the role after being introduced to Thirumeni by a mutual friend. Similarly, Thirumeni narrated the script to Mamta Mohandas, who agreed to act in the film. Thirumeni introduced Telugu actor Vamsi Krishna and debutante Maha Gandhi as the antagonists. M. Sukumar was hired as the cinematographer, while Praveen K. L. and N. B. Srikanth jointly edited the film. The music was composed by S. Thaman, while Madhan Karky wrote the lyrics. Anal Arasu was hired as the action choreographer and Thirumeni described the action sequences as the film's major highlight. The film was shot in and around Chennai, and Arun Vijay performed the stunts by himself.