Maamannan

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Maamannan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMari Selvaraj
Written byMari Selvaraj
Produced byUdhayanidhi Stalin
Starring
Vadivelu
CinematographyTheni Eswar
Edited bySelva R. K.
Music byA. R. Rahman
Production
company
Release date
  • 29 June 2023 (2023-06-29)
Running time
155 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Box office₹52 crore[2]

Maamannan (transl. Emperor)[a] is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language political drama film written and directed by Mari Selvaraj, and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin via Red Giant Movies. The film stars Vadivelu as the title character, along with Fahadh Faasil, Keerthy Suresh, and Udhayanidhi in his final acting credit.

The film was officially announced in March 2022. Filming commenced later that month and wrapped in September 2022, taking place mainly in Salem district. The music was composed by A. R. Rahman, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Theni Eswar and Selva R. K., respectively.

Maamannan was released in theatres on 29 June 2023. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success.

Plot

Maamannan is an MLA belonging to the Dalit community, who rose up the ranks from being a cadre of the Samathuva Samooganeedhi Makkal Kazhagam (SSMK) in Salem district, Tamil Nadu. Maamannan's son Athiveeran alias "Veera", is an Adimurai practitioner who stopped talking to his father owing to emotional and physical trauma caused by a casteist attack from members of the local dominant community in his childhood. Rathnavelu is the SSMK district secretary for Salem and younger son of late ex-minister Sundaram, from a dominant community. Rathnavelu had fought a hard fight after his father's death, using all means available to reach the position of district secretary, despite not holding a public office. Rathnavelu's brash, aggressive behaviour often develops loggerheads with Maamannan.

Three months before elections, Rathnavelu's men destroy a free coaching centre run by Veera's friends and his love interest Leela because it was affecting the business of a private coaching centre run by Rathnavelu's elder brother Shanmugavel in his father's name. In retaliation, Veera and his friends destroy Rathnavelu's coaching centre. Rathnavelu realises that the issue might damage him inside the party and out, so he invites Maamannan and Veera to sort out this issue without further violence.

At the meeting, Veera notices that Maamannan is standing while everyone else including Rathnavelu are sitting in chairs. Veera asks his father to sit down, where Rathnavelu remarks that Maamannan will never sit down in his house and that has been the tradition since forever. Veera continuously demands that Maamannan sits down, Rathnavelu gets enraged where he slaps Veera and pushes Maamannan who intervened when his son is hit. An enraged Veera kicks down Rathnavelu in retaliation.

Rathnavelu directs his men to beat up Maamannan and Veera where he runs to fetch his gun, but his wife Jyothi locks him inside the room to prevent further chaos. Veera beats up all the men who attack him and his father, and they leave. Rathnavelu plans to counter-attack and kill Maamannan and Veeran but is ordered to stay put by the Chief Minister Ka. Sindhanai Rajan. Unable to attack Maamannan and Veera, Rathnavelu unleashes his dogs into the pigpen of Veera, resulting in the death of all except one pig. Veera, Maamannan, and their friends and family are deeply hurt by this symbolic cruelty.

Sindhanai Rajan orders Rathnavelu and Maamannan to come meet him at the Party HQ in Chennai. He asks Rathnavel to apologise to Maamannan or forgo the party membership. Rathnavel quits from the party and joins the main opposite party MSSMK (Marumalarchi Samathuva Samooganeedhi Makkal Kazhagam) with some of his followers. The sacking of a district secretary of the ruling party creates shock in the political scenario. Rathnavel nominates a candidate of his choice to compete against Maamannan, who is campaigning for a third term as an MLA. He even fields Jyothi in his place for another constituency to fully direct his efforts to defeat Maamannan.

Rathnavel challenges Maamannan that now that his support is not there, Maamannan will surely fail in the upcoming elections. A tight battle occurs during election campaign wherein Rathnavel tries to rally the support of all dominant castes against Maamannan. Rathnavel even kills a caste association head to create sympathy wave in favour of his candidate. All his plans succeed to some extent, but the youth of the constituency rebel against Rathnavel dictating whom each street should vote for. In the ensuing elections, Maamannan wins by a big margin and Rathnavel is left humbled and failed. The SSMK is re-elected to power, and Maamannan is made the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Veera and Leela continue to be engaged in their grassroot level social welfare activities.

Cast

Production

In July 2021, Udhayanidhi Stalin was reported to do a film with Mari Selvaraj, and it would be his last before he quit acting.[3] In September, reports claimed that Fahadh Faasil was going to be seen in a crucial role in the film.[4] In November, Vadivelu was also reported to act in the film, making it a comeback for him to the film industry after 5 years.[5] In January 2022, Keerthy Suresh was reported to join the film as the lead actress.[6] On 4 March 2022, Udhayanidhi's Red Giant Movies announced the film titled Maamannan, which confirmed the aforementioned cast and director.[7][8] In May 2022, Udhayanidhi confirmed Maamannan would be his final film as an actor, after which he intended to concentrate on his political career.[9]

Principal photography began in March 2022 in Salem district;[10] the first schedule ended the same month.[11] The second schedule commenced in May, with Fahadh joining the team.[12] In June, Udhayanidhi announced that the second schedule had ended.[13] By August 2022, the final schedule was underway in Chennai.[14] In September 2022, Keerthy completed shooting her portions.[15] Later the same month, principal photography wrapped.[16] While the film was primarily shot at Salem, some parts were filmed at Jarugumalai, a small hill station at the southern part of the district.[17]

In March 2023, Vadivelu started dubbing for his portions.[18] Post-release, Mari stated that, given Vadivelu's reputation as a comedian, he hoped Maamannan would not remind viewers of the actor's comedic performances: "He suffers, he cries, he gets beaten up, he gets neglected and trampled, he's isolated… His reactions, however, make us laugh [...] In Maamannan, he suffers like he always does, but I've changed how we react to it".[19]

Music

The music is composed by A. R. Rahman, in his first collaboration with Mari Selvaraj.[20] The audio launch was held in Chennai, on 1 June 2023.[21][22][23]

Release

Theatrical

Maamannan released theatrically on 29 June 2023.[24] As Udhayanidhi announced Maamannan would be his final film as an actor, producer Rama Saravanan attempted to block the film's release via the Madras High Court unless Udhayanidhi co-operated with him to complete K. S. Adhiyaman's Angel, a film that was nearly complete but had been in stagnation for years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Udhayanidhi later becoming a minister.[25] However, the court rejected his plea.[26]

Home media

The post theatrical streaming rights of the film were by acquired Netflix.[27] The film has its television premiere on Star Vijay on 23 October 2023, during Vijayadashami,[28] and on Kalaignar TV it premiered on 14 April 2024.[29] The film began streaming on Netflix from 27 July 2023.[30]

Reception

Critical response

Maamannan received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.[31][32]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 60% of 5 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.5/10.[33]

Gopinath Rajendran of The Hindu said "Maamannan certainly has its heart in the right place and touches upon several important topics. But it's still an underwhelming political drama that's saved by its lead cast's brilliant performances."[34] Bharathy Singaravel of The News Minute gave the film 4 out of 5 and said "After Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, director Mari Selvaraj is back with yet another film that will redefine how Kollywood talks about caste."[35] Manigandan KR of The South First gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and said "Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil put up an exceptional show; barring some minor issues, the movie leaves a mark on audiences."[36] M Suganth of The Times of India gave the film 3 out of 5 and said "An okayish, but hardly potent sociopolitical drama."[37]

Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express gave the film 2.5 out of 5 and said "Maamannan is, perhaps, the weakest film of Mari Selvaraj despite the director being unabashedly open about his political affiliations."[38] Janaki K of India Today gave the film 2.5 out of 5 and said "Director Mari Selvaraj's Maamannan, starring Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh, is a film that exposes the social injustice in society. While the film has some solid performances, the story does not have enough meat."[39] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 46 out of 100.[40] Vinu A. of Samakalika Malayalam Vaarika stated that the film can be seen as proof of the growing strength of films that reflect the socio-political and cultural realities of Tamil Nadu.[41]

Box office

Maamannan grossed ₹6 crore (US$630,000) worldwide on its opening day.[32] It ended its theatrical run with ₹52 crore (US$5.4 million).[2]

Notes

  1. Also the title character.

References

  1. "Maamannan (15)". British Board of Film Classification. 27 June 2023. Archived from the original on 27 June 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  2. "Vadivelu and Mari Selvaraj will collaborate once again for the remake of the Oscar-winning film 'Life is Beautiful'". The Times of India. 11 July 2023. Archived from the original on 22 November 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  3. "Udhayanidhi planning to quit acting?". The Times of India. 21 July 2021. Archived from the original on 21 July 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  4. "Fahadh Faasil in Udhayanidhi Stalin's film with Mari Selvaraj?". The Times of India. 30 September 2021. Archived from the original on 30 September 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  5. "Vadivelu to join Mari Selvaraj's film with Udhayanidhi". The Times of India. 29 November 2021. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  6. "Mari Selvaraj' next is a multi-starrer!". The Times of India. 4 January 2022. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  7. "Udhayanidhi-Mari Selvaraj's film titled Maamannan". The Times of India. 4 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  8. "Maamannan: Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil, Keerthy Suresh, AR Rahman unite for Mari Selvaraj's next". The Indian Express. 4 March 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  9. "'Maamannan' will be my last film as an actor, reveals Udhayanidhi Stalin". The Times of India. 12 May 2022. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  10. "Vadivelu gets a grand welcome on the sets of 'Maamannan'". The Times of India. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  11. "Udhayanidhi's Maamannan first schedule wrapped up". The Times of India. 29 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  12. "Fahadh Faasil to join the 'Maamannan' shoot from May 20th". The Times of India. 14 May 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  13. "It's a wrap for 'Maamannan' second schedule; Udhayanidhi shares pics of celebration from the sets". The Times of India. 24 June 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  14. "Udhayanidhi shares a picture from the sets of 'Maamannan'". The Times of India. 28 August 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  15. "Keerthy Suresh completes shooting for 'Maamannan'". The Times of India. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  16. "'Maamannan' team helps to renovate a school; shooting wrapped up". The Times of India. 14 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  17. J, Prakash (16 July 2023). "சேலம் ஜருகுமலையில் எடுக்கப்பட்ட 'மாமன்னன்' திரைப்படம்! உற்சாகத்தில் மலைக் கிராம மக்கள்!" [The film Maamannan was shot in Salem's Jarugumalai! The people of the hill village are excited!]. Puthiya Thalaimurai (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  18. "Vadivelu starts dubbing for Mari Selvaraj's 'Maamannan'". The Times of India. 2 March 2023. Archived from the original on 4 June 2023. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  19. "Mari Selvaraj on Vadivelu: 'In Maamannan, he suffers like he always does, but I have changed how we react to it'". The Indian Express. 3 July 2023. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
  20. "AR Rahman begins composing for Mari Selvaraj's Maamannan". The Times of India. 23 October 2022. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  21. "Kamal Haasan to launch Udhayanidhi starrer 'Maamannan' audio and trailer". The Times of India. 30 May 2023. Archived from the original on 4 June 2023. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  22. "Highlights from 'Maamannan' audio launch". The Times of India. 2 June 2023. Archived from the original on 2 June 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  23. "Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh and Vadivelu's Maamannan trailer out today. All we know about Mari Selvaraj film". India Today. 2 June 2023. Archived from the original on 2 June 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  24. "Mari Selvaraj clarifies his controversial letter and speech against Kamal Haasan and 'Thevar Magan'". The Times of India. 23 June 2023. Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  25. Nair, Shilpa (23 June 2023). "Restrain 'Maamannan' release until Udhayanidhi Stalin completes 'Angel': Producer moves court". India Today. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  26. "Madras High Court Rejects Interim Injunction Plea Against Udhayanidhi Stalin Movie 'Maamannan'". Outlook. IANS. 28 June 2023. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  27. Netflix [@Netflix_INSouth] (16 January 2023). "Maamannan is coming on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada as a post theatrical release!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023 – via Twitter.
  28. A, Ganesh (22 October 2023). "மாவீரன் முதல் மாமன்னன் வரை... ஆயுதபூஜை ஸ்பெஷலாக டிவியில் போட்டிபோட்டு ஒளிபரப்பாக உள்ள புது படங்கள்- லிஸ்ட் இதோ". Asianet News (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  29. Kalaignar TV [@kalaignartv_off] (6 April 2024). "Maamannan|"மாமன்னன்" Watch the Kalaignar Television Premiere Udhayanidhi Stalin | PROMO – 01 Kalaignar TV on 14th APRIL at 1.30PM நமது Kalaignar தொலைக்காட்சியில் காணத்தவறாதீர்கள்" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 27 June 2026. Retrieved 6 January 2025 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  30. "Vadivelu-led Maamannan to premiere on Netflix on July 27". The Telegraph. PTI. 19 July 2023. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  31. "Maamannan box office collection Day 1: Udhayanidhi Stalin's last film fetches him his best ever opening". The Indian Express. 30 June 2023. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  32. "'Maamannan' box office collection day 1: Udayanidhi Stalin starrer sees positive opening; mints Rs 6 crore". The Times of India. 30 June 2023. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  33. "Maamannan". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media.
  34. Rajendran, Gopinath (29 June 2023). "'Maamannan' movie review: Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil's impeccable performances save Mari Selvaraj's weakest, politically-charged film". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  35. Singaravel, Bharathy (29 June 2023). "Maamannan review: Vadivelu is the soul of this superb Mari Selvaraj film". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  36. KR, Manigandan (29 June 2023). "'Maamannan' Tamil movie review". The South First. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  37. Suganth, M (29 June 2023). "Maamannan Movie Review : An okayish, but hardly potent sociopolitical drama". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  38. Purushothaman, Kirubhakar (29 June 2023). "Maamannan review: A well-meaning but rudimentary film from Mari Selvaraj". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  39. K, Janaki (29 June 2023). "Maamannan Movie Review: Political correctness triumphs over story in Mari Selvaraj film". India Today. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  40. விமர்சனக்குழு, விகடன் (6 July 2023). "மாமன்னன் - சினிமா விமர்சனம்". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  41. എ., വിനു (23 July 2023). "കാലത്തിന്റെ അനുഭവ ലോകത്തില്‍ നിന്നു സംസാരിക്കുന്ന 'മാമന്നന്‍'". Samakalika Malayalam Vaarika (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 22 November 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.