Kadamban


Kadamban is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Ragava and produced by R. B. Choudary under Super Good Films and associate produced by B. Suresh, B. Jeevan, Jithan Ramesh, Jiiva, and Arya under The Show People and Riwaz Duggal. Arya and Catherine Tresa feature in the leading roles. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography by S. R. Sathish Kumar, editing by Deva, art directing by A. R. Mohan, and stunt choreography by Dhilip Subbarayan. The movie was dubbed and released in Telugu as Gajendrudu."The Hindi rights of the film were purchased by RK Duggal Studios for a record price. The Hindi trailer was launched on 6 May 2017, and the Hindi dubbed version was released under the same title by RKD studios.

Plot

Kadamban is a native of an isolated tribe in the Kadamban Forest, Tamil Nadu. The area is known for its wildlife and an immense amount of limestone. This brings the attention of the Mahendran Brothers, who own a large cement factory. They then attempt to get the not easily convinced tribe out of the forest. Radhi is in love with Kadamban and attempts continuously to win his heart to the displeasure of her brother, who has a rivalry with Kadamban.

Cast

In January 2015, Ragava and Vikram Prabhu announced that they would work on an action adventure film together, with Ilaiyaraaja signed on to compose the film's music. The film was reported to be titled as Thanni Kaattu Raja, but was postponed.
In December 2015, Ragava announced that he would make the action adventure film with Arya in the lead role, and that it would be set in the backdrop of a jungle. Catherine Tresa was signed on as heroine, while Yuvan Shankar Raja was soon after announced as the film's music composer. For his role in the film, Arya underwent a very rigorous training, he took charge of his lifestyle, underwent a complete makeover and sported a striking muscular physique. The film began shooting in March 2016 in the forests of Kodaikanal and the terrain was rough and challenging. The team realised this shoot was going to be like no other, they took on every challenge the jungle had to throw at them; even as simple as mobile network coverage was hard to find, the team requested local operators to put up four communications towers. In May 2016, the film's actual title was revealed to be Kadamban. For the shooting of the climax scene, 70 elephants were used. Catherine Tresa says that, Kadamban is a saga with a social message to love forest and the simple ways of nature; this is indeed an eye opener for the betterment of the country.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and released on TrendMusic.

Reception

Behindwoods rated the Music 2.5 /5 and noted it as "A passable adventure by Yuvan for Kadamban that is just about competent !"

Release

Kadamban was a success at the box office. It wasn't a good profitable deal but still the makers enjoyed some revenue. The movie was made on a big budget of 40 cr. Satellite rights were sold to Zee Tamil. Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion wrote "Avatar meets Lagaan in the Ragava-directed Kadamban...the result is long and a bit of a mishmash, but not entirely unwatchable."