Sivakasi is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language action film written and directed by Perarasu, starring Vijay, Asin and Prakash Raj in lead roles. The film's music is composed by Srikanth Deva, while the background score was composed by his father Deva. The film was released during Diwali 2005 received positive reviews from the critics and performed well at the box office. The film was later dubbed in Hindi as Virasat Ki Jung in 2012 by Baba Arts Ltd. In 2007, the film was remade in Telugu as Vijayadasami with Nandamuri Kalyan Ram playing the role of Vijay, Vedhika playing the role of Asin and Sai Kumar playing the role of Prakash Raj.
Plot
Sivakasi is a mechanic known for keeping rowdies in check. One day he chastises a jeweler's daughter, Hema, for wearing "skimpy clothing." After she instigates a false case against him, he humiliates her father by declaring his love for her at a wedding. In response, Hema claims he caused her sister's suicide. After fearing arrest and discovering Hema had no sister, he confronts her under the name Vaikasi, during which she declares her love. Doubting her, Sivakasi tells her to spend the night, but when she arrives at his house, her brothers take her back home. Fearing her death, Sivakasi recognizes his mistake and ensures her safety. Her father gives his blessing to the match. Hema's brothers visit and remark that his current income is not enough to support Hema, causing him to throw them out of the house. Hema confronts Sivakasi, remarking he couldn't understand siblings as he was an orphan. Sivakasi reveals his real name, Muthappa, and that he was falsely blamed for setting off crackers near a possessed dancer 15 years earlier, a crime done by his brother Udhayappan. Hema berates him for ignoring his parents' love and declares they will marry only with his family's request. Sivakasi returns to his native and discovers Udhayappan is now an MLA due to his mother-in-law Moolimungari's influence. His mother works as a servant in her own house and is unable to recognize him. Her sister operates a roadside stall in a nearby village in utter penury with her husband and child. Sivakasi decides to improve their lot anonymously. One of his few confidants tells how his father died when Udhayappan claimed his mother had affairs. Enraged, Sivakasi beats Udhayappan and his men, claiming to be the husband of a woman he raped, and is paid 1 million rupees for her false suicide note. The next day, when Udhayappan tries to sell ancestral property, Sivakasi reminds the buyers of Muthappa and how, without his signature, the sale is illegal. To avoid this, Udhayappan dresses a false body to look like Muthappa, but Sivakasi inserts a note saying his share of the property should be donated. The note is found valid and Udhayappan reveals his deception. Later Udhayappan registers his MLA candidacy but finds Vairam contesting, supported by Sivakasi's money. The villagers see Sivakasi as an outsider, but he brings doubles of film stars to canvass for Vairam. Udhayappan brings the real Nayanthara, but Sivakasi makes her unintentionally support Vairam. Udhayappan, curious about Sivakasi, is visited by Hema and Sivakasi's friends who are looking for him. Udhayappan goes to Sivakasi's house thinking he knows his identity. It is revealed that Hema lied that Muthappa and Sivakasi are friends. He threatens to kill their mother, and although Sivakasi burns his palms, he and Vairam decide to leave. At night, Vairam sees her husband getting kidnapped by someone who she thinks is Udhayappan, although it is Sivakasi in truth. When Vairam confronts her confused elder brother, he hits her, gaining her sympathy votes. Vijay fakes a threat by Udhayappan towards Vairam, resulting in Udhayappan's men attacking villagers. The people turn against him and Moolimungari, who is covered in cow dung for making Udhyappan an MLA. She threatens Udhayappan if he fails to be re-elected. Udhayappan plans to kill his wife and frame Sivakasi to gain votes, but Sivakasi saves her. Sivakasi secretly burns a body with Vairam's husband's chain, making everyone think Udhayappan killed him. The people riot outside his house. Sivakasi calls him, saying he can have Vairam's husband back, but must hand over all ancestral property to her. Udhayappan signs it, thinking Muthappa can't sign, and finds one of his men. Vairam wins the election and property, and she and her mother regain their old state. Sivakasi releases Vairam's husband and Udhayappan's wife. Udhayappan hears Muthappa has arrived, who is revealed to Vairam and her mother to be Sivakasi. An angry Moolimungari decides to kill Udhayappan, who decides to kill his brother. Moolimungari's men arrive and are about to kill Udhayappan, when their mother asks Muthappa to save him. Sivakasi rescues Udhayappan, who begs forgiveness for his actions and reunites with his wife. Muthappa and Hema are then married.
After the success of Thirupaachi, A. M. Rathnam called Perarasu to make a film with Vijay re-uniting with him for second time. Sivakasi was Perarasu's second collaboration with Vijay after Thirupaachi and producer Rathnam's third film with Vijay after Kushi and Ghilli. Mallika Sherawat was reported to be heroine instead role went to Asin. Sridevika was originally offered the role of Vijay's sister but later went to Malayalam actress Lakshana. Simran was initially approached for item number after her rejection, Nayanthara agreed to replace Simran due to the persuasion of Vijay. Geetha was selected to play as Vijay's mother. Art director G. K. created the sets of T. Nagar with the sum of Rs. 12.0 million, one of the traditional Mylapore look complete with tall temple gopurams and Teppakulam and another of vintage Triplicane aura with mosques. There were reports that Vijay would perform dual roles but later proved false. feet of rolls has been used to shoot the film. The first schedule was completed in Chennai and the crew camped at Karaikudi for the second schedule, the third schedule was shot at Kushaldas Gardens with Vijay and Asin.Rocky Rajesh was doing the Stunt Master's job for Vijay's film Sivakasi. As Dharani wanted Rocky Rajesh to work for his Telugu film, he requested the director of Sivakasi, Perarasu to release him. Hence the climactic fight sequences were composed and finished in a short time by Thalapathy Dinesh of Chandramuki fame. Dubbing was held at Kalasa studios.
Music
Soundtrack was composed by Srikanth Deva was well received by the audience. But Srikanth Deva was only able to composed the songs as he was composing for his ongoing project, Aacharya. Hence, the background score was composed by his father, Deva. All Lyrics were penned by Perarasu.
Release
The satellite rights of the film were secured by Jaya TV. The film was given a "U" certificate by the Indian Censor Board.
Reviews
Indiaglitz wrote: "Sivakasi is one among the long line of formulaic masala mass entertainers that Vijay is now known to dish out. In Perarusu, Vijay has got a director who understands the hero as well as his fans". Behindwoods wrote: "The movie is worth seeing as it includes sentiment and entertainment. It is an action paired entertainer and worth considering". Sify wrote: "This FORMULA had worked well for director Perarasu and Vijay in Tirupachi and now the team has re-worked it. This time, however, it will test your patience as it is not meant for the class audience or those seeking quality entertainment. Perarasu and Vijay believe only in catering to the mass audience who want their dose of unpretentious masala mix".
Remake
Sivakasi was remade into Telugu as Vijayadasami in the year 2007 starring Kalyan Ram and Vedika in the lead roles.
