Kuselan

Infobox Film
name = Kuselan

---

caption =
director = P. Vasu
producer = K. Balachandar
Ashwini Dutt
G. P. Vijayakumar
writer = Sreenivasan
starring = Rajnikanth
Nayantara
Meena
Tamil:
Pasupathy
Livingston
Vadivelu
Telugu:
Jagapati Babu
Sunil
Brahmanandam
music = G. V. Prakash Kumar
cinematography = Arvind Krishna
editing =
distributor = flagicon|World Ayngaran
flagicon|United States Pyramid
released = flagicon|World August 1, 2008
runtime =
country = India
awards =
language = Tamil
Telugu
budget =
gross =
preceded_by =
followed_by =
website = http://www.kuselan.co.in/
amg_id =
imdb_id =

"Kuselan" ( _ta. குசேலன்) is a 2008 Tamil film simultaneously made in Telugu as "Kathanayakudu". Inspired by the Malayalam film "Kadha Parayumbol", the film is directed by P. Vasu and produced by K. Balachandar, Aswani Dutt and G. P. Vijayakumar in two languages. The Tamil version stars Pasupathy in the lead role, while Jagapati Babu takes the role in the Telugu version, with both actors being paired opposite Meena for their respective versions. Superstar Rajinikanth and Nayantara appear in extended cameo roles.

The film revolves around a villager, who had shared a strong friendship with a popular cinema actor in their youth. However due to their different pursuit in careers they eventually are forced to part ways, one becoming a national figure, the other, a village barber. Decades later, the actor returns to the village to participate in his film's shooting. Whilst the entire village become excited about the prospect of seeing the actor, the barber fears that his old friend would have forgotten him and would neglect him. The story explores the pressures of friendship.

The film opened to Indian audiences on August 1, 2008, taking the third largest opening for a Tamil film up til the date of release. Despite the film's hype prior to release, the film ended up evoking negative reviews, mainly because the film was termed as a Rajinikanth-starrer, although it was he who had made it clear that it was a guest appearance. [cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40636.html |title='Kuselan' – A boon or bane to Tamil cinema |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=August 08, 2008 |accessdate=2008-10-11] Despite the big opening, the film went on to become one of the biggest box-office disasters in Tamil cinema history.

Plot

Balakrishnan (Pasupathy/Jagapati Babu) is the owner of a barber shop in a remote village. His family consists of his wife Sridevi (Meena) and three children. Balakrishnan struggles to persuade customers to visit his barber shop while his competitor Shanmugham (Vadivelu/Sunil), former worker of Balakrishnan who has his own barber shop across from Balakrishnan's, uses cunning means to make business in haircutting. Balakrishnan's downfall in business also causes him to neglect paying his children's school fees. Although he struggles to make a living, he still enjoys spending time with his family.Later on, news spreads through the village by Nagaraj (Santhanam) that super star Ashok Kumar (Rajinikanth), a popular film actor, will be arriving for a shooting schedule. While the rest of the village celebrates in shock and excitement, the news does not impress Balakrishnan, who was best friends with the actor during their childhood days, and the two have not met one another for nearly 25 years. Balakrishnan is often bothered by Sridevi and his children to introduce them to Ashok Kumar. Kuppuswamy (Livingston), a financier who is keen on making a film and who was once disgusted by Balakrishnan's barber shop, tries to woo him into introducing him to Ashok Kumar so that he can make a film with him. Meanwhile, Sridevi spends her time bragging to her neighbours about her husband being friends with the super star.

In the other part of town, Ashok Kumar is given tight security, lead by the deputy commissioner Senthilnathan (Prabhu Ganesan) due to the possibility of misbehaviour among the crowd who always spend their time hanging out in front of every shooting location, eager to get a glimpse of the super star. Ashok Kumar is shown shooting for "Annamalai: Part 2", "Chandramukhi: Part 2", and "Kuselan", along with his co-star Nayantara (Nayantara), (referring to fictional sequels of the previous Rajinikanth films, "Annamalai" and "Chandramukhi"). Balakrishnan tries to meet up with his childhood friend, however he is never able to make it to him through the large crowd. Shanmugham also tries every possible way to meet with the super star so that he can get a photo with him, but humorously fails.

Later on, the headmistress of the local convent school (Geetha) visits Balakrishnan and asks him if he could get Ashok Kumar to attend their school's upcoming annual function. Balakrishnan hesitates at first but later agrees to do so. Balakrishnan continues to attempt to confront the superstar, however with no success. On the other hand, Shanmugham finally falls into Ashok Kumar's backyard by accident and, and to his utmost surprise, gets the chance to speak with the celebrity.

Days pass by and the staff and parents of the school complain to Balakrishnan about inviting the super star during their parents meeting. Balakrishnan, again, agrees to confront the actor, but goes without doing so. The headmistress later decides that it is only better if she herself invites the superstar. She visits the super star, along with two other school secretaries, which includes Mr. Srinivasan (R. Sundararajan), who arrogantly questions the super star about his films and his personal decisions. (Scene provides answers to controversial subject matters regarding Rajinikanth). Despite the irritation received from Srinivasan, Ashok Kumar accepts their invitation to the function and agrees to attend, as long as Srinivasan wasn't around.

The day of the school function arrives and the school prepares for the arrival of Ashok Kumar. Back at Balakrishnan's house, Balakrishnan who is saddened because of his children, who are angry at their father for not taking them to see the super star, does not want to attend the school function. Sridevi shows her admiration for Ashok Kumar and her willingness to attend the function. Balakrishnan shows his willingness to grant at least her wish to see the super star and agrees to attend the function. At the school, Balakrishnan and Sridevi are wide-eyed to see super star Ashok Kumar walk across the stage when he is called to deliver his speech. In his speech, Ashok Kumar praises the students and teachers of the school and receives many applauses. Srinivasan then learns that Ashok Kumar had a great respect for teachers. He brings forth his past, as a child. He explains his poor and harsh lifestyle during his childhood days. On that note, he the recalls his memories of his childhood friend, Balakrishnan, who, according to Ashok Kumar, cared for him so much and spent a lot for him. Ashok Kumar tells the audience that it was Balakrishnan who sold his own jewelry to send him to Madras to join a film institute. Ashok Kumar wipes away his tears as he expresses his sorrow for not being able to see his friend since then. Ashok Kumar then apologizes to the audience and ends his speech on a happy note. A broken-hearted Balakrishnan, returns home in tears after seeing his best friend cry on stage for him. As he weeps to his wife and children, he sees Ashok Kumar at his doorstep, forming the climax of the film. Balakrishnan slowly walks up to his long-lost friend and the two embrace and wipe away their tears.

After they settle down, Ashok Kumar tells Balakrishnan that him and his family must live with him thereafter. When Balakrishnan says no, Ashok Kumar starts one of his punch dialogues (from Rajinikanth's film, "Baasha"), and Balakrishnan's kids finish it for him. Ashok Kumar takes Balakrishnan outside, and to Balakrishnan's surprise, he sees the entire village crowded in front of his house. Ashok Kumar yells out to everyone in happiness that Balakrishnan is his best friend. Just when Ashok Kumar leaves, Balakrishnan feeds Ashok Kumar and Ashok Kumar feeds him back - a sentimental scene. The film ends showing Balakrishnan and Ashok Kumar walking away together and a moral of friendship is given (voiced by Rajinikanth).

Cast

The cast from the film was extensive, with several actors portraying supporting roles. Prominent actors Surya Sivakumar, Sneha, Mamta Mohandas, Prabhu Ganesan and Dhanush all made special and cameo appearances in the film. The lead cast in the bilingual (Tamil/Telugu) included:

* Pasupathy/Jagapati Babu as Balakrishnan. "Balakrishnan", more commonly referred to as "Balan" is a village barberer. He lives care-free with his wife and three children despite his financial struggles. His salon fails to earn profits ude to his reluctance to take in assistance from others. "Balan" has a dilemma when his old friend "Ashok Kumar" returns to the village.
* Meena as Sreedevi. "Sreedevi" is the wife of "Balan", who is commonly known for being rather boisterous and open hearted despite her poor state of living. She shares great affection for her husband despite the villagers' hate towards him.
* Rajnikanth as Ashok Kumar. "Ashok Kumar" is dubbed as the "superstar" in South Indian cinema, who comes to the village to participate in his film's shooting. The arrival of him prompts the villagers' excitement, with all of them wanting to see the superstar.
* Nayantara as Nayantara. "Nayantara" is the co-star to "Ashok Kumar" in the film under production in the village.
* Vadivelu/Sunil as Shanmugam. "Shanmugam" is an opposition barberer in the village, whose business revenues more profit than "Balan". Provides comic relief in the film.
* Livingston as Kuppusamy. A financier in the village, who is hated by the villagers for his boisterous nature. Provides comic relief.

Production

Development

Following P. Vasu and Rajnikanth's film, "Chandramukhi" in 2005, Vasu had been keen to re-cast Rajnikanth in another role and prior to signing "Kuselan", he had narrated a story entitled "Vettaiyan", which would have been a sequel of a character featured in "Chandramukhi".cite web|author=Shankar, Settu|year=2007|title=P Vasu's version of Vettaiyan|publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2007-08-27|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/p-vasu-vettaiyan-170807.html] Early in 2008, Rajnikanth signed up for S. Shankar's "Endhiran", making it highly unlikely he would sign up to another film for a couple of years, due to Shankar's tendency to take two years shooting his films. However, in a sudden turn of events, "Kuselan" was launched at the Taj Coromandel in Chennai on January 14, 2008 coinciding with Pongal.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Nayan is Rajini's lady love in Kuselan!|publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2008-01-28|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/nayantara-rajinikanth-kuselan-280108.html] The director, P. Vasu signed up Rajnikanth and Pasupathy to portray the lead roles, while noted director K. Balachandar agreed to produce the Tamil version of the film along with G.P. Vijayakumar's Seven Arts Productions, while Aswani Dutt agreed to produce the film in Telugu with Rajnikanth and Jagapati Babu in the lead roles.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Ileana refuses Rajini`s Kuselan
publisher=Chennai365.com|accessdate=2008-01-28|url=http://www.chennai365.com/news/ileana-refuses-rajinis-kuselan/] The film is a remake of a super hit Malayalam movie, "Kadha Parayumbol" which was written by Sreenivasan who also played the lead role in the movie.

Vasu made it clear that Rajnikanth would not be doing an honorary role in the movie which Mammooty had portrayed, but will play a full role, describing that the "The whole story revolves around him [Rajnikanth] ". The film's launch was helted on March 7, 2008 at the AVM Studios in Chennai with the leading artistes present.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Kuselan pooja held
publisher=Sify.com|accessdate=2008-03-07|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14618571] P. Vasu, while talking to the media mentioned that the shooting lasted 82 days with the versions being shot simultaneously and that most of the movie was shot inside the Ramoji Rao film city, with other destinations including Kerala and Pollachi. cite web|author=|year=2008|title=P Vasu Interview
publisher=Behindwoods.com.com|accessdate=2008-06-19|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-08-03/kuselan-19-06-08.html]

A promotional event took place on July 19, 2008 at the Jawarhalal Nehru Stadium. The event focused on the music, the five songs from the movie will be sung by the original singers on the stage, conducted by G. V. Prakash. cite web| title=”Kuselan’s promotional event"| work= [http://www.behindwoods.com Behindwoods] |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/july-08-02/kuselan-10-07-08.html |accessdate=16 July|accessyear=2008]

= Casting = Apart from the role of Rajnikanth, Vasu intended to use entirely different casts in either version of the bilingual film. Upon announcement, actor Livingston, Manobala and Santhana Bharathi were added to the cast of the Tamil version,cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Jegapathy Babu in 'Kuchelan' |publisher=Cinesouth.com|accessdate=2008-01-23|url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/23012008-4.shtml] along with Vadivelu who pipped Vivek, Santhanam and Goundamani to land the role, even though Santhanam managed another role in the film.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Vivek acts in Kuselan! |publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2008-02-09|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/rajini-kuselan-vivek-vadivelu-080208.html] Furthermore, yesteryear director S. P. Muthuraman agreed to play a guest role in the film.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Latest on ‘Kuselan’|publisher=Indiaglitz.com|accessdate=2008-01-23|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/36081.html] However the selection of the heroines was far more time consuming. Despite Trisha Krishnan's request to appear opposite Rajnikanth, Nayantara accepted the role,cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Nayan is Rajini's lady love in Kuselan!|publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2008-01-28|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/nayantara-rajinikanth-kuselan-280108.html] however finding a female lead opposite Pasupathy was more difficult for the director, with Simran Bagga,cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Simran confirmed for ‘Kuselan’?|publisher=Indiaglitz.com|accessdate=2008-01-29|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/36206.html] Tabucite web|author=|year=2008|title=Latest on ‘Kuselan’|publisher=Indiaglitz.com|accessdate=2008-01-23|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/36081.html] and Sneha all being considered for the role in the Tamil version.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Nayan is Rajini's lady love in Kuselan!|publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2008-01-28|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/nayantara-rajinikanth-kuselan-280108.html] However, Meena who played the role in the original, was offered the role in early February 2008 and accepted it.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Meena in `Kuselan`!|publisher=Sify.com|accessdate=2008-02-06|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14600822] Throughout the production stages, it had been indicated that several prominent film personalities will appear in cameo appearances throughout the film, however no leading actors were approached.cite web|author=Shankar, Settu|year=2008|title=Kamal, Ajith and Vijay dance with Rajini!!|publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2008-02-04|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/kamal-rajini-kuselan-ajith-vijay-040208.html] cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Big star cast in Kuselan?|publisher=BharatStudent.com|accessdate=2008-02-04|url=http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/news.php?id=18098&cat=3] Indications later revealed that five actresses would appear opposite Rajnikanth in a song with the selected being Nayantara, Mamta Mohandas, Kushboo, Suja and Sneha all of whom apart from Nayantara, play minor roles.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Rajinikant to romance 5 heroines? |publisher=Sify.com|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://sify.com/movies/telugu/fullstory.php?id=14628888&cid=2364]

In the Telugu version, comedian actors Sunil, Brahmanandam, Tanikella Bharani and Venu Madhav all signed up to play the roles of Jagapati Babu's fellow villagers.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Aswani Dutt producing Rajinis Kuselan in Telugu|publisher=Oniondosa.net|accessdate=2008-01-24|url=http://www.oniondosa.net/news/2008/1/Aswani-Dutt-producing-Rajinis-Kuselan-in-Telugu.htm] Ileana D'Cruz recently turned down an offer to act in the film, citing date problems.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Ileana refuses Rajini`s Kuselan
publisher=Chennai365.com|accessdate=2008-01-28|url=http://www.chennai365.com/news/ileana-refuses-rajinis-kuselan/] Like the Tamil version, it has also been indicated that several prominent Telugu actors have been approached to be a part of a song in the project, but none were selected.cite web|author=Shankar, Settu|year=2008|title=Kamal, Ajith and Vijay dance with Rajini!!|publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2008-02-04|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/kamal-rajini-kuselan-ajith-vijay-040208.html] Technicians were common in both versions in the two films with G. V. Prakash Kumar operating as the music composer, whilst Arvind Krishna was the cinematographer for the bilingual.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Jegapathy Babu in 'Kuselan' |publisher=Cinesouth.com|accessdate=2008-01-23|url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/23012008-4.shtml]

Soundtrack

Infobox Album | Name = Kuselan: The Official Motion Picture Soundtrack
Type = Album


Released = June 30, 2008
Genre = Feature film soundtrack
Length =
Composer = G. V. Prakash Kumar| Label = Sony BMG
The soundtrack of "Kuselan" was released on June 30, 2008. The background score has been composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar along with five melodious songs. One of the songs, ("Cinema Cinema") commemorates the 75th anniversary of Tamil cinema. Surya Sivakumar, Sneha, Mamta Mohandas, Dhanush, Kushboo Sundar and Soundarya Rajinikanth appear in this song along with Rajinikanth, Nayantara and Vijayakumar. Yesteryear South Indian film stars Sivaji Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran, Dr. Rajkumar and N. T. Rama Rao, are also shown in this song.

Soundtrack listing

Release

Reception

"Kuselan" became the third largest release in the history of Tamil cinema, extracting 1000 prints worldwide, only after Rajnikanth's previous venture, "Sivaji" and "Dasavathaaram" in numbers.cite web|author=|year=2008|title='Kuselan' opens in maximum centres
publisher=Indiaglitz.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/40427.html] The film upon release, despite the initial hype before release due to Rajnikanth's superstar image, received negative reviews and unexpectedly took a lukewarm opening at the box-office.cite web|author=Nadar, Ganesh|year=2008|title=Kuselan gets lukewarm response at box office
publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/08sskuselan.htm] Unlike previous Rajnikanth films, on day two of its release, tickets were available in almost all theatres across Tamil Nadu, with the film failing to get advance bookings.cite web|author=Nadar, Ganesh|year=2008|title=Kuselan gets lukewarm response at box office
publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/08sskuselan.htm] On the fourth day, there was a huge drop of 50 percent in collections, the worst ever figure for a film featuring Rajnikanth. Traders blamed the producers for using Rajinikanth's "larger than life image" to sell it to distributors, Pyramid Saimira for Rs 60 crore, when they knew very well that he was only doing a special appearance.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Kuselan Fiasco- A postmortem|publisher=Sify.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14736612] Furthermore more than 6 crores worth of pirated DVDs were seized around India featuring "Kuselan", hampening the collection.cite web|author=Vijayasarathy, R. G.|year=2008|title=Kuselan flops in Karnataka
publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/11kuselan.htm] "Kuselan" also flopped in Karnataka, Rajnikanth's home state for the first ever time with the film failing to bring in 1.5 crores, despite being sold for 3 crores.cite web|author=Vijayasarathy, R. G.|year=2008|title=Kuselan flops in Karnataka
publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/11kuselan.htm]

Due to the colossal failure, many distributors went bankrupt following the release. The main distributor, Pyramid Saimira which obtained around Rs.63 crores for the world distribution rights of the Tamil film, only recovering Rs.25 crores from Tamil Nadu theatres since release. Some of the distributors representatives contacted Rajinikanth and the actor paid around Rs.7 crores from his remuneration, which was believed to be Rs.26 crores for acting in two versions of the film.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Kuselan in trouble again
publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2008/kuselan-rajinikanth-compensation-270808.html] Despite the actor paying compensation on behalf of the film, the producer Kavithalaya productions refused to shell out money as compensation to the losses suffered by the distributors, evoking statewide protests by theatre owners.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Kuselan in trouble again
publisher=OneIndia.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2008/kuselan-rajinikanth-compensation-270808.html]

Overseas, "Kuselan" opened at number 12 at the UK box office, however slid heavily the following week, becoming an average grosser in terms of Tamil films.cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Kuselan Storms UK Box Office |publisher=Behindwoods.com|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-08-01/kuselan-06-08-08.html] Collections in the United States were average, whilst collections in Malaysia and Singapore were reported to be successful. Despite a reasonable success overseas, the film was still labelled as a "colossal flop".cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Rajnikanth's Kuselan gets rave reviews in Malaysia
publisher=Hindustan Times|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=CinemaSectionPage&id=d4ca22e7-7a96-4a18-ab7c-fac3842c92fa&&Headline=Rajnikanth's+EMKuselan+%2fEMgets+rave+reviews+in+Malaysia&strParent=strParentID]

Reviews

The film, upon release, garnered mainly negative reviews. Rediff.com criticized the film as "rushed", however praised Pasupathy mentioning that he comes "out the winner" in acting scnens, citing that his portrayal was "poetic".cite web|author=Srinivasan, Pavithra|year=2008|title=Rajnikanth's show all the way
publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2008-08-01|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/01ssk.htm] Meena is criticized, with the reviewer cliaming that she "tries hard to re-create the original version's magic, but perhaps she has been told to over-do it for Tamil: she wears lipstick and pastel shades of saris for every other scene, while trying to prove that they have no idea where the next meal's going to come from". The describe the best performer as Rajnikanth claiming he is the "star of the show" due to his larger than life persona in the film. As for the script, "the freshness of the original has been denuded a little to accommodate dialogues that extol the many virtues of the superstar", becoming worse than that of the original.cite web|author=Srinivasan, Pavithra|year=2008|title=Rajnikanth's show all the way
publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2008-08-01|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/01ssk.htm] Whilst labelling Vadivelu as providing "antics are the ones that really make you grin", the rest of the supporting actors Manobala, M. S. Baskar, Livingston and Vaiyapuri "are absolutely wasted". Director P. Vasu is criticized by claiming that his "script must shoulder the responsibility of how Kuselan has ultimately turned out" with the only saving grace being "the original story, which pulls the screenplay from descending into nothing". G. V. Prakash Kumar and Thotta Tharani were also singled out by the Rediff reviewer for their adequate performances in their respective fields.cite web|author=Srinivasan, Pavithra|year=2008|title=Rajnikanth's show all the way
publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2008-08-01|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/01ssk.htm]

Reviewers also claimed that the producers and P. Vasu had attempted to capitalize on Rajnikanth's fan following in the film. The Deccan Herald reported that "It’s a big con to exploit brand Rajni and make a quick buck. He himself gallops in on a flying horse almost half way through the tortuous proceedings. His oneliners and quirks fall flat. If at all we are able to see flashes of the Rajni of yore, it’s towards the dying moments. By then it’s too late".cite web|author=|year=2008|title=A Kuselan gone Kaput!
publisher=The Deccan Herald|accessdate=2008-08-01|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Aug12008/national2008080182223.asp?section=thirdcolumnupdatenews28792] This claim was echoed by one Sify.com review claiming the film "The film tries desperately to glorify Rajinikanth’s larger than life superstardom and create a halo around him as a do-gooder and a saint in real life. It loses its focus and moves away from the gist of the original, which was a simple story about human emotions, based on friendship between an ordinary barber and a superstar."cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Review:Kuselan
publisher=Sify.com|accessdate=2008-08-01|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?cid=2429&ctid=5&id=14728792] In contrast, another Sify.com review praised the film labelling it as "above average". It claims that "Rajinikanth towers above all others, especially in the climax scene where there is a lot of melodrama and the human emotions are well etched out".cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Review:Kuselan
publisher=Sify.com|accessdate=2008-08-01|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?cid=2429&ctid=5&id=14728792] Pasupathy has a "pained expression throughout" whilst "Meena just repeats her performance in the Malayalam version". It however criticizes Vadivelu who is dscribed as "a bit crass and below-the-belt", in reference to his scnes with Sona Heiden. It adds that "Kuselan is quite an enjoyable watch and is different from previous Rajinikanth films" and that the "touching climax will leave a lump in your throat".cite web|author=|year=2008|title=Review:Kuselan
publisher=Sify.com|accessdate=2008-08-01|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?cid=2429&ctid=5&id=14728792]

References

External links

* [http://kuselanthemovie.com/ Kuselan's official website]