Vasatha balan yet again proves that he is unqiue and sensible director. If you want to know wht is acting juz see this movie all the lead cast gave terrific performance, I thought it would boring period drama but trust me even though duration of movie is bit length I didn't get bored at all. ARR Background score was awestruck perfect BGM and songs, I didn't liked the songs when the audio got released but its nice while you watching the movie you feel perfect songs and placed very well. A great applause to the director to show exact small drama troupe culture and their life. I think some places director compromises himself. A must watch movie ..!!!
18 Reviews
A Must Watch..
balaji-mk2 December 2014
Though I hardly miss to watch any movie no matter how good/bad they are, this is my first review in IMDb and the honor goes to Kaaviyathalaivan.
One reason why one should watch the movie - It's a period movie and it's about "Kootthu" theater artists' lives and how some of them become freedom fighters in the process. Cheers for making it light and yet interesting that the whole audience sit through peacefully and feel contended while leaving the screen. I never felt boring at any point of the movie.
Nasser, Ponvannan, Siddharth, Prithviraj, Thambi Ramaiah... the cast made it even more wonderful to watch.
Heard the songs before watching the movie and I wasn't really impressed, but I fell in love with couple of songs after watching them in the big screen. I loved the choreography of Aye Mr Minor song - Well done Anaika Soti.
Watch it, for it's one of its kind.
One reason why one should watch the movie - It's a period movie and it's about "Kootthu" theater artists' lives and how some of them become freedom fighters in the process. Cheers for making it light and yet interesting that the whole audience sit through peacefully and feel contended while leaving the screen. I never felt boring at any point of the movie.
Nasser, Ponvannan, Siddharth, Prithviraj, Thambi Ramaiah... the cast made it even more wonderful to watch.
Heard the songs before watching the movie and I wasn't really impressed, but I fell in love with couple of songs after watching them in the big screen. I loved the choreography of Aye Mr Minor song - Well done Anaika Soti.
Watch it, for it's one of its kind.
Nice Movie
poorani-arunprasad28 November 2014
Kaviyathalaivan - A Very different kinda movie!! The storyline is not the usual romance based type! Hats off to Vasanthabalan for trying this...! It is like a modern version of an art film! The story is about Koothu- actors/dancers in pre-independence era. Nassar is the lead of a Koothu team. Prithviraj and Sidharth join in at a very young age! Sidharth by virtue of better acting abilities and Out-Of-The-Box-Thinking gets the lead roles and the girls! Prithviraj is jealous... The story revolves around their lives and emotions... HATS OFF TO SIDHARTH! I loved his expressions! I am not sure if he learnt classical dance for the grace in his dance moves. It would have been a treat had Sidharth also acted one role as a female character (As a part of the Koothu shows)! Prithviraj had done a decent job! But Sidharth stole the show!! & Vedhicka (Ganakokilam Vadivambal) had also danced very well... I was hoping for a better role for Kuyili... She could have been used as a Koothu dancer too!! A.R.Rahman could not have made the background scores any better... The music just perfectly suited the movie in every way!! The movie could have have been slightly shorter... But I have no cribs about that!! I rate this movie 3.5 out of 5 but recommend it as a movie worth watching!!
Best Period Drama I have ever seen
karizmabadrinath14 January 2015
Just watched "Kaaviya Thalaivan". Once again Vasantha balan has given a different and a good film. This film is really something which doesn't go well with the commercial audience. But Vasantha balan has given this in an engaging manner. A different movie which brings the pre-independence era and the drama troops lively on the screen. This film slightly reminds me of the "Sivaji ganesan" starrer yesteryear blockbuster film "Rajapart Rangadurai".
Positives:- Right from the title, Siddarth and Prithviraj steals the show. This is the best performance of Siddarth till date. And my favourite of the film is the Cunning and evil character of Prithviraj. Even though Prithviraj has done similar roles in the past in Mollywood, he shows lots of maturity in this film. Everyone has done their job in a perfect manner. Nassar, Tambi ramaiah, Ponvannan, singampuli, Vedhika and the list of characters has given justice to their role. Music:- AR.Rahman's music adds a feather to this movie. He has produced a different album with hummable numbers, Aye Mr.Minor, Vanga makka and My fav. Yaarumilla song and the BGM suits the period of the film. Negatives:- The character of the Princess is mischievous but the actress doesn't looks promising this movie. Her smile and performance was really irritating for me. The scenes are almost predictable.
Threats:- While I was in awe of appreciation during the end as I do for every movie I feel good, I noticed that I was the only person left in the Theatre as everyone left early without watching the full movie.
Verdict:- Leave the usual masala aspects aside and Watch "Kaaviya Thalaivan" as a different recipe. You will really love this new flavour. My rating:- 10/10 simply for the efforts and execution
Positives:- Right from the title, Siddarth and Prithviraj steals the show. This is the best performance of Siddarth till date. And my favourite of the film is the Cunning and evil character of Prithviraj. Even though Prithviraj has done similar roles in the past in Mollywood, he shows lots of maturity in this film. Everyone has done their job in a perfect manner. Nassar, Tambi ramaiah, Ponvannan, singampuli, Vedhika and the list of characters has given justice to their role. Music:- AR.Rahman's music adds a feather to this movie. He has produced a different album with hummable numbers, Aye Mr.Minor, Vanga makka and My fav. Yaarumilla song and the BGM suits the period of the film. Negatives:- The character of the Princess is mischievous but the actress doesn't looks promising this movie. Her smile and performance was really irritating for me. The scenes are almost predictable.
Threats:- While I was in awe of appreciation during the end as I do for every movie I feel good, I noticed that I was the only person left in the Theatre as everyone left early without watching the full movie.
Verdict:- Leave the usual masala aspects aside and Watch "Kaaviya Thalaivan" as a different recipe. You will really love this new flavour. My rating:- 10/10 simply for the efforts and execution
Drama
krishnanath28 November 2014
Siddharth's much awaited Kaaviya Thalaivan has finally hit the theatres today. The film, directed by Vasanthabalan is Tamil, Malayalam as well as Telugu. Our reviewer Subramanian Harikumar is watching the film at a theatre right now and has sent his first impression of the film.
Hari says, "The story revolves around a theatre group in pre- independence era run by ace veteran actor played by Naseer who takes in two young boys in his company – Kali and Gomathi played by Siddharth and Prithviraj respectively. Though Gomathi eyes to be Guru's favourite, it is Kali who charms him with his brilliant histrionics. This leads to jealousy swelling in the heart of Gomathi. Meanwhile, Kali falls in love with zamindar's daughter and Vadivu, who joins the theatre catches the eye of Gomathi. When Gomathi comes to know about Kali's affair, he informs it to the guru who in anger asks Kali to take pledge of never seeing the Zamindar's daughter again. Fearing their lives from Zamindar's wrath, the theatre group flees to an another town. But Gomathi becomes Guru's new favourite and Kali is sidelined. Soon the Guru passes away and differences crop between Kali and Gomathi, due to which Kali leaves the group.
Hari says, "The story revolves around a theatre group in pre- independence era run by ace veteran actor played by Naseer who takes in two young boys in his company – Kali and Gomathi played by Siddharth and Prithviraj respectively. Though Gomathi eyes to be Guru's favourite, it is Kali who charms him with his brilliant histrionics. This leads to jealousy swelling in the heart of Gomathi. Meanwhile, Kali falls in love with zamindar's daughter and Vadivu, who joins the theatre catches the eye of Gomathi. When Gomathi comes to know about Kali's affair, he informs it to the guru who in anger asks Kali to take pledge of never seeing the Zamindar's daughter again. Fearing their lives from Zamindar's wrath, the theatre group flees to an another town. But Gomathi becomes Guru's new favourite and Kali is sidelined. Soon the Guru passes away and differences crop between Kali and Gomathi, due to which Kali leaves the group.
Very good first half. Very bad second half.
nomadsorion6 December 2014
Positives: -A never seen before perspective about theater artists in India prior to our independence -Outstanding performances by all actors -Good music by ARR
Drawbacks: -Was not gripping at all. Even the story is fresh and unique, it lacked the punch. The script/story is very shallow and lacks depth. -Very average screenplay
Wish the movie had a better director and a slightly more powerful story. Also, if the movie had a better second half, the overall impact could have been way higher.
Just a one time watch, that too only for the amazing performances of Siddharth, Pritviraj, Nasser etc.
Drawbacks: -Was not gripping at all. Even the story is fresh and unique, it lacked the punch. The script/story is very shallow and lacks depth. -Very average screenplay
Wish the movie had a better director and a slightly more powerful story. Also, if the movie had a better second half, the overall impact could have been way higher.
Just a one time watch, that too only for the amazing performances of Siddharth, Pritviraj, Nasser etc.
Excellent movie about the life of the people of stage drama trouped
a-thanyashree6 December 2014
Never expected such a Technically Brilliant, very Amazing Movie about the life of the people behind the Tamil stage drama trouped... Wonderful acting by Siddharth,PRithiviraj, Nassar and all other. In simple word the whole team done their roles excellently. Very hard work done from whole (each and everyone) team members of Kaaviya Thalaivan project which took them nearly two years to complete this projects successfully... Hat off to Vasanthabalan, ARR and whole team....Also have to appreciate them for their researches (I read ARR done nearly six month research to compose the music for this project). Thanks to Vasanthabalan, ARR and all other team members who are involved directly or indirectly in this project for their great work. Feeling proud after watching this movie.
One Time watch - if it was 15-20 mins shorter !
SatiagoManez1 December 2014
Kaaviya Thalaivan , to be honest the movie is NOT naturally interesting from start to end.It portrays the ancient stage performance artist's life with struggle of independence flavour, giving a vast scope for proving the acting skills for the actors which most of them have scored good.
But the so believed suspense in the plot can be predicted so soon in the movie, makes us wait expecting when it will happen. And it happens as expected without making anyone disappointed. Musically Rahman has given his best to keep the songs interesting even with a historic plot. This movie is not a commercial movie, not a message oriented movie, But there is content in the movie. The screen play is just not strong to hold the interest of the audience all through. There is no strong scenes showing the freedom movement. The lead role gets involved in freedom movement just because some prison partner told him. Vedika's dying love for Siddharth might have been elaborated more...
Its a one time watch if it was further trimmed by 15-20 mins . May be the over hype in promotions made it a little boring movie than it is actually.
But the so believed suspense in the plot can be predicted so soon in the movie, makes us wait expecting when it will happen. And it happens as expected without making anyone disappointed. Musically Rahman has given his best to keep the songs interesting even with a historic plot. This movie is not a commercial movie, not a message oriented movie, But there is content in the movie. The screen play is just not strong to hold the interest of the audience all through. There is no strong scenes showing the freedom movement. The lead role gets involved in freedom movement just because some prison partner told him. Vedika's dying love for Siddharth might have been elaborated more...
Its a one time watch if it was further trimmed by 15-20 mins . May be the over hype in promotions made it a little boring movie than it is actually.
Kaaviya Thalaivan (U) TAMIL --------- my Rating: ★★★★ WORTH WATCHING
yunusitboss24 December 2014
New movie Reviews and lots more Hot news .... LIKE THIS PAGE : English Hindi TAMIL TELUGU Facebook : Movie Review by Yunus Irshad https://www.facebook.com/YunusIrshadsMovieReview
Kaaviya Thalaivan (U) TAMIL --------- my Rating: ★★★★ WORTH WATCHING
STRENGTHS :- * AR Rehman's music and BGM * Casting and Performances especially by Prithiv raj... * Story Screenplay and Direction: emotional drama.... * Camera looks real and excellent work by nirav shah....
WEAKNESSES :- * Few unwanted scenes.....
FINAL VERDICT :- * Overall... it is a must watch movie with power-packed performances by artists.... Climax rocked....
The lives of two theatre artists and the competition between them in a small drama troupe.
Director: Vasanthabalan Writers: Jayamohan, Vasanthabalan Stars: Siddharth, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Vedika | See full cast and crew »
Kaaviya Thalaivan (U) TAMIL --------- my Rating: ★★★★ WORTH WATCHING
STRENGTHS :- * AR Rehman's music and BGM * Casting and Performances especially by Prithiv raj... * Story Screenplay and Direction: emotional drama.... * Camera looks real and excellent work by nirav shah....
WEAKNESSES :- * Few unwanted scenes.....
FINAL VERDICT :- * Overall... it is a must watch movie with power-packed performances by artists.... Climax rocked....
The lives of two theatre artists and the competition between them in a small drama troupe.
Director: Vasanthabalan Writers: Jayamohan, Vasanthabalan Stars: Siddharth, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Vedika | See full cast and crew »
Average film with superb performances
sanjayppc2 December 2014
Kaaviya thalaivan's release was eagerly looked forward to by cine goers given the fact that the film was by Vasantha balan film & also Siddharth has been having a good run at the box office of late.
It was touted as a period film with special emphasis on theatre, but fails to impress simply because the script is not tight enough, which a pity since the director had an excellent star cast on hand.
The film simply settles down as a routine revenge saga.
Music by ARR is definitely good, but do they belong to that period? The answer is a resounding NO. He is unable to shake off his western influence & it shows.
The film has lovely sets, brilliant photography & great performances but it cannot compensate for a weak script.
Siddharth & Prithviraj have excelled in their roles, specially Siddharth in the scene where Nasser tells him to act like Soorapadman.
Vedika looks beautiful & also acts well. Nasser is as usual good. Very good support is provided by Singam puli, thambi ramaiah & others.
Who is the other heroine? She neither has the looks nor acts well.
If only Vasantha Balan had concentrated on the script, the output would have been a lot better.
It was touted as a period film with special emphasis on theatre, but fails to impress simply because the script is not tight enough, which a pity since the director had an excellent star cast on hand.
The film simply settles down as a routine revenge saga.
Music by ARR is definitely good, but do they belong to that period? The answer is a resounding NO. He is unable to shake off his western influence & it shows.
The film has lovely sets, brilliant photography & great performances but it cannot compensate for a weak script.
Siddharth & Prithviraj have excelled in their roles, specially Siddharth in the scene where Nasser tells him to act like Soorapadman.
Vedika looks beautiful & also acts well. Nasser is as usual good. Very good support is provided by Singam puli, thambi ramaiah & others.
Who is the other heroine? She neither has the looks nor acts well.
If only Vasantha Balan had concentrated on the script, the output would have been a lot better.
Best Tamil movie of the year or at least... would be in top 3
Sal199121 December 2014
Fictional Story of the popular Tamil drama artists and their troop who lived before and during the Indian Independent movement. The story is as close to the novel or real with the minor cinematic touches.
ACTING:
Not a big fan of Prithiviraj. But, he has done one of the best acting performance in this year in Tamil. If awards ceremonies have supporting actor category, he would bag all the awards including the National award (possible). Siddharth have done equal justice with his performance as the lead. Nasser, Vedhika and the troop has really done well.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS:
Cinematography gives the mood and settles down all the small glitches in the film. Color, tone, angles and execution is something close to astonishing ( par best to the Indian level).
Art direction is outstanding (awards are knocking the door). Editing is good.
Choreography is good. Dialogues are the best at any standard.
Music is soulful and admirable. This album and BGM would be considered for National awards or even it will win South Indian Filmfare.
Direction is good would have been better.
NEGATIVES: Screenplay is mediocre even the good editing doesn't help it. The film have some problems at the finishing line is dragged before the climax. The climax sequences are like stereotypical Tamil film. Still, I would say this as a better film than my words
1st HALF - Masterpiece. Pure cinematic experience. 2nd HALF - Could have been better but good.
Music, cinematography, Art direction and Dialogues will bag the awards.
Send this picture to Overseas film festivals would get honored from the real movie critics
This would be a Tamil Amadeus or Tamil Prestige
8.4*/10 for an International movie 9*/10 as a Indian/Tamil movie
ACTING:
Not a big fan of Prithiviraj. But, he has done one of the best acting performance in this year in Tamil. If awards ceremonies have supporting actor category, he would bag all the awards including the National award (possible). Siddharth have done equal justice with his performance as the lead. Nasser, Vedhika and the troop has really done well.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS:
Cinematography gives the mood and settles down all the small glitches in the film. Color, tone, angles and execution is something close to astonishing ( par best to the Indian level).
Art direction is outstanding (awards are knocking the door). Editing is good.
Choreography is good. Dialogues are the best at any standard.
Music is soulful and admirable. This album and BGM would be considered for National awards or even it will win South Indian Filmfare.
Direction is good would have been better.
NEGATIVES: Screenplay is mediocre even the good editing doesn't help it. The film have some problems at the finishing line is dragged before the climax. The climax sequences are like stereotypical Tamil film. Still, I would say this as a better film than my words
1st HALF - Masterpiece. Pure cinematic experience. 2nd HALF - Could have been better but good.
Music, cinematography, Art direction and Dialogues will bag the awards.
Send this picture to Overseas film festivals would get honored from the real movie critics
This would be a Tamil Amadeus or Tamil Prestige
8.4*/10 for an International movie 9*/10 as a Indian/Tamil movie
"How was Kaaviya Thalaivan?" I can answer by saying 'beautiful', but not, "a very good movie"
nanowenillai30 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Kaaviya thalaivan is a drama about actors who do drama. When you say drama, it contains acting and music. Vasantha balan made his best to bring the best in both departments. Although I was not able to find the Rahman's touch in music, he still did pretty well for the bgm. Siddharth and Prithvi gave one of their best performances till date. Critics blamed Sidhaarth for his role in "Jigarthanda" saying, "He is just roaming around with bewildered look most of the time". And now in his next film , he gave one of the most powerful acting performances. You are supposed to hate Prithvi raj for his role but somehow how i felt Kaaviya thalaivan would have been even nicer if Prithvi played the "Kali" role.
This is the time where short films are evolving on our state. Especially Sidhaarth's last movie "Jigarthanda" which is about a short film director, inspired a lot of youngsters to make short films. I believe in olden days people are just interested in acting and were approaching directors for getting chances. But now, almost everyone knows the technology to make a short film. People are willing to become directors like how they desperately wanted to become an actor.
The short film makers can be influenced in two ways. One is they can see how people suffered to make dramas in the olden days, and feel could about the luxury of having technology in their pocket to take a video and publish to thousand people. The other is to see how Vasanth balan grew into a great director and now who works with Rahman. There are some scenes such as riots which made me wonder like "how did he even make it?!" Apart from small imperfections like lip syncing and logic fails, it looks like a well made movie.
There is no comedy in this film, there is no Santhanam and Suri. There is not much romance in this film. There is no actions, fights. There is plenty of drama, emotions and songs. Mostly this is a film about dangers of one's Jealousy. Well, pretty much the same stuff shown on tamil serials all the time.
I have heard people use to make fun of the people who act in drama saying they act for money. But there is art in that drama, which plays with human emotions. It can make you laugh, it can make you cry, it can make you fear. This film explains you that. I thought it would do more of that. The film was shown as it was set during Indian independence, the actors perform to bring patriotism in viewers minds. This film shows about actors trying to help freedom fighters. I thought the film will do more of that. While the film deviates a little bit and moves towards Independence, suddenly we see that this film is not about independence. What was shown on the climax was very emotional, but illogical, unacceptable, and unfitting. How on earth could he do that?! Rating – 3/5
This is the time where short films are evolving on our state. Especially Sidhaarth's last movie "Jigarthanda" which is about a short film director, inspired a lot of youngsters to make short films. I believe in olden days people are just interested in acting and were approaching directors for getting chances. But now, almost everyone knows the technology to make a short film. People are willing to become directors like how they desperately wanted to become an actor.
The short film makers can be influenced in two ways. One is they can see how people suffered to make dramas in the olden days, and feel could about the luxury of having technology in their pocket to take a video and publish to thousand people. The other is to see how Vasanth balan grew into a great director and now who works with Rahman. There are some scenes such as riots which made me wonder like "how did he even make it?!" Apart from small imperfections like lip syncing and logic fails, it looks like a well made movie.
There is no comedy in this film, there is no Santhanam and Suri. There is not much romance in this film. There is no actions, fights. There is plenty of drama, emotions and songs. Mostly this is a film about dangers of one's Jealousy. Well, pretty much the same stuff shown on tamil serials all the time.
I have heard people use to make fun of the people who act in drama saying they act for money. But there is art in that drama, which plays with human emotions. It can make you laugh, it can make you cry, it can make you fear. This film explains you that. I thought it would do more of that. The film was shown as it was set during Indian independence, the actors perform to bring patriotism in viewers minds. This film shows about actors trying to help freedom fighters. I thought the film will do more of that. While the film deviates a little bit and moves towards Independence, suddenly we see that this film is not about independence. What was shown on the climax was very emotional, but illogical, unacceptable, and unfitting. How on earth could he do that?! Rating – 3/5
A must watch movie..
akhilprakash3415 December 2014
Yes after watching the movie you may feel that there are lot of areas for improvement .But hats off for the Director and 3 lead actors Prithviraj, Siddharth and Nasser sir. This is one of those rare GEM movies which comes once in every year or so. Along with the lead actors , the rest of the crew has also done a decent job. There are some scenes which you may feel is unwanted/irrelevant. But you have to watch It for the effort spend by its crew members. Comparison between Prithviraj and Siddharth is no way possible. If you reverse the roles played by both of them then only you will be able to find out the best among the two – As usual hero has got more opportunities here also to prove his talent. Had the roles been reversed ..who knows it might have been even better as both actors are talented enough to play any kind of roles .Please go and watch the movie . If you are a real sensible movie lover , you won't get disappointed by the minor flaws in it.
astonishing movie / don't worry about review
rider-tom529 November 2014
the movie about two legends in Tamil cinema.the directors penned the story with some imagination.story and screen play very good ,art work is impressive,all actors done their job well,extremely new path cinema in industry,cheers to director and team .after the movie releasing i read several reviews from fans ,all are praising the movie ,but at the same time some critics spoil the movie name with their review(ONLY PRAISING MASS STARS MOVIE ONLY) .good word of mouth from the audience thrash the all barriers and lead to success . its not like normal movie with fight ,villain ,heroism ,songs, track comedy,hero win at last.my best wishes to all of them those who are participating in the movie.effort never fails,DO NOT WORRY ABOUT REVIEWS.
Disappointed
shallthankyou5 September 2021
Siddharth's character kaali is supposed be good actor than prithviraj's..but it so obvious that Siddharth couldn't perform more than prithvi..this where the film fails ultimately...and also hero's character is not written well.
Good movie with some great performances from actors
nagoorkaniu30 November 2014
"Kaaviya Thalaivan" as the title says, its is truly a head of acting excellence from Prithivraj & siddharth & nassar sir.. it's is the story about two drama actors set in the pre-independence Era of India. It's portrays some real cultural art & drama's of late Indians.
The movie start very good from the beginning to the end by some brilliant acting from siddharth & Prithivraj but their some predictable climax makes less impact to the audience.
As of the Music, A.R.Rahman's sir did his wonderful sounds in the background as well as songs are very good.
The Cinematography was great as we some excellent sets which portray's real drama's like in early 1940's. The dances shown in the film are really super, some acting scene's are extraordinary. never scene such acting before. Great movie with great artists. Thanks to vashandabalan sir for making such wonderful movies which portrays tamil culture.
The movie start very good from the beginning to the end by some brilliant acting from siddharth & Prithivraj but their some predictable climax makes less impact to the audience.
As of the Music, A.R.Rahman's sir did his wonderful sounds in the background as well as songs are very good.
The Cinematography was great as we some excellent sets which portray's real drama's like in early 1940's. The dances shown in the film are really super, some acting scene's are extraordinary. never scene such acting before. Great movie with great artists. Thanks to vashandabalan sir for making such wonderful movies which portrays tamil culture.
Disappointing
venkiks234 December 2014
The trailer was promising but the movie wasn't. There are many loopholes in the movie. For the first time when siddarth tell vande madhram the police arrest him. But later he do many dramas against British. Then where do the police have gone. Also the story of vengeance that is portrayed in this movie i dislike very much. Prithiviraj shoot siddarth for silly reason. Then if the gun trigger is fired accidentally for second time.....then why prithiviraj want to die at the end....siddarth did not die when prithviraj shot at the first time....so there are many confusions.... i went with much anticipation and came back with much disappointment
Kaaviya Thalaivan
santhosh-1029016 July 2019
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
