“Aruvaa Sanda” is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Aadhirajan, featuring V. Raja, Malavika Menon, and Saranya Ponvannan in pivotal roles. The film delves into themes of caste violence and honor killings, set against the backdrop of rural Tamil Nadu.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on Muthu (V. Raja), a proficient kabaddi player from a marginalized community in Madurai district. His life takes a tumultuous turn when he falls in love with Ramya (Malavika Menon), the daughter of a dominant caste leader, portrayed by Aadukalam Naren. The ensuing events highlight the deep-seated caste prejudices and the societal challenges faced by the couple.
Cast and Crew
- V. Raja as Muthu: A debutant actor and kabaddi player, V. Raja not only played the lead role but also produced the film.
- Malavika Menon as Ramya: She portrays the female lead, bringing depth to the character caught between love and societal expectations.
- Aadukalam Naren: Essays the role of the antagonistic caste leader, delivering a compelling performance.
- Saranya Ponvannan as Valli: Plays a pivotal role, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
- Soundararaja: Features in a significant supporting role.
The film’s music is composed by Dharan Kumar, with cinematography by Santhosh Pandi and editing by V. J. Sabu Joseph.
Production Insights
The production of “Aruvaa Sanda” commenced in mid-2017. During the shoot in August 2017, an unfortunate incident occurred where Soundararaja accidentally injured V. Raja with a sickle. In March 2018, the Madras High Court stayed the film’s release due to allegations of financial fraud against V. Raja. Despite these setbacks, the film was eventually released on December 30, 2022.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, “Aruvaa Sanda” received mixed reviews. A reviewer from Dina Malar noted that the director had crafted an engaging film addressing caste violence. Similarly, a critic from Dina Thanthi provided a middling review, acknowledging the film’s attempt to tackle a sensitive subject.
On BookMyShow, the film garnered an average rating of 8.2/10 based on 186 votes. User reviews varied, with some praising the performances and direction, while others felt the film did not meet their expectations.
Box Office Performance
“IMDb Rating” was produced on an estimated budget of ₹10 crores. The film was released across approximately 600 screens worldwide, with 500 screens in India and 100 overseas. On its opening day, it collected an estimated ₹1-2 crores. To be considered a hit, the film needed to gross around ₹15 crores overall. However, detailed box office figures beyond the opening day are not readily available, making it challenging to ascertain the film’s financial success.
“Aruvaa Sanda,” a Tamil-language drama released on December 30, 2022, was produced with an estimated budget of ₹10 crores. The film was distributed across approximately 600 screens worldwide, with 500 in India and 100 overseas. On its opening day, it garnered an estimated collection between ₹1 to ₹2 crores. To achieve a ‘hit’ status, the film needed to gross around ₹15 crores overall. However, detailed box office figures beyond the opening day are not readily available, making it challenging to ascertain the film’s financial success.
Conclusion
“Aruvaa Sanda” bravely addresses the pressing issue of caste-based violence and honor killings in rural India. While the film faced numerous challenges during its production and release, it stands as a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication to shedding light on societal issues. The performances, particularly by V. Raja and Malavika Menon, have been noted for their authenticity, making the film a noteworthy addition to Tamil cinema’s repertoire of socially conscious narratives.