Kaithi: A Cinematic Marvel of Tamil Cinema

The 2019 Tamil action-thriller Kaithi took the film industry by storm, cementing itself as one of the most gripping and unique cinematic experiences in recent years. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, this film showcases the raw energy and talent present in Tamil cinema today. In this article, we'll dive deep into the various aspects of Kaithi, from its intriguing storyline to its impressive box office performance, and explore what makes it a must-watch.

Credit: National Herald

 

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Kaithi Storyline Overview

The story of Kaithi begins with a young girl, Amudha, anxiously awaiting the arrival of an important person the next day. Meanwhile, Inspector Bejoy and his team intercept a van smuggling 900 kilos of cocaine. The confiscated drugs and criminals are secured at the commissioner's office, but the mastermind, Adaikalam, remains elusive. His brother, Anbu, orchestrates a plan to eliminate the police officers involved and retrieve the drugs. During a party, the city's top police officers are drugged, leaving only Bejoy unaffected. He enlists the help of Dilli, an ex-prisoner, by threatening to prevent him from meeting his daughter, Amudha.

Dilli, Bejoy, and a caterer named Kamatchi load the unconscious officers into a truck and attempt to transport them to safety while being pursued by Anbu's gang. Meanwhile, Constable Napoleon and a group of detained college students defend the commissioner's office from Anbu's men. Despite numerous challenges and betrayals, including an attack by a corrupt cop, Dilli fights off the gangsters and rescues Bejoy and Kamatchi. In a final showdown, Dilli uses a minigun to eliminate Anbu's gang, ensuring the safety of the police officers. In the end, Dilli is reunited with Amudha, and they set out to start a new life together.

 

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Kaithi Reviews

Kaithi kicks off with an intense setup. A team of cops, led by Bejoy (Narain), seizes a massive cocaine stash, which they hide beneath the commissioner's office. Efficient and deadly, the drug mafia sedates almost every officer, leaving an injured Bejoy to turn to Dilli, a life-term prisoner on parole, for help. Dilli, who's desperate to finally meet his daughter, must now save the situation. Meanwhile, a group of stranded college students and a lone constable face off against gangsters trying to rescue their boss.

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj delivers a taut, frill-free action thriller, masterfully shot by cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan. The two-hour runtime is packed with varied action sequences—chases, fistfights, and a climactic shootout—all skillfully choreographed by Anbariv. The night setting adds suspense, with unseen dangers lurking in the dark. Kanagaraj also crafts a memorable cast of characters, including the gangster's volatile brother (Arjun Dass) and the determined constable (George Mariyan).

Karthi shines as Dilli, bringing both physicality and emotional depth to the role, especially in a poignant scene where he recounts his past. Though the film feels slightly overlong, the relentless action ensures that it remains gripping throughout.

Credit: The Hindu

 

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Kaithi OTT Release

Kaithi made its digital debut on November 25, 2019, offering fans a chance to experience the high-octane thriller from the comfort of their homes. Initially, the film was available on Disney+ Hotstar, where it quickly gained popularity among a broader audience who may have missed its theatrical release. The gripping narrative, intense action sequences, and standout performances drew viewers in, leading to a surge in its online viewership.

Following its success on Disney+ Hotstar, Kaithi was later made available on other major OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Sony LIV. These additional releases allowed the film to reach an even wider audience, both within India and internationally. The availability of Kaithi on multiple streaming services ensured that it continued to captivate new viewers long after its initial release, contributing to its enduring popularity.

The film's success on OTT platforms highlighted the growing importance of digital distribution in the film industry, particularly for regional films. By making Kaithi accessible on platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Sony LIV, the filmmakers ensured that this thrilling masterpiece could be enjoyed by a global audience, solidifying its place as a modern classic in Tamil cinema.

Cast of Kaithi

The cast of Kaithi is led by Karthi, who delivers a powerful performance as Dilli, an ex-prisoner on a mission to save a group of police officers. Narain plays Inspector Bejoy, the determined officer who enlists Dilli's help. Arjun Das stands out as Anbu, the menacing brother of the drug kingpin Adaikalam, portrayed by Harish Uthaman. George Mariyan adds depth to the film as Constable Napoleon, while Dheena brings a touch of humor as Kamatchi, a caterer caught in the chaos.

Baby Monica plays Amudha, Dilli's long-lost daughter, adding an emotional layer to the story. Ramana appears as Tips, Anbu's right-hand man, and Amjath as Ram, one of the captured criminals. Kanna Ravi takes on the role of Ajaz Ahmed, a mole within Adaikalam's gang, while Hareesh Peradi portrays the corrupt officer Stephen Raj. Arun Alexander plays Paalpaandi, a deceitful cop who betrays the team.

The supporting cast includes Vatsan Chakravarthi as Ajay and Udayaraj as a college student, along with Kishore Rajkumar, Lallu, and Deepthi, who portray students caught in the action. Malavika Avinash plays Nalini, Dilli's probation officer, while Chetan portrays Dr. Amudhan, and RNR Manohar appears as an IG. This ensemble cast brings Kaithi to life, making it a gripping and memorable cinematic experience.

Credit: India Today

 

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Kaithi Box Office Collection

Kaithi was a major box office success, grossing nearly ₹105 crore, over four times its modest ₹25 crore budget. In its first week, the film earned around ₹25 crore, and within just 10 days, it had amassed ₹70 crore worldwide. This impressive performance included ₹13 crore from overseas markets, highlighting its global appeal. The film's strong box office run, fueled by positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim, solidified its status as one of the standout Tamil films of 2019, proving that compelling storytelling and gripping action can lead to substantial commercial success.

Kaithi Release Date

Kaithi was originally slated for a mid-July 2019 release, but post-production delays pushed the date to September 27, 2019. However, the release was postponed again, finally settling on a Diwali release, on October 27, 2019. The film's release coincided with the much-anticipated Vijay-starrer Bigil. Just a week before its release, the makers announced a slightly earlier date, October 25, 2019, to get a head start on the Diwali festivities. Cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification in mid-October, Kaithi was also

dubbed and released in Telugu as Khaidi.

In Tamil Nadu, the government initially denied permission for early morning shows due to concerns over high ticket prices. Despite stiff competition from Bigil, Kaithi was released on more than 250 screens across Tamil Nadu and 1,400 screens worldwide. Its positive reception led to an increase in the number of shows in Tamil Nadu and other states during its second week.

After a successful theatrical run, Kaithi premiered on Hotstar on November 25, 2019, just a month after its release. Although this early digital release sparked criticism from theatre owners, the film still completed a 50-day run in theatres. The film was also screened at the International Indian Film Festival in Toronto and later released in Japan and Russia.

Conclusion

Kaithi stands as a testament to the power of innovative storytelling in Tamil cinema. With its intense action, memorable characters, and a gripping plot, the film has left an indelible mark on audiences both in India and abroad. Lokesh Kanagaraj's masterful direction, combined with Karthi's compelling performance, has made Kaithi a modern classic. Whether you're a fan of action-packed thrillers or just looking for a well-crafted movie, Kaithi is a must-watch.

FAQs

1. What is the main plot of Kaithi?
Kaithi follows the story of Dilli, an ex-prisoner who is forced to help a police officer transport a group of unconscious cops to safety while being pursued by a gang of criminals.

2. Who directed Kaithi?
The film was directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his ability to craft intense and gripping narratives.

3. Where can I watch Kaithi online?
Kaithi is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Sony LIV.

4. How much did Kaithi earn at the box office?
Kaithi grossed nearly ₹105 crore, making it a major box office success.

5. Who played the lead role in Kaithi?
Karthi played the lead role of Dilli, an ex-prisoner who becomes the unlikely hero of the film.