Dharma Durai (2016 Film)
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''Dharma Durai'' is a 2016 Indian
Tamil Tamil may refer to: People, culture and language * Tamils, an ethno-linguistic group native to India, Sri Lanka, and some other parts of Asia **Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka ** Myanmar or Burmese Tamils, Tamil people of Ind ...
-language
slice-of-life Slice of life is a depiction of mundane experiences in art and entertainment. In theater, slice of life refers to Naturalism (theatre), naturalism, while in literary parlance it is a narrative technique in which a seemingly arbitrary sequence ...
drama film In film and television, drama is a category or genre of narrative fiction (or semi-fiction) intended to be more serious than humorous in tone. The drama of this kind is usually qualified with additional terms that specify its particular ...
directed by
Seenu Ramasamy Seenu Ramasamy (born 13 October 1973) is an Indian film director, screenwriter and poet who predominantly works in Tamil cinema Tamil cinema is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Tamil lang ...
and produced by R. K. Suresh. The film stars
Vijay Sethupathi Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu (born 16 January 1978) is an Indian actor and film producer who predominantly works in Tamil cinema, Tamil films. Sethupathi is the recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Awards, National F ...
in the lead alongside an
ensemble cast In a dramatic production, an ensemble cast is one that comprises many principal actors and performers who are typically assigned roughly equal amounts of screen time.Random House: ensemble acting Linked 2013-07-17 Structure In contrast to the po ...
consisting of
Tamannaah Bhatia Tamanna Bhatia (born 21 December 1989), known professionally as Tamannaah Bhatia, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. Having appeared in 88 films, she has received several awards, including two Sa ...
,
Aishwarya Rajesh Aishwarya Rajesh (born 10 January 1990) is an Indian actress who works predominantly in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. Aishwarya is a recipient of several awards including two Filmfare Award South, one Tamil Nadu State Film Award and fo ...
,
Srushti Dange Srushti Dange is an Indian actress, who has mostly appeared in Tamil films and appears in a few Telugu and Malayalam films. She is also the runner up of the reality cooking show '' Cooku with Comali (season 4)''. In 2023, she appeared as a ...
,
Radhika Sarathkumar Radhika Sarathkumar () is an Indian actress, film producer, film director and politician who works predominantly in Tamil cinema, Tamil and Telugu cinema, Telugu cinema, TV serials and web series as well as in Hindi cinema, Hindi, Malayalam ci ...
,
Ganja Karuppu Karuppu Raja, known for his stage name Ganja Karuppu (born 5 January 1976), is an Indian actor who has predominantly appeared in comedy roles in Tamil cinema. After making his debut in Bala's ''Pithamagan'' (2003), Ganja Karuppu experienced suc ...
and Rajesh in pivotal roles.
Yuvan Shankar Raja Yuvan Shankar Raja (born 31 August 1979), is an Indian composer and playback singer. He mainly scores music for Tamil films along with few Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. Considered a versatile composer, he is particularly known for his use o ...
composed the music, while
M. Sukumar M. Sukumar is an Indian cinematographer, who has worked in the Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam language films. Career Sukumar began his career in 1995 by assisting his brother M. Jeevan, who had then, broken into the Tamil film industry as ...
and
Kasi Viswanathan Kasivishwanathan (born 28 January 1968) is an Indian film editor, who has worked on Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam language films. Career Kasivishwanathan entered the cinema industry as an assistant to Malayalam editor K. Narayanan. He later sta ...
handled the cinematography and editing, respectively. ''Dharma Durai'' was theatrically released worldwide on 19 August 2016. Garnering positive reviews, the film grossed approximately ₹26 crore at the box office, covering its budget of ₹13 crore. Along with other accolades, the film won a prize for
Vairamuthu Vairamuthu Ramasamy (born 13 July 1953) is an Indian lyricist, poet, and novelist working in the Tamil film industry. He is a prominent figure in the Tamil literary world. A master's graduate from the Pachaiyappa's College in Chennai, he firs ...
for Best Lyrics at the
64th National Film Awards The 64th National Film Awards was an award ceremony during which the Directorate of Film Festivals presents its annual National Film Awards to honour the best films of 2016 in the Indian cinema. The awards were announced on 7 April 2017, and the ...
.


Plot

Dharmadurai, known as the village drunkard, constantly embarrasses his brothers and brother-in-law, who run a chit-fund business. They often lock him up and mistreat him. Only his mother, Pandiyamma, and his friend Gopalaswamy sympathize with him. One night, Pandiyamma overhears her sons planning to kill Dharmadurai, so she helps him escape, urging him to start a new life far away. Dharmadurai, unaware that he has taken the chit-fund money with him, leaves for
Madurai Madurai ( , , ), formerly known as Madura, is a major city in the States and union territories of India, Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Madurai District, which is ...
. When his brothers discover his absence and the missing money, they search for him but eventually give up. In a flash back, it is shown that Dharmadurai, the first graduate from his village, pursued his
MBBS A Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (; MBBS, also abbreviated as BM BS, MB ChB, MB BCh, or MB BChir) is a medical degree granted by medical schools or universities in countries that adhere to the United Kingdom's higher education tradi ...
at
Madurai Medical College Madurai Medical College is a medical school attached to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The hospital provides tertiary care to more than twenty million people in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. The hospital was es ...
. During college, he was part of a close-knit group with Subhashini and Stella, who harbored feelings for him. Inspired by Dr Kamaraj's ethos of serving the underprivileged, they vowed to stay in India post-graduation but lost touch thereafter. Back in the present, seeking solace and guidance, Dharmadurai seeks out Stella, only to discover she had passed away in a car accident. Then, he goes to the hospital where Subhashini is working. Subhashini, who is now married to a Hyderabad-based doctor, is alarmed at the change in Dharmadurai. Dharmadurai tells her why he had become an alcoholic. Following his graduation, Dharmadurai returned to his village and established a clinic. One day, he encountered Anbuselvi, a farm laborer who brought some sick elderly women to his clinic. Dharmadurai was immediately drawn to Anbuselvi and sought permission from her father, Paraman, to marry her, which Paraman granted. Anbuselvi also agreed to the marriage, and plans were made. However, Dharmadurai's brothers demanded a large dowry, including gold ornaments and a significant sum of money, which Paraman refused. Consequently, the marriage was called off, leading to Anbuselvi's tragic suicide. Filled with rage and grief, Dharmadurai confronted his brothers, blaming them for the tragedy. He was on the brink of violence when he was stopped by Pandiyamma. Devastated and betrayed, Dharmadurai closed his clinic and turned to alcohol. After Subhashini hears Dharmadurai's story, she brings him to her apartment and helps him recover from his struggles with alcohol. As they spend more time together, Subhashini shares her own painful experience of her husband's betrayal and her decision to divorce him. She confesses her long-standing love for Dharmadurai since their college days, and he reciprocates her feelings. They decide to start a life together, and Subhashini bravely ends her marriage. Dharmadurai returns to his medical practice in their town, dedicating himself to helping the needy. His reputation grows, and one day, a blind Dr Kamaraj, inspired by Dharmadurai's work, pays him a visit. Upon Dr Kamaraj's suggestion, Dharmadurai and Subhashini decide to marry. As they plan their future together, Subhashini becomes pregnant with Dharmadurai's child. Subhashini encourages Dharmadurai to reconcile with his family, suggesting he return to his village to make amends and share the news of their upcoming marriage. Dharmadurai agrees, ready to face his past and embrace his future with Subhashini and their child. In his village, Dharmadurai discovers that his family had to leave their home after being compelled to sell it to repay the villagers, who had uncovered their embezzled funds. Upon arriving at the makeshift hut where his mother and brothers now reside, one of his brothers, consumed by anger at Dharmadurai's actions, strikes him with a spanner. However, when he realizes that Dharmadurai has recovered the stolen money, he is overcome with remorse. Pandiyamma rushes Dharmadurai to the hospital, where he receives treatment from a former college classmate with whom he had conflicts in college. While recuperating, Dharmadurai receives a call from Subhashini, urging him to return promptly, as both she and their unborn child eagerly await his arrival.


Cast


Production

In November 2015,
Seenu Ramasamy Seenu Ramasamy (born 13 October 1973) is an Indian film director, screenwriter and poet who predominantly works in Tamil cinema Tamil cinema is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Tamil lang ...
announced that he would direct
Vijay Sethupathi Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu (born 16 January 1978) is an Indian actor and film producer who predominantly works in Tamil cinema, Tamil films. Sethupathi is the recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Awards, National F ...
in a film to be produced by R. K. Suresh of Studio 9 Productions. Following the project's announcement, Anand Kumaresan, who had initiated work on a film titled ''Vasantha Kumaran'' with the actor and producer in 2012, expressed frustration and demanded explanations regarding the delay of his project. Previously, the film had been suspended due to a disagreement between Suresh and Vijay Sethupathi. The makers of Dharma Durai disclosed that they were in talks with Lakshmi Menon,
Aishwarya Rajesh Aishwarya Rajesh (born 10 January 1990) is an Indian actress who works predominantly in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. Aishwarya is a recipient of several awards including two Filmfare Award South, one Tamil Nadu State Film Award and fo ...
and
Gayathrie Gayathrie Shankar is an Indian actress who primarily appears in Tamil films. She made her acting debut with the Tamil film '' 18 Vayasu'' (2018). Her notable films include '' Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom'' (2012), '' Puriyadha Pudhir'' (201 ...
to play three of the film's four leading female roles. Production of the film commenced in mid-December 2015, with actresses
Tamannaah Bhatia Tamanna Bhatia (born 21 December 1989), known professionally as Tamannaah Bhatia, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. Having appeared in 88 films, she has received several awards, including two Sa ...
, Sshivada, Aishwarya Rajesh and
Srushti Dange Srushti Dange is an Indian actress, who has mostly appeared in Tamil films and appears in a few Telugu and Malayalam films. She is also the runner up of the reality cooking show '' Cooku with Comali (season 4)''. In 2023, she appeared as a ...
confirmed as part of the cast.
Radhika Sarathkumar Radhika Sarathkumar () is an Indian actress, film producer, film director and politician who works predominantly in Tamil cinema, Tamil and Telugu cinema, Telugu cinema, TV serials and web series as well as in Hindi cinema, Hindi, Malayalam ci ...
was cast to portray Sethupathi's mother.


Music

Yuvan Shankar Raja Yuvan Shankar Raja (born 31 August 1979), is an Indian composer and playback singer. He mainly scores music for Tamil films along with few Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. Considered a versatile composer, he is particularly known for his use o ...
composed the music for ''Dharma Durai''. The Tamil album was released at an event on 3 August 2016.


Release

''Dharma Durai'' was theatrically released worldwide on 19 August 2016.


Reception


Critical response

The film received positive response from critics. Gautaman Bhaskaran of ''
Hindustan Times ''Hindustan Times'' is an Indian English language, English-language daily newspaper based in Delhi. It is the flagship publication of HT Media Limited, an entity controlled by the Birla family, and is owned by Shobhana Bhartia, the daughter o ...
'' gave 3.5/5 stars and commented, "Scripted with subtlety and helmed without melodrama, Dharmadurai is far better than any Tamil work one has seen in a long time", expressing that the film features strong performances and picturesque cinematography, telling the story of a former doctor dealing with family betrayal and personal struggles, albeit with some coincidental and preachy elements. ''
The Hindu ''The Hindu'' is an Indian English-language daily newspaper owned by The Hindu Group, headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It was founded as a weekly publication in 1878 by the Triplicane Six, becoming a daily in 1889. It is one of the India ...
'' wrote, "Dharmadurai leaves us dry-eyed, despite having much potential for drama", noting that despite its potential and interesting themes about a village doctor navigating modern ideals and traditional expectations, it is undermined by heavy-handed messaging and literal dialogue that detracts from its emotional impact and storytelling. Sreedhar Pillai of ''
The First Post ''The First Post'' was a British daily online news magazine based in London. Launched in August 2005, it was sold to Dennis Publishing in 2008 and retitled ''The Week'' at the end of 2014. In its current format, it publishes news, current af ...
'', in his review, stated, "Dharma Durai is a feel-good family entertainer that works to a large extent due to Vijay Sethupathi, an actor of substance" and pointed out that strong performances from the cast are hindered by a thin plot and commercial twists. S. Saraswath of ''
Rediff.com Rediff.com, stylized as rediff.com, is an Indian news, information, entertainment, and shopping website. Founded by Ajit Balakrishnan in 1996, it was the first Indian website to become a mainstream news media organization. It is headquartered i ...
'' rated the film 3/5, calling it, "An engaging screenplay, stunning music, wonderful performances, and the perfect rural ambiance make Dharmadurai a fun watch." He opened the film as a poignant tale of family, redemption, and self-discovery, albeit with some flaws in the screenplay, elevated by strong performances and a captivating rural setting. Malini Mannath of ''
The New Indian Express ''The New Indian Express'' is an Indian English-language broadsheet daily newspaper published by the Chennai-based Express Publications. It was founded in 1932 as ''The Indian Express'', under the ownership of Chennai-based P. Varadarajulu Naidu ...
'' quoted, "The film may have its moments that strike an emotional chord. But viewed as a whole, Dharmadurai doesn't completely fulfill." She also mentioned that the film highlights Sethupathi's robust performance but grapples with a meandering second half and contrived plot elements. M. Suganth of ''
The Times of India ''The Times of India'' (''TOI'') is an Indian English-language daily newspaper and digital news media owned and managed by the Times Group. It is the List of newspapers in India by circulation, third-largest newspaper in India by circulation an ...
'' rated the film 3/5 stars and conveyed that despite its affecting moments and strong performances, it is hindered by a slow narrative and synthetic sub-plots, preventing it from fully realizing its potential as an emotional roller coaster. Anupama Subramanian of ''
Deccan Chronicle ''Deccan Chronicle'' is an English-language daily newspaper based in Hyderabad, India. Founded in 1938, it was initially launched as a Weekly newspaper, weekly and later converted into a daily. The newspaper's name reflects its origins in the ...
'' stated, "Barring a few dull moments, Seenu Ramasamy's Dharma Durai is a feel-good movie," and noted that it follows the journey of a once-promising doctor turned alcoholic as he seeks redemption and reconnects with his past, showcasing strong performances and emotional depth amidst occasional narrative shortcomings.


Box office

''Dharma Durai'' was produced with a budget of ₹13 crore and earned ₹11.50 crore in its first week of release. According to ''
The Hindu ''The Hindu'' is an Indian English-language daily newspaper owned by The Hindu Group, headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It was founded as a weekly publication in 1878 by the Triplicane Six, becoming a daily in 1889. It is one of the India ...
'', the film broke even at the box office, suggesting a lifetime gross of approximately ₹26 crore.


Accolades


References


External links

* {{Seenu Ramasamy Indian drama films 2016 films Films scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja 2010s Tamil-language films 2010s Indian films Films shot in Madurai Films directed by Seenu Ramasamy 2016 drama films Tamil-language Indian films