Friends is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language comedy-drama film, directed by Siddique and produced by Appachan. The film features Vijay, Suriya and Ramesh Kanna, in the title roles while Devayani, Vijayalakshmi, Abhinayashree and Vadivelu play supporting roles. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, while Anandakuttan handled cinematography.
Friends is the Tamil remake of the Siddique’s own 1999 Malayalam film by the same name. It was released on 14 January 2001 and completed a 175-day theatrical run at the box office. This film also marks the second collaboration of Vijay and Suriya after Nerrukku Ner.
Aravindan, Chandru and Krishnamoorthy value friendship over everything else, even family. For this reason, Chandru resists the advances of Aravindan’s sister Amutha. When the trio takes up a painter’s job at a mansion, Aravindan falls in love with Padmini, who lives there. Padmini’s jealous cousin Abhirami makes him believe that his overtures are reciprocated. When the truth is revealed and Padmini rejects him outright, Chandru stands up for his friend and speaks ill of her. This makes her swear to separate the friends. After the marriage, Aravindan realises the hand of Abhirami behind all the mishaps, and Padmini too realizes that Chandru is innocent. Then, Chandru and Amutha’s marriage is arranged.
Gautham is Aravindan’s cousin who is in love with Amutha and wants to separate the pair. He makes Chandru believe that Padmini is trying to kill Amutha. Padmini is now angry with Chandru. At last, Aravindan tells the truth that in their young ages, he unknowingly killed Chandru’s deaf and mute brother. Gautham records this truth and makes Chandru hear it. Chandru and Aravindan then fight and go by their ways. Aravindan tries to convince Chandru but falls from the top of a mountain. Chandru then believes that Aravindan is dead, but after five years, he is a major in the Indian Army and finds out through a letter from Krishnamurthy telling that Aravindan is not dead but has ended up in a coma. Unfortunately, Gautham is now torturing his family a lot. When he comes to know that Chandru has come back to Meenakshipuram, he starts to beat him up. After hearing Chandru’s cry of pain, Aravindan wakes up from his coma. He beats up Gautham, and everyone rejoins and lives happily.
Directed by Siddique
Produced by Appachan
Written by Siddique & Gokula Krishnan
Starring Vijay, Suriya, Ramesh Kanna
Music by Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography Anandakuttan
Edited by B. Lenin & V. T. Vijayan
Production Swargachitra
Release date 14 January 2001
Running time 167 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
