Kaaviya Thalaivan (Eng: Epic Hero) is a 2014 Tamil historical fiction movie written and directed by Vasanthabalan. Set in early 20th century, the film is about the lives of two theatre artistes played by Siddharth and Prithviraj and the competition that exists between them in a small drama troupe. The former is the main lead whereas the latter one is the antagonist in the film. Nassar plays the role of a guru to these actors and the role of actress Vedhicka is inspired by the stage artist and singer K. B. Sundarambal. The original songs and film score were composed by A. R. Rahman. The film was dubbed into Malayalam as Pradhi Nayagan.
Thavathiru Sivadas Swamigal (Nassar) runs a drama troupe in which Thalaivankottai Kaliappa Bhagavathar (Siddharth) and Melachivilberi Gomathi Nayagam Pillai(Prithviraj) are his direct disciples. Gomathi is left by his father in the troupe of Swami. Kali is found by Swami during a train trip where the boy is singing and begging alms. Impressed by his singing talents, Swami takes the boy with him. Gomathi and Kaliappa have relationship like brothers. They grow up together and stage many plays where Gomathi often plays “Sthripart” – the female role and Kali plays “sidepart”- supporting characters. While Vadivambal (Vedhicka), the female member in the group falls in love with Kali, the latter loves Rangamma (Anaika Soti), the princess of the zameen. Bhairava (Ponvannan) who is another student of Swami is a popular “Rajapart” – performing main title characters of a stage play. He becomes headstrong over his acting capabilities and does not attend the rehearsals for which he gets scoldings from Swami. After a quarrel, he leaves the troupe as he could not bear the torture of Swami. Swami does not give up and conducts an audition for the main character role of Soorapadman in which Kali and Gomathi perform. Kali gets selected, which leaves Gomathi angry. The reason behind Swami’s bias towards Kali is never answered clearly to Gomathi which leaves him more frustrated.
Directed by Vasanthabalan
Produced by Varun Manian & S. Sashikanth
Written by Jeyamohan (Dialogue)
Screenplay by Vasanthabalan & Jeyamohan
Story by Vasanthabalan
Starring Siddharth, Prithviraj, Nassar, Vedhicka, Anaika Soti
Music by A. R. Rahman
Cinematography Nirav Shah
Edited by Praveen K. L.
Production Y NOT Studios & Radiance Media
Distributed by Dream Factory
Release dates 28 November 2014
Running time 150 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars